Good morning, Bloomington.

Friday, Dec. 12, Blockhouse Bar hosted a lively Latin jazz dance party where a 20-piece big band led by trombonist Vick Luna filled the venue and boosted the local music scene.

Local governments in southern Indiana are considering Intergovernmental Support Agreements with NSA Crane to share resources and cut costs amid tight budgets, officials said on Dec.

12. The partnerships could boost economic growth by streamlining services & generating new revenue streams.

After leading Indiana to a perfect season & Big Ten Championship win, redshirt junior Fernando Mendoza was honored with the Davey O’Brien Award Friday night; the impressive 71.5% completion rate, 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns have made him a favorite to be the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy.

Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza grew emotional while reading a heartfelt letter from his mother (who has battled multiple sclerosis).

He shared the note in New York after the Big Ten title game and helped local fans raise nearly $30,000 in a week for the MS Society.

Indiana football quarterback Fernando Mendoza, a top NFL draft prospect, said he is focusing on the College Football Playoffs and the Hoosiers instead of draft speculation after addressing the topic during his New York visit on Friday.

Indiana men’s soccer senior forward Palmer Ault was named to the United Soccer Coaches’ All-America second team on Friday—he tallied 16 goals and 10 assists in 19 matches and became the first Big Ten player to reach at least 15 goals and 10 assists since 2001.

Jacob Mitchell of North finished fifth at the IHSAA state final on Dec.

12 and earned his second Boys Cross Country Runner of the Year title. His performance (the second-fastest 5k in school history) reinforced his strong competitive record this season.

Indiana volleyball lost to Texas Friday at Gregory Gymnasium in Austin, Texas after the Longhorns blocked the team’s pin hitters and forced 23 attacking errors.

Despite the loss, Indiana broke several records this season with a 25-8 overall record and its second NCAA regional semifinal.

Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti became the first to win consecutive Home Depot Coach of the Year awards by leading the Hoosiers to a 12+0 season and Big Ten Championship win over Ohio State.

They will face Oklahoma or Alabama in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.

Indiana football signed defensive coordinator Bryant Haines to a three-year extension worth about $3 million a year on Dec.

12, after a game in which his defense halted a major opponent & he became the first IU assistant to reach that salary milestone.

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!

Mama Said String Band with Chris Dollar

6-9 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Check for ticket prices — Enjoy live music from Mama Said String Band and Chris Dollar at a top-rated Bloomington venue.

2026 IU Winter ID Camp

5:00 a.m. to 4:59 a.m. — Mellencamp Pavilion, Bloomington, IN — Registration fee applies — A developmental camp for high school soccer players aiming for collegiate play.