Good morning, Bloomington.

Mama Dukes Hawaiian Barbeque opened its College Mall shop near Hot Topic today, serving Spam musubis, breakfast croissants, beef sliders and kalua pig sliders during the mall’s holiday hours (3-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays); the store will expand to become the Hawaii Snack Shop with local Hawaiian treats.

Starting today, visitors can get a truckload of firewood for $10 by cutting down trees at Shakamak State Park, 50 miles west of Bloomington.

Permits are sold Monday-Friday at the park office from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.—proceeds support restoration efforts.

College Avenue south of Third Street will be closed for road and sidewalk work from Jan.

26 to Feb. 12 to install a skybridge that will connect the existing and expanded convention center; detour routes will be clearly marked for drivers and pedestrians. The city-approved plan is part of the $71 million project.

Indiana University will install naloxone boxes in all 19 Bloomington residence halls, the student union, and key gyms in spring 2026 so that community members can quickly access overdose reversal medication, with funding from a nearly $18,000 private donation (and IU Foundation support).

Monroe County saw nearly $200M in five major real estate transactions over the past year, including a $71M luxury student apartment complex sale and a $42M nursing home deal.

The city bought the historic Kohr Building for $32M and will remodel it into affordable housing set to open in June 2026.

The B Square is reporting new property transfers in Monroe County from Nov.

24 to Dec. 16 using data from Beacon. The update includes several transactions such as a $770,000 sale at 728 W Dixie ST, and future reports will be published every Sunday.

Nick Dorn contributed 15 points in 19 minutes for IU in a Dec.

21 win over Chicago State as he steadily recovers from a foot injury. Coach Darian DeVries said Dorn’s improved defense & rebounding signals a promising return this season.

Indiana's women basketball team won 71-44 against Western Carolina at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Sunday; coach Teri Moren said the bench must improve after its 17 points – an effort that ranked 347th nationally.

Sophomore Phoenix Stotijn led the bench with 11 points and a season-high 29 minutes.

Indiana men's basketball hosts Siena University today at 6 p.m. in Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall for its final nonconference game before a 13-day break.

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.

Dylan Ryan Performance

6:30-9:30 a.m. — The Orbit Room — $13.60 — Enjoy a morning filled with live music from the Benton / Myers / Garber Trio and Dylan Ryan.