WFYI Indianapolis (Indianapolis)

The Chicago Bears are focusing on Hammond, Indiana, for a potential new stadium site, with ongoing studies and land assembly efforts. The team's president emphasized their commitment to the project despite occasional meetings with Illinois lawmakers.

Indiana is facing flash flood warnings, particularly along the White River, with significant damage reported in Wayne County. Governor Mike Braun has declared a statewide disaster emergency as many roads, including sections of I-70, have been severely impacted, and thousands are without power.

An Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officer is under criminal investigation for allegedly misusing license plate reading cameras for personal purposes. The officer has been suspended, and the police chief has recommended termination after revoking his access to the surveillance system.

State Senator Spencer Deary is questioning the legitimacy of a recount that overturned his primary win, citing potential conflicts of interest involving the recount commission and a Trump-backed candidate. Deary plans to challenge the recount's decision in court.

The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation has appointed Kariga Rausch as its first executive director with an annual salary of $285,000. Rausch will oversee significant changes in public school operations, including transportation and potential school closures.

Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes struck Indiana, leading to significant damage and power outages. Governor Mike Braun reported that state agencies are working to assess the damage, with nearly 300,000 customers losing power, marking the largest outage event in Nipsco's history.

Indiana's gas tax holiday has provided savings for residents but raised concerns among road construction representatives about long-term funding for infrastructure. The Build Indiana Council warns that the state faces a funding cliff, with maintenance costs exceeding $2 billion annually.

Indiana's I-Learn and I-Read test results show a mixed picture, with younger readers improving while middle schoolers struggle in math and English. Education Secretary Katie Jenner emphasized the need for improvement following the establishment of new academic standards.

Purdue University announced its acquisition of the Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library, aiming to enhance its educational offerings in Indianapolis. The museum's founder expressed gratitude for the partnership, which will alleviate logistical challenges and support the museum's mission.

Lindsay Cornett was removed from the IPS school board ballot due to eligibility issues related to party affiliation. The Marion County Election Board ruled that she did not meet the requirements, leaving her opponent as the sole candidate for the District 4 race.

In a surprising turn of events, Paula Copenhaver, backed by Donald Trump, has overtaken incumbent Senator Spencer Deary in the Senate District 23 race after a recount. The Indiana recount commission's decision to reject several ballots due to technicalities led to Copenhaver's victory, while Deary plans to appeal, claiming the commission undermined voter intent.

Former Indiana regulatory commissioner Andy Zay has filed a lawsuit against Governor Mike Braun after being removed from his position. Zay argues that his dismissal was unjustified and follows his controversial vote to approve a utility rate increase that Braun opposed.

Two women convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol riot are suing the federal government for alleged mistreatment during their prosecution. They seek damages and expungement of their records, claiming malicious prosecution and inadequate legal representation.

The Indianapolis City County Council has successfully overridden Mayor Joe Hogg's veto of a new vehicle tax aimed at funding road repairs. The ordinance, which passed with a 17 to 7 vote, is expected to generate $100 million for infrastructure improvements in Marion County.

The Indianapolis City County Council has approved a moratorium on new data center approvals until the end of 2027, amid community concerns over environmental impacts. The decision aims to allow time for a study on the implications of data centers in the area.

An agave plant at Purdue University has reached its 'death bloom,' towering over 45 feet tall. This rare event has drawn attention from former students and the community, as the plant prepares to produce seeds for future generations.

The Indianapolis City Council is set to vote on whether to override Mayor Joe Hogsett's veto of a new tax aimed at funding road improvements. The tax proposal, which was approved by the council, would raise vehicle registration fees to support road maintenance in Marion County. The mayor argues that the tax adds financial burdens on residents, while council leaders emphasize the need for state funding.

The Indianapolis City Council is voting on a proposal to pause new data center approvals in Marion County until the end of 2027. This measure aims to address community concerns regarding the impact of data centers, although it will not affect three projects that have already been approved. If passed, the proposal will move to the Metropolitan Development Commission for final approval.

Researchers at Indiana University are developing a system to provide early warnings to poultry farmers about avian flu outbreaks by testing local waterways. This initiative aims to create a public dashboard similar to COVID-19 wastewater monitoring, with funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The project is expected to begin implementation next fall and winter.

A new bus route has been introduced to facilitate transportation to the Indiana State Fair, running from August 7th to 23rd. The Purple Line bus route, created through a partnership between Indigo, the city of Lawrence, and Ivy Tech, will provide direct access to the fair's main gates. The service aims to enhance accessibility for attendees.