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Burmese Americans achieve record college enrollment

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Burmese Americans achieve record college enrollment


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — A groundbreaking study first shared in August highlighted the educational progress of Burmese Americans.

A 2023 study from The Burmese American Community Institute showed that the college-going rate for Burmese Americans was at a stable 88%, consistent with pre-pandemic levels. Its 2024 study showed the rate surged to an impressive 94.4%, with 96.9% of students staying in school.

Elaisa Vahnie, executive director of the Indianapolis-based social services organization, told News 8, “Our initial commitment to service was more along with education and the long-term development of individuals, families, and the community. It was to make sure that newcomers and refugees, as quickly as possible, become integrated and self-sufficient economically, but also part of productive society and contributing to the community.”

Nearly 200,000 Burmese refugees have entered the United States, with over 30,000 calling Indiana home, according to a study conducted by researchers at the 2024 Upward College Program.

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The Burmese American Community Institute works to foster a culture of empowerment through education. “We saw the COVID-19 pandemic, and we all saw the urgent response that was needed to be able to respond to the urgent needs in the community,” Vahnie said.

Vahnie emphasizes that global catastrophes such as the pandemic and the 2021 coup in Burma have fostered resilience within the Burmese American community. “Those global crises have challenged us to be able to be responsive to welcome and resettle them here. We feel fortunate to be part of that welcoming community by utilizing our unique experience to welcome and resettle families here so they are successful in starting their new lives. We saw they were not ready for college, specifically linguistically. They did not have opportunities back home in Malaysia or any second country where they came to have access to formal education. When they arrive here, they are placed at a grade level based on their age, not their academic background.”

The Burmese American Community Institute has received a remarkable 100% post-secondary education enrollment rate for students who have completed its Upward College Program. Their focus is to continue to support newly arrived non-Americans through programs including English language and civic education, naturalization assistance, and employment to integrate into American society successfully.

Vahnie said, “A study found that non-native English speakers, like refugees and Burmese, take at least four to six years to gain complete English academic skills. Meanwhile, developing English conversation skills may take two to five years. Therefore, we designed this program where students can engage.”

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Indianapolis, IN

Shooting in Downtown Indianapolis Leaves 1 Critically Injured – Indianapolis Today

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Shooting in Downtown Indianapolis Leaves 1 Critically Injured – Indianapolis Today


A single spent bullet casing left behind after a downtown Indianapolis shooting highlights the city’s ongoing struggle with gun violence.Indianapolis Today

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) officers responded to a shooting in the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street in downtown Indianapolis around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026. One person was found suffering from gunshot wounds and was reported to be in critical condition. No further details have been released by the police at this time.

Why it matters

Downtown Indianapolis has seen an increase in violent crime in recent years, raising concerns about public safety in the area near major university campuses. This incident is the latest in a string of shootings that have occurred in the city’s urban core.

The details

According to IMPD, officers were called to the 900 block of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street, near 10th Street and North West Street, on a report of a person shot. When they arrived, they found one person suffering from gunshot wounds who was reported to be in critical condition. No other details about the victim or the circumstances of the shooting have been released by the police at this time.

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  • The shooting occurred around 10:30 PM on April 11, 2026.

The players

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD)

The law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the shooting incident in downtown Indianapolis.

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What’s next

IMPD is continuing to investigate the shooting and is asking anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana.

The takeaway

This latest incident of gun violence in downtown Indianapolis underscores the ongoing challenges the city faces in ensuring public safety, particularly in areas near major university campuses where students and faculty congregate.





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New exhibit at Indiana Historical Society celebrates U.S. 250th anniversary

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New exhibit at Indiana Historical Society celebrates U.S. 250th anniversary


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Historical Society new exhibit, Freedom’s Framework, is opening Saturday which celebrates the United States’ 250th anniversary at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana History Center.

The Historical Society says the exhibit explores how the ideals set forth at the country’s founding influenced its expansion and development, particularly in the Old Northwest Territory.

The Northwest Ordinance of 1787 is the main feature of the exhibit which is a piece of legislation that established a blueprint for governing new territories and admitting states to the Union.

“Freedom’s Framework is an opportunity to connect people to the ideas that built this country and to better understand how those ideas were tested, challenged and carried forward. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, this exhibit invites visitors to reflect not just on where we’ve been, but on how those foundational principles continue to shape our future,” said Jody Blankenship, President and CEO of the Indiana Historical Society.

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Freedom’s Framework will feature a range of historical materials, including rare documents, artifacts and images from the Indiana Historical Society’s and other institution’s collections.

The exhibit will remain on view through August 7, 2027.



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NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis breaks attendance records

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NCAA Final Four in Indianapolis breaks attendance records


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The NCAA has released Final Four attendance numbers.

More than 86,000 people attended the Fan Fest at the Indianapolis Convention Center during the Final Four Weekend.

It broke the overall attendance record and single-day records for Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

The NCAA says more than 142,000 people attended the semifinals and the national championship—
not to mention the thousands who showed up for fan activities.

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For downtown businesses, that turnout translated into a major boost.

At 16-Bit Barcade in the heart of downtown Indy, things have slowed down compared to last week.
Staff say the Final Four more than doubled their usual customer traffic. Host Trinity Surbrook said, “We got to the point where we were telling people to stop and wait we’re not letting people in at that moment, and we’re waiting for other people to leave. It was a whole lot. We made bunch of good money and it was a lot of fun.”

The NCAA reports fans came from 49 of 50 states and 12 countries. “It was so interesting to see people passionate about the Final Four not even from this country.” Surbrook recalled customers from Australia. “It was really awesome, it was interesting.”

The weekend also featured a music festival with Post Malone and Twenty One Pilots, drawing more than 73,000 fans which was just steps away from the bar.

“There were thousands of people out. Just seeing the sidewalk traffic and seeing everyone on their feet. The festival was great for the city,” said general manager Janelle Miller. “When that festival ended, we saw hundreds of people hit the street and go in all different directions.” Miller said it didn’t just benefit pockets of the downtown but everywhere.

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Miller said Saturday was their busiest day because there were a lot of activities to do. The employees served more than 6,000 drinks over the weekend. “I would say, we had numbers that I haven’t seen in probably 2 years on a Friday and Saturday. Which is refreshing to see.”

Now that the Final Four is over, the staff at 16-Bit said they are looking forward to what’s next: the Indianapolis 500.



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