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Indiana’s Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith sparked national controversy by claiming mosques shouldn’t be allowed to broadcast the call to prayer, calling it “words of death and destruction” and suggesting the state can ban such practices — a move critics say directly violates the First Amendment. Advocacy groups like CAIR condemned his remarks as fear-mongering and unconstitutional, while Beckwi...

A man was fatally shot in a downtown Indianapolis hotel parking lot just before 5 AM, sparking a chilling early-morning mystery. Police believe the shooter and victim knew each other — a key clue — but no suspect has been identified. The tragedy has shaken the community, leaving families grieving and raising urgent questions. Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward, as the i...

A woman tragically died after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding her scooter in downtown Indy’s crosswalk early Saturday morning. The driver fled the scene with no identification or contact info. Police are urgently seeking witnesses or anyone with information about the vehicle involved. Call Detective Adam Jones at 317-327-6549 or Crime Stoppers at 317-262-TIPS. This is an active i...

A giant 18-foot Muffler Man statue, Mr. Bendo, took a nasty hit from a car crash in March, damaging his leg and the wall behind him—so bad that parts were even spotted in a dumpster. But don’t worry, this historic roadside icon, one of only a few remaining “Bendo” branded statues dating back to 1965, is getting a full restoration in Virginia. A brief theft scare was averted when the top half was r...

Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis is calling for a pause on all new data center projects as the council prepares to debate new zoning rules — a move sparked by residents demanding stricter regulations, including bigger buffer zones, tighter noise controls, and neighborhood compensation. With unresolved questions about data center impacts, Lewis argues a cautious review is ess...

Did you know you might be owed a tax refund from pandemic-era penalties? A federal court ruled that millions of taxpayers shouldn’t have been slapped with late-filing fines during the official disaster period — from January 20, 2020, to July 11, 2023. If you paid interest or penalties during that time, you could be eligible for a refund — but you must act fast. The deadline to file your claim is J...

The Black Festival of Joy returns for its fifth year this Saturday at Riverside Park, bringing live music, free activities, and fresh new initiatives like “Health as Joy” with free wellness screenings and “Naptown Votes” to help you register to vote. This year’s theme celebrates resilience and joy, shifting focus from struggle to strength and community spirit. The event runs from 3 PM to 9:30 PM a...

A deadly chase in Michigan City, Indiana, turned into a high-stakes manhunt after an armed suspect fired on officers during a pursuit and later killed a state trooper in a cornfield. Sergeant Justin Heflin, a 12-year veteran and Marine Corps vet, survived surgery and is recovering. The suspect, 54-year-old Kevin Meyers, was found dead after officers cornered his truck in a wooded area. Authorities...

The Supreme Court just ended Temporary Protected Status for Haitians, threatening deportation for 350,000 people who’ve built lives, paid taxes, and contributed to U.S. communities — just as Haiti reels from violence, hunger, and chaos. This decision echoes centuries of exploitation and disregard for Haiti’s struggles, sparking backlash even from some Republicans who see the human cost. Behind eve...

A 14-year-old girl, Kathya Rodriguez, vanished from her Indianapolis apartment complex and is now feared missing under dangerous circumstances. Police initially had no indication of danger, but new evidence has shifted their assessment — prompting a high-priority Indiana Silver Alert. Kathya, 4’9”, 99 lbs, with brown hair and eyes, was last seen near 2100 Waterford Place. Authorities are urgently...

A 14-year-old girl, Kathya Rodrigo, went missing in Indianapolis and police are now urgently searching for her — last seen near Waterford Place wearing a gray hoodie, blue jeans, and sandals with socks. Initially thought to be a minor disappearance, authorities now fear she may be in danger. If you saw her or have any leads, contact IMPD immediately — every tip could help bring her home safely. Li...

Fatal Crash in Indianapolis Under Investigation | Indianapolis News

A fire erupted in Zionsville, Indiana, at a vacant former antique shop—investigators believe someone deliberately set an Israeli flag ablaze, sparking a blaze that could cost over $150,000. The FBI is now probing whether it’s a hate crime, as the building had flown both American and Israeli flags for years. No one was injured, but the mayor condemned the act as “appalling and repugnant,” stressing...

Gas prices are surging as geopolitical tensions with Iran escalate—President Trump declares the ceasefire over, sparking fears of oil supply disruptions and higher pump costs. Indiana’s average gas price hit $3.27, up 20 cents in a week, as military activity ramps up and Trump hints at re-blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Lawmakers like Rep. André Carson call the conflict “bogus” and warn of our depe...

Summer fun turns deadly fast—drowning is the top killer of kids ages 1-4. The American Red Cross delivers lifesaving tips: always get permission before jumping in, supervise with a strong swimmer, use Coast Guard-approved life jackets, keep rescue gear handy, and follow “reach and throw, don’t go.” If you’re struggling, conserve energy and signal for help. Learn CPR, pack a first aid kit, and take...

Council President Maggie Lewis is pushing for a temporary pause on new data center construction to give the city time to assess long-term impacts—without halting already-approved projects. Backed by key council members including Vice President John Barth, Councilor Andy Nielsen, and even former supporter Ron Gibson, who’s focused on utility costs and developer accountability, the proposal aims to...

Kwesi R’Mani’s new creative hub, Untitled…, is more than just a venue—it’s a bold statement of community, creativity, and cultural resilience. Nestled in a repurposed horse and carriage factory in Fountain Square, this space invites artists, thinkers, and dreamers to gather, create, and celebrate Black joy amid rising gentrification. From poetry nights to Juneteenth Juke Joints, Untitled… pulses w...

Indianapolis is launching a faith-based drama academy for kids and teens ages 8 to 18, blending acting, singing, and dancing with spiritual growth and character development. Led by Audience of One Theatre Ministry, the program offers a comprehensive curriculum rooted in biblical principles, culminating in a live musical performance called “The Born Again Identity” in early September. Registration...

Sheila E. headlines the grand finale of the Indy Jazz Fest 2026, with MonoNeon, Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, and Brandon Meeks joining the stacked lineup. Running September 22–26, the festival brings local, national, and international jazz talent across Indianapolis via its “All Around Town” model, plus a newly restored ARTSPARK exhibit. Kick off your weekend with Sunset Series shows at The Jazz K...

A judge has sided with Governor Mike Braun, granting him sole authority to appoint Indiana University’s board of trustees — effectively stripping alumni of their voting power. The move stems from a 2023 law targeting IU’s unique trustee election system, which the ACLU challenged as unconstitutional. The court ruled it lawful, citing IU as the only public university in Indiana with alumni-elected t...

A 62-year-old man, Wadie Harwood, faces a serious felony charge after leaving his dog in a sweltering car at a Wal-Mart—where temperatures soared past 120 degrees. Despite police and animal control efforts, the dog was too stressed to be safely removed until Harwood finally emerged hours later. With a prior conviction, this case carries a Level Six Felony charge, underscoring the gravity of animal...

A tragic shooting in Indianapolis’ south side left one man dead after he fled in his car, crashing into a transformer and trees before police found him in the driver’s seat. Neighbors heard gunfire but saw no signs of a confrontation. Authorities are still investigating, with no suspect or motive identified, calling it an isolated incident. Community members are devastated, pleading for peace and...

Zionsville, Indiana, is reeling after a suspected arson attack early July 10th destroyed a building on Main Street, with investigators pointing to an intentionally set fire targeting an Israeli flag — a symbolic act the mayor calls an attack on the entire community. No accelerants found, but security footage suggests deliberate sabotage, not accident. The FBI is assisting local police as they comb...

Indianapolis City-County Council President Maggie Lewis is pushing for a hard stop on new data center construction, proposing a moratorium amendment set for a July 13th committee vote — a move sparked by concerns that proposed zoning rules are too weak to protect residents. While the Metropolitan Development Commission moves forward with new standards, critics like Citizens Action Coalition argue...

A judge has denied bail for Kevin Singh, the man accused of stalking Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, keeping him locked up with $40K cash bail, GPS monitoring, and home detention. Facing serious charges including stalking, intimidation, and harassment — after sending explicit threats and attempting to deliver a package to her at the arena — Singh’s history of legal trouble and prior court vi...