Today
in Bloomington
Friday, January 16th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 16th of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration Commission named Ruth Aydt as the 2026 Legacy Award recipient. The award will be presented at the celebration event on Monday, Jan. 19 at the Buskirk Chumley Theater (114 E. Kirkwood Ave) in honor of her community contributions since 2017. City of Bloomington
- ➤ Ken Nunn Law Office thanked community members, colleagues and clients for their kind support after founder Ken Nunn's death — attorney Vicky Nunn said the firm will honor his legacy as it continues serving clients. The Bloomingtonian
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ IU Auditorium will stage a diverse spring lineup featuring acrobatics in Afrique en Cirque with cultural talks, Blue Man Group’s February show with a kids night, musical adaptations of Mrs. Doubtfire, Beetlejuice and Tina Turner, + one-night performance by Leslie Odom, Jr. and a modern mariachi set. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Bloomington will honor Coretta Scott King and the role of women in civil rights with an MLK Day celebration at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Jan. 19 at 6 p.m.—the free event features keynote historian Traci Parker and live musical performances. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Bloomington hosts a busy weekend. Skaters enjoy an 80's night Thursday at Western Skateland (9-11 p.m. at 930 W. 17th St., $5 tickets), 'Princess Mononoke' plays Friday at Buskirk-Chumley (doors 6:30 p.m. at 114 E. Kirkwood Ave), while mystery comedy and a free soul dance party round out the schedule. The Herald-Times
ECONOMY NEWS
- ➤ MoneyLion data ranks Bedford fourth nationwide for safe, affordable living today based on low crime rates and a cost of living near $35,000. The evaluation uses cost-of-living metrics and FBI crime statistics to underline the community's small-town charm and proximity to local amenities. The Herald-Times
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University sanctioned assistant professor Marcus Croom in November 2024 after former student Michael Claycamp filed a formal complaint alleging that Croom made discriminatory comments in his Books for Reading Instruction course. He received a level one sanction — he must attend professional development training and have his teaching practices reviewed. Indiana Daily Student
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington has been named a 2025 Digital Inclusion Trailblazer by the National Digital Inclusion Alliance for its work closing the digital divide through a digital equity survey, nonprofit grants, and ITS digital staffing. Mayor Kerry Thomson said the initiatives boost job, learning & connectivity opportunities. City of Bloomington
- ➤ City of Bloomington Utilities updated its Financial Assistance Program to let eligible customers receive consecutive aid and apply even after disconnection, with the new changes aimed at improving access to reliable water for those facing economic hardship. City of Bloomington
- ➤ Indiana AG Todd Rokita warned Hoosier fans buying last-minute tickets for the College Football Playoff National Championship on Monday, Jan. 19 to use official sources + avoid scams amid record resale prices. The game against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium will be broadcast on ESPN. The Bloomingtonian
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Thousands of IU fans waited in the cold outside Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall at 5 p.m. on Thursday to collect the 'Never Daunted' rally towels and posters ahead of Monday's College Football Playoff national championship (a historic boost for local pride). WTHR
- ➤ Indiana University's Marching Hundred will perform in Miami Monday as the Hoosiers vie for a national championship. Drum major Rosa Maria McMahon will make history as she leads the band, which departs Bloomington Saturday. WTHR
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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.
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Well done is better than well said.
~ Benjamin Franklin
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