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Zebras, camels, horse hit Indiana highway after being rescued from semi-truck fire: Watch

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Zebras, camels, horse hit Indiana highway after being rescued from semi-truck fire: Watch



The image is something out of a fever dream: Zebras and camels grazed in an Indiana highway median early Saturday as a semi-truck burned nearby.

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Indiana first responders arrived early Saturday morning at an animal control situation on steroids: camels and zebras were caught in a burning semi-truck on the interstate.

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After officers freed the animals, a bizarre scene emerged. The menagerie, which also included a miniature pony, munched amid the roadway median while firefighters fought the blaze.

Flames and emergency lighting mixed to create a supernaturally-lit spectacle. “It’s not every day you get to see camels and zebras and mini-horses on an interstate,” said Indiana State Police public information officer Sgt. Steven Glass, who did not go out to the scene just east of Marion, Ind.

Photo find: A woman’s 1959 bridal photos were long lost. Now the 85-year-old has those memories back.

How did camels and zebras wind up on an Indiana highway?

About 2 a.m. on Interstate 69 near the 263 mile-marker, Indiana state trooper Edward Titus saw the cab of a 2012 Volvo semi-truck and trailer engulfed in flames, according to state police.

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The driver, Armando C. Alvarez, 57, of Sarasota, Fla., who was uninjured, told Titus the trailer was loaded with animals from the Shrine Circus. The animals were reportedly on the way to the Mizpah Shrine Circus in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Trooper Titus and Grant County (Ind.) Deputy Joshua Kennedy, along with a member of the Shrine Circus, rescued five zebras, four camels, and a miniature horse, police said.  

With the animals on the burning semi-truck “they needed to do some type of evacuation,” Grant County Sheriff’s Office public information officer Brent Ressett told USA TODAY. No animals perished in the fire, police said.

Trooper Titus and Deputy Kennedy were treated at a local hospital for smoke inhalation and later released without additional injury, police said. Mr. Alvarez and all animals were uninjured.  

With the highway shut down, officers moved the animals to the center of the roadway, he said.

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“They just started grazing actually in the middle of the interstate, which which kept them occupied, which was a good thing,” Ressett said. “And they were all docile, obviously, they had bridles on so you know, wasn’t like they couldn’t be moved around. And the the median kind of served as a corral because of the guardrail.”

The incident could have been more dangerous. A second semi-truck traveling along with the first had tigers and lions on board, Ressett said. “That might have been a little bit more interesting,” he said.

All lanes were opened at about 6:30 a.m. Police issued no citations and the preliminary crash investigation revealed an equipment failure caused the semi-truck fire, Indiana State Police public information officer Sgt. Steven Glasssaid.

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Indiana

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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