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For the past 11 years, Sweet Helicopters, a FortWayne based company, has operated as the official high-end Indianapolis 500 charter service, offering the most luxurious way to travel to and from the track high above the traffic fray. On race day,...

‘Our best days are yet to come’

What state Sen. Andrea Hunley lacks in money relative to her current and prospective competition for mayor of Indianapolis, she made up for in energy Friday night. “In this campaign,” she told the 400 people on the second floor of Tinker House, where...

IN Senate leader a target after ouster of GOP incumbents

A glaring takeaway from President Donald Trump’s takedown of uncooperative Indiana Republicans on May 5 is that the redistricting battle is far from over. The next frontiers: the leadership position of Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, on whom...

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5 major Indy infrastructure projects slated for this year

About $280 million in road and infrastructure improvements are in the pipeline as the city’s Department of Public Works kicks off a busy summer construction season. Before 2026 comes to a close, DPW plans to improve 48 lane miles of streets, 15...

‘The voters have spoken’

Indiana Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray wasn’t on the ballot on May 5, but he had a lot at stake. His caucus’ campaign arm spent millions trying, and mostly failing, to defend their incumbents against the bloodbath brought upon them by...

Races show power of Trump’s support

President Donald Trump tested the strength of his endorsement in eight Indiana Senate races, and he basically aced it. The ● candidates he endorsed in his revenge plot to oust Republican incumbents who voted against mid-decade redistricting nearly all...

ELECTION DAY

Voters head to the polls early in the morning for primary Election Day at Holliday Park in Indianapolis on Tuesday, May 5. Go to indystar.com for election results, analysis, photo galleries, video and more.

IN Democrats running for office in record numbers

There was a feeling among Democrats in Indiana that the 2022 abortion ban would surely spark an emotional reaction large enough to move the needle on their superminority status in state government. Or that President Donald Trump making a ballot...

Inside the Indiana race pitting Trump against Pence

Sen. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, never thought he’d see the day he’d be accused of being liberal. Yet that was the brief takeaway Westfield resident Shirley Freck had from the onslaught of TV ads attacking this incumbent who bucked President Donald Trump on...

VOTER GUIDE Not your typical midterm primary

Marion County races Contested Statehouse races Congressional races

A cheaper commute?

As the average price for a gallon of gasoline in the Indianapolis metro area climbs to nearly $5, some commuters are utilizing cheaper, and in their eyes, more convenient, methods of traveling to and from work. Broad Ripple resident ● Hannah Gage, 26,...

Meet Indy’s Olympic marathon hopeful

One of America’s top athletes spends downtime walking around Broad Ripple, stopping at Monon Coffee or for tacos, sitting at outdoor patios with her 3year-old Foxhound. She once dreamed of becoming a concert violinist or working for the State...

Indy mall’s future up in the air

Built in 1974, Washington Square Mall used to be a shopping mecca that would draw Hoosiers from around the state. More than 50 years later, the center is struggling to attract even its neighbors, prompting the question of what its future holds. As...

DATA CENTER DELAY

If there’s one topic that can compel multiple people to shout an expletive into a microphone in a church sanctuary, it’s data centers. ● Company executives from Atlanta-based DC BLOX, the latest developer looking to build a data center campus in...

Doors open to faith, service at new east side landmark

At the crossroads of America, a new symbol of American religious life has risen. The new Gurdwara Sikh Satsang of Indianapolis — the largest place of worship for the oldest Sikh congregation in Indiana — opened amid celebration, spring festivities and...

Could a Democrat unseat Spartz in midterm election?

From the beginning, U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz had pledged to serve no more than three terms in office. ● It’s been one of the core issues on her campaign website since she first ran for the 5th Congressional District in 2020. ● “Politics was never...

THE RISE AND FALL OF INDY'S PROTEST KING

John Scott Johnson rose to the top of Indiana’s protest movement. Then came allegations of ‘cult-like’ manipulation and planned drone attacks. He denies it all.

‘Like a baseball bat to the face’

When he first read it, Jesse Rice thought the Feb. 19 letter from the U.S. Small Business Administration was a mistake. The piece of paper demanded that Black Circle Brewing Company, the northside music venue he owns, pay more than $175,000 to the...

Group unveils its recommendations for Broad Ripple, beautification

Momentum is building in Broad Ripple to find ways to move the village forward and adjust to the changing demographics and demand in the neighborhood over the next 15 years. After months of public meetings, surveys and feedback, a Broad Ripple...

New regulations for data centers proposed

Indianapolis leaders are proposing new regulations on data centers that would address common concerns like noise levels and energy use, but stop well short of the temporary bans on new facilities passed in nearly a dozen other Indiana counties. The...

Dem primary pits insider against change candidate

Democratic Party leaders have lined up behind 40-year-law enforcement veteran Kelvis Williams for Marion County sheriff, including outgoing sheriff Kerry Forestal and his predecessor. Williams has raised over 10 times more money than his lone...

‘IT’S SPECIAL’

When they bought an old, three-story barn in downtown Westfield and started clearing out hay, animal droppings and bicycle parts, Bob and Michelle Beauchamp had no idea they were helping spark the city’s redevelopment. They didn’t know the barn would...

Republicans look to flip swing district seat as Ford runs for Congress

A lot of people didn’t think J.D. Ford would ever win in Indiana’s Senate District 29, which stretches from Marion County’s west side to up into Boone County and Carmel. Nearly eight years later Ford, who made history by defeating a conservative...

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Indy could have earlier youth curfew this summer

Teens and kids in Indianapolis will likely face a stricter curfew again this summer. Indianapolis City-County Council members on April 15 advanced a new curfew for children 17 and younger that would be two hours earlier than the statewide curfew. If...

Indy’s prima ballerina pirouettes to restaurateur

Her father’s dream was never a secret and, somewhere along the way, it became Yoshiko Kamikusa’s dream, too. From the time she was old enough to feel that fire, that passion, as she performed ballet, she understood what it was like to want something so...

Plan to redevelop old City Hall dies

It’s back to the drawing board for one of Indianapolis’ most ambitious and elusive downtown redevelopment projects. TWG Development’s $248 million plan to redevelop old City Hall is dead, Department of Metropolitan Development Director Megan Vukusich...

Blockade of strait brings more threats

President Donald Trump on April 13 said a blockade on Iran’s ports and coastlines went into effect and that leaders from the Middle Eastern country called to facilitate another round of negotiations after peace talks fell apart over the weekend. “I...

Indiana steel industry must go clean, studies say

Indiana’s steel industry is an economic powerhouse for the state, but a series of recent reports say its future may be in jeopardy if it doesn’t move to cleaner forms of production. Three large steel mills in Indiana’s northwest corner are among the...

HAVOC AT THE VA

More than one year after President Donald Trump’s administration sought to reduce the federal workforce, the Indianapolis hospital that provides care to veterans has lost a higher percentage of medical staff than most other Veterans Affairs facilities,...

WRTV buyer McCoy doubles down, says mass layoffs will not mean less local news

After dismissing most of the WRTV newsroom staff, Circle City Broadcasting President and CEO DuJuan McCoy is doubling down on his promise that his purchase of the station will ultimately add more local news to Indianapolis. McCoy appeared on the...

Man, IMPD officer exchange gunfire at apartments

Jade Jackson and Christine Tannous A man was found by police in critical condition Wednesday night, April 8, after exchanging gunfire with at least one Indianapolis police officer. What’s unclear is whether he was injured during the gunfire. It was...

Braun suspends state tax on gas amid war with Iran

Hoosiers will soon be paying a lower price at the pump after Gov. Mike Braun announced he would temporarily suspend the state’s gas usage tax, after the conflict in Iran caused prices to surge. Braun signed an emergency declaration on April 8, calling...

UConn’s Hurley cries foul and leans into the chaos

UConn basketball coach Dan Hurley cannot believe the whistle he’s getting during the 2026 NCAA title game against Michigan. Are game officials James Breeding, Jeffrey Anderson and Kipp Kissinger calling a bad game? Don’t know, and that’s not what I’m...

Some wonder if president’s endorsement will affect primary

“I would like to address the elephant in the room,” Alexandra Wilson said while introducing herself at a March 25 candidate forum at the Vigo County Public Library. “I am not a convicted felon.” In an unusual Indiana state Senate race where President...

In living color

CBS color analyst Bill Raftery comes to the 2026 Final Four in Indianapolis fresh off another Bill Raftery moment, another timeless call of a timeless basketball moment. This was the East Region championship game March 29, Duke leading UConn, and Duke...

CLEAR AS MUD

The problem began at bath time. Brittney Hobbs was adding water to the tub for her 8year-old son Kru last November to warm up the bath in their Lapel home. Kru had been playing with his toys as the water cooled and slowly drained from the tub. Hobbs...

Report: Braun’s PAC will target redistricting opponents

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun is reportedly pumping money into efforts to oust Indiana Republican state senators who went against President Trump’s desires to redraw the state’s congressional maps ahead of the 2026 election. Braun plans to endorse...

‘IT’S TERRIBLE’

Kenyatta McCoy has a specific gripe with the blocks-long road construction project that’s been bottlenecking Fountain Square for the last three months. The 37-year-old DoorDash and rideshare driver has watched reviews of his service on the apps drop...

Hogsett selects 9 for board overseeing Indy’s schools

Jordan Smith and Ryan Murphy Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett has appointed a mix of public school advocates and charter school leaders to a controversial state-mandated board that will reshape Indianapolis public education. The nine-member board...

‘ICE is not welcome in Carmel’

Carmel residents concerned about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office moving into the city are taking action. “We are told this ICE office is administrative and for some that’s it,” City Councilor Anita Joshi said. “The decision is made,...

Showing resistance

After a cold-weather-inflicted hiatus, thousands of people gathered to protest at the Indiana Statehouse on Saturday, March 28, in the third rendition of No Kings Day. The Indianapolis demonstration was one of about 3,000 events planned across the...

STUCK ON SUNNY SIDE

Solar power proliferated in Indiana last year, despite roadblocks threatening the industry’s future in the state. Last spring, an Amazon-backed renewable project began transforming 100 megawatts worth of sunshine into energy in Randolph County. Subaru...

WHISTLE BLOWERS

Bo Boroski was so laser focused, so deeply entranced by the game that he could see the tiny drops of sweat bubbling up on the arms of the basketball players. He could spot the furrowing eyebrow of the legendary coach standing on the sidelines. •...

Safeway deli is fried chicken favorite We published bracket without them; you cried out

The best fried chicken in Indianapolis, depending on whom you ask, can be found just past the lunchmeat and across from the household cleaner. After IndyStar unveiled its bracket for our ongoing Fried Chicken Challenge, my email inbox flooded with the...

PRETTY IN PINK

It’s officially springtime in Indianapolis, and at least one park downtown is on the brink of turning pink. ● Several flowering trees grow amid Indianapolis’ urban sprawl, but the Yoshino cherries inside White River State Park attract visitors every...

Talking affordability

State utility regulators on March 24 opened what they have termed an inquiry into energy affordability, kicking off a series of events that aim to find solutions for the rising cost of electricity bills. As Hoosiers scramble to find ways to pay soaring...

Hoosiers in Iran’s diaspora cling to hope that their home country will change for the good as war continues

Hassan Mihankhah can’t stop looking at his phone. ● Ever since a series of joint U.S. and Israel military strikes killed the Islamic Republic of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Feb. 28 and sparked war in the Middle East, Mihankhah has...

PROTECTIVE TOOL LOST

City leaders in Carmel and Fishers say they are losing a valuable tool meant to safeguard ownership of single-family homes in their communities — and the cause is a new law that appears to put Indiana Republicans at odds with a priority of President...

STATEHOUSE’S BIG MOVERS

Indiana Democrats pass far fewer bills than superminorities in other state legislatures, according to a report by the nonpartisan Center for Effective Lawmaking. That’s at least true for the 2023 and 2024 legislative sessions, which the center, powered...

Reclaiming the vision

WIn the 1970s, shoppers spent hours at G.C. Murphy, a department store on Broad Ripple Avenue, restaurants outnumbered bars and local kids walked to Broad Ripple High School. Today the area remains one of the few walkable neighborhoods in the city, a...

TROUBLING TREND

At a time when “affordability” is the watchword in politics nationwide, recent data shows that Hoosiers faced more risk of losing their homes last month than residents in any other state. Indiana reported the nation’s highest foreclosure filing rate in...

Hyperscale data center in Indy clears a hurdle

A $4 billion data center proposed for the southwest side won approval from the Metropolitan Development Commission on March 18, making it likely to become the first hyperscale facility in Indianapolis. Sabey Data Center Properties LLC, a subsidiary of...

A matter of transparency

Doran Moreland appeared to have checked all the professional boxes by the time he was named the Indianapolis City-County Council’s new chief of staff last month. Throughout the 2000s, he worked for two prominent Indiana politicians, former Indianapolis...

The Rivi will open this summer after members pay extra dues

The Riviera Club, commonly known as The Rivi, will open for the 2026 summer season after all after enough members agreed to pay an extra fee to help the club pay down immediate debt and close a budget shortfall. As of March 13 — the deadline for...

Mooresville man among airmen killed in Iraq crash

An Indiana man died after a refueling aircraft went down in Iraq on March 12, killing all six U.S. Air Force airmen on board and bringing the military death toll from the Middle East conflict to 13. Officials from the U.S. Department of War, formally...

Law says IN cities can’t require energy use data

At first glance, a new law that Gov. Mike Braun signed last month was largely an effort to regulate the power of homeowner associations. But one controversial amendment added to House Enrolled Act 1150 will strip Indiana cities of their ability to...

STATE TRUMPS CITY

In the past year, 29-year-old Caleb Guerrero has found himself coming to the Statehouse more often than ever before. • Ona Tuesday in February, the occasion was a bill granting hundreds of Indiana National Guard members power to make arrests and...

Indiana ruling could expand access nationally

When Indiana’s abortion ban was struck down in part last week, it presented a potential roadmap for similar challenges in other states that could broaden access. A Marion County court ruled that Indiana was obstructing Hoosiers’ rights when it...

Little progress made on data center issue Despite debates, state lawmakers leave it up to local bodies

Over the past year, data centers have been at the forefront of community meetings, local councils and protests, from the shores of Lake Michigan to the urban neighborhoods of Indianapolis. The spirited debates over the hightech facilities have focused...

BUDGET TROUBLES

When Indiana’s community college system announced Marty Pollio as its president last spring, its board of trustees touted his experience as superintendent of one of the largest urban school districts in America. “Marty Pollio is a results-driven,...

Ballard’s entry raises stakes, reshapes race

Greg Ballard, the former GOP Indianapolis mayorturned-independent candidate for secretary of state, might just be the wild card of 2026. Already this was one of the more intriguing races of the year, with an embattled incumbent Diego Morales fending...

Downtown struggles, but other areas boom

Companies are increasingly looking north for space, a sign that employers still want in-person offices just not in the downtown highrises that once drew business. The trend means downtown office space remains in high-supply and low-demand — unless,...

Climate woes could sour maple syrup’s Indiana comeback

On dark winter nights, Indiana sugar maker Emily Blackman sometimes finds her husband, Robert, pacing the floor of their home in Clark County, anxiously thumbing through the forecast on his cell phone, checking to see what the weather might have in...

FALL IN LINE OR RESIGN

Louis Vela Jr. had been banging his head on the wall of his cell, where he was placed after threatening to kill himself. Several employees were near Vela’s holding cell inside the Indiana State Prison’s medical building. A nurse’s station and...

114 people housed, three camps closed

Last summer, Indianapolis officials launched Streets to Home Indy, a cityled campaign to house up to 350 people who lacked shelter and to close all the city’s homeless camps in an organized way. As of March 3, the city is more than a third of the way...

Decision on controversial data center is pushed back

A rezoning vote scheduled for March 4 that would clear the way for a controversial 13-acre data center in Martindale Brightwood was abruptly pushed to April following a request by the district City-County Councilor to let the community learn more about...

Pay $1,500 or leave The Rivi asks members for financial boost

Facing steep financial challenges, the Riviera Club, commonly referred to as the Rivi, is asking its members to pay an extra $1,500 one-time fee — or terminate their memberships and depart the club. The request, which for many families, is nearly as...

Revived bill passes second vote, awaits Braun’s signature

On the eve of the last day of Indiana’s legislative session, a Republican-led bill surrounding carbon sequestration permitting failed due to a lack of support within its party. But the next day, lawmakers scrambled to bend a rule to get the...

3 U.S. fighter jets crash

Indiana election officials say they are working to fix a glitch in how its electronic pollbooks function that could have caused big problems on Election Day if not addressed. A Feb. 17 email obtained by IndyStar, sent from one of the state’s vendors...

Charter school to buy shuttered IPS building

This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters. Indianapolis Public Schools will sell the Raymond Brandes School 65 building for $1 to a charter school that serves students with autism. The...

Historic. Hip. Hotly debated

Homeless camping ban heads to Braun

Indiana lawmakers have joined a handful of states in passing a statewide ban on homeless camps on public property, a policy that critics fear will push many Hoosiers living outdoors into the criminal justice system and complicate their search for...

Indiana may bolster partnership with ICE

The Indiana attorney general could sue local government, hospitals, schools and colleges that attempt to restrict immigration enforcement under a bill that passed the Indiana General Assembly on Feb. 25 after hours of attimes tense debate. Senate Bill...