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Indianapolis Department of Public Works prepares for winter weather

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Indianapolis Department of Public Works prepares for winter weather


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Winter is on its way, and the Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is preparing to keep city streets safe during the colder months.

Indianapolis Public Works Director Brandon Herget spoke to Daybreak anchor Jeremy Jenkins about their winter readiness plan. News 8 first reported about the plan on Wednesday, noting that the city has hired 170 drivers of snowplows and bought 18,000 tons of salt.

“We work on this plan year-round,” Herget said, explaining that preparations have been in motion since the budget introduction in August. “We’ve been able to invest in our workforce this year with significant salary increases for our AFSCME union workers and ensure we have a full team of CDL-trained drivers.”

With these efforts, Indianapolis Public Works is fully staffed and prepared to deploy when necessary.

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Ready for action: Snowplow teams and route familiarization

Public Works operates on an A-shift/B-shift rotation during winter, with 12-hour cycles to ensure continuous coverage when snowstorms hit.

“You may see snowplows out on the streets before any actual inclement weather,” Herget said.

He said this proactive approach allows new drivers to familiarize themselves with their vehicles and routes, helping them feel confident and ready. He also urged residents to give plows extra space on the road to keep everyone safe.

Pre-winter road maintenance

In the months leading up to winter, Public Works teams are busy with final maintenance efforts, including strip patching and pothole repairs.

“We’re getting in as much routine maintenance as possible before the freeze-thaw cycle begins,” Herget said, adding that they’re also focusing on brush cutbacks to improve sight lines along roads.

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Advice for residents: Preparing for winter safety

While Public Works is working hard to keep the roads clear, Herget reminded residents to take their own winter safety precautions.

“Be vigilant, especially with more pedestrians and cyclists around the city,” Herget said.

He recommended keeping a winter safety kit in the car, including blankets, bottled water, and an ice scraper, in case of an emergency.

“It’s time to start getting those essentials ready,” Jenkins added, as both he and Herget agreed that winter is just around the corner.

Residents can follow the Indianapolis Department of Public Works on Facebook to stay informed on winter weather updates.

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IMPD asks for help to find missing 26-year-old man

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IMPD asks for help to find missing 26-year-old man


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis police on Tuesday asked for the public’s help to find a missing 26-year-old man with autism.

Tyrese Pepper was described as being 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. He was wearing a dark-colored jacket with a Colts logo and navy jogger pants.

He was last seen riding a navy-and-white bicycle eastbound on East 21st Street, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.

IMPD says Pepper is nonverbal and autistic.

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If located, please call 911 immediately.



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Indianapolis councilman says ‘No Data Centers’ note was left at his home after someone opened fire

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Indianapolis councilman says ‘No Data Centers’ note was left at his home after someone opened fire


The home of a councilman in Indianapolis was shot at early Monday in what local police said was an “isolated, targeted incident.”

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The incident came less than a week after the Indianapolis Metropolitan Development Commission voted 6 to 2 on April 1 to approve rezoning to allow the construction of a data center.

Ron Gibson, a Democrat who represents District 8 on the council, spoke out in support of the rezoning and the efforts to build the data center in his district.

“Earlier this morning, between approximately 12:45 a.m. and 12:50 a.m., just a few hours after Easter Sunday, an individual fired 13 rounds at the front door of my home and left a note on my doorstep that read, ‘No Data Centers,’” Gibson said in a Monday statement.


“No Data Centers” note, according to a photo taken by Councilman Ron Gibson. 

Councilman Ron Gibson

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The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said it was called to the home on Monday morning, and officers found evidence that gunshots had been fired at the house. Police said no injuries were reported.

“I understand that public service can bring strong opinions and disagreement, but violence is never the answer, especially when it puts families at risk,” Gibson said in his statement.

The Indianapolis-Marion County City-County Council did not respond to requests for comment from Business Insider.

The data center is set to be built by Metrobloks, a data center developer based in Los Angeles. Following the vote last week, Gibson shared a statement on social media promoting the project.

“Metrobloks has the potential to bring significant investment, create jobs, and generate long-term tax revenue that supports infrastructure, housing, and essential services,” the statement said.

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A data center boom is happening across the US, with companies pouring billions into building the infrastructure to keep up with demand in the era of AI. The data centers have faced increased opposition, with critics pointing to the high resource costs, from water to energy, and other issues like noise pollution, as detailed in a Business Insider investigation.





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Recorder Rewind: NCAA Division III basketball championship (Photos)

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Recorder Rewind: NCAA Division III basketball championship (Photos)


The University of Mary Washington men’s basketball team won the 2026 NCAA Division III national championship on April 5, defeating Emory University 75-73 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to secure the first national title in program history.



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