Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, August 23, 2025. We’re waking up to a hot, humid stretch, with highs expected in the mid-90s again and a heat advisory in effect for Marion County until 7 tonight. If you’re heading outdoors, especially for any community events or just to take the kids to Garfield or Broad Ripple parks, please remember to stay hydrated and limit strenuous activity during peak afternoon sun.
A serious story tops our local news this morning. On the city’s north side, a 44-year-old pilot and Purdue graduate named Anto Gwyn was killed in a small plane crash barely 90 seconds after takeoff. The cause is still under investigation, but the aviation community is feeling this loss deeply. As authorities comb through the crash data, we’re reminded of the complexities and risks in private aviation and the importance of ongoing pilot training and safety.
A shooting at an apartment complex, reportedly occurring during a party at an unregistered short-term rental, left a teenager dead over the weekend on Westlane Road. City leaders remind us that all rental owners are required to register with Indianapolis to improve safety and accountability. The property involved wasn't registered, and the city is investigating whether it will face consequences. If listeners notice unfamiliar rentals in their neighborhoods, the city is urging us all to report any safety concerns. Short-term rental compliance has become a real public safety issue, and community input is helping shape the response.
Turning to city hall, the Indianapolis City-County Council made headlines last night by denying a tax exemption for several church-owned properties. This marks the end of years of debate and could shift millions in potential tax revenue back to public services. And while on the subject of land use, a heated council committee meeting advanced Google’s plan for a massive data center in Franklin Township. Neighbors say they’re worried about property values, water usage, and environmental impact, and the final vote comes up in September. That meeting saw some of the loudest public pushback we’ve heard this year, with longtime residents making passionate pleas to have their voices included as the city weighs the deal.
On the transit front, IndyGo riders are facing the first fare increase in over a decade following a unanimous vote by the board this week. The change is aimed at keeping routes funded, but some are worried about the impact on low-income commuters. Meanwhile, AES Indiana’s plan to hike electric rates is still up in the air, with two more public hearings on the calendar next week and written comments due September second. Local officials like Councilor Kristin Jones are urging the commission to rethink another price jump, pointing out that people are still reeling from the last increase.
Real estate and schools are making news as well: Indianapolis Public Schools are moving forward with plans to sell two buildings—Francis Bellamy School to Voices Corp, a nonprofit, for around 550 thousand dollars, and the old Raymond Brandes school, which is being offered to charter schools for just one dollar. Over at Purdue, the university is launching new academic programs in Indianapolis to help fill workforce gaps, a move that’s hoped to supply local employers with skilled graduates and boost job prospects for our young people.
A quick sports update: The Indiana Fever fell in a high-energy matchup against the Minnesota Lynx last night. Jess Shepard from the Lynx grabbed her first career triple-double, while the Fever’s rookie squad showed heart but came up short. High school football teams across the city are launching their new seasons, and we have coaches and parents from Pike and Warren Central already reporting some impressive showings on the field.
Looking for something fun, but safe, to do? The much-anticipated FIESTA Indianapolis, the city’s 44th annual celebration of Latin culture, has unfortunately been called off this year by organizers who decided safety comes first. For families still looking for local fun, the Garfield Park Arts Center is hosting a community mural painting this afternoon, and several farmers’ markets will be up and running if you want to shop local produce and crafts.
Before we close, we’d like to share a positive story from the east side where neighbors on 10th Street banded together to clean up a long-neglected playground. What started as a weekend project has now spun into a monthly volunteer tradition, and children who once avoided the area are back on the swings, a real reminder of the power of community spirit.
Thank you for starting your Saturday with us. Remember to subscribe for tomorrow’s updates on everything happening in Indy. This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai.
For more http://www.quietplease.ai
Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta