Thursday, December 4th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 4th of December.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Banneker Community Center, which is celebrating 110 years (established in 1915), offers free afterschool programs, a food pantry, and an urban garden to help local residents. Reimagining Opera for Kids will host a free family event with interactive arts Saturday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Herald-Times
- ➤ A memorial fundraiser honoring Judi Epp will be held on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 2 p.m. at 17 E. Franklin St (Spencer Pride commUnity Center) to celebrate her legacy in advancing local equality and inclusion. Donations will be accepted through the Spencer Pride Fund via the Owen County Community Foundation. The Herald-Times
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Local Starbucks United baristas picketed on Indiana Avenue on December 2 and 3, demanding predictable schedules, safe staffing, and fair pay amid labor disputes (a push for improved work conditions) while some passersby expressed mixed reactions. The Bloomingtonian
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hayes Trail is a 2.5-mile path in the Hoosier National Forest that offers a scenic hike with stream crossings, woodland views, and a 250-ft ascent to a ridge with valley views. Accessible via Ind. 446 and Hays Road (10 miles from Bloomington), it provides a quiet escape into nature. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Aaron Biggs has been named the Recreation Services General Manager by Bloomington Parks and Recreation today, and he will oversee the city's community events and health initiatives. Biggs, an IU graduate, brings local experience — having served at Chocolate Moose Company and Twin Lakes Recreation Center. City of Bloomington
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Indiana University and Eli Lilly signed a five-year deal to invest up to $40 million to expand clinical trials and research on Alzheimer’s, diabetes and cancer while building a top research system and training local talent. The initiative is led by IU LAB + key health partners. Indiana University
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Thousands expect downtown Indianapolis to host the Big Ten championship game between Indiana University & Ohio State on Saturday, Dec. 6, with fans in scarlet & crimson joining the event. The Big Ten Fan Fest at the Indiana Convention Center will offer interactive games & food on Friday and Saturday. WTHR
- ➤ Indiana volleyball clinched a spot in the NCAA Tournament after finishing the season 23-7 — earning a No. 4 seed in its first appearance in 15 years. They will face Toledo at 5:30 p.m. today at Wilkinson Hall in Bloomington. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Twenty-seven local wrestlers at South, North, Edgewood and Owen Valley are ready for the IHSAA season as returning veterans join promising newcomers. Coaches note weight class changes and injury recoveries — factors that set the stage for a competitive year ahead. The Herald-Times
- ➤ Shay Ciezki led Indiana to a 71-53 win over Western Michigan yesterday, scoring 26 points and showing improved efficiency. The Hoosiers will face Illinois Saturday as she steps into a greater offensive role (boosting her chances for a standout season). Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ The Indiana women’s basketball team rallied from a 20+15 first-quarter deficit to beat Western Michigan 71-53 at Simon Skjdot Assembly Hall in Bloomington on Wednesday. Coach Teri Moren said limited practice after the previous loss contributed to the slow start. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ John Mellencamp (a Bloomington resident and IU fan) was filmed on Kirkwood Ave on Dec. 2 for a 60 Minutes segment about IU football as local crews captured his walk past restaurants; he exchanged fist bumps with residents while the Hoosiers will face Ohio State on Saturday. The Bloomingtonian
- ➤ Superfan Todd Reid, who has battled liver cancer and leukemia, finds hope in IU football and will watch the Big Ten Championship game Saturday from home; his collection of IU memorabilia shows decades-long pride + resilience. WTHR
- ➤ Edgewood boys basketball relies on trio Caden Jones, AJ Norris + Reece Roberts to lead a team rebuilding with mostly sophomore and junior players after losing six seniors. The Mustangs will kick off their season Friday versus Cloverdale while a December 16 game against Martinsville is set at Edgewood. The Herald-Times
-
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.
~ Albert Einstein
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