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Indiana death row inmate appeals to U.S. Supreme Court as scheduled execution date nears

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Indiana death row inmate appeals to U.S. Supreme Court as scheduled execution date nears


(WPTA) – A man on Indiana’s death row for killing a Beech Grove police officer is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court weeks before his scheduled execution.

The petition from Benjamin Ritchie’s lawyers comes nearly one month after the Indiana Supreme Court ordered him executed May 20.

According to the filing, the court failed to take into account Ritchie’s ineffective lawyers at trial and in other post-conviction matters.

Ritchie’s attorneys say past counsel failed to investigate evidence related to brain damage from Partial Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, with which Ritchie has been diagnosed.

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“While the jury was made aware that Ritchie’s mother drank during pregnancy, no evidence of any fetal alcohol syndromes was introduced,” the filing reads.

In a final plea for clemency, Ritchie appeared before the Indiana Parole Board on Monday, May 5.

The board will have another clemency hearing for public comment next Monday, May 12, in Indianapolis at the Indiana Government Center South Auditorium.

The board will hear testimony in favor of clemency from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and testimony opposed to clemency from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

After both hearings, the board will make a recommendation, but a final clemency decision about whether to commute Ritchie’s death sentence to life in prison without parole will ultimately be up to the governor.

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There’s no timetable for the board, or Braun, to issue opinions.

Ritchie was sentenced to death in 2002 for the Sept. 29, 2000, shooting death of Ofc. Bill Toney.

Per court documents, the underlying crime began as a police pursuit of a stolen van. Toney pursued Ritchie on foot, and Ritchie ultimately fired four shots at the police officer, who did not survive the shooting.

Ritchie and six other men remain on the state’s death row at the Indiana State Prison.

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Northwest Indiana under air quality alert for July 8th

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Northwest Indiana under air quality alert for July 8th


The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has issued an Air Quality Action Day for July 8th in Northwest Indiana.

Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, also known as the “orange” level. While not everyone will notice or be effected by the conditions, and while they may not be as severe as recent wildfire smoke events, individuals with asthma, COPD, and other health issues should proceed with caution when exercising outside.

Ozone levels are expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range, also known as the “orange” level. (WSBT Photo)

The affected area is all of Northwest Indiana, including the cities of: Crown Point, Gary, Hammond, Kentland, LaPorte, Michigan City, Portage, Rensselaer, Valparaiso and all other cities in the region, especially those near Lake Michigan.

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Warm temperatures, mostly sunny skies, and light and varied winds coming off of Lake Michigan are expected to contribute to elevated ozone levels.

To stay up to date on issuances and quality levels in Indiana, visit SmogWatch.IN.gov.



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Baby abducted in Marshall County found safe in northwest Indiana

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Baby abducted in Marshall County found safe in northwest Indiana


A 45-year-old woman is facing charges after a baby abducted in Marshall County was found by police in northwest Indiana. Bobbi Jo Noviak, 45, faces charges of kidnapping and criminal confinement, according to the Marshall County Sheriff’s Department.



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Indiana’s beloved Ice Cream Social returns to Monument Circle, sweetening support for youth sports

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Indiana’s beloved Ice Cream Social returns to Monument Circle, sweetening support for youth sports


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH)— On July 16, the familiar and much-anticipated scent of fresh ice cream will once again fill the air at Monument Circle for the American Dairy Association Indiana’s 37th annual Ice Cream Social. Starting at 10 a.m., this cherished community event holds significance deeper than dessert, as it marks the second year the festivities will directly benefit Indiana Sports Corp.

Local media personalities, mascots and community leaders—dubbed the Community All-Stars—will scoop up joy alongside Indiana residents, serving ice cream sundaes across four lively tents.

For a $5 donation, attendees will savor classic sundaes crafted from Indiana’s rich dairy, complemented by bottled water available for $1. All the proceeds and tips collected journey straight to Indiana Sports Corp, fueling its ongoing mission to inspire communities statewide through sports and create life-changing opportunities for Indiana’s youth.

Behind every scoop is a story of perseverance and sustainability. The American Dairy Association Indiana is a not-for-profit organization fueled by the dedication of Indiana’s dairy farm families. Notably, 94 percent of these farms are family-owned, sustaining local traditions as well as the economy.

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These farms embrace stewardship by weaving sustainable practices into their operations. Since 2007, Indiana dairy farmers have achieved remarkable environmental milestones—reducing land use by 21 percent, water consumption by 30 percent, manure production by 20 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 19 percent.

Farmers’ respect for the land extends to growing crops specifically to nourish their cows and wisely recycling manure to fertilize those same crops, creating a sustainable agricultural loop that benefits the environment and community alike.

Brooke Williams, director of communications for ADAI, said the collaboration’s spirit reflects the organization’s core values: “The Ice Cream Social beautifully ties together our commitment to youth wellness, sustainable farming and community support.

Indiana Sports Corp’s work amplifies those values by fostering opportunities for young people through sports. We’re proud to serve a sweet treat that gives back to the communities that nurture us.”

This summer’s Ice Cream Social at Monument Circle is more than an indulgence—it’s a celebration of Indiana’s farming heritage, community spirit and shared aspirations for youth empowerment. By participating, Hoosiers not only enjoy a delicious treat but also contribute to the growth and vitality of their local sports programs, nurturing the state’s future champions both on and off the field.

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Event Details:

  • Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
  • Time: 10 a.m.
  • Location: Monument Circle, Indianapolis
  • Donations: $5 for ice cream sundae | $1 for bottled water
  • Beneficiary: Indiana Sports Corp
  • Featured Guest: Brooke Williams, director of communications, ADAI

About American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. (ADAI) is a not-for-profit promotion, communication and nutrition education organization funded by and serving Indiana dairy farm families. ADAI champions a thriving dairy community by promoting dairy products and farming while working alongside farmers to find innovative solutions and make positive impacts on consumers and communities.



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