Today
in Bloomington
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bryan Park Pool (1020 S. Woodlawn Ave) and Community Foundation Switchyard Plaza Spray Pad (1601 S. Rogers St) open for the season on Saturday, May 23, while Mills Pool (1100 W. 14th St) opening is postponed due to a leak under investigation. City of Bloomington
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Two IU faculty groups condemned the week-long closure of biology labs in Myers Hall from May 7 until May 14, claiming it disrupted research & endangered academic work while urging administrators to work more closely with scientists. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Sabali Brewster, a Fairview Elementary third-grader, received the Spring 2026 Don Shiflet Memorial Scholarship on May 12 to help cover youth sports costs. She will use the $250 award to play soccer, with the program administered by Bloomington Parks Foundation + Bloomington Parks and Recreation. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ New federal and state SNAP rules will take effect in July in Monroe County, setting an 80-hour work requirement and lowering asset limits for residents. Local food pantries and community kitchens are bracing for more clients as officials advise checking mail for updates on benefit eligibility. Indiana Daily Student
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Today, Bloomington ice cream lovers can visit local shops offering unique options — Black Raspberry at The Chocolate Moose, Asian-inspired flavors at Hartzell’s Ice Cream, and new summer treats at Bruster’s Real Ice Cream. They can also try homemade desserts at Jiffy Treet and Mexican delights at Ale’s. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Susan Anderson hiked the rugged 10-mile loop Three Lake Trail in Morgan-Monroe State Forest on May 19 near the forest office in Martinsville - the trail passes two intact lakes after a dam failure drained Bean Blossom Lake and offered changing light and shade along a winding creek. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Former Indiana quarterback Brendan Sorsby placed small bets on Indiana football to feel closer to the team back in 2022 and filed an injunction against the NCAA to speed his reinstatement with Texas Tech — he is also in treatment for a gambling addiction. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Bloomington South made history at yesterday's sectional meet by entering three sprinters—Gabe Taylor, Khaliq Akou and Simon Barnes—in the 200 dash under the state standard while competing against a deep field of top-track talent at the Bloomington meet. The Herald-Times
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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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Greg Mendez at The Bishop
9-11 p.m. — The Bishop — 18+ — Experience the poignant alt-pop sounds of Greg Mendez with tracks from his latest album, 'Beauty Land'.
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Bill Monroe Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival 2026
June 17-20 — Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground — Tickets sold separately — Experience top bluegrass performances with legendary artists and local talent.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It's not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.
~ Edmund Hillary
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