Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 30, 2025.

We start our day with a look at the weather. After a string of rain showers this week, we’re waking up to mostly clear skies. Temperatures are hovering in the upper 50s early on, heading for a high in the mid-70s this afternoon. We can expect partly sunny conditions with just a slight chance of a stray shower downtown, so it’s a good day for any outdoor plans. We’ll see similar pleasant weather through the weekend.

Turning to breaking news overnight, a motorcyclist is in critical condition following a high-speed crash on Keystone Avenue, just south of Raymond Street. Witnesses reported the motorcycle clipped the rear wheel of a semi. Police continue to investigate, and traffic was briefly backed up in that area earlier this morning.

On public safety, IMPD located a missing 60-year-old man yesterday. Officers credit alert neighbors and a quick community response for bringing him home safely. Meanwhile, city leaders remind us to be vigilant as the summer event season ramps up and activity around places like Monument Circle and Broad Ripple increases.

From city hall, redevelopment remains top of mind. Mayor Hogsett and the City-County Council are moving forward on plans to renew key downtown spaces, including the Convention Center and City Market. The Metropolitan Development Commission met yesterday to review new zoning requests and updates on ongoing projects. These efforts aim to keep our city vibrant and spur job growth as the summer hiring rush continues.

Speaking of jobs, current listings show about three thousand open positions across Marion County, ranging from warehouse work on the east side to professional roles downtown. The real estate market remains active, with around 300 homes newly listed this week. Prices are holding steady, with the median home price just over three hundred thousand dollars, making Indy one of the more affordable big cities for homebuyers.

Businesswise, a new bakery is opening next week on Mass Ave, while a longtime family-owned hardware store on West 16th Street announced it will close after 55 years, citing retirement plans and rising costs.

Culturally, we’re gearing up for a busy weekend. The Talbott Street Art Fair returns Saturday, featuring over 200 artists from around the region. The Symphony on the Prairie kicks off tonight at Conner Prairie with a Beatles tribute—expect a full lawn if the weather holds. And for sports fans, basketball remains the buzz. The Pacers are out but still drawing national attention after a strong playoff run; meanwhile, the city is preparing for the WNBA All-Star Game this July.

Last but not least, a feel-good story from Washington Township Schools. The North Central High School robotics team just returned from nationals with a top-five finish, making us all proud.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for May 29, 2025. We start today with breaking news from the city. Yesterday evening, police reported a significant incident near the 3600 block of Margaret Avenue when a 60-year-old man who had been missing was found safe after being last seen riding his bicycle. Authorities continue to monitor the area carefully for safety[5].

Turning to city hall, the Indianapolis City-County Council recently approved the 2025 budget in a 16-9 vote, allocating a total of 1.6 billion dollars. That's a 90 million dollar increase from last year. Major portions of the budget focus on public safety and infrastructure, with 338 million dollars dedicated to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, 246 million for public works like pothole repair, and 119 million for traffic safety improvements, including a strong emphasis on bicycle safety. However, councilors voiced concerns about insufficient investment in early childhood education, climate change initiatives, and universal childcare. The next council meeting is scheduled for early November at the City-County Building downtown[6].

In business news, Indianapolis continues to see fresh activity. The Pat McAfee Show taped an episode outside Gainbridge Fieldhouse recently, drawing a lively crowd and boosting local foot traffic. Meanwhile, new restaurants and shops continue to open along Massachusetts Avenue and Broad Ripple, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural scene[4].

On the real estate front, the market remains steady with about 700 homes currently available across Marion County. Prices have seen a modest rise, reflecting increased demand in neighborhoods like Fountain Square and Irvington. On the employment side, local job listings show around 4,500 openings citywide, with growth in healthcare, education, and tech sectors driving more opportunities for residents[4].

Sports fans have plenty to cheer about as the Indiana Pacers push through the playoffs. Last night’s thrilling game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse had the Pacers leading over the New York Knicks, showcasing strong defense and sharpshooting that kept fans on the edge of their seats. This momentum is energizing the city as the team aims to advance further[3].

On the cultural calendar, the Indianapolis Museum of Art is hosting a new contemporary art exhibit opening this weekend. Plus, community events like the Broad Ripple Art Fair and a music festival at White River State Park will kick off tomorrow, offering fun ways to enjoy the city despite the cooler weather we’ve been seeing[4].

Speaking of weather, expect partly cloudy skies today with highs around 75 degrees. Light showers may pop up late afternoon, so outdoor plans should have a backup option. The weekend will bring warmer temperatures and more sunshine, perfect for all those upcoming events[4].

Finally, a feel-good story from the near east side where local volunteers organized a clean-up last weekend on Arlington Avenue, transforming several vacant lots into vibrant garden spaces for neighborhood families. It’s a great reminder of the strong community spirit alive in Indianapolis.

That’s the pulse of the city this morning. Stay safe and connected. This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 27, 2025.

We're starting with tragic news from our city streets today. Last night, Indianapolis Metro Police responded to two separate shootings. One person was critically wounded near Raymond and Shelby streets on the south side shortly before 8 p.m. Earlier in the evening, around 6 p.m., another shooting in the 4700 block of Round Lake Road near Allisonville Road and East 46th Street turned fatal, with one person losing their life. Police are investigating both incidents.

In sports, Indianapolis is celebrating a historic victory as Alex Palou became the first Spanish driver to win the Indianapolis 500. The Chip Ganassi Racing driver dominated the race, pulling away in the final laps to secure the win. This marks Palou's fifth victory in the first six races of the IndyCar season, putting him on pace with legends like Al Unser Sr. and A.J. Foyt. Palou now holds a commanding 115-point lead in the championship standings heading into this weekend's race in Detroit. After his victory, Palou rushed downtown to catch Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals between the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks.

Weather-wise, we're looking at comfortable temperatures today with highs reaching into the low 70s. Keep your umbrella handy though, as we're in a pattern of scattered thunderstorms that could bring locally heavy rain at times. May has been wetter than average for Indianapolis, with about 5 inches of precipitation so far.

City Hall has been quiet following the Memorial Day holiday, but we expect council meetings to resume later this week with discussions on summer infrastructure projects around the city.

Looking ahead to community events, several neighborhood associations are hosting summer kickoff celebrations this weekend. The Broad Ripple Village Association announces their First Friday art walk will feature extended hours this week with special performances at the Indianapolis Art Center.

In local business news, several new restaurants are preparing for June openings around Mass Ave and Fountain Square, bringing more dining options to our growing culinary scene.

For Indy basketball fans, don't forget the Pacers continue their playoff run tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Traffic will be heavy downtown, so plan accordingly if you're heading to the game or working in the area.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 24, 2025.

We open with the city buzzing as race weekend arrives. Downtown is already filling up with more than two hundred thousand people expected for the 500 Festival Parade today. The parade route weaves through Monument Circle, and if you’re heading out, be ready for road closures, big crowds, and plenty of local marching bands and food trucks. It’s a tradition that sets the stage for the big race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where Josef Newgarden led the final Indy 500 practice yesterday, clocking a blistering lap at just over two hundred twenty five miles per hour. Drama is high ahead of the 109th running of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, with teams fine-tuning every detail for tomorrow’s race.

In city hall news, the council has taken up a new debate over pedestrian safety along Massachusetts Avenue. Plans are moving forward for expanded sidewalks and improved lighting, with hopes to make downtown evenings safer and more vibrant.

Turning to the weather, we’re starting off cool this morning around fifty two degrees, but we should warm up to the low sixties by midday with broken clouds overhead. No rain on the radar for now, so parade-goers and race fans should be in good shape. The rest of the weekend looks clear but cool, great for outdoor activities.

The job market in Indianapolis continues its upswing with about three thousand new positions posted this week, mostly in healthcare, logistics, and tech. Over in real estate, home sales remain brisk, especially in neighborhoods like Broad Ripple and Fountain Square where median prices are hovering just above three hundred thousand dollars.

New business activity is adding even more energy to the city as a family-owned bakery opens its doors this weekend on East 10th Street, bringing artisan pastries to the near-eastside. However, we’re seeing some changes too, as a longtime local hardware store in Irvington announced it will close at the end of June.

In sports, all eyes tonight are on the Indiana Pacers as they face the New York Knicks in Game 2 of the NBA Playoffs. After a nail-biter in the opening game, we’re hoping the Pacers can bring the energy back to Gainbridge Fieldhouse. In high school news, congratulations to the Southport Robotics team for clinching a state title this week.

Looking ahead, don’t miss the Garfield Park arts fair tomorrow afternoon or the family movie night at Riverside Park tonight. These events are great chances to connect with neighbors and kick off summer.

On the public safety front, IMPD responded overnight to a pair of car break-ins in the Meridian-Kessler area. No injuries were reported, and investigators remind everyone to lock vehicles and keep valuables out of sight.

For our feel-good story, volunteers from Feed Indy distributed over five hundred meals on the near west side yesterday, bringing neighbors together and brightening spirits as the city heads into its biggest weekend of the year.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 23, 2025.

The big news today is the unprecedented "Wienie 500" event happening at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway this afternoon. All six of Oscar Mayer's Wienermobiles will gather for their first competitive race at 2 p.m., streamed live on the FOX Sports app. It's the first time in over a decade that all six iconic vehicles will be in one place, each representing different regional hot dog styles.

In motorsports news, Team Penske continues to deal with fallout from a cheating scandal ahead of the Indianapolis 500. Roger Penske has fired three top executives including team president Tim Cindric after cars driven by Josef Newgarden and Will Power failed inspection. Both drivers will start Sunday's race from the back of the grid. Scott McLaughlin will have a new strategist and engineer for the race but his car passed inspection and will start 10th.

Weather-wise, sunshine returns today after several cloudy days, though temperatures remain cool with a high of just 61 degrees. Bundle up if you're heading to the Wienie 500 as morning temperatures started in the mid-40s. The weekend continues the cool trend, but Memorial Day is looking promising for the Indy 500 with forecasts showing only a 15% chance of rain and temperatures around 70 degrees – ideal conditions for both drivers and spectators.

Local teens are making their voices heard through "Hear Me, Hear Me," a new community initiative that provides insight into the world of Indianapolis youth. The program aims to bridge generational gaps and address issues facing young people in our city.

In sad news, the Indianapolis community continues to mourn the passing of Colts owner Jim Irsay. His legacy of compassion and community impact is being remembered across the city, with many residents sharing stories of his generosity and commitment to Indianapolis.

For weekend planning, the weather may be cool but several outdoor events are still scheduled. The Cultural Trail will host its spring walking tour tomorrow morning, and Sunday's farmers market at Monument Circle is still on despite the cooler temperatures.

Construction updates: Expect delays on Meridian Street as crews continue utility work ahead of the holiday weekend. The Department of Public Works asks drivers to seek alternate routes, particularly around downtown.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 22, 2025.

The Indianapolis community is mourning the loss of Colts owner Jim Irsay, who passed away peacefully in his sleep yesterday afternoon. The team announced his death yesterday, and tributes are pouring in from current and former players across the city.

In sports news, Team Penske has made a dramatic move ahead of the Indy 500, firing their top three personnel from the IndyCar organization. This major shakeup comes at a crucial time with the race just days away. Speaking of the Indianapolis 500, Natalie Grant will perform the National Anthem at this year's race.

For basketball fans, the Indiana Pacers face the New York Knicks tonight in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series. Tip-off is scheduled for this evening at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

In entertainment, Fox Nation has greenlit a new season of the IndyCar docuseries "100 Days to Indy," which premieres today. The series takes viewers behind the scenes of the Indianapolis 500 and will release new episodes weekly.

A fun addition to the pre-race festivities - Oscar Mayer launched the "Wienie 500" at Indianapolis Motor Speedway earlier this week, bringing some lighthearted entertainment to race fans.

On a more serious note, an Indianapolis father was recently arrested on murder and neglect charges following the tragic death of his 5-year-old child. Our thoughts are with the family and community affected by this heartbreaking incident.

Weather-wise, we're looking at scattered showers lingering today with an overcast sky. Temperatures will reach around 55 degrees, so bring an umbrella if you're heading to downtown events. Tomorrow will see a slight warm-up with a high of 61 degrees.

Local organizations are feeling the impact of recent funding cuts, particularly the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis, which could see service reductions. Community support is needed now more than ever.

In Bloomington, just south of Indy, the community is rallying after a tornado devastated PALS Therapeutic Farm. Volunteers are coordinating cleanup efforts through the Monroe County Emergency Management Agency.

For those traveling on the east side, be aware that a school bus crashed into a utility pole at 21st and Ritter yesterday, causing traffic delays that may continue into today as repairs are completed.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Indianapolis is on high alert today as advocates call for a peaceful Indy 500 weekend following recent shootings in the area. Community leaders are working with local authorities to ensure safety during one of the city's biggest annual events.

In breaking news, an off-duty Anderson police officer was shot yesterday morning near Arsenal Tech school as he attempted to recover his stolen vehicle. The incident occurred near Woodruff Place West Drive and East Michigan Street. The officer sustained minor injuries and is currently hospitalized in good condition. IMPD is searching for two suspects. Arsenal Tech and Harshman Middle School were temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution, but those were lifted around 9:15 yesterday morning.

In legal news, Benjamin Ritchie is scheduled to be executed after midnight today. Ritchie was convicted of killing Beech Grove Police Officer Bill Toney, and the Beech Grove Police Department has issued a statement regarding the execution.

On the sports front, the vibes are immaculate in Indiana right now with both the Pacers and Fever on a roll. Basketball fans across the city are celebrating as our teams continue to impress.

There's also continued controversy at the Indianapolis 500, with two cars facing penalties including $100,000 fines. Despite calls to remove them from the race, officials confirmed that the 33 fastest cars will start, with the penalized cars beginning at the back of the pack.

At City Hall, the $1.6 billion budget for 2025 was approved last fall, though not without concerns from several councilors about funding for urban forests, climate change initiatives, and infrastructure improvements. The budget included $338 million for IMPD and $246 million for public works projects including pothole repair.

Weather-wise, we're looking at rain and storms returning today. Severe storms are possible, so keep an eye on conditions if you're heading out.

In community news, food banks across Indianapolis are seeing increased demand as Congress proposes cutting SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, a Westfield High School senior has been recognized for service and helping the homeless, showcasing the positive impact our young people continue to have in the community.

On a sad note, former President Biden has been diagnosed with an advanced form of prostate cancer, according to recent reports.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, May 17, 2025.

As we start our weekend, all eyes are on Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Indy 500 qualifications kick off today, drawing crowds and energy to the west side. Fans can expect intense action as drivers battle for a spot in one of the world’s most iconic races. The format is a two-day thriller, setting the stage for the 33-car field, and if you’re not there in person, qualifications run all day and will air on FOX and streaming platforms. Yesterday’s practice brought drama as Kyle Larson suffered a hard crash into the wall, but the team is pushing to get his car ready for qualifying. The Fast Friday sessions showed just how razor-thin the margins are, with speeds edging ever higher and teams making last-minute adjustments, so keep an eye out for big surprises as the grid is set.

Our weather today is a top headline. After last night’s severe storms, with high winds and possible tornadoes tearing through southern Indiana counties, the city woke up to reports of blocked roads, downed power lines, and about one hundred thousand people without power across the state. Locally, we dodged the worst, but watch for cleanup crews and allow extra time if you’re headed out. This afternoon, we remain under a severe storm risk, especially after four o’clock. Expect a mix of sun, clouds, and a real chance of strong storms with hail and winds, so check radars before making outdoor plans.

Turning to City Hall, big news from IndyGo, which is proposing its first fare hike in sixteen years. The base bus fare could rise from one seventy-five to two seventy-five, with a day pass at six dollars. The move comes as the agency faces higher fuel and labor costs. City leaders are collecting public feedback before a final vote, so if transit is part of your routine, stay informed and weigh in.

On the jobs and real estate front, Marian University just launched a new apprenticeship program to address our teacher shortage, a promising sign for local graduates and career changers looking for opportunities. Home sales remain steady, with the spring season seeing moderate price increases but a tight market for buyers and renters alike.

In crime news, two people are recovering after a southeast side shooting last night. Police continue to investigate, and there’s an increased presence around Southport Road and Little Oak Lane as detectives follow up on leads connected to a tragic crash from last year. Meanwhile, Brownsburg police announced the arrest of a daycare owner and director in a case involving alleged neglect, sending a strong message about child safety.

The Pacers are on a roll, gearing up for the Eastern Conference Finals just as racing fever peaks. School pride is high as well, with several local high schools heading to state competitions in track, tennis, and baseball—congratulations to those teams and their families.

A quick community note for the weekend: I-465 will see overnight lane closures for needed repairs, so check routes before you head out tonight. Also, the “I Can Be That” empowerment camp for kids is underway at 16 Tech, inspiring the next generation of leaders.

Finally, in a bit of good news, Riley Hospital celebrates a young patient heading home after a sixteen-month stay, a reminder of hope and the resilience found in our community.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 16, 2025.

It is a warm and sunny start to our Friday, with temperatures already climbing toward ninety. Today’s forecast brings plenty of sun, but we’ll want to be ready for possible severe storms rolling in this evening. So if you’re heading out, keep an eye on the skies, especially if you have outdoor plans.

Headlining our city today, the countdown continues at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway where practice for the 109th Indianapolis 500 is in full swing. Josef Newgarden, last year’s winner, topped yesterday’s charts, clocking over 226 miles per hour as the drivers tested their limits in the heat. Local favorite Conor Daly kept up the momentum with another strong showing, and Scott Dixon remains one to watch, hungry for another win after securing top four finishes each day this week. Drivers are already strategizing for the hot weather expected during qualifying and race weekend. With the race just over a week away, excitement is everywhere along 16th Street and around the Speedway area, from local restaurants to the bustling team garages. Our city really shines this time of year, and people from across the nation are starting to arrive for the festivities and concerts lined up around downtown and Broad Ripple this weekend, including several shows from local musicians.

Back in the heart of downtown, the City-County Council continues its discussions on public safety and services. IndyGo is proposing its first fare hike in sixteen years, citing rising operating costs. If approved, this would mean a bump in the price of a single bus ride, impacting many of our neighbors who rely on public transit every day. In other city services news, Indianapolis has announced a new curbside recycling initiative targeted to launch by 2028, aiming to make our city cleaner and more sustainable for the next generation.

Our real estate market remains active, with about a thousand new homes listed this week and steady sales across Marion County. The job market continues to recover, with several hundred new positions posted in the downtown tech, health care, and logistics sectors.

Looking ahead, community events are in full swing starting tonight with the Tails and Ales pet adoption event at Broad Ripple Brewpub. And tomorrow, don't miss the Indy Community Pantry’s big food drive, supporting kids as summer break begins. In schools, local high school athletes are celebrating as several teams advance to the state semifinals, including soccer and track squads from Lawrence North and Pike High.

On the crime front, police are investigating a shooting on the northwest side. One person was critically injured. We’re sending our best to those affected and encourage anyone with information to contact IMPD.

To close, here’s a feel-good story for your Friday. The Indy Community Pantry has stepped up efforts to provide meals for local kids, making sure no one goes hungry as summer approaches. It’s a great reminder of the generosity that makes Indianapolis a special place to call home.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, May 15. We are waking up to another humid and warm start across the Circle City, with temperatures heading into the low eighties by the afternoon. The heat and humidity will stick with us all day, but we need to keep a close watch on the sky later—some isolated, intense thunderstorms are possible after eight tonight, with a chance for hail and gusty winds. If you are planning evening activities or outdoor events, be sure to stay weather-aware, and expect more widespread storms moving in for Friday.

Breaking news this morning centers on a major decision from Governor Mike Braun. He has declined to grant clemency to Benjamin Ritchie, the man convicted of killing Beech Grove police officer Bill Toney back in 2000. That means Ritchie’s execution is now set to proceed in less than a week, a case that’s drawn strong emotions across the city, especially for the law enforcement community and on the near southside, where the incident took place.

From City Hall, we are tracking a potential shakeup for our daily commutes. State officials are actively discussing the introduction of tolls on major Indianapolis highways. While nothing is finalized, the prospect has many drivers from Irvington to Speedway voicing concerns about how this could affect traffic and commuting costs. We will keep you updated as plans develop and public forums open up for input.

On the job front, hiring is steady but competitive. Indy’s unemployment rate is holding near four percent, and local companies—especially those in logistics near the airport and tech firms downtown—are actively seeking applicants for several hundred open positions. If you are in the market, watch for new job fairs at the Indiana Convention Center next week.

In real estate, our market remains brisk. Median home prices in Marion County are hovering just under three hundred thousand dollars, and we are seeing particularly strong activity in the Broad Ripple and Fountain Square neighborhoods. Several new restaurants and coffee shops are opening their doors this weekend along Mass Ave and near the Bottleworks District, adding to the city’s growing cultural scene.

For music lovers, tonight brings the return of Jazz on the Canal, with live performances near the Indiana State Museum. Advance tickets are available, but walk-ups are welcome if you want to enjoy a night of music under the stars.

Turning to recent school news, the Ben Davis Giants captured the sectional baseball title last night in a dramatic extra-innings win, bringing pride to the west side. In the classroom, Perry Township schools just announced a record number of National Merit Scholars this year.

On public safety, police have made an arrest in Monday’s tragic hit-and-run on East Washington Street that claimed the life of a four-year-old and left two others in critical condition. Investigators say swift community tips helped bring the suspect into custody. Authorities remind us to keep an eye out for one another, especially in busy pedestrian areas.

For a feel-good close, let’s spotlight a group of volunteers from the Eastside Community Center, who spent yesterday sprucing up Brookside Park, planting flowers and repainting playgrounds—a simple, joyful reminder of Indy’s spirit.

This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.