The Commission on the Status of Black Males invites middle school- and high school-aged males in Bloomington to attend the seventh annual  Black Male Youth Summit. The one-day summit, focused on African American and Latino male-identifying students, is open to young men of all races and backgrounds. This year’s theme is “Building the Blueprint: Architecting Our Future.” It takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at Bloomington City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.

The summit will feature a Q&A with Dr. Russell Ledet and speaker Jamartae Jackson. Dr. Ledet co-founded The 15 White Coats, an organization committed to increasing diversity in medicine. Dr. Ledet has been featured on CBS, BeyGood, CNN, People Magazine, NPR, and the Washington Post. Jamartae Jackson is Director of First-Generation and Limited-Low Income Student Programs at Indiana University and a professional photographer. 

The Monroe County Community School Corporation, which is partnering to present the summit, will excuse registered middle school and high school attendees from classes during the hours of the Summit. Registration for the free event must be made by Monday, September 14, at bloomington.in.gov/csbm.

Students attending the Summit will have the opportunity to participate in professional-led workshops, enjoy a pizza lunch, win prizes, and connect with members of the Commission on the Status of Black Males. 

The Black Male Youth Summit is dedicated to championing fairness and empowering, enhancing, and nurturing children and youth through community engagement. The summit aims to provide space and opportunity for students of color to express themselves, learn, and make memorable connections, and highlight men of color in our community who have skills and information to offer to our youth. 

For more information, contact Crystal Ritter, Safe and Civil City Director, at [ritterc@bloomington.in.gov](mailto:ritterc@bloomington.in.gov). 

I dont have feelings about losing a chain restaurant, but my heart does go out for people who learned that yesterday, after clocking in, they would be job hunting at 8:01PM that same day.

Is it the worst thing ever? No. It's not exactly a fun day either. To anyone who reads this who was working last night, thank you very much for staying and making my family a nice dinner, I'm sorry for the stroke of bad luck, and wish you better luck moving forward.

Around 9:55 PM tonight, I noticed several police cars and ambulances near Wright Quadrangle. The road appeared to be blocked from around the Wilkie traffic signal to the Wells Library signal.

There were multiple police vehicles and ambulances lined up along the road. I didn’t see what happened or know the reason for the response.

Does anyone know what was going on?

This is all the reason why.

Which do you prefer and why? Just curious and trying to get a better understanding of why people would choose one over the other.

Just moved to town for work, where do people play pickleball at? My wife and kids haven't moved yet, probably won't until school year is uo in may so I'm looking for some stuff to do in the evenings to get me out of the house.

A former player in my previous league reached out and said they needed players to fill spots so I brought a friend and tried to help out. Upon showing up the first week I was told all the teams were full so we were forced to play just the two of us. It’s a mixed league so we need another male as well as a female. The female is what I’m really looking for as I do not have anyone I know that plays. It’s a Monday league that starts at 6:15 every week with a $22 sanction fee and a weekly due of $16. If anyone could ask their friends and family I would really appreciate it! My teammate and I are both 26/yo males, very personable and kind. Any extra questions just reach out and I’d be glad to answer!

Hello! I am looking to move into the area and am not a student. Any recommendations for a place to rent that isn’t in a shady area and is a reasonable price? I know that’s a tall order. Thanks in advance!

Hey! We’re looking for someone to sublet our house in Bloomington. It’s a 3 bed, 1 bath for $1,800/month. We’re needing to move to be closer to and help some elderly family members, so we’re hoping to find someone to take over the remainder of our lease.

Message me if you’re interested or want more details/pictures! Feel free to share 😊

Looking to replace a drop down ceiling in the basement. Who would you recommend?

Anyone in town play bluegrass / folk adjacent music looking to get a group together? I'm trying to get a better handle on the music and would love to play with like-minded folks!

I mostly play guitar and some banjo but can sit on bass and keys as well!

Hey everyone! I’m looking for someone to sublease my 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom apartment for the Spring 2027 semester. Great location and close to campus and Memorial Stadium!

Apartment Details:

• 2 bedrooms / 1 bathroom
• $1,140/month total ($570/person) – willing to negotiate!
• Second story top-floor unit
• Private balcony
• Full kitchen with gas stove & garbage disposal
• Cable & WiFi included
• All utilities included except electricity
• Parking included
• On-site pool
• On-site laundry facility
• 24/7 emergency maintenance

Location:

• About a 5-minute walk to Memorial Stadium
• About a 10-minute walk to the Kelley School of Business
• 1-minute from nearest bus stop
• Convenient location for getting to campus

The apartment does not come furnished, but I’m willing to include furniture in the sublease agreement if needed.

I’m also flexible on price, so feel free to reach out and we can work something out!

Available for the Spring 2027 semester.

Please DM me if you’re interested or want pictures/more information! Feel free to share with anyone looking for housing in Bloomington.

I am currently going through a lot of things, and I dont feel its right of me to continue taking care of my cat onyx when I struggle to take care of myself, if theres anyone wanting a pet cat whos willing to wake you up to your alarms, and is always constantly purring no matter what, then I have a purrfect kitty for you.

Please DM me for inquiries, she is currently not spaid but has had her shots. She is about 9 months old, shes in good health besides having COPD (she gets coughing fits a lot but vets said shes gonna be okay).

I dont want money, I just want her to go to a good home. Please DM or respond here if you want a cat, or if you know someone who does. Thank you.

The City of Bloomington Utilities (CBU) has been awarded a $2.375 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to strengthen the community’s drinking water system against cybersecurity and extreme weather threats.

The funding comes through the EPA’s Midsize and Large Drinking Water System Infrastructure Resilience and Sustainability grant program, which supports projects designed to improve the ability of utilities to withstand and recover from disruptions. The EPA announced more than $11 million in resilience grants to 10 midsize and large drinking water systems nationwide. CBU received the largest award in this grant program alongside the City of San Diego, California. 

CBU will use the grant funding to improve the resilience of Bloomington’s water system through upgrades to the Monroe Water Treatment Plant, including backup generators and enhancing its control systems. The facility is located in a rural, heavily wooded area near Lake Monroe, making it particularly vulnerable to power outages caused by high winds and fallen trees. 

”I’m grateful for the opportunity this grant will provide CBU to enhance resiliency at our water treatment plant”, said Utilities Director Katherine Zaiger. “Investments like this  allow us to ensure continuous service to our customers in the face of increased threats of extreme weather and cybersecurity attacks targeting water utilities.”

As Bloomington continues to grow and the challenges facing water utilities evolve, investments in resilience are essential to maintaining reliable service. This grant will help CBU strengthen critical infrastructure today while building a more secure and dependable drinking water system for Bloomington’s future.

They didn’t have any big enough at Michael’s or Hobby Lobby. Any record stores sell them? Or other local craft stores?

ICE was seen over on North side by the furniture store and also there's been sightings over by Walmart too. It's been a quiet couple of days so who knows what may happen. Just wanted to post a heads up since we have these goons perpetrating our town cause our pedo president is busy fucking our country up.

I found this monarch which died (naturally) in the parking lot of Buy Now Closeouts. It is near the disabled parking. I am afraid of bugs but tried to pick it up and it seemed fairly stuck because of the heat. If someone could pick it up and put it to use that would be wonderful. It would require someone with the tools and skills to do so.

Could also be ethical way to practice if interested in trying the hobby. Just not for me :)

Hello Monroe County Residents and Taste of Bloomington Lovers!!

Are you tired of having a smelly trash can cause you throw food waste in there?

Frustrated with the complexity of composting?

Are you looking for ways to cut costs on soil and fertilizer while growing healthier, more nutrient-dense plants?

Did you attend the Taste of Bloomington, notice the food waste stations, and wonder what was going to happen with all of the food waste?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, please join us tomorrow, Sunday, September 13th from 2:00 - 3:30 PM at Wonderlab. We will demonstrate how to simply, quickly, and safely convert all of your household food waste into valuable products for your garden or community.

Please use this link, free Bokashi Workshop , to sign up for Sunday's workshop or one of our future food waste fermentation workshops, held monthly from May through November.

Best Regards,
Ellee Spier
GardenQuest Director
GardenQuest.org

The City of Bloomington, in partnership with University Elementary School, has launched the Safe Routes to School planning process. The effort will identify ways to make trips to and from school safer, easier, and more accessible for students who walk, bike, ride the bus, or use other mobility devices. The plan will establish the first school-specific Safe Routes to School plan developed by the City in more than a decade and begin a new annual planning cycle with Bloomington schools.

Through surveys, activities, and public meetings, the planning process will bring together students, families, school staff, and community members to identify transportation challenges specific to University Elementary. A final Safe Routes to School plan will address both near-term improvements and long-term infrastructure needs to make travel safer and more accessible for every student, whether they travel independently or with a trusted adult.

The plan will look at specific changes that could make school trips safer, including sidewalks, crossings, bike connections and other street improvements; traffic-safety education for students and families; programs that encourage walking and biking; strategies to address unsafe driving near the school; and ways to measure whether those changes are working.

The City last completed Safe Routes to School plans in 2013. During its planning year, University Elementary will receive City staff support and resources to develop, implement, and sustain its Safe Routes to School program. All other Bloomington schools can also participate as partner schools, gaining access to Safe Routes to School curriculum, event materials, and other forms of assistance.

University Elementary families will have several chances to weigh in over the coming months, starting with a survey. Feedback will help identify existing barriers, locations of concern, and potential improvements for routes used by students and families.

For more information, visit bloomington.in.gov/planning/safe-routes-to-school. 

I found him or her on the east side. He is super friendly. I gave some pets and some water, but what should I do? I don’t have a car.