Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
Good morning, Bloomington.
📰 Economy
The Indiana Hoosiers football team is boosting local businesses as fans line up for wings on game days, and their run to the Big Ten Championship will drive more orders when they face Ohio State.
Local commerce leaders say increased tax revenue — from busy weekends — will support community projects in Bloomington.
🎓 Education
Monroe County Community School Corporation will retain 19 third graders next year because they did not pass the IREAD exam required by a state law passed in March (Indiana Senate Enrolled Act 1), marking the highest retention rate in over a decade.
This fall, 104 students failed the test and 80 received Good Cause Exemptions while the district reported an overall pass rate of 86.8%.
🏛️ Government
The City of Bloomington partnered with the Indiana Energy Independence Fund and received a $250,000 grant to launch its new Energy Works program that offers free energy audits for major building owners.
The program — a public-private partnership — may unlock an additional $2 million to fund clean energy projects and lower costs for local residents and businesses.
On December 1, Bloomington police collected an unclaimed urn left on a resident’s porch several weeks ago and logged it at headquarters—officials said it remains unclaimed.
They are urging anyone missing an urn or who knows someone to call 812-339-4477 for verification.
Indiana University’s Board of Trustees is now fully appointed by Gov. Mike Braun — after he removed three alumni-elected members in June and extended trustee W.
Quinn Buckner’s term, the board now includes nine members with rules requiring alumni and local residents. A governance committee led by James Bopp Jr. will hold a public meeting today at 9 a.m. — with a full board meeting scheduled for Dec. 5 at IU South Bend.
🏈 Sports
The IU Health Herald-Times Athlete of the Week poll invites Bloomington readers to vote on nominees for boys basketball preseason player of the year until noon on Thursday, Dec 4.
Last week’s winner—North girls basketball player Ashley Stegemoller—earned 51.2% of nearly 96,000 votes, and this week’s nominees include Austin Boltinghouse, Derrick Cross, Aiden Jones, and John Orman.
Indiana football is set as a 5.5 point underdog against Ohio State in the Big Ten title game this Saturday, Dec.
6—BetMGM has set an over/under of 48.5 points. This is the lowest point spread for Indiana in recent matchups, highlighting a rare betting line compared to previous heavy favorites.
On Friday night, Indiana defeated Purdue 56-3 as its rushing attack gained 355 yards and five touchdowns—Roman Hemby recorded an 82-yard touchdown run.
The win boosts the team's momentum heading into the Big Ten Championship this Saturday.
Indiana football is expected to finish with a top 30 recruiting class as the Hoosiers hold 22 verbal commitments for the 2026 class (ranked 29th nationally by 247 Sports) following their first Big Ten Title game appearance under coach Curt Cignetti.
The program is building on its success since 2024 to strengthen the team for upcoming contests.
Indiana football is predicted to earn a first round bye and a No. 3 seed in the CFP when final rankings are released on Dec.
7—Coach Cignetti said the team earned its spot with a perfect season and wins over top teams. If outcomes hold, the Hoosiers will advance directly to the quarterfinals and then face Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.
🎉 Bloomington Events
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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.
Family New Year’s Eve Bash
4-9 p.m. — Dave & Buster's Bloomington — Ticket required — Celebrate early with games, food, and a festive family countdown to 2026!
🏠 Bloomington Real Estate
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📣 Bloomington Announcements
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