Indianapolis, IN
How Micah Beckwith reacted to author John Green referring to him as his ‘nemesis’
Superman has Lex Luthor. The Joker has Batman. Indianapolis author John Green’s “nemesis,” he said Sunday, could very well be in the running as Indiana’s next lieutenant governor — Micah Beckwith.
Details remain scarce on whether either men have donned brightly colored spandex and duked it out on a rooftop overlooking Monument Circle. Both, however, have sparred on issues regarding censorship.
Green recently aired his opinions about the Noblesville pastor and self-described Christian Nationalist on Instagram after Saturday’s Republican state convention, in which Indiana delegates slapped down U.S. Sen. Mike Braun’s preferred choice of state Rep. Julie McGuire in the lieutenant governor’s race and selected Beckwith instead. Beckwith will now join Braun on the November election ballot to face Democrat Jennifer McCormick, Libertarian Donald Rainwater and both parties’ nominees for lieutenant governor.
Green wasn’t thrilled by the news. Because Indiana is a red-leaning state, Beckwith’s chances of landing in the lieutenant governor role are high.
‘New nemesis just dropped’ What John Green said about Micah Beckwith
Beckwith is “the lowest form of culture warrior,” Green said on Instagram, bemoaning Beckwith’s candidacy in a video posted with the phrase “New nemesis just dropped.”
“I don’t know how to put it generously, but he’s just one of those people who will exploit any vulnerable or marginalized population in order to make himself more popular,” Green said.
Green concluded the video saying, “I’ve always wanted to have a lieutenant governor personally hate me, and now it seems my dream may come true.”
Does Micah Beckwith ‘hate’ John Green?
It’s possible the hate might be one-sided.
IndyStar reached out Monday to Beckwith, who said he had no “ill feelings” toward the best-selling author of “Looking for Alaska” and “The Fault in our Stars,” despite a flair-up last year in Fishers.
“I haven’t heard much from John Green since the whole Hamilton County Public Library Board thing,” Beckwith said. “I don’t hate (John Green) at all.”
What happened between John Green and Micah Beckwith in Hamilton County?
On social media, Green said both he and Beckwith are “not on the best of terms” after the ultra-conservative pastor — then a Hamilton East Public Library board member — led efforts last year to remove books off the shelves in the library’s teen section.
In addition to scores of other material, staff pulled Green’s coming-of-age novel, “The Fault in Our Stars” out of the teen section due to a policy labeling it not “age appropriate.” Green’s book was returned later after intense public backlash.
HEPL board, director discuss collection review policy
Hear Hamilton East Public Library director Edra Waterman explain why the board’s policy led to “The Fault in Our Stars” being moved.
Clark Wade and Michelle Pemberton, Wochit
Beckwith, however, told IndyStar he regrets Green’s novels were included in the purge.
“Honestly, I was upset that even some of his books got moved in the first place,” Beckwith said, who later resigned from the library board to concentrate on his campaign. “That was never the intention. It was designed to go after pornographic and very graphic material and move them into the adult section.”
What books by John Green are being challenged in Indiana and elsewhere?
Green is no stranger to controversy from officials challenging his books. The popular author is known for young adult novels that touch on prickly subjects involving sexual maturity, teenage angst and mental health.
According to an exclusive investigation by sister publication The Des Moines Register, Green’s 2006 debut novel, “Looking for Alaska,” a story that follows a boy who leaves home for boarding school and meets a girl named Alaska Young, is among the most challenged books in Iowa.
He and other authors are suing the state of Iowa over a law seeking to remove books from libraries and classrooms. Green also has faced book challenges in his home state of Indiana.
John Green’s ‘The Fault in Our Stars’ moved out of library’s teen section
John Green said he’s not going to Fishers anytime soon after his book was removed from the teen section, meaning “no Top Golf or IKEA for a while.”
Elissa Maudlin, Jenny Porter Tilley, Rachel Fradette and Jenna Watson, Wochit
What books did Hoosiers in Indiana challenge in 2023?
Indiana’s top ten most challenged books in 2023, according to the America Library Association, are as follows:
- “Looking for Alaska,” by John Green.
- “It’s Perfectly Normal,” by Robie H. Harris.
- “The Goats,” by Brock Cole.
- “Gender Queer: A Memoir,” by Maia Kobabe.
- “Crank,” by Ellen Hopkins.
- “The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian,” by Sherman Alexie.
- “Jesus Land: A Memoir,” by Julia Scheeres.
- “The Bluest Eye,” by Toni Morrison.
- “The Glass Castle,” by Jeannette Walls.
- “Water for Elephants,” by Sara Gruen.
Others are reading: Indianapolis author John Green among most banned authors in Iowa. He’s suing
John Tufts covers trending news for the Indianapolis Star. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com.
The Indianapolis Colts are currently riding a four-game losing streak. It makes their matchup perfect timing for the San Francisco 49ers.
However, the Colts still have facets to be worried about. Their defense is still a strong one and must not be downplayed despite players missing.
But there is another area where the 49ers will be challenged the most by the Colts. If they’re not well-prepared for it, then they will struggle to emerge victorious.
The Colts pose the biggest challenge to the 49ers here
It’s defending against stalwart running back Jonathan Taylor. He’s been stupendous for the Colts this season. For as terrific as Christian McCaffrey has been this year, Taylor has been better.
He’s the engine of their offense. The Colts’ offense will go as far as he does. Even with Phillip Rivers in the fold, he’s still a threat to wreak havoc against the 49ers’ defense.
It’s largely because his strengths are a weakness for the 49ers’ defense. Robert Saleh loves to run nickel personnel nearly 80 percent of the time, the highest of all defenses.
Taylor is averaging 5.8 yards per carry against nickel personnel this season, the fourth-most among running backs with at least 50 carries. He has also scored a league-high nine rushing touchdowns against nickel, four more than the next closest running back.
The 49ers allow 4.7 yards per carry out of nickel formation, which is slightly below the league average. Taylor is bound to gash them in this look.
And the Colts will most likely utilize him in the shotgun to do so. Taylor has taken 52.2 percent of his carries in shotgun formation this season, the fourth-highest rate among running backs with at least 75 carries.
He leads the league with 684 rushing yards on shotgun carries (4.8 yards per carry), 214 more yards than the next closest player, and has scored a position-leading six touchdowns on those runs.
The 49ers’ defense has allowed running backs to average 5.3 yards per carry on shotgun runs, the second-most in the NFL, along with a 48.9 percent success rate, also the second-highest in the league.
If Taylor gets going in this game, it will be difficult to win. They have to be able to limit him at the very least to force Rivers to throw. That’s the 49ers’ best chance to win.
It’s by making Rivers throw as much as possible. Otherwise, the 49ers’ offense will be expected to score over 30 points for a chance to win.
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Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Motor Speedway showcases original crushed stone and tar racing surface
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — During a recent excavation for the Turn two repave project, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway uncovered its original crushed stone and tar racing surface, a significant discovery that had not been seen since 1909. According to Zach Horrall, manager of Digital Marketing at IMS, this moment reveals a piece of racing history to fans in a way that has never been done before.
The Turn two repave project took place last September, primarily to address bumps caused by shifting bricks below the surface—issues exacerbated by Indiana’s fluctuating weather. While excavating to repair these bricks, the team decided to uncover any historical layers beneath, ultimately revealing the original racing surface of crushed stone and tar.
Zach Horrall explained the significance of this discovery, stating, “It’s amazing. It’s the original, original track surface of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.” This surface, laid down during the summer of 1909, had been hidden for over a century and showcased the early construction efforts of the track.
The excavation revealed a beautiful limestone composite mixed with tar, which was noted to still be fresh and had a strong smell, signifying its preservation. Horrall remarked, “It was an overwhelming and powerful moment at Indianapolis Motor Speedway!” such that no one present, including long-time IMS historian Donald Davidson, had ever seen it before.
Photos taken during the excavation illustrated the historic bricklaying process, providing visual documentation of the construction history of the track. The now-excavated surface is currently on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, allowing visitors to witness a tangible piece of racing history.
The original racing surface is now showcased at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, providing an educational opportunity for fans and guests alike. Further installments documenting this series of discoveries are available on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s website.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Comedian Tommy Davidson, known for his work on “In Living Color” and “The Proud Family,” is set to perform at Helium Comedy Club in Indianapolis on Dec. 19, 20 and 21, 2025.
General admission tickets are priced at $36.97, while reserved tickets are available for $49.39. During a recent interview, Davidson expressed his thoughts on the lack of new Christmas music, emphasizing the need for fresh original songs during the holiday season.
Davidson has been touring with fellow comedian Cat Williams, showcasing their unique styles together. He revealed that their collaborative performances have allowed audiences from various backgrounds to come together and enjoy comedy, stating, “I look at my audience and it’s Latinos looking at whites and whites looking at Asians and Asians looking at Indians. We’re all the same still. And everybody laughing together, which I think is something that is vastly needed right now.”
In addition to his touring, Davidson is producing a new sitcom titled “Varnell,” based on a character from his earlier work. He shared insights into his upbringing, recalling, “Of course, of course. My mom taught me, you know, you live with an open hand, you know and you can receive and you can give, you know.” He reflected on his journey from humble beginnings to Hollywood stardom, highlighting the importance of hard work in achieving success.
Davidson discussed the significance of his experiences and how they shape his comedy. “That’s what comedy comes into play and has for so long for me personally, like stand up. That’s what it does. It takes all of your worries away, anything that you think is going on in the world.” He also touched upon the importance of storytelling and connecting with an audience, emphasizing, .”..that work part, that word work, you know, that’s what my mom taught me.”
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