Friday, January 9th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ April Hennessey ended her nearly two and a half year term as Monroe County Community School Corp board president after approving a superintendent's buyout and handling redistricting talks. Former Vice President Erin Cooperman took over as board president at a Jan. 6 meeting and Ross Grimes was named vice president. The Herald-Times
- ➤ MCCSC is seeking input on the future of the former Herald-Times building; the forum will be held Thursday, Jan. 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bloomington High School South’s Carmichael Auditorium (1965 S. Walnut St.), and an online survey runs until Friday, Jan. 30. The Herald-Times
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ The EPA’s rollback of environmental rules has raised local concerns in Indiana as experts warn that delays in pollution standards and budget cuts (including cuts to the Solar for All program) risk worsening air and water quality. Advocates say these changes may harm public health. The Herald-Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Influenza is surging in Indiana, and Dr. Tom Hrisomalos from IU Health said the season may have peaked, so residents are urged to get a flu shot immediately. He recommends frequent handwashing to help prevent severe illness. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football signed contract extensions for defensive coordinator Bryant Haines and offensive coordinator Mike Shanahan last December, making them among the nation's highest paid assistants. Coach Curt Cignetti expects to renew deals for the rest of the staff after the season ends (underscoring the program's commitment to competitiveness). The Herald-Times
- ➤ Don Fischer, the longtime voice of Indiana football and basketball, will call the College Football Playoff semifinal tonight at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. With 52 years of IU game calls and over 2,000 broadcasts, the Hall of Fame announcer is honored for his storied career. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti said he keeps a calm sideline demeanor to keep his players focused despite his happiness about the team’s 25-2 record. The Hoosiers will face Oregon in the College Football Playoff semifinal today at 7:30 p.m. The Herald-Times
- ➤ After key defensive players hurt their knees, Indiana football is preparing for its playoff semifinal rematch with Oregon and will use sophomore defensive lineman Daniel Ndukwe to help maintain a top-ranked defense. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana football added Tulsa transfer defensive lineman Joe Hjelle (6-foot-3) on Thursday to bolster its defensive front. He played 12 games in 2024 and recorded 46 tackles in 2025 while he has one year of eligibility remaining. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ IU grad Garrett Ewald sprinkled holy water from the Mother of the Redeemer Retreat Center on the field during the Big Ten championship and Rose Bowl — he will bring more water today for the Peach Bowl. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti will start the season as one of the top three highest-paid coaches thanks to a $93 million deal and performance bonuses from playoff milestones. His contract includes a review clause to boost pay if the team wins major awards. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza broke Rose Bowl records last week with an 87.5% completion rate and three touchdowns in a win over Alabama. He won the first Heisman Trophy in IU history, multiple awards, and now heads into the Peach Bowl with strong season totals. The Herald-Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Indiana Vintage Market
All day — Monroe Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover unique treasures and vintage finds at this beloved market event.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.
~ Chinese Proverb
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