Indianapolis, IN
‘A family reunion’: Indy celebrates Black culture at Juneteenth event despite heat advisory
G3 Steppers perform at Indy Juneteenth 2025
G3 Steppers, an Indianapolis dance group, perform to politically charged music by Childish Gambino at Indy Juneteenth 2025.
Indy Juneteenth celebrated Black culture at the Indiana State Fairgrounds on June 21 for its eighth year.
While the heat dampened foreheads, it didn’t dampen spirits.
Guests walked down aisles of vendors, watched community dance performances, grooved to live music and played in the kid’s section — which was complete with multiple bounce houses and a rock climbing wall.
Organizer Twjonia Webb said the new, spacious venue allowed the event to accomplish more and reach more of Indianapolis.
Nearly all guests interviewed referred to Indy Juneteenth as a family reunion. Attendees recognized the event’s historical significance without allowing an oppressive history to sour the event’s mood. One vendor said Indy Juneteenth is one of the few days she can exist easily and unapologetically as a Black person.
Natalie Pipkin owns a mobile bookstore highlighting Black authors. Her modified school bus celebrated its three-year birthday at Indy Juneteenth.
“We celebrate Black culture all year,” she said. “This is just another day for us to gather.”
The outdoor celebration coincides with a heat advisory. Indianapolis hit 90 degrees for the first time this year just before 2 p.m., according to the National Weather Service Indianapolis. The city is expected to experience heat indices of up to 103 degrees until June 24.
One guest said increased temperatures may have discouraged some people from attending. Organizer James Webb said between 3,000 to 5,000 guests were expected throughout the day. Last year, almost 10,000 visited throughout the day.
EMTs proactively checked for anyone with heat-related ailments, ready to usher them to a decked-out first aid tent with iced drinks, electrolyte powder and a reclining chair for those feeling faint.
Indianapolis, IN
Woman killed in downtown Indianapolis hit-and-run crash
INDIANAPOLIS — An investigation is underway after a woman was killed in a hit-and-run crash in downtown Indianapolis Saturday morning.
According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, at around 3:15 a.m., officers responded to the intersection of East Maryland and South Pennsylvania Streets after hearing a loud crash in the area.
When officers arrived on scene, they were flagged down by several people stating a pedestrian had been struck. Officers located an adult female who had been on a scooter in the crosswalk of the intersection.
She was transported to an area hospital in critical condition but later died from her injuries, IMPD said.
Investigators said the striking motorist did not stay on scene.
Police are encouraging those with information on the crash to contact Detective Adam Jones at (317) 327-3475 or call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at (317) 262-8477.
Indianapolis, IN
Indiana Silver Alert issued for 14-year-old girl in Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department detectives on Friday afternoon asked for help in locating 14-year-old Kathya Rodriguez, last seen on Monday afternoon.
On Friday night, an Indiana Silver Alert was issued for the girl.
Described as 4 feet, 9 inches, and 99 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, Kathya was last seen on Monday in the area of 2100 Waterford Place. That’s at The Meridian apartments off Westlane Road/West 71st Street on the city’s northwest side.
She was last seen about 12:45 p.m. Monday. She was wearing a gray hoodie with white writing, blue jeans, and sandals with socks.
In a statement Friday, IMPD said early in the investigation, detectives had no information indicating she was in danger, but as the investigation continued, detectives found details that led them to believe Kathya might be at risk.
Detectives believe she may be with Victor Martinez, 15. IMPD described him as 5 feet, 5 inches, and 165 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen Monday near 7200 Knobwood Drive. That’s also at The Meridian apartments.
Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to call 911, contact the IMPD missing persons unit at 317-327-6160, or call Crimestoppers of Central Indiana at 317-262-8477.
This story was updated from its initial post after IMPD corrected the last name of Kathya.
Indianapolis, IN
Data center moratorium proposed by Indianapolis City-County Council president
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – The Indianapolis City-County Council President plans to propose a data center moratorium on Monday.
President Maggie Lewis, a Democrat, said she plans to introduce an amendment to proposed data center zoning regulations during the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee meeting on July 13, enacting a moratorium.
“This pause will provide the City-County Council, the administration, industry experts, and community stakeholders the opportunity to fully evaluate the long-term impacts of these developments, including infrastructure demands, utility capacity, environmental considerations, economic outcomes, and neighborhood quality of life,” Lewis said in a statement. “This is not about slowing progress. It is about exercising responsible leadership and ensuring that decisions of this magnitude are made through a thoughtful, transparent, and data-driven process.”
Metropolitan Development Commission (MDC) President John Dillon dismissed the idea of a moratorium when the MDC advanced the data center zoning ordinance, even in the face of dozens of protesters.
The zoning regulations, if approved, would set minimum standards for data center developments in Indianapolis. Critics have said the regulations, as written, are too broad and will only streamline development.
Groups like Citizens Action Coalition have called for a moratorium to allow time to draft more robust restrictions. Lewis echoed similar motivations when announcing her intent to propose the pause on developments.
“Our responsibility is to make informed decisions that serve the best interests of Indianapolis residents,” Lewis said. “Given the significant questions that remain, a deliberate review is both prudent and necessary before moving forward.”
The City-County Council unanimously approved a special resolution on May 4, requesting the MDC temporarily stop approving new data centers. But the resolution isn’t enforceable. Councilman Michael-Paul Hart, a Republican, previously told News 8 the vote was more symbolic to him rather than a real measure to slow development.
A public hearing on the data center zoning regulations is planned at 5:30pm on Monday, July 13, inside the City-County Building at 200 E Washington St in Indianapolis.
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