Good morning, Bloomington.

The MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission updated the annual event time to 5:30 to 7:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan.

19 at Buskirk-Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Avenue) so attendees can catch the Indiana Hoosiers in the College Football Playoff National Championship; the event remains free.

Yalla, Bloomington’s first kosher and halal certified restaurant, opened Tuesday at the IU Kelley School of Business Godfrey Graduate and Executive Education Center (with IU President Pamela Whitten cutting the ribbon).

It will serve Mediterranean fare Monday–Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for students with dietary restrictions.

In 2025, Monroe County Public Library patrons checked out 1,302,533 items–with 76% being physical books and top digital titles on Libby and Hoopla such as Onyx Storm and The Women.

The figures underscore robust community interest in local reading resources.

Lawmakers introduced Senate Bill 277, a proposal that will revise IDEM's structure by repealing pollution prevention divisions and reexamining federal rules.

It passed the committee vote on Jan. 13+ now it heads to the Appropriations committee for another hearing.

At a meeting on Jan. 12, the plan commission sent an 18-lot Northgrove subdivision proposal at 2511 North Dunn Street to a second hearing next month after voicing concerns about requested waivers for alleys and sidewalks plus potential stormwater and tree loss impacts raised by residents.

Many Bloomington pizza shops are offering special deals for National Pizza Week this week — residents can try unique flavors at over 40 local spots including Bucceto’s, Mother Bear’s, and Aver’s Pizza.

Check out creative pies and classic recipes available at multiple locations around town.

South’s Everly Clark was named Herald-Times Volleyball Player of the Year for her standout 2025 season that led the Panthers to their first sectional title since 2018 in Bloomington & she recorded 354 kills, 70 aces, & 267 digs.

The city of Bloomington temporarily renamed the retention pond at Miller-Showers Park (D'Angelo’s Pond) to honor IU football cornerback D'Angelo Ponds, who earned a defensive MVP at the Peach Bowl on Jan.

13. The tribute recognized his standout pick-six and first down catch, celebrating the community’s playful spirit.

Edgewood’s Mustangs are now the only girls gymnastics team in the area and have reworked their schedule to hold meets at Franklin Central’s facility four times.

The team—after finishing seventh last season—will try to secure a top-three finish at the Franklin Central Invitational on Jan. 17.

Bloomington fans planning to attend the Hoosiers championship can save money by flying into Fort Lauderdale and taking a train or driving to Chicago for cheaper fares.

Round trip tickets from Indianapolis often cost over $1,000, so plan ahead to keep travel costs under budget.

Bloomington South rallied to beat Bloomington North 50 to 43 on Monday, Jan.

12 after falling behind by 34 to 31, with senior guard Jack Clark scoring 25 points & adding 13 in the fourth quarter to secure the win.

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.

Indiana Vintage Market

All day — Monroe Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover unique treasures and vintage finds at this beloved market event.