Today
in Bloomington
Thursday, December 18th, 2025
Good morning, Bloomington. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 18th of December.
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ John Mellencamp's four songs and his son Hud's narration will feature in the documentary 'Saving the Hoosier: The Fight for America's Forests', a film in production that spotlights activists fighting logging + burning in Indiana’s only national forest, which stretches south of Bloomington to the Ohio River. The Herald-Times
- ➤ A local columnist shares five music records that capture winter’s moods to help residents cope with cold, dark days, detailing each album’s unique, soothing qualities for indoor comfort during the season. Indiana Daily Student
ENVIRONMENT NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington Energy Works offered free energy audits for building owners and homeowners starting Dec. 10. The program partners with local energy consultants and nonprofit Electrify Indiana to guide clean energy projects (including solar systems, LED lighting and smart temperature controls) that support the city's Climate Action Plan to reduce emissions. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Monroe County residents can recycle natural Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands from Dec. 26 through Jan. 17 at five Waste Reduction District centers; trees must have decorations removed and will be chipped into mulch while artificial trees will not be accepted. The Herald-Times
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Indiana officials are preparing SNAP participants and retailers for new restrictions that will ban using government food assistance for sugary drinks and candy starting Jan. 1. Retailers must update point-of-sale systems & train staff on the new rules ahead of the change. The Herald-Times
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Bloomington wastewater data from WastewaterSCAN indicated SARS‑CoV‑2 peaked above 1 billion copies on Nov. 3 and dropped to 320 million on Dec. 11—levels well above the national average. Local health providers such as IU Health and CVS offer free COVID‑19 vaccinations and boosters at several Bloomington sites. Indiana Daily Student
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the first Hoosier to win the Heisman Trophy Saturday during an emotional ceremony in New York City — his win caps a journey from transferring schools to leading a 12-0 season and winning a Big Ten Championship. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Indiana volleyball welcomed middle blocker Keondreya Granberry (a Tennessee transfer who averaged nearly 2 kills per set) as it rebuilds after its Sweet 16 loss on Dec. 12. The team will also add three top-ranked freshmen before the transfer portal closes Jan. 5. Indiana Daily Student
- ➤ Former Indiana coach Tom Allen told reporters he texted with former players after the No. 1 Hoosiers won their first Big Ten title since 1967, and he praised the school for investing in football under coach Curt Cignetti as the team heads into the Pinstripe Bowl. The Herald-Times
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Freedom is what you do with what's been done to you.
~ Jean-Paul Sartre
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