Rising Sun casino could move; nearby gaming venues brace for impact
(Indianapolis) — A proposal allowing relocation of Indiana’s Rising Sun casino has passed a key legislative vote and now moves to the Senate for approval by the end of February.
The bill would shift the casino to one of four counties, a move aimed at boosting tax revenue but one that may impact nearby casinos in Shelbyville and Anderson. The new casino operator would be selected by 2027 and pay a $50 million fee to the state over five years.
Columbus mother, child escape house fire; pets die in blaze
(Columbus, IN) — A Columbus mother and child narrowly escaped a fast-moving fire on Chestnut Street that destroyed their rental home.
Firefighters arrived just after 10 a.m. to find the home fully engulfed, with heat melting siding on a neighboring house. The occupants escaped through a back door, but several pets died in the blaze. The Red Cross is assisting the displaced family as investigators search for a cause.
Anderson faces water shortage, asks residents to cut use by 25%
(Anderson, IN) — The City of Anderson is urging residents and businesses to reduce water usage by 25% as the city faces a temporary capacity reduction.
Extreme cold weather, aging infrastructure and winter drought-like conditions have depleted local water tanks and reduced pressure. The usage cuts may need to remain in place for five to seven days.
Portrait of Hailey Buzbee on display at Fishers City Hall
(Fishers, IN) — A portrait honoring the life of Hailey Buzbee now hangs in Fishers City Hall as part of the “Embracing Black Culture Exhibit” created by Fall Creek Junior High School students.
Artist Shelley Feeney, who teaches at the school, created the portrait with support from Buzbee’s family, aiming to capture her light and innocence. The exhibit will be open for viewing throughout February.
Buzbee’s body was recovered in Perry County, Ohio, southeast of Columbus, according to an attorney for Tyler Thomas, the man charged in her disappearance. Thomas assisted law enforcement in locating the body and will remain in custody by agreement. He has not been charged with murder.
Cancer survivors lobby for medical debt protections
(Indianapolis) — For Heather Almager, the battle against breast cancer didn’t just end in the doctor’s office — it continued at the kitchen table over a decade’s worth of medical bills.
Last month, Almager joined dozens of cancer patients, survivors and advocates at the Indiana Statehouse for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s Cancer Action Day. Their mission: urge lawmakers to pass legislation protecting Hoosiers from crushing medical debt.
Senate Bill 85, which recently passed the Senate with bipartisan support and is now moving through the House, would prohibit hospitals from placing liens on a patient’s primary residence, limit wage garnishment for low-income Hoosiers and require hospitals to clearly communicate financial assistance programs.
Almager was 29 and undergoing fertility treatments when a doctor discovered a significant lump. Despite having insurance, she and her husband found themselves with over $75,000 in medical debt — a burden that remains 10 years later.
An estimated 44,950 Hoosiers will be diagnosed with cancer this year.
House panel approves immigration enforcement bill
(Indianapolis) — An Indiana House panel has approved legislation requiring local governments, public schools and colleges to comply with Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
The amended bill passed Monday would also prevent those institutions from restricting enforcement of federal immigration laws and allow the Indiana attorney general to go after businesses that knowingly hire undocumented immigrants.
Delaware County Sheriff Tony Skinner, speaking on behalf of the Indiana Sheriffs Association, supported the measure. “I like the idea of the continuity of all the sheriffs being under the same rules,” he said.
Critics argue the bill creates inappropriate fear in the immigrant community and could lead to people being detained longer than necessary. The bill moves to the full House for review.
Sidney Eskenazi, Indianapolis philanthropist, dies at 95
(Indianapolis) — Sidney Eskenazi, a prominent Indianapolis philanthropist and namesake of Eskenazi Hospital, died over the weekend at age 95.
Sidney and his wife, Lois, made a $40 million donation to help build the hospital — one of the largest gifts to a public hospital in U.S. history. Lois died in early January.
Growing up on the south side of Indianapolis during the Great Depression, Eskenazi lost his father at 13 and immediately went to work after school to help his family. After graduating from IU Law, he partnered with Mel Simon to build multiple K-Mart shopping centers throughout Indiana and Michigan.
Convinced that retirement killed people, he worked until his final days, showing up at his Indianapolis office almost daily when in town.
A funeral is planned for 11 a.m. Thursday at Indianapolis Hebrew Congregation, 6501 N. Meridian St., with burial following at Etz Chaim Cemetery.
NIPSCO gas bills under state investigation
(Fort Wayne, IN) — Some NIPSCO customers opened their gas bills to find charges much higher than normal, prompting a state investigation.
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission launched the review after NIPSCO reported problems while switching to new meters that track gas use remotely. Some customers say their bills doubled or even tripled.
NIPSCO says the issue affects less than 1% of its gas customers and is reviewing accounts. The company will refund up to a year of overcharges if customers were billed incorrectly.
Indianapolis ranks most buyer-friendly housing market
(Indianapolis) — Zillow has ranked Indianapolis as the most buyer-friendly housing market of 2026 among the 50 largest U.S. metropolitan areas.
The typical home value in Indianapolis for December 2025 was $283,040. Other top buyer-friendly markets include Atlanta, Charlotte, Detroit and Jacksonville. Midwest markets have maintained relative affordability, while Sun Belt markets have seen inventory recover due to new construction booms.
Hit-and-run kills pedestrian on east side
(Indianapolis) — Indianapolis Metro Police are investigating after a person was struck and killed in a hit-and-run crash on the city’s east side Monday evening.
Police responded around 9 p.m. to the 3500 block of North Shadeland Avenue. Officers found an adult man at the scene, and emergency crews pronounced him dead. The driver did not remain at the scene. IMPD’s certified crash investigators are examining how the crash happened.
Animal shelter over capacity, seeks fosters and adopters
(Indianapolis) — Indianapolis Animal Care Services is over capacity, with dog kennels now at 104%.
Officials say winter storms have created a perfect storm of more strays and fewer adoptions. The shelter is pleading with the public to foster or adopt to avoid difficult space-related decisions. Anyone missing a pet should visit the facility immediately.
Two women die in custody at Indiana jails
(Boone County, IN) — Authorities are investigating the deaths of two women at Indiana jails.
In Boone County, 33-year-old Brittany Moore was found unresponsive in her cell just after 3 a.m. Tuesday. Despite life-saving efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene. Moore had been booked Monday evening on resisting law enforcement and drug possession charges.
In Huntington County, an inmate was discovered unresponsive in their cell just after 7 a.m., less than 30 minutes after a routine check. Life-saving measures were unsuccessful. State Police say no foul play is currently suspected. An autopsy is scheduled.
Triple shooting leaves two dead on far east side
(Indianapolis) — IMPD Homicide detectives are searching for answers after a triple shooting on the far east side left two young men dead.
The victims, identified by the coroner as 20-year-olds Jesus Brown and Brian Sidney Bowen Jr., were killed in the early morning hours of Jan. 18 at a home on Pointe Club Road. A juvenile victim was also wounded but is in stable condition. No arrests have been made.
Marion man arrested on child molestation charges
(Marion, IN) — A Marion man was arrested on suspicion of child molestation after blood was found in children’s diapers.
Talon Gessner, 26, is held in Grant County Jail on preliminary charges of child molestation, rape and neglect of a dependent. Marion police were alerted after a mother found blood in her children’s stool and suspected Gessner, who had been watching the children. Doctors determined the children were likely violated and physically abused.
Washington substitute teacher charged with sex crimes
(Washington, IN) — A substitute teacher was arrested this week after authorities investigated reports of inappropriate behavior with students.
Wayne Armstrong II was identified after a school resource officer raised concerns Jan. 22. Washington Community Schools notified parents which students may have had Armstrong as a substitute. Armstrong was charged with sexual conduct in the presence of a minor and public indecency and arrested Feb. 2 without incident.
Greenwood man sentenced for child abuse images
(Greenwood, IN) — Rudy Mohika, 40, was sentenced after pleading guilty to possessing and uploading dozens of files involving the abuse of young children.
A judge ordered Mohika to serve six years in prison followed by two years of probation. Upon release, he must register as a sex offender and complete mandatory treatment. Johnson County prosecutors say the sentence sends a clear message that child predators will be held accountable.
Global Polymers moving headquarters to Charlestown
(Charlestown, IN) — Gov. Mike Braun has announced that Kentucky-based Global Polymers is moving its headquarters to Charlestown.
The plastic recycling and manufacturing firm will invest over $8.5 million to renovate a facility on Quality Court. The move is expected to create 30 new jobs by 2030, with wages significantly higher than the Clark County average. Hiring is expected to begin later this month.
Subaru begins hybrid production in Lafayette
(Lafayette, IN) — Subaru of Indiana Automotive has started production of the 2026 Forester Hybrid Premium, the company’s first hybrid car made in the U.S.
The hybrid vehicle assembly at the Lafayette facility has been in the works for five years. All Subaru Forester models sold in the U.S. will now be assembled in Lafayette, alongside the Crosstrek. The facility employs around 6,500 people.
Mishawaka approves tax breaks for United Petfood
(Mishawaka, IN) — Mishawaka leaders are approving new tax breaks for United Petfood, just a few years after odor problems led the city to pull the company’s last abatement.
Monday night, the Common Council voted unanimously to offer incentives tied to $30 million in plant upgrades. The improvements are designed to make the plant more efficient and control smells, including a new drying tower with a vacuum system.
Fire kills two cats, displaces Fort Wayne family
(Fort Wayne, IN) — A fire broke out Monday night at a home on Lillie Street in Fort Wayne, forcing two adults and three children to escape safely. Two cats did not survive.
The fire started just before 10 p.m. in the attached garage and spread to the kitchen. It took about 30 minutes to put out the flames. The home has heavy damage, and heat from the fire also damaged a neighboring house.
Fights break out at Grand Park youth football event
(Westfield, IN) — Westfield police are reviewing video after several fights broke out Sunday afternoon during kids’ 7-on-7 football events at Grand Park Sports Campus.
Officers were called around 3:20 p.m. to the Grand Park Events Center. When they arrived, multiple fights were already underway, but people involved had started to leave. Medics treated one man for injuries. No arrests have been made.
Rose-Hulman wins grant for STEM kit program
(Terre Haute, IN) — The Crossroads STEM Kit Exchange, a program led by Rose-Hulman faculty, recently received a $25,000 grant to give kids hands-on science and engineering projects.
The program will build learning kits for third through fifth graders at the 14th and Chestnut Community Center. Rose-Hulman professor Jenny Mueller won the grant after pitching the idea at a STEM education competition in Columbus, Ohio.
Elkhart approves open container district
(Elkhart, IN) — The Elkhart city council approved a plan Monday night letting people carry drinks from local bars and restaurants through a designated downtown area.
More than 15 businesses have signed up. The zone will run from noon to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. People can carry up to two labeled drinks at a time.
Congressman Shreve bringing mobile office hours to Wayne County
(Greenwood, IN) — Congressman Jefferson Shreve is bringing federal assistance to Wayne County this week.
Staff members will host mobile office hours Thursday at the Hagerstown Town Hall from 10 a.m. to noon. Representatives will help constituents navigate issues with the VA, the IRS and Social Security.
Free tax prep available at Bloomington City Hall
(Bloomington, IN) — The City of Bloomington and United Way are offering free tax preparation at City Hall every Wednesday evening through April 8.
The service is open to residents of Monroe, Brown and Owen counties earning $67,000 or less. New this year, Indiana Legal Services will be on-site to help resolve past tax issues. Appointments are required. Spanish-speaking assistance is also available.
Hoosiers may see larger refunds this tax season
(Statewide) — Hoosiers may notice larger refunds this tax season as Representative Rudy Yakym highlights the impact of the Working Families Tax Cuts.
The legislation eliminates federal taxes on tips and overtime while permanently doubling the standard deduction. Officials project the average family refund could reach nearly $4,000 this year.
Tim McGraw coming to Ruoff Music Center
(Noblesville, IN) — Country superstar Tim McGraw is bringing his “Pawn Shop Guitar Tour” to the Ruoff Music Center in Noblesville on Friday, Sept. 18.
The three-time Grammy winner will be joined by 49 Winchester as part of the Coors Light Concert Series. General tickets go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. through Live Nation.
Ball State to host former HHS Secretary Alex Azar
(Muncie, IN) — Ball State University will host former U.S. Health Secretary Alex Azar for the 2026 McGovern Lecture on Monday, Feb. 16.
The event features a fireside chat focusing on Azar’s leadership during Operation Warp Speed and his tenure at Health and Human Services. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. in the Student Center Ballroom and is free and open to the public.
