Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 29th of January.
Good morning, Bloomington.
💼 Business
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce launched its refreshed ChamberCare plan on Jan.
28 to offer small and mid-sized business members lower insurance quotes, statewide provider access, and expedited claims through partnerships with SIHO Insurance Services, CVS Caremark, and Delta Dental.
🎭 Culture
Leslie Odom Jr. will perform with his band and the IU Philharmonic Orchestra at IU Auditorium at 6 p.m. Feb.
15—featuring Broadway hits, jazz, and soul. Tickets are on sale online, at the box office on 1211 E Seventh St., and through Ticketmaster.
🎓 Education
House Bill 1137 passed on Jan.
22 bans 13 ingredients from school lunches to boost nutrition and reduce ultra-processed foods in local schools. Schools and manufacturers are set to update menus and reformulate products by the 2027-28 school year (bill now moves to the Senate Education Committee).
In a meeting on Tuesday, Jan.
27, MCCSC board led by Erin Cooperman approved no raises for non-teacher staff and new teacher stipend rules while backing key contracts + a $12.5M fund transfer and a finance portal. Superintendent Winston explained the moves to help address state funding challenges and public concerns.
🌲 Environment
On Wednesday, Jan. 28, Bloomington and the Indiana University campus were blanketed by snow, creating calm winter scenes on sidewalks (captured in local photos).
Residents moved through the city as daily life continued amid the weather change.
🏛️ Government
U.S. Customs and Border Protection is hosting a virtual career expo on Wednesday, Feb.
18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. via IU's Hire IU portal — the event is informational only and early booth access is available for those registering by Feb. 16.
🏥 Health
Orangetheory Fitness in Bloomington is offering a $2 per day membership to help locals stick to their New Year’s fitness goals.
The deal, valid until Saturday, Jan. 31, provides expert coaching + welcomes all fitness levels.
🏈 Sports
IU wide receiver Elijah Sarratt declared for the 2026 NFL Draft in a post on X on Monday, Jan.
26. He finished 2025 with 65 receptions for 830 yards + three catches in the CFP National Championship and thanked family, teammates and fans for their support.
Indiana men’s basketball announced four-star small forward Trevor Manhertz on Wednesday.
The 6-foot-8 player reclassified from Christ School to join the roster next season and chose Indiana over Duke & Louisville after the team earned its first signature win over Purdue Tuesday night.
On Jan. 27, Hoosiers beat No. 12 Purdue 72-67 at Assembly Hall while 17,222 fans filled the stands despite icy roads from a recent winter storm.
Coach Darian DeVries credited the passionate crowd (the heart of the community) with keeping the game alive.
🎉 Bloomington Events
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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.
Indiana Vintage Market
All day — Monroe Convention Center — Check for ticket prices — Discover unique treasures and vintage finds at this beloved market event.
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.
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.
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.
Oregon Ducks vs. Indiana Hoosiers Women's Basketball
1-3 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Affordable tickets available — Don't miss this exciting clash between the Ducks and Hoosiers in a thrilling women's basketball showdown.
Laid Back Country Picker Live
6:30-9:30 p.m. — The Orbit Room — $24.72 — Enjoy an evening of good music and a friendly atmosphere with Laid Back Country Picker and The Hammer and the Hatchet.
Sword II Live Concert
9:00 – 11:00 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — Tickets on sale now — Experience the thrilling live performance of Sword II in Bloomington for their first time ever.
🏠 Bloomington Real Estate
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💼 Bloomington Job Board
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📣 Bloomington Announcements
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