Friday, May 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 22nd of May.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Pantry 279 will receive a 40,000-pound food delivery on June 24 (10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.) as part of a nationwide effort to supply food banks ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The pantry at 3610 W. State Road 46 is seeking 15 to 20 volunteers per shift to help unload and sort essential supplies for local families. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ A significant leak stops filling of Mills Pool so it will not open on May 23; meanwhile, Bryan Park Pool and the Switchyard Park spray pad will start seasonal hours (Bryan Park Pool opens 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily while the spray pad operates 10 a.m.-8 p.m.). The Herald-Times
- ➤ During Thursday's Safe Summer Huddle at Frederick Douglass Community Center, 1 Day at a Time Foundation offered free summer programs including boxing, basketball, photography, podcasting and community services like food and haircuts; upcoming events include a May 31 gathering at Riverside Park and a men's health weekend June 26—27. WTHR
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the City of Bloomington issued a will-serve letter for Monroe County Airport at 960 S. Kirby Road to support future aviation projects and economic growth. The action removes uncertainty for upcoming proposals and aids infrastructure readiness + job creation. City of Bloomington
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University’s plant biology lab in Bloomington reopened on May 20 after a USDA review found only minor deficiencies related to permit issues. The lab had been closed two weeks after a postdoctoral researcher was charged with smuggling plasmid DNA, and lab director Roger Innes said corrections were completed. The Herald-Times
- ➤ On Wednesday, May 20, the city council voted 7 to 1 to create the Cottage Grove conservation district, which covers over 120 historic properties in central Bloomington. A vote by property owners in three years will decide if the area becomes a full historic district. The B Square Bulletin
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ In Bloomington, the Panthers girls track team scored 207½ points and won the sectional title on Wednesday, May 20. Coach Jill Rensink praised the team’s record-setting performance — coming despite storm delays — with freshmen and seniors setting multiple meet records. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana football added three-star wide receiver Jordan Carrasquillo as its second 2027 commit yesterday. The 6-foot-2 Alpharetta native chose Indiana over Maryland, Wake Forest and Cincinnati and joins Branden Sharpe to boost the program's future offense. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana basketball coach Darian DeVries is preparing the team for the FISU America Games in Peru scheduled from July 20 to Aug. 1. Players will start workouts on campus June 1 to build practice time and aim to end the team’s three-year NCAA tournament drought. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Local retailers like Homage and Dick's Sporting Goods offer new Indy 500 T-shirts and hats as fans gear up for race day on Sunday, May 24. Prices range from $36 to $38 (see details) for those keen to show their support. The Herald-Times
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
It is better to travel well than to arrive.
~ Buddha
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