Good morning, Bloomington.

A local man has revived his family's holiday tradition by lighting an 80-foot pine tree with 3,600 multicolored lights at Mama—Papa's Country Cottage in Whitehall on Nov.

29th at 6:30 p.m. The event will also feature fireworks, treats and a visit from Santa to celebrate the season and honor cherished family memories.

Fans of The Hunger Games franchise can watch screenings at Buskirk-Chumley Theater with Mockingjay — Part 2 on November 25 and The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes on December 2 at 7 p.m.; general admission is $11.56 and student tickets cost $9.51.

John Cardwell, a former public advocate with farming roots, has published his sixth book Limestone & Leaves in which he uses poetry and prose to urge more planting and less plundering so that Indiana’s natural spaces stay safe from rapid development.

He said protecting our environment is essential for a livable future.

Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources has updated deer hunting rules for the 2025-26 season with new bag limits, equipment guidelines for crossbows and muzzleloaders, and license options available online and at local state centers.

Hoosiers must follow detailed safety requirements and processing instructions while using temporary transportation tags from check stations + a phone-in option for additional convenience.

Bloomington released a housing and homelessness report that detailed its $9 million investment in affordable housing, eviction prevention and rapid rehousing programs since Mayor Kerry Thomson took office in 2024—reporting 305 people experienced homelessness in Monroe County on a January night, marking a 12.8% decline for the first time since 2022. The report also outlined plans to improve development processes with projects like Hopewell and Summit and noted that once ARPA funds end at the end of 2027, the city will focus on policy changes and relocating police headquarters to support ongoing housing efforts.

Bloomington renters can personalize their spaces with five simple tips, such as using a rug, warm lighting & adhesive decor to update their home without risking their deposit; the advice also suggests adding accent pieces and low-maintenance plants for a personal touch.

A recent article in the Housing & Living Guide offers five clear tips for off-campus renters to handle landlord issues in Bloomington.

The advice covers reading leases carefully, documenting the move-in condition, keeping communications professional, knowing tenant rights, and budgeting for extra costs.

The B Square reported new Monroe County property transfers recorded from Oct.

30 to Nov. 18 using data from Beacon—these records include a major $26 million sale on November 17 along with several other transactions.

Indiana men’s soccer seniors ended their college careers after a 1 to 0 loss to Saint Louis University in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday as senior forward Jack Wagoner stepped off the field for the last time at Bill Armstrong Stadium.

Senior players Palmer Ault, Cristiano Bruletti and Holden Brown also finished their time with the Hoosiers after a season that brought a top start and a No. 1 ranking in the coaches poll.

Indiana football remains ranked No.2 in the US LBM Coaches Poll as the undefeated Hoosiers prepare for their season finale against Purdue at Ross-Ade Stadium.

The team will clinch a Big Ten title game spot with a win or with an Ohio State win — the top 11 spots stayed unchanged and they also hold the No.2 rank in the College Football Playoff rankings.

On Saturday, Indiana volleyball lost 3-0 to undefeated No.1 Nebraska at Wilkinson Hall as freshman setter Teodora Kričković led aggressive serves that produced key ace points—yet Nebraska's strong blocks and digs secured the win.

The loss dropped the Hoosiers to a 22-6 record and they will play Illinois on Wednesday and Purdue on Nov. 29 as they aim for an NCAA Tournament bid.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Monroe Community Kitchen

3-6 p.m. — Community Kitchen — Free meal — Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner served to anyone in need, no questions asked.

Fall Prospect Camp

10 AM - 4 PM — Armstrong Stadium — $160.00 — A dedicated soccer camp for female athletes to showcase their skills and potential.

Historic Homesite Volunteer Workday

1-7 p.m. — Fairfax State Recreation Area — Free — Help uncover the remnants of a historic late 1800s farm and home site.

Joe Pug Live Concert

8 PM – 12 AM — The Bishop Bar — Ticket price unknown — Experience the soulful sounds of Joe Pug, a masterful singer-songwriter with heartfelt lyrics.

Nutcracker Behind-the-Scenes Tour

10:00 – 10:45 a.m. — Musical Arts Center — Limited to 30 guests per tour — Explore the set and costumes of The Nutcracker in a guided tour.

Candlelight Christmas Carols on Strings

6:30-7:30 p.m. — Woolery Mill — Ticketed event — Experience a magical evening of Christmas carols performed by a string quartet under candlelight.

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Siena Heights Saints

7 p.m. — Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall — Ticket prices vary — Catch a thrilling college basketball matchup as the Hoosiers take on the Saints.