Good morning, Bloomington.

The City reopened the Rail Trail crossing on South Rogers St with new safety improvements — pending fixes including RRFB activation will be completed in early 2026.

Meanwhile, a new 0.1-mile section of the B-Line Trail connecting to North Adams Street is now open, extending the trail to 3.2 miles.

On Dec. 10, volunteers at the Salvation Army in Bloomington packed Angel Tree gift bags for 400 families who registered since Oct.

1; donors delivered toys during open hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (Volunteer Kaya Jackson plans to return Dec. 13 to help).

Nominations are open for the Annual Women’s Awards, recognizing local women & girls who drive positive change; submissions are due by Friday, Jan.

30, and winners will be honored at the Women’s History Month Luncheon on Wednesday, March 25.

Families needing holiday gifts for children can visit the extra toy day event Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Monroe County Fairgrounds’ 4-H Building (5700 W.

Airport Road). Adults must bring photo ID and proof the child is not registered with another program.

Indiana University is exploring moving its Theatre, Drama and Contemporary Dance Department from the College of Arts and Sciences to the Jacobs School of Music, with changes expected to take effect in fall 2027.

Faculty and students will experience adjustments in leadership and admissions while academic protections remain in place.

Inter Miami CF selected Indiana men’s soccer junior defender Alex Barger with the 60th overall pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday—he recorded three career-high goals and two assists in 2025 while appearing 61 times for the Hoosiers.

Indiana volleyball seniors Candela Alonso-Corcelles and Avry Tatum retired after their final match Dec.

12 in Austin, Texas — a game that capped their record-setting careers and the program's winningest season. They set records and earned draft selections that left a lasting mark on Indiana volleyball.

Bloomington South senior Violet Hall (para-athlete) was named USA Track and Field's Female Athlete of the Year on Dec.

19 after filling out an All-American survey, and she later represented Team USA in India at the Para World Games.

Indiana Hoosiers fans lined up before gates opened at Memorial Stadium Friday afternoon to receive one of 10,000 free Rose Bowl rally towels identical to those in Pasadena.

The giveaway celebrated the team’s historic achievement since 1968 (a collector’s item that fans cherish).

Indiana baseball will add Matt Myers as assistant head and pitching coach for the 2026 season to fill the final coaching spot, replacing Dustin Glant.

Myers — who worked with head coach Jeff Mercer at Western Kentucky — brings more than 10 years of collegiate coaching experience.

Indiana football will face Alabama (its first matchup against the Crimson Tide) in the CFP quarterfinal on New Year's Day at 4:00 p.m. in Pasadena after Alabama’s 34-24 win over Oklahoma.

The game will focus on Alabama’s strong pass defense as the teams prepare for the contest.

Indiana University Archives has unboxed memorabilia from the 1968 Rose Bowl, including programs, tickets, shirts, and newspapers donated by alumni (evoking cherished memories).

IU fans recall that historic game as they now eagerly await the team's return to the bowl.

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.