Friday, May 29th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 29th of May.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Phoebe Bridgers held a surprise pop up show (Buskirk-Chumley Theater) on Thursday, May 28, drawing hundreds downtown after a same-day flyer release. Fans lined up for wristbands that ensured entry and a local taste of the Secretly Group music scene. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Bloomington-based Secretly Group will launch special album releases on 100% reclaimed vinyl with Landlocked Music on June 5 to mark World Environment Day. The label, celebrating 30 years, is also planning three August concerts at local venues (Bluebird, Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Switchyard Park). The B Square Bulletin
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ CDFI Friendly Bloomington connects local borrowers, including small business owners and affordable housing developers, to safe alternative loans from community development financial institutions. The nonprofit has raised local per-resident loan access (from $22 to $57 since 2019) while offering free technical assistance to guide applicants if traditional banks deny their loans. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ IU announced Dr. Scott Boden as the new dean of its School of Medicine & executive vice president for university clinical affairs, set to begin on Sept. 8. He will replace Dr. Jay Hess, who stepped down in July after a decade of service. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ On May 27, Monroe County Community School Corp ended Chinese classes in middle schools by dismissing teacher Hongzhi Wang and reassigning another teacher to high schools amid budget strains and declining enrollment — a student questioned the decision during a brief board meeting. The Herald-Times
- ➤ The Eskenazi Museum is hosting interactive field trip tours for local K-12 classes using college student guides to lead art activities and discussions near campus - the program aligns with state standards to offer a welcoming, hands-on learning experience. Indiana University
- ➤ Indiana University has named orthopedic surgeon Dr. Scott D. Boden as executive vice president for university clinical affairs and dean of the IU School of Medicine — the nation’s largest medical school — and he will join on Sept. 8 to lead medical education and research. Indiana University
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Monroe County officials say recyclables declined from 12,855 tons in 2015 to 9,527 tons in 2020 despite 14,000 households recycling. Residents can help reduce their carbon footprint by using local drop-off sites & energy-saving tips as World Environment Day approaches June 5. The Herald-Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Disabled Hoosiers now have more choice thanks to FSSA's December expansion of self-directed care (which now covers five waiver categories) to help them hire trusted caregivers. Residents like Beth Crain benefit as the program improves access to consistent in-home support and safer care. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football secured a 2027 commitment from 4-star defensive end Myles Smith, who attends Farmington High School (Michigan) and is the highest-rated recruit this cycle. He visited Bloomington in May and becomes the first defensive lineman to commit. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Bloomington South’s girls tennis team fought hard at the Brownsburg Regional on May 27 and lost 4–1 to Plainfield but reached the final 32 in a season of work. Coach Matt Corry said his lineup changes and the team’s effort made the stretch run a high point for the program. The Herald-Times
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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
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
~ Soren Kierkegaard
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