Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, May 14th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 14th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington will host a busy Saturday, May 16, with Clayton Anderson performing at the Cosmic Songwriter Festival at Buskirk-Chumley Theater—accompanied by a puzzle swap at Monroe County Public Library—and Tire Amnesty Day, Mini Midwest Print Fest and the Ms. Lake Lemon Pageant at Riddle Point Park. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Families gathered for the first Family Night Out block party on Kirkwood Avenue last Wednesday, May 13, in front of the Monroe County Public Library — a community event featuring live music by Kid Kazooey and Fred Meyer, bubble machines, and face-painting that kick-started a summer series. The B Square Bulletin
- ➤ The Bloomington Garden Club’s annual Summer Garden Walk will take place June 6-7 with six local gardens open for exploration. Tickets cost $10, and children under 12 are free—detailed maps will guide visitors through each garden. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement will host its 8th annual conference at French Lick Resort May 19-20, featuring 24 breakout sessions, keynote speeches & networking opportunities to build partnerships and strengthen rural communities. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Bloomington neighborhood groups and nonprofit community partners can borrow the city’s Front Porch trailer free of charge for official outdoor gatherings within city limits. Reservations must be made at least 30 days in advance and are open from March 1 through Nov. 30 — requests are reviewed by the Housing and Neighborhood Development Department. The Bloomingtonian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Switchyard Park will host the Granfalloon Concert Series, which features three ticketed concerts on June 20, July 18, and Aug. 29 with nationally acclaimed artists and free pre-concert events including food trucks and family activities (led by IU Arts and Humanities Council) as part of a summer arts festival. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Gov. Mike Braun signed Senate Enrolled Act 78 on Wednesday, May 13 to ban cellphones during school hours in Indiana schools (except for emergencies and students with special needs), a move designed to reduce distractions and support classroom learning. Schools must now update their policies to follow state guidelines. WTHR
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The City of Bloomington awarded $30,000 in Neighborhood Improvement Grants to seven projects today. Funds will support wildlife corridor work, pantry upgrades, mailbox and sign repairs, cemetery headstone restoration, and a lot cleanup for a native pollinator garden chosen by HAND and local reviewers. City of Bloomington
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington enters a quieter summer as IU graduates leave town, offering locals a chance to explore new halal, Indian and other restaurants plus outdoor patios. Freddy’s will return its popular Dr. Pepper Frost and Steakburger Taco through July 7 — giving seasonal diners extra treats. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana redshirt junior Sheridan Clancy reached the NCAA Championships at Simpsonville Regional held at the University of Louisville Golf Club in Simpsonville, Kentucky from May 11–13, becoming the first Hoosier to qualify since 2019. The team finished eighth while Clancy will compete in Carlsbad from May 22–27. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bree Hall returned to the Fever on a player development contract signed Monday, May 11 (she played four postseason games last season after being drafted in 2025 and debuting with Golden State) and will help strengthen the team this season. WTHR
- ➤ Edgewood beat rival Owen Valley by 17 to 1 on Tuesday, May 12 in a game lasting five innings; the Mustangs celebrated their seniors, rising to a 20 to 4 record, and coach Mick Hammett said the team will refine its play in upcoming matches (Thursday and Friday). The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana baseball returns to Bart Kaufman Field today at 6 p.m. for its final regular-season series against Illinois; the team aims to secure its first series win since 2023 plus lean on its key hitters and pitching matchups. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana softball advanced to the NCAA Division I Softball Tournament for its fourth straight season after being chosen for the Knoxville Regional. The Hoosiers will open play at 8:00 p.m. Friday against Virginia at the regional hosted by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Indiana Daily Student
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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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The Goonies | 15 Years, 15 Hits
4 PM — Indiana University Cinema — Ticket info not provided — Experience an epic adventure with a classic treasure hunt as the Goonies embark on a thrilling quest.
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Strawberry Shortcake Festival
All day — Switchyard Park Pavilion — $9 Strawberry Shortcakes and $5 Hot Dog Specials — Indulge in sweet treats and family-friendly fun at this local festival.
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Tales of Ambergrove at Nexus Convergence
10 AM - 6 PM — Bloomington Convention Center — Free entry — Explore video games, TTRPGs, and unique vendors at this exciting game-themed convention.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The more complete the despair, the more complete the awakening.
~ Carl Jung
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