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An MLS team would be huge for youth soccer in Indianapolis

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An MLS team would be huge for youth soccer in Indianapolis


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Indianapolis has a fantastic opportunity to land a Major League Soccer team for our city. The impact of bringing an MLS team to Indianapolis cannot be overstated for our soccer and athletics communities, for our city and our state. 

Attracting an MLS team would put Indiana on the map for soccer. MLS is a multibillion-dollar industry with fans across the globe. The average MLS team is worth $678 million, generates $66 million in revenue, and attracts an average 22,000 fans per match.

Soccer is among the most popular sport on the planet. Typical Super Bowls have 200 million viewers. FIFA World Cup has 1.5 billion viewers. U.S. soccer is growing as big-name players like Lionel Messi enter the league. These players are driving up revenues as well. Ticket prices are up 585% for games where Messi plays.

An Indy MLS team would mean more visitors to our city, a tremendous impact on downtown businesses, new economic development opportunities, and jobs. The value goes far beyond economics and into our communities. Securing an MLS team would have a profound impact on resources and access available for our soccer community, particularly our youth.

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As president of the largest Indianapolis club serving 3,000 children ages 2-20 each season and generating $8 million in local economic impact, I see every day the positive benefits soccer involvement has on our youth, their families, and the community, especially in traditional underserved communities.

As it has in other cities, an MLS team in Indianapolis would foster increased interest and participation in youth soccer. It would bring expanded resources, partnership and mentorship opportunities, and sponsorship and other funding sources to promote soccer for our youth. This creates excitement, momentum, and access for Indianapolis children.

Soccer involvement promotes health and wellness, connectivity and friendships, goal setting, and being part of a team. As our children become stronger, their communities become stronger. United Soccer Alliance of Indiana has developed fine young men and women since 1979. USA of Indiana has produced three MLS All Stars: Ray Gaddis, Perry Kitchen and Matt Hedges. Lori Lindsey, former Pike Youth Soccer Club player, played for the U.S. Women’s National Soccer team.

Indianapolis is making a name for itself as a premier sports city. Bringing in MLS is an obvious next step, and it couldn’t be a better time to do it. Several major global soccer events are coming to the U.S. over the next few years. FIFA selected the U.S. to host the 2026 World Cup and the U.S. will host the 2024 Copa America. Indianapolis and Indiana can be part of the excitement.

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On behalf of our soccer community, I urge our city leaders and partners to wholeheartedly pursue an MLS team for Indianapolis. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity and we need to seize it.

Thomas J. Geisse is president of the Community Through Youth Sport Foundation, the United Soccer Alliance of Indiana and the Pike Youth Soccer Club.



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6-year-old boy dies following accidental shooting, IMPD says

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6-year-old boy dies following accidental shooting, IMPD says


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A 6-year-old boy is dead after accidentally shooting himself with a relative’s handgun, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed.

At 4:09 p.m., on Nov. 27, officers were called to a home in the 5200 block of Corgan Way on the city’s southwest side. Officers found the boy shot, and he was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but later died.

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“Your heart just sinks. We just have to do better. We cannot allow our little ones, who were the voice for, who are just innocent and don’t know any better, to get a hold of a weapon like this,” Officer Tommy Thompson said. “It’s just sad. Far too young. For this child’s life that’s been taken, I hope we can take something from it.”

Thompson said the boy’s parents were on their way to the city and other family members were taken downtown for questioning. No one is being detained at this time.

“It sounds like a tragic accident. There are no words that can ever express the feeling that I’m sure this family member’s going through, who was the owner of this firearm, and how it got into this child’s hands. Their mental health is going to have to be monitored for a while,” Thompson said.

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In a statement online, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said, “Our entire department is holding this family and our community close to our hearts this evening.”

“My heart goes out to the family and everyone who knew this child, a life gone far too soon,” The statement read. “This loss is especially heartbreaking on a day meant for gratitude.”

Thompson offered a reminder to the community that Indianapolis Public Libraries have free gun locks available, and if someone has a firearm they don’t want anymore, the department will take it to have it destroyed.

Earlier in the day, two people were killed after a shooting on the city’s east side. A man and woman were found shot inside a home after the Indianapolis Fire Department was called about a house fire. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died.

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Two young children were also found inside the home, but were unharmed.

“I have two families from this morning and this afternoon, just gutted on a Thanksgiving,” Thompson said. “This is a quiet community behind me, this complex. I just can’t imagine how they’re impacted as well, how scary that is.”

Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.



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Colts’ QB future could take unexpected turn with Daniel Jones

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Colts’ QB future could take unexpected turn with Daniel Jones


When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract during the NFL offseason, no one knew what to expect. Some felt that Jones could revitalize his career as the starter, while many others felt that he would end up being a backup behind former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson.

Jones quickly won the starting job during training camp and preseason action. He has looked the part of a franchise quarterback for the Colts this season.

Through his first 11 games with the team, the 28-year-old signal caller has completed 69.1 percent of his pass attempts for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also picked up 159 yards and five touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts.

Read more: Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes May Help Make NFL History on Thanksgiving

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Due to his impressive play so far this season, the expectation has been that Indianapolis will reward him with a long-term contract. However, that might not end up being the case.

Over the last few weeks, the Jones magic has begun to slow. He hasn’t played bad football, but he has not been nearly as good as he was early in the season. That has led to some concern about investing too much into him.

His track record is also a potential concern. Jones received big-time money from the New York Giants a few years back. That move ended up being a massive mistake for the Giants and the Colts do not want to double down on the same mistake with the same player.

To that end, an unexpected turn has been suggested for Indianapolis.

James Boyd of The Athletic has shared his idea that Indianapolis doesn’t give Jones a huge long-term deal. Instead, he thinks that the Colts could franchise tag the quarterback.

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“Jones has really struggled against the blitz lately after torching aggressive defenses earlier this year,” Boyd wrote. “Countering the blitz has never been his strong suit, and if Jones and the Colts are unable to find a solution for dealing with extra pressure, it’s worth questioning how much Indianapolis should invest in him long term, which is where the franchise tag could come in handy.”

Read more: Minnesota Vikings Emerge Again in Aaron Rodgers Speculation

Giving Jones the franchise tag instead of a lucrative long-term extension would give the franchise at least one more year to make a final decision. There is no need to rush a long-term decision.

There is no question that Jones could be the team’s future under center. But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in a situation like a monster quarterback contract extension.

Only time will tell, but the Jones situation could get interesting for Indianapolis. The Colts will have a tough decision to make when the 2025 season comes to an end.

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For more on the Indianapolis Colts and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.



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Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis

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Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are investigating a shooting on the city’s east side that left one person in critical condition on Wednesday.

IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 2000 block of Kildare Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located a victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and reported to be in critical condition.

Police have not released information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.

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The investigation remains ongoing.





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