Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, February 5th, 2026
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 5th of February.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington’s Severe Emergency Winter Shelter opens when cold weather or storm conditions hit to house 30 unhoused individuals. The shelter is supported by $20,000 in city funds and a $2,500 Duke Energy grant (and by 25 volunteers) needed for setup and repairs. The Herald-Times
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Amplify Bloomington launched as a new civic platform on Feb. 4 at The Mill, linking startups, local institutions, and major employers. Former mayor John Fernandez led the event to align innovation, talent, and capital in the community. The B Square Bulletin
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ IU graduate students will face new federal loan limits with caps set to $100,000 for most and $200,000 for professional programs starting in July 2026 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act — health leaders fear these changes may worsen the local nursing shortage while current loans remain unchanged until graduation. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana University Bloomington scientists discovered a chemical molecule that helps a bacteriophage overcome bacteria’s immune responses (a breakthrough targeting antibiotic resistance). Their study offers a promising tool for improving treatments for resistant infections in healthcare and agriculture. Indiana University
- ➤ Indiana University Head Football Coach Curt Cignetti will deliver a free, exclusive speech for IU students on Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. at the IU Auditorium (students must reserve tickets starting today at 10 a.m. online or in person and show their CrimsonCards for entry). The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Lee Hamilton, a former U.S. Congressman and Indiana University professor, died at age 94 on Wednesday. He served our state for 34 years and is remembered for his nonpartisan leadership and lasting commitment to public service. The Herald-Times
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Japones, a new Japanese restaurant, opened at 206 N. Walnut St. with an Asian fusion menu; winners of the annual Chilly Cook-Off were announced at Switchyard Park Pavilion, and Truffles will host a five-course Valentine's wine dinner on Feb. 11 at 1131 S. College Mall Road. The Herald-Times
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana men’s basketball ended a three-game winning streak with a six-point loss to USC Tuesday night in Los Angeles. The team will practice Thursday and Friday before a noon contest Saturday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana Hall of Fame football coach Dave Enright died Tuesday at 85; he led Hamilton Southeastern to a state championship in 1981 and coached at Bloomington South and Perry Meridian, with his funeral set for 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 at Forest Lawn Funeral Home. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Indiana Softball begins its season today when it faces Florida Atlantic University at 6 p.m. in Boca Raton at the Paradise Classic. The revamped team — with added freshmen and transfers replacing graduated stars — will test its strength in games later today and Friday against West Point and Ohio State. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana women's golf finished seventh at the Paradise Invitational Feb. 2-4 in Boca Raton — the team shot 12-over par over three rounds and will return on Feb. 23-24 for the Chevron Collegiate in Humble, Texas. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana women's basketball clinched a three-point win over Wisconsin in Madison on Wednesday. Senior guard Shay Ciezki scored 31 points as the Hoosiers prepare to face Purdue Sunday (at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall in Bloomington). Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana football signed its 2026 class of 22 players in December with 19 enrolling for spring. The class ranks 32 nationally per 247 Sports composite rankings and includes players from nine states (with seven in-state recruits); no additional high school recruits are expected on Wednesday. The Herald-Times
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Brass Band Concert with Nick Hinman
8 p.m. — Auer Hall — Ticketed event — Experience the magic of a breathtaking orchestral performance led by conductor Nick Hinman.
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feeble little horse Live Concert
7-10 p.m. — The Bishop Bar — Tickets available now — Experience the unique sounds of feeble little horse live in concert.
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Shamrock Shuffle 5K
9 AM – 1 PM — Monroe County Fairgrounds — Registration fees apply — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a festive 5K Run/Walk.
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
If you want to remember something, write it down. If you want to understand something, explain it to someone else.
~ Richard Feynman
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