Timothy Bird+FollowBloomington’s favorite tea and bakery hit by water woesCup & Kettle Tea Co. and Baked of Bloomington—two local staples—are temporarily closed after serious water damage gutted both shops. Cup & Kettle’s owner, Jessica Messmer, walked in before Christmas to find water pouring from the ceiling, leaving the store in ruins. She’s now selling teas online, hoping the community will rally around her again. Baked, set to celebrate its 20th anniversary, also faces months of repairs after a burst pipe. How do you think these closures will impact downtown life? Have you supported local businesses through tough times? Let’s talk about how we can help them bounce back! #Business #Bloomington #SupportLocal00Share
Jay Williams+FollowBloomington’s football dream season: Hoosiers riseBloomington just lived through a football fairytale. For years, Indiana was written off as a “basketball school,” but the past two seasons flipped the script. With Coach Curt Cignetti at the helm and Cal transfer Fernando Mendoza leading the charge, the Hoosiers stormed through the Big Ten, knocked off Oregon, and stunned Ohio State for their first outright conference title since the 1940s. Mendoza even brought home the Heisman! Now, Bloomington is buzzing as Indiana heads to the Rose Bowl as the nation’s top-ranked team. What do you think—has football finally found a permanent home in Hoosier Nation? #Sports #Football #Bloomington10Share
otaylor+FollowBloomington church reopens doors after fireAfter three months of uncertainty, First Christian Church is welcoming everyone back for Sunday services in downtown Bloomington—even as restoration continues. The historic sanctuary is still under repair, but the Great Hall is now open for worship and, just as importantly, for serving free breakfast to neighbors in need. Pastor Kyrmen Rea says this choice puts community first, showing that even after a major setback, the church’s mission to help others remains strong. How do you think a community’s priorities should shift after a crisis like this? #Religion #Bloomington #CommunityStrong00Share
Carrie Burnett+FollowBloomington’s wild year through local eyesSnowstorms shutting down Kirkwood, tornadoes tearing through Clear Creek, and the northern lights glowing over Monroe County—2025 in Bloomington was a year that tested everyone’s resilience. Jeremy Hogan’s photos capture not just the chaos of extreme weather and community struggles, but also the moments of hope: powwows, parades, and families gathering in new parks. Looking back, it’s clear how much our town endured and celebrated together. Which of these moments sticks with you most? How do you think these events shaped our community’s spirit this year? #Entertainment #Painting #Bloomington00Share
Pamela Marshall+FollowBloomington’s First Christian Church bounces backAfter a devastating fire in October, First Christian Church in Bloomington is proving that a community is more than just its building. Even with the sanctuary closed for repairs, Sunday services and the weekly Welcome Table Breakfast for those in need are still happening—now in the Great Hall. The congregation has rallied, raising over $835,000 for restoration and upgrades, and is focused on serving neighbors first. Despite challenges, the church’s spirit is unshaken. How do you think a community’s identity changes when its gathering place is disrupted? #Religion #Bloomington #CommunityStrong00Share
Shelly Powell+FollowInside Bloomington’s $5M mansion dealA $5 million mansion sale in Bloomington just set a new bar for Monroe County real estate, and it’s not just the price that’s turning heads. The property, once owned by the family of former NFL quarterback Rex Grossman, features over 12,000 square feet, a private lake, and a pool house that’s basically a second home. What’s wild is that two families with deep sports ties were involved in the deal—one with IU football roots, the other with pro baseball connections. Meanwhile, the median home price in Bloomington sits at $288,000. How do you feel about these sky-high sales? Is this good for the community or just driving up prices for everyone else? #RealEstate #Bloomington #HomeSales00Share
mary01+FollowBloomington’s Dave & Buster’s is still a blastA year after opening, Dave & Buster’s in Bloomington is still the go-to spot for food, games, and massive screens—so much so that even the staff hang out there on their days off. Whether you’re into arcade classics, giant prize hauls, or want to try the wild Human Crane (yes, you get dunked into a pit of inflatable sharks), there’s always something new to check out. Locals from college students to boomers are making it their hangout. What’s your favorite way to spend a night at D&B? Have you tried the Human Crane yet? #Food #Bloomington #DaveAndBusters10Share
Alexander Black+FollowBloomington kids get surprise bikes for the holidaysForty local kids had their holiday dreams come true when a curtain dropped at the Crestmont Boys & Girls Club, revealing rows of brand-new bikes and helmets—each tagged with a child’s name. Bloomington attorney Ken Nunn, with help from retired firefighter Lee Chapman and community partners, made this joyful moment possible for the 15th year in a row. Over 500 bikes have been given away since the tradition began. The excitement in the gym was contagious, with kids riding laps and even popping wheelies. What’s your favorite way to give back during the holidays? #Cars #Bloomington #CommunityGiving00Share
Nicole Morgan+FollowIU football’s Big Red Fan Van is back!Bloomington is buzzing as Chris Lamb’s iconic Big Red Fan Van is rolling through town again, fueled by IU football’s best season in decades. Lamb, a die-hard Hoosier, bought the old IU surplus van for just $1,100 and transformed it into a rolling shrine—complete with red carpet and a church pew! For years, it was just another van around town, but now, with IU heading to the Rose Bowl, it’s become a local legend. Have you spotted the van or have your own favorite fan ride? Let’s hear your stories! #Cars #IUFootball #Bloomington00Share
gregorybrown+FollowJoshua Bell’s roots: From Indiana to global stagesJoshua Bell, one of the world’s most celebrated violinists, grew up right here in Bloomington, Indiana, with a fascinating family background—his mom’s side has deep Jewish roots, including a grandfather born in what’s now Israel and a grandmother from Minsk. Bell’s journey from local talent to music director of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields is a reminder of how diverse heritage and hometown support can shape global success. How do you think our own community can nurture the next generation of artists? #News #JoshuaBell #Bloomington00Share
