Good morning, Bloomington.

Indiana is becoming a hub for data centers as tech giants like Amazon and Google expand facilities that have grown nearly 30% since March, with state officials promoting economic benefits.

Local residents and council members in Franklin Township oppose projects due to high power, water costs and few local jobs—sparking debate on the long-term impact on resources.

Alyssa Nyberg, an O’Neill School alumna, is restoring prairie land at Kankakee Sands by using bison to help plant and animal life grow.

The bison herd has grown from 23 to 90 on 1,100 acres—boosting wildflower growth and creating water pockets that attract animals.

Bloomington's water utility is proposing a 20% rate increase that will add about $6 to monthly bills for residential customers to cover rising operating costs and fund repairs of aging water pipes + the proposal will be reviewed by state and local boards with public input on Aug 29 and a vote on Sept 8 before submission to state regulators.

Simtra BioPharma got initial county council approval on Tuesday for dual augmented tax abatements on two manufacturing sites west of Bloomington—one for a $241 million project at the former GE site that must add 100 jobs by 2029 and one revising a break for a Curry Pike facility—and county commissioners will vote on the plan Thursday.

Bloomington North is rebuilding its 10-court facility as its players, along with those from South, Edgewood and Owen Valley, adjust their practices and match schedules for the 2025 boys tennis season—shifting games to South while new lineups are formed.

The teams are reworking their rosters and strategies amid ongoing construction and updated facility use.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti warned that Sun Belt teams are dangerous as he previewed his team's season opener against Old Dominion—he said the game will test their skills.

2025 Indiana Hoosiers Football Season Tickets

12:55 – 2:25 PM — Indiana University Memorial Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Secure your season tickets for an exciting Indiana Hoosiers football season.

Bloomington Indiana Amazing Race & Tour

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Hopscotch Coffee & Kitchen — Ticket per person — Explore Bloomington through a fun scavenger hunt filled with wacky tasks and local surprises.

Northern Kentucky Norse at Indiana Hoosiers Women's Volleyball

10-11:30 a.m. — Wilkinson Hall — VIP tickets available — Cheer on the Hoosiers in an exciting collegiate volleyball matchup.

Edgewood Dollars for Scholars 5K

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Edgewood Intermediate School — Registration fee applies — Participate in a 5K run/walk to support scholarship funds for local high school seniors.

Dummy Album Release Show

7 PM – 1 AM — The Bishop Bar — Ticket prices to be announced — Celebrate Dummy's new album with live performances by them and Good Flying Birds.

Daniel Villarreal Trio Performance

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Enjoy an evening of music with the Daniel Villarreal Trio featuring special guests.

People Watching Book Tour with Chloe Liese & Jillian Meadows

6-8 p.m. — Morgenstern Books & Café — Click here for tickets — Celebrate the release of ‘People Watching’ with authors Hannah Bonam-Young, Chloe Liese, and Jillian Meadows.

Volunteer Orientation at WonderLab

3:30-5 p.m. — Indiana University Cinema — Free entry — Discover the joys of volunteering at the greatest little science museum in the world.

Plein Air In Practice at TC Steele Historic Site

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. — Bloomington Fine Art Supply — Cost not mentioned — Gain real-world painting experience with guidance from plein air expert Scott Sullivan at a historic site.

Free Screening of INHERITANCE

7:00-9:30 p.m. — Indiana University Cinema — Free entry — Watch the thought-provoking film INHERITANCE at a premier university venue.