Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, January 15th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 15th of January.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ FedEx is closing its ship center at 3900 W. Roll Ave on Feb. 28 as part of its Network 2.0 restructuring, while team members receive job placement and relocation assistance. Customers can use the nearby FedEx Office at 318 S. College Mall Road for eligible shipments. The Herald-Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Lee Williams (68) died Jan. 11 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. He founded the Lotus World Music Festival that enriched Bloomington’s music scene for decades, and a memorial service is forthcoming. The Herald-Times
- ➤ IU art curator Sherry Rouse said bronze fish statues at the Venus fountain have faced vandalism by sports fans over the years and have been removed for upkeep; if IU football wins the CFP title on Monday, the pieces will stay secured. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ IU senior fashion design student Zilly Then transformed thrifted T-shirts into a Rose Bowl-inspired helmet and dress as part of her capstone project. Her work will be on display at the Fashion Design Capstone Show on April 9 at Alumni Hall — free and open to the public. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ The Board of Public Works passed a policy Tuesday that requires events with over 1,000 people to be held in designated areas—Kirkwood Avenue, Courthouse Square, or the Trades District—while granting the Fourth Street Festival an exception this Labor Day weekend for its 50th anniversary as organizers raised safety concerns. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington’s Transportation Commission awarded grants to five local organizations in November 2025 to boost bike and pedestrian safety. The projects - part of the city’s Safe Streets Action Plan - are planned to be completed by Dec. 1, 2026. Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana football signed former Wisconsin offensive lineman Joe Brunner Wednesday to join its top transfer portal class. Brunner, who started a 24-game career over two seasons, is set to help protect quarterback Josh Hoover on the offensive line. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana football center Pat Coogan bolstered the team’s breakthrough with a fumble recovery that led to a touchdown in the Peach Bowl, earning its first national championship berth. The Hoosiers will face Miami's top defensive line in the upcoming championship match. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana men’s basketball lost 81-60 to Michigan State in East Lansing after the Spartans closed the game on a 28-7 run — a decisive finish in the final 11 minutes. The loss left the team winless in Quadrant 1 matchups this season as they prepare for tougher Big Ten challenges. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ South wrestler Mariah Pope returns to the IHSAA state finals on Friday, Jan. 16 at Corteva Coliseum in Indianapolis, feeling more prepared after last year's debut. Her team’s qualifiers are set to compete for medals as matches begin at 10 a.m. + They expect a competitive, exciting meet. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana Football is set to distribute rally towels today at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall’s south lobby from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and will host a National Championship Watch Party on Monday at 6 p.m. where the first 10,000 fans will receive a towel. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Before their national championship game, Indiana linebacker Aiden Fisher dismissed social media claims of cheating during a press conference at Memorial Stadium, emphasizing preparation and teamwork behind early defensive successes. Head coach Curt Cignetti & his staff maintain the team’s focus despite recent injury setbacks. Indiana Daily Student
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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.
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Bloomington Polar Plunge
10:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. — Indiana University Memorial Stadium — Check website for registration details — Take the plunge to support Special Olympics athletes in a thrilling and chilly challenge.
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
A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
~ Franklin D. Roosevelt
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