Today
in Bloomington
Friday, May 8th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 8th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ A music show at the Bluebird on May 7 featured Benjamin Tod & Colton Bowlin while today The Back Door on South College hosts a dance party. Starlite Drive-In films double features Friday & Saturday, a vendor market is May 9, & movie night is May 11 at the library. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Bloomington theaters offer a summer of diverse shows including a kid-friendly dinner theater musical (Finn) running through May 17 and Monroe County Civic Theater’s Taming of the Shrew starting May 28. Additional performances cover film screenings, dark comedies, improv sessions, and more at local venues. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Darby Williams, a cancer survivor who found healing in photography, and Tyler Morris, who overcame social anxiety through leadership roles, will graduate from IU Bloomington this week. Williams will assist her photography professor and join Pictura Gallery while Morris begins graduate research in nutrition science. Indiana University
- ➤ Retired teacher Catharine Rademacher (C-Rad) spent 33 years at Bloomington High School South and received the Road Scholar's Educator Legacy Award; she will travel to Peru's Sacred Valley, Lima, and Machu Picchu in September while continuing to substitute teach until the school year ends. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The Indiana Daily Student will finish the school year without a deficit and plans to restore its print editions while calling on administrators to support free speech and editorial independence. University leaders are expected to review task force recommendations to secure a sustainable future for student media. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Bloomington and the Incremental Development Alliance will host a small-scale development workshop on Friday, June 5 at City Hall (Council Chambers) from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Attendees will learn about zoning, financing, and design for neighborhood projects. City of Bloomington
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana basketball coach Darian DeVries said during a May 7 Zoom session that he welcomes the plan to expand the NCAA Tournament to 76 teams, comparing the change to the transfer portal and noting his team will adjust to any official modifications. The Herald-Times
- ➤ At Bloomington South yesterday morning, athletes competed in a City Track Meet with North boys and South girls setting personal records and strong relay times + coaches highlighted the spirited competition as teams gear up for the North Invitational next week. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Coach Darian DeVries said Indiana's basketball team is rebuilding its roster by refining its transfer portal strategy after learning from last season's Big Ten play, and he expects the approach to improve performance for this season and beyond. The Herald-Times
- ➤ In a Big Ten Tournament game at College Park on Thursday, Indiana softball won 9–2 over Washington, tying its record with nine runs, and will face No. 1 Nebraska in the semifinals today at 5 p.m. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana baseball will travel to West Lafayette today for its final Big Ten road series against Purdue at Alexander Field, with games at 6 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Saturday, and 1 p.m. Sunday. The team, led by standout Hogan Denny + Tony Neubeck, seeks to reverse its road trend while testing its strength against a consistent Purdue squad. Indiana Daily Student
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MotionArts Dance Academy Spring Gala 2026
2-3:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — E-tickets available — Celebrate a spectacular semester of dance with vibrant performances from ballet, contemporary, jazz, and company dancers.
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Potentate's Golf Outing
11:30 a.m. — The Pfau Course — Registration required — Kick off the golf season with the First Potentate's Golf Outing of the Year.
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Night Market
5-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Free entry — Enjoy local vendors, free pinball, and happy hour specials in a lively community atmosphere.
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Illinois Fighting Illini vs. Indiana Hoosiers Baseball
2-3 p.m. — Bart Kaufman Field — Ticketed event — Feel the thrill of collegiate baseball as the Illinois Fighting Illini take on the Indiana Hoosiers.
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INDY Golf Tournament at The Pfau Course
Time Range — The Pfau Course — Cost — Experience a challenging 7,241-yard championship course in a stunning natural setting.
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Case Oats Album Release Concert
8 PM - 12 AM — The Bishop Bar — 18+ entry — Experience the debut album of Case Oats, a blend of alt-country and folk from Chicago's rising star Henry True.
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Sounds From the Black Hole featuring Bubba Fontaine and Byrdman
5:30-8 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $10 + food/drink purchase required — Experience live experimental music from talented local artists.
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One Step Above Annual Dance Performance
6:30 p.m. — Buskirk-Chumley Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of diverse dance styles showcased by local kids, including a special dad routine.
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Pinball League and Trivia Night
6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Food or drink purchase required — Compete in a pinball tournament and test your trivia skills for a chance to win gift certificates.
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Joe Jordan Concert
7-11 p.m. — The Bluebird — Ticket info available online — Experience the smooth vocals and rich R&B sounds of Joe Jordan live.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.
~ Edgar Degas
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