Good morning, Bloomington.

On July 15, a 50-year-old Bloomington woman used scissors to threaten a gas station clerk at Newt's Marathon on West 17th and Madison while demanding nicotine vapes—she fled in her 2007 Dodge Caliber and was caught at her North Maple Street apartment 90 minutes later, now facing charges of robbery, intimidation and battery with a deadly weapon.

Constellation Stage & Screen announced its fall classes set to run from September through December, featuring new courses in Minecraft Moviemaking for kids and teens and Playwrighting for adults—adding popular offerings in acting, improv, and musical theater.

Enrollment opened on July 16, with course prices from $115 to $225 and scholarships available for qualified K-12 students.

IU doctoral student Sui Hnem Par led a Chin languages workshop for Perry Township and local private school educators at the West Perry Branch to help improve instruction for Chin-speaking students—she introduced new literacy materials and video resources to raise the language's visibility.

Young girls in fourth through eighth grade attended a week-long summer camp in Bloomington hosted by Women Writing for (a) Change that focused on adventure writing and self-expression.

The camp featured daily circle rituals, outdoor activities at local parks, and ended with a public read-around where campers shared their writing with family and guests.

Today, the City of Bloomington relaunched an interactive Habitat Connectivity Map developed by the Environmental Commission with help from the Planning & Transportation and IT Services departments to let residents pledge greenspace for wildlife.

The map shows current and possible corridors and tracks pledges — linking local efforts into a citywide network of natural areas — to improve local conservation.

At a July 10 meeting, county commissioners approved adding criminal background checks to the election machine subcontractor contract with B&L IT Services after Commissioner Lee Jones said she felt insecure about unchecked workers—Robert White agreed to include the checks in a 2-year renewal contract valued up to $350,000.

Bloomington's drinking water has not been fluoridated properly for over a year as officials waited on repairs to the fluoride feed system — monthly levels have been below recommended 0.7 mg per liter since April 2021.

City staff say they aim to restore fluoride by early 2026 — though complete repairs on the fluoride tank may not finish until 2027.

Indiana University will bring back Hoosier the Bison as its official mascot after a 60-year hiatus, symbolizing pride and unity; it will debut at the season opener on Aug.

30 against Old Dominion at Memorial Stadium. IU will roll out new branded apparel and other appearance opportunities (more details to follow).

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.