Indianapolis, IN
Cottonwood pollen set to slow amid wet weekend weather in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — As Indianapolis transitions from a spell of rainy days to an upcoming stretch of dry and sunny weather, residents are noticing a different kind of precipitation: fluffy white seeds from cottonwood trees. These seeds, a hallmark of late spring, are now making their annual appearance, creating picturesque scenes at local parks and along city streets.
Cottonwood trees, known scientifically as Populus deltoides, are native to North America and thrive in the wet, fertile soils along riverbanks and water sources. Each spring, they release their seeds, which are encased in cotton-like fibers. These fibers help the seeds disperse over a wider area as they are carried by the wind, an ingenious method of propagation that ensures the survival and spread of these towering trees.
The recent warm, dry weather has helped to inflame cottonwood pollen levels but it seems the end of this season is in sight. Not only does it look like the cottonwoods might have gotten most of their pollen out with this recent burst of weather, but some rains coming this weekend look likely to wash away most of the remaining cottonwood pollen. It will of course wash out the regular pollen in the air too.
While beautiful, the abundance of cottonwood fluff can pose challenges for allergy sufferers and homeowners. The seeds can clog air filters, and the fluff can accumulate on lawns and in gutters. Allergy specialists advise that while cottonwood trees aren’t a major allergen, the fluff can carry pollen from other plants, which can exacerbate allergic reactions during this high-pollen season.
City maintenance crews are prepared for the increase in cottonwood seeds. Regular street sweeping and inspections of public parks are planned to manage the buildup of seeds and ensure that public spaces remain clean and accessible.
Despite these challenges, many residents enjoy the whimsical quality of the floating seeds. Local parks continue to be popular destinations for families and individuals looking to enjoy the outdoors, even as they navigate the fluffy landscapes created by cottonwood seeds.
As we move into late May, Indianapolis will see the end of cottonwood season. This natural phenomenon, while temporary, offers a unique spring experience that highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of our local environment. Hopefully, other spring pollens will soon fade to help outdoor allergy sufferers all across Indiana.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indiana State Police have arrested a man in connection with two attacks, including one deadly, near Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis earlier this month.
29-year-old Michael Willis is facing two counts of attempted murder. Police say that the attacks happened on June 19 and June 26, both happening on N Senate Ave. near Monument Circle.
According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by News 8, on June 19, Willis was walking in the area near Monument Circle around 2 a.m. when he approached a person laying down and repeatedly stomped on them. Police say that this first victim was transported to the hospital in critical condition.
The first victim died on Sunday due to their injuries sustained from Willis’s attack, documents say.
Police also say that on June 26, Willis attacked a different person at the same location near Monument Circle. Police believe that the second victim was repeatedly kicked and stomped on while they were lying down as well. This second attack also took place around 2 a.m.
Indiana State Police detectives shared surveillance photos of Willis from the attacks with other police agencies in an attempt to identify him. Police say Willis was identified by a Greensborough Police Sergeant after Willis had asked the sergeant to use his cell phone.
Police then approached Willis and detained him. Police say that when Willis was detained, he was wearing the same clothes that were seen in the surveillance footage of both attacks. Officers also noticed blood on Willis’s socks.
In an interview with detectives about the July 26 attack, Willis at first said that he was only “nudging” the victim. Police say that according to Willis, he was trying to wake the victim up because he was concerned about them.
Later in the interview, Willis admitted to attacking both victims. Willis said that he was frustrated that he had been homeless and unemployed for around the past 6 months. According to police, Willis also said that the people in the area were “mean and rude” to him.
Police say that Willis told detectives that he was the only person involved in these attacks.
Willis is currently in custody of the Marion County Jail.
INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is under a heat advisory with temperatures in the 90s throughout the week.
Many cooling centers will open throughout the state for those that need to find relief from the heat. Hoosiers looking to find cooling centers in their area can contact Indiana 211. To learn more, call 211 or (866) 211-9966.
Avaliable cooling centers can also be found by clicking here.
Marion County
For those living in Indianapolis, Indy Parks has several cooling centers across the city.
Those Cooling Centers are:
- Broad Ripple Park Family Center
- Brookside Park Family Center
- Christian Park Family Center
- Frederick Douglass Park Family Center
- Garfield Park Burrello Family Center
- Krannert Park Family Center
- Grassy Creek Environmental Education Center
- Pride Park Family Center
- Rhodius Park Family Center
- Riverside Park Family Center
- Stanley Strader Park Family Center
- Washington Park Family Center
- Windsor Park Family Center
- Watkins Park Family Center
- Thatcher Park Family Center
For addresses and hours of operations of these cooling centers, click here.
Beech Grove will also have two cooling Centers for residents starting Monday, June 29. Those hours and locations are:
- Beech Grove Senior Center, 602 Main St
- 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
- Hornet Park Community Center, 5245 Hornet Ave
- 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday
Other Central Indiana Cooling Centers
For addresses and hour of operations of cooling centers below, click here.
Marion
- St. Martin Community Center
- Grant County Family YMCA
- Grant County Rescue Mission
Kokomo
- The Kokomo Rescue Mission
- The Excel Center in Kokomo
Peru
- Community Resource Center
- Miami County Courthouse
- Miami County Health Department
- Miami County YMCA
- Peru City Hall
- Peru Public Library
- Peru Schools Administration Building
INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) — The National Weather Service out of Indianapolis has issued a Heat Advisory for all of Central Indiana and a High Heat Warning for parts of northern Indiana. The Advisory and Warning will go into effect at 12 PM on Monday and will run through 8 PM Thursday.
WRTV
A Heat Advisory means that temperatures in the 90s with dew points in the 70s, will lead to Heat Index values reaching 106. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses.
Stay cool:
Drink plenty of fluids, check up on relatives and neighbors, and stay in an air-conditioned room when possible. If outside for extended periods of time, make sure to take frequent breaks in the shade as much as you can.
-
Politics2 minutes agoAnthropic partners with California to expand AI use by government workers
-
Sports14 minutes agoLions release cornerback Terrion Arnold soon after judge sets his bond at $1 million
-
World22 minutes agoEU will ‘come to its senses’ on Israel, former Netanyahu adviser says
-
News47 minutes agoSenate Ethics Committee dismisses complaint against Sen. Ruben Gallego
-
New York2 hours agoRead the Indictment of Malik Beasley
-
Los Angeles, Ca2 hours agoStolen Sea Scouts boat found in Marina del Rey, suspect arrested
-
Detroit, MI2 hours agoMichigan House passes bill to restrict big investors from amassing single-family homes
-
San Francisco, CA3 hours agoSan Francisco rolls out heightened security measures ahead of World Cup knockout match, 4th of July
