Good morning, Bloomington.

Salt Creek Inn in Brown County will host the Hotels for Homeless event on Christmas Eve, offering free motel rooms filled with treats and meals for more than 100 guests including pets.

A repurposed church bus will transport those in need from Bloomington, ensuring safe travel during winter.

AI data centers are increasing in Indiana, with over 80 active centers and 24 new ones planned.

Local groups worry that projects like Meta’s facility in Jeffersonville will raise utility bills & harm the environment, even though state leaders say they could create jobs.

Community members gathered at IU Sample Gates Monday evening in 24-degree weather for a postponed Hanukkah menorah lighting.

Rabbi Levi Cunin led the ceremony, mentioning the Bondi Beach attack and urging that darkness be met with light as supporters later joined for a group photo showing solidarity with Australia.

During the Fall semester, seven student organizations at the university lost event privileges under cease and desist orders as most faced hazing allegations that led to injuries and hospitalizations.

One group (the Palestine Solidarity Committee) later changed its name after disorderly conduct charges.

Indiana University researchers Julia van Kessel and Laura Brown run a coral lab (coral corral) to study quorum sensing in Vibrio, which may help fight antibiotic resistance and protect aquaculture species.

Their startup Quornix won an environmental award after developing promising infection-fighting molecules.

Monroe County road users will face lane restrictions on Old Ind.

37 North and Wampler Road from 7 a.m.+ on Dec. 15-19, while Stipp Road closes for guardrail work through Dec. 19 and Victor Pike is blocked from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Dec. 17-18 for a culvert replacement.

Monroe County officials delayed clearing the homeless encampment on Thomson property — a decision following community feedback — and law enforcement said the eviction originally set for Dec.

15 may be deferred until spring.

Bloomington now offers free Wi-Fi at Seminary Park (100 W.

2nd St.) and Hopewell Commons (630 S. Morton St.), providing speeds up to 100 Mbps. This expansion is part of the Digital Opportunity Strategic Plan announced Dec. 15 that helps residents stay connected.

A new ranking of College Football Playoff coaches released before today shows Indiana coach Curt Cignetti transforming the Hoosiers into a national powerhouse with a top playoff seed after winning the Big Ten championship, while Georgia’s Kirby Smart and Ohio State’s Ryan Day lead the elite group.

South senior Val Bunde repeated as the Herald-Times Girls Soccer Player of the Year today by finishing with 22 goals and 20 assists and a career-best performance.

She has committed to play NCAA Division III soccer at Brandeis and will take her talent beyond the local pitch.

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.

Catalpa Concert Featuring This Burning Ghost

7-11 p.m. — The Orbit Room — Ticket prices vary — Experience the melodic tunes of Sean South by Catalpa and dive into the world of live music.

WFIU's The Soul Kitchen Dance Party

6:30 p.m. — Franklin Hall — Free entry — A vibrant evening of soul, funk, and music, featuring a dance lesson and DJ set.