Indiana
Caitlin Clark scratched from Indiana Fever lineup at the last minute because of injury
The Indiana Fever suffered a major blow ahead of Wednesday night’s game when superstar guard Caitlin Clark was ruled out against the Portland Fire because of a back injury.
The 24-year-old All-Star was not listed on the team’s official injury report the day before.
However, following the Fever’s pregame walkthrough on Wednesday afternoon, team officials made the last-minute decision to scratch her from the lineup. While initial reports indicated the move was mostly precautionary to protect her health, the sudden benching sparked concern across the league.
This is Clark’s first missed game of the current season.
CAITLIN CLARK GIVES INSIDE LOOK AT HOW SHE’S MANAGING NAGGING INJURY: ‘NEVER BEEN THROUGH ANYTHING LIKE THIS’
Indiana Fever guards Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham watch a game from the sidelines. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire)
Unfortunately, health hurdles are nothing new for Clark.
During her highly anticipated 2025 sophomore season, recurring soft-tissue injuries and physical wear and tear completely derailed her momentum.
Clark only appeared in 13 games during that 2025 campaign, missing 27 regular-season games due to her extended time on the injury report.
Fever head coach Stephanie White and the front office have consistently made it clear that protecting Clark’s long-term wellness is the franchise’s top priority.
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Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark celebrates a basket in the first half against the Seattle Storm at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on May 17, 2026. (Trevor Ruszkowski/Imagn Images)
The team will likely take things very slowly as they evaluate her back over the coming days before letting her return to the court. Indiana’s next game is Friday against Golden State.
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Indiana
Submit your nature art for DNR hard card licenses
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Calling all artists! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting art and photo submissions to use for the hard-card licenses for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
A press release from DNR Wednesday said Hoosiers of all ages can enter up to two of their nature and wildlife-themed works of art for a chance to be featured on next year’s cards. The cards will be available for purchase in early 2027.
Five entries will be chosen. All 2-D mediums — photography, painting, drawing, graphic design — are eligible. Art generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
This year’s categories include Deer, Wild Turkey, Fish, Wildlife (Other), and Indiana Landscapes.
Artists can submit their art to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. The entry submission deadline is July 31, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
More information and contest guidelines can be found here.
Indiana
2 Indiana men plead guilty in Montana oxycodone conspiracy case
MISSOULA, Mont. — Two Indiana men accused of helping illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have pleaded guilty to federal charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone.
Wash faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Winfrey faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula.
The following was sent out by U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana:
Two men from Indiana who helped illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have admitted to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Wash faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Winfrey faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided at the change of plea and U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula. Winfrey and Wash were released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Winfrey and Wash, along with a group of associates, used fake prescriptions to illegally obtain oxycodone. The Chicago-based outfit flew into Montana, visited various pharmacies across the state, and used falsified prescriptions to get oxycodone and other controlled substances. Several members of the group would give the oxycodone to Winfrey and Wash, who then distributed it. Winfrey and Wash paid for expenses and directed group members which pharmacies to hit and when to enter.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and DEA conducted the investigation.
Indiana
Extreme heat peaks before holiday weekend storms | July 1, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS — The most intense part of this week’s heat wave has arrived. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect across central Indiana through Thursday evening as heat index values climb between 105 and 110 degrees. Although the heat dominates the story now, a shift toward an active, stormy pattern is on the horizon just in time for the holiday weekend.
Today and Thursday: Peak Heat Danger
A massive high-pressure ridge is positioned over the Midwest. This will block storm development today and Thursday but trap intense heat and moisture near the surface.
Expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the low to mid-90s. Dew points in the upper 70s will push the heat index to as high as 110 degrees in spots this afternoon. Thursday’s conditions will be similar, with a few more clouds possible late as the ridge begins to break down.
Friday and Holiday Weekend: Return of Storms
As the heat ridge flattens Friday, multiple waves of energy will approach from the northwest, ushering in daily chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms through the Fourth of July.
The abundant moisture in the air means any storm could bring heavy rain and locally intense wind gusts known as microbursts. While a full washout is unlikely, have an indoor backup plan for outdoor activities and monitor the Storm Track 8 Weather app for lightning updates.
Looking Ahead: Relief Early Next Week
A weak cold front is forecast to push through Indiana Monday or Tuesday. This will drop temperatures to the mid-80s and deliver much-needed relief from the persistent heat and humidity endured this week.
7-Day Outlook:
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