Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 22nd of January.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Hoosiers' championship win brings free food deals for local fans as Chipotle gives a bonus entree — valid 4 p.m. to close — to those in IU gear today across Indiana while five Bloomington McDonald's restaurants offer free six-piece nuggets with any purchase through Sunday. The Herald-Times
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ At First Sight New Works Festival returns from Jan. 23–31 at IU Studio Theater with free workshops, stage readings & panels led by MFA students showcasing new plays in development. Program heads plan future full-length productions and community events, deepening the festival’s local impact. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ On Jan. 19, the MLK celebration at Buskirk-Chumley Theater highlighted Coretta Scott King’s impact as a key activist, as noted by UC Davis historian Traci Parker. The event also honored Ruth Aydt with the MLK Legacy Award. The B Square Bulletin
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington Utilities asks residents to help identify the material of their water service lines as part of the lead service line replacement program to protect public health — customers can check exposed pipes or request a quick test that takes about 30 to 45 minutes. City of Bloomington
- ➤ Mayor Thomson announced a plan to market the College Square property at 200-226 S. College Ave for redevelopment focused on boosting economic growth while moving the host hotel project forward at more viable sites to strengthen downtown connectivity. City of Bloomington
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington restaurants expand menus today as Los Potrillos adds a breakfast selection at 120 E. Seventh St. + Parlor Doughnuts debuts six savory choices at 322 E. Kirkwood Ave while FARM hosts a Bobby Burns celebration with Scottish food and Scotch flights. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana track and field closed its Indiana Invitational Jan. 16-17 at Gladstein Fieldhouse, where the women won nine and the men seven events among over 30 athletes from nine schools. The team will next compete Jan. 23-24 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Crossroads of America Invitational. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana backup quarterback Alberto Mendoza, the younger brother of Heisman winner Fernando, transferred to Georgia Tech on Jan. 20 after the national championship win. He enters the transfer portal (retaining three years of eligibility) and will compete for a starting role. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Former IU quarterback and business school graduate Fernando Mendoza shared his three-point guide to success on LinkedIn after the Hoosiers won their first national championship in Miami. He is expected to be the top NFL draft pick in April, with many experts projecting his move to the Raiders. WTHR
- ➤ USA TODAY Store offers a 15% discount on three commemorative Indiana football prints that celebrate the National Championship, Big Ten title and Heisman win. The sale ends Saturday, Jan. 31. The Herald-Times
- ➤ IU will host a championship celebration at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Jan. 24 from 1 to 1:30 p.m. where fans can buy merchandise, rally towels, concessions, and touch Hep's Rock. Entry begins at 10 a.m. with a ceremonial walk at noon (dress warmly as temperatures will be in the teens). The Herald-Times
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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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The World According to Sound
7-9 p.m. — Indiana Memorial Union — Free entry — Experience a unique sonic journey that transforms academic inquiry into immersive soundscapes.
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American Pirates Album Release
8-10 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $11.33 — Experience a surreal night of music with American Pirates and enjoy Food and Folklore.
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
The best time to negotiate something is when you don't need it.
~ Michael Benoit
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