Good morning, Bloomington.

Today, Bloomington hosts the Polar Bear Plunge at 10 a.m. (registration at 9 a.m.), and residents can look ahead to 2026 with a council meeting on Jan.

7, a puzzle contest on Jan. 25, and plans for a new transit operations center.

The Herald-Times presents a photos series that looks back at December 2025 in Bloomington, featuring scenic IU campus snowfall, Big Ten championship sports highlights, and community events captured throughout the month.

The gallery offers a visual recap of memorable local moments.

Bob and Nancy Munson, who met on their third date during the 1968 Rose Bowl, will fly from northern California today to Pasadena to cheer Indiana in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal against the Crimson Tide (they have celebrated 56 years together).

After a 23-point loss to Minnesota, Indiana women’s basketball will face No. 24 Michigan State at noon today at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington.

The team aims to boost its rebounding & scoring to improve upon its 0-2 Big Ten start.

Indiana wrestling finished the 61st Ken Kraft Midlands Championships in Evanston with five top-7 finishes + Bryce Lowery advanced to the title match on Monday-Tuesday.

The team will face Ohio State in its first Big Ten dual meet at 1 p.m. Jan. 11 in Columbus.

Bloomington South freshman Samiya Love, who has improved her technique despite a lighter frame, will compete in the 190-pound bracket at the Indian Creek girls wrestling sectional on Jan.

2. Her coach noted her strong record (17-5) and skill in facing larger, more experienced competitors.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti said his team is overcoming travel disruptions ahead of today's playoff game at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, as they spent three nights at a hotel after early media sessions.

He stressed tying loose ends quickly so they can focus on football + coaching.

Indiana football held a Tuesday practice at Dignity Health Sports Park that Coach Cignetti said fell short of his standards, prompting the team to adjust its routine as it traveled from Bloomington to Los Angeles — the Hoosiers face tough competition today at 4 p.m. EST in the Rose Bowl.

Joseph King—a 92-year-old lifelong IU fan using a wheelchair—promised after the 1968 Rose Bowl to take his son to the game, and his children now will attend IU’s New Year’s Rose Bowl against Alabama in Pasadena while he watches on TV at his home in Gosport near Bloomington.

The Bloomingtonian thanked local sponsors + including PizzaX, Quarrymen Coffee Roasting Co. and Phat Daddy’s BBQ among others for making IU football Rose Bowl coverage possible in Pasadena and here in Bloomington.

Mama Said String Band with Chris Dollar

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy live music from Mama Said String Band and Chris Dollar at a top-rated Bloomington venue.

2026 IU Winter ID Camp

5:00 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. — Mellencamp Pavilion, Bloomington, IN — Registration fee applies — A developmental camp for high school soccer players aiming for collegiate play.

Catalpa Concert Featuring This Burning Ghost

7-11 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience the melodic tunes of Sean South by Catalpa and dive into the world of live music.

WFIU's The Soul Kitchen Dance Party

6:30 p.m. — Franklin Hall — Free entry — A vibrant evening of soul, funk, and music, featuring a dance lesson and DJ set.

Dylan Ryan Performance

6:30-9:30 a.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Enjoy a morning filled with live music from the Benton / Myers / Garber Trio and Dylan Ryan.

Ben Cartha Fowler Project & Sam Finley Trio

6:30-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $17 — Experience a lively jazz double feature with local talent and enjoy food and drink.

Falun Dafa Meditation Workshop

5-6:30 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Discover the peaceful practices of Falun Dafa through meditation and exercises.

Umphrey's McGee Concert

7-10 p.m. — The Bluebird — $86-$144 — Enjoy an electrifying evening with live music from Umphrey's McGee at a popular local venue.

Dakota Curtis & The Dark / Dandelioness / Paul Bertsch Band

6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Celebrate new music releases from three local acts with an enjoyable evening of live performances.