Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 15th of July.
Good morning, Bloomington.
🏘️ Community
New Leaf New Life was honored to receive the Bloomington Downtown Outreach grant that will fund a new part-time role to run the Read to Me program connecting incarcerated parents with their children.
The program, implemented (in partnership with the Monroe County Public Library), lets parents record readings to help maintain family bonds.
Bloomington residents can volunteer this summer—volunteers aged 15 or older are needed to help at the BCHS Barn Sale at the Away A Day RV Campground from Aug.
1 through Aug. 9, volunteers aged 16 or older can assist at the Drool in the Pool event at Mills Pool on Aug. 6 and 7, and those aged 14 or older can work at Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore at 850 S. Auto Mall Road. Donations for New Hope for Families are accepted most weekdays at 1140 S. Morton St and residents can call 812-334-9840 for more details.
🚧 Accidents
A 64-year-old Bloomington man was hospitalized Monday after accidentally shooting himself in the leg outside the Monroe County Humane Association at 791 S.
Fieldstone Blvd—deputies responded around 4 p.m. and his injuries are not life-threatening.
🎭 Culture
The Performing Arts Laboratory announced the 2025 Opera Camp™ call for experienced composers and librettists from around the world, offering full scholarships, professional mentorship, and an early deadline on August 10 and a final application deadline on August 25.
Selected artists will join a collaborative project that leads to international premieres—one professional opera and original works showcased globally and at a Bloomington event in June 2026.
🎓 Education
MCCSC set new meal prices for the 2025-26 school year at a July 8 board meeting.
Student breakfast and lunch prices will go up 10 cents with elementary lunches at $3.30 and middle and high school lunches at $3.40, after-school and preschool snack prices rising to $1.75, and adult meals increasing 50 cents as free meals will still be served at schools like Arlington Heights, Bloomington Graduation, Clear Creek, Fairview, Grandview, Highland Park and Templeton.
🌲 Environment
A red-tailed hawk stuck in polyurethane at IU Memorial Stadium was rescued by IUPD officers and Indiana Raptor Center staff—some feathers were cut to free the bird which is now in intensive care for treatment.
The center will use an imping procedure to repair the damage and plans to release her by mid-August when her young can be cared for more independently.
Bloomington is safe for now, but officials say spotted lanternfly have been found in several Indiana counties.
They ask locals to report any sightings on the DNR online map — and warn that future infestations could harm local trees and crops.
🏥 Health
Hartford Bakery voluntarily recalled six lots of Lewis Bake Shop Artisan Style 1/2 Loaf bread sold at Kroger and Walmart in Indiana because undeclared hazelnuts could cause serious allergic reactions.
Consumers should return the product for a refund (expiration date July 13) and call Hartford Bakery (812-425-4642 for questions).
🏈 Sports
Spring all-conference teams for 2025 were announced by Conference Indiana, Western Indiana Conference & the Southwestern Indiana Athletic Conference, honoring high school athletes in baseball, softball, tennis and volleyball.
The lists include players from Bloomington South and Bloomington North along with those from other local schools.
🎉 Bloomington Events
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Girls Overnight Camp
Jul 18-20 — Sembower Field — Meals included — Enjoy two nights of fun, games, and training at this enriching camp experience.
Hairbangers Ball
9:00 – 10:30 PM — The Bluebird — Check venue for entry — Rock out with iconic 80s hits from Guns N’ Roses, Mötley Crüe, and more.
BTownVBC Open Gyms
5:30-7 p.m. — Wilkinson Hall — No ticket required — Participate in skill-building drills with expert coaches before tryouts.
BTownVBC Open Gyms
5:30-7 p.m. — Wilkinson Hall — No tickets required — Improve your volleyball skills with practice drills before school and club tryouts.
BTownVBC Open Gyms
5:30-7 p.m. — Wilkinson Hall — No cost — Sharpen your volleyball skills with engaging drills before tryouts.
Live Music: Thomas Dollbaum at The Orbit Room
6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Experience a night of original music with Thomas Dollbaum and friends in a vibrant venue.
Experimental Sound Evening: Rob Funkhouser, Vaguerriffic, Verity Pariah
7:30-10:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $10 plus food or drink purchase required — Explore diverse soundscapes from experimental artists in a vibrant all-ages setting.
BTownVBC Open Gym Sessions
5:30-7 p.m. — Wilkinson Hall — Free entry — Get in some practice with BTownVBC coaches before school and club tryouts.
Golfweek Hoosier Women's Amateur
A 54-hole stroke-play event — Jul 29 – Jul 31 — The Pfau Course — Registration required — Compete alongside talented female amateur and college golfers.
BTownVBC Open Gyms
5:30-7 p.m. — Wilkinson Hall — No cost information available — Get ready for school and club tryouts with 90 minutes of engaging play and skill drills.
🏠 Bloomington Real Estate
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💼 Bloomington Job Board
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📣 Bloomington Announcements
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