Indianapolis, IN
‘I’m appalled’: Hundreds in Indianapolis protest ICE
Indianapolis ICE protest
Several hundred protestors gathered on Monument Circle to oppose the federal government’s immigration crackdown.
Several hundred people rallied against ICE on Monument Circle in downtown Indianapolis on Jan. 31 as part of a wave of protests across the nation this weekend.
Many of the protesters expressed anger over the recent fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good by federal agents in Minneapolis, where the Trump administration has deployed a surge of immigration agents as part of a federal crackdown.
Protesters carried anti-ICE signs and chanted “ICE out” as they marched, drawing supportive honks from motorists. The rally was one of several planned across the city, including a smaller gathering near the Governor’s mansion.
Jennifer Yumib, 64, of Indianapolis, said she braved temperatures in the teens because of how strongly she feels.
“I’m appalled by what’s been happening in our country,” she said. “Seeing people torn from their homes without cause. People shot in the streets for trying to help others. This is not what we should be as a country.”
Brooke Verhey, 28, of Indianapolis, attended the rally with her dog, Raine, who wore a “F— Ice” sign. She said she believes ICE’s actions are unconstitutional.
“They are detaining peaceful protesters and trying to take their phones,” she said. “People have a right to record.”
Phil Slates, 75, of Indianapolis, carried a sign saying, “ICE melts under resistance.” He called the immigration enforcement agency’s treatment of people “inhuman.”
“I don’t believe anybody disagrees that we should have legitimate immigration policy,” he said. “The issue is how people are being ripped out of their homes — people who don’t have a criminal record. This is nothing but intimidation.”
The rally was one of many across the nation and followed a vigil the night before at New Liberty Mission Baptist Church for those killed by ICE, which drew an overflow crowd.
Contact IndyStar reporter Tony Cook at 317-444-6081 or tony.cook@indystar.com. Follow him on X@IndyStarTony and Bluesky @tonycook317.bsky.social.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana Fever beat the Golden State Valkyries, 90-82, to win their third straight game to close out their homestand.
Caitlin Clark returned after missing Wednesday’s game due to a back injury. Clark had a team-high 22 points (7-15 FG and 4-9 3FG) and 9 assists.
Aliyah Boston had a big night, putting up 20 points (8-15 FG) and 16 rebounds, which tied a regular season career-high.
Kelsey Mitchell added 19 points (4-10 FG) and three assists. Sophie Cunningham (11 points) also scored in double figures.
As a team, the Fever shot 46% from the floor, 38% from three, and 76% from the free throw line.
The Fever (4-2) are back in action on Thursday when they face the Valkyries again, this time on the road. Tipoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET.
Jordin Sparks on the red carpet at 2022 Gateway Celebrity Fight Night at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona. Sparks will perform the national anthem at the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. Photo by Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons.
News Release
INDIANAPOLIS — Jordin Sparks will perform the national anthem before the 2026 Indianapolis 500, marking her third appearance singing the patriotic standard at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
The pre-race ceremony for the 110th running of the race will also coincide with celebrations marking the United States’ 250th anniversary, adding historical significance to this year’s event. Coverage of the pre-race festivities is scheduled to begin Sunday at 10 a.m. EDT across FOX networks and the INDYCAR Radio Network.
IMS and INDYCAR President J. Douglas Boles praised Sparks’ previous performances at the speedway and welcomed her return to the annual tradition. Sparks previously sang the anthem before the race in 2015 and 2024.
Sparks first rose to national prominence after winning “American Idol” and later built a successful music career with multiple charting hits and millions of digital sales. She has toured alongside major pop artists, collaborated on award-winning music connected to Ariana Grande and expanded into acting with film and Broadway roles, including appearances alongside Whitney Houston and performances in the stage production of In the Heights.
Outside entertainment, Sparks remains active in philanthropy, media appearances and brand partnerships through her large social media following.
Alexander Rossi shares update on injuries sustained at practice
ECR’s Alexander Rossi shares an update on injuries sustained during Monday’s crash.
INDIANAPOLIS – Putting a revolving panel of 33 race car drivers in front of dozens of reporters on and off over a couple of weeks might be as good a metaphor for the Indianapolis 500 as there is.
Every lap takes us closer to the finish, and although not every one is exciting there’s usually some captivating entertainment along the way.
Here’s a collection of some of the insightful and interesting comments – and some silliness – from media day ahead of the 110th running May 24 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Perspective on crashing from three drivers
After crashing during practice May 18 and undergoing a small outpatient procedure on his right ankle, front-row qualifier Alexander Rossi has been cleared to drive.
Not that there was a doubt in his mind.
“Unfortunately I’ve crashed twice here. Both times have been turn two,” Rossi said. “I recovered from that. I don’t see this being any different.
“We crash race cars. That’s part of the job description.”
Rossi needs crutches to get around because he can’t put weight on the ankle, but he was able to get in and out of his car, drive on the simulator and react to situations to the satisfaction of IndyCar medical officials. Rossi will have a brace on his foot, but was able to wear his usual shoe.
Before knowing for certain Rossi had been cleared, Conor Daly was asked about the drivers’ mindset in regard to injuries.
“We’re a bunch of psychos, honestly,” Daly said. “If you have this job, you’re very lucky to have this job, so you don’t want to let that go away at all.
“You’d have to rip his limbs off to have him not in that car.”
Pato O’Ward was caught up in Rossi’s crash and also will race a backup car.
At Indy, where qualifying laps average more than 230 mph, a high percentage of crashes are brutal, O’Ward said, and yet there cannot be any second-guessing.
“But after you have that first shunt, one, you definitely feel more like a man when you get back in it, and two, I feel like it just puts some reality into your head,” O’Ward said. “Like dude, you’re moving. You need to be aware of your surroundings, be careful who you’re running [around]. You do grow quite a bit. At least I did.
“I way much rather would be doing this than doing something else. … We are kind of risking our lives, but this is straight-up badass.”
The Penske-fication of Andretti Global
For the first time since 2009, two-time IndyCar series champion and 2018 Indy 500 winner Will Power is at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway with a team not named Penske.
Andretti Global is happy to have that experience at its disposal.
“There’s a lot of things that we’ve been able to kind of bounce off him to figure out exactly what we need,” said Andretti driver Kyle Kirkwood, who is again a title contender. “Fortunately with him coming in with his experience and his work ethic, it’s been a big push for our team because he’s like, well, these were the expectations when I was driving at the other place and we were winning races, so these are now the expectations now.
“I think it’s kind of pushed people along really, really nicely, and it’s been a really good atmosphere among the team with him involved and kind of pushing us. There’s been a lot of positives out of his tenure so far.”
During Power’s time at Penske, the organization has collected six of its 20 Indianapolis victories and five of its 17 series titles while Andretti won three 500s and one championship.
Don’t say the ‘r’ word
The weather forecast for the weekend and beyond leaves a bit to be desired.
After a long two weeks, most drivers and teams are ready to move on come late Sunday afternoon. In fact the full-time teams have to turn the page quickly. They’re on track in Detroit five days later. But not everyone.
“I’ll do it on Thursday, I don’t care,” said 33rd starter Jack Harvey, who has no more races on his 2026 driving schedule. “We have to extend this month as long as we can.”
Pick a finger
Times change. So do the gestures from angry drivers.
“The thumbs-up has become the new middle finger,” second-year starter Louis Foster said. “’I feel like maybe we’ve become a bit more politically correct over the years and gone to a thumbs-up.
“Which I think is even worse. If someone cuts me off when I’m driving, I don’t middle finger them, I thumbs-up them, ‘You’re a great driver, man.’ I haven’t seen anyone flip me off recently.”
That brings us back to Rossi and his injuries from his crash. In addition to the procedure he had on his right ankle, he suffered an injury to a finger on his left hand.
Which finger?
“I can’t show you that one,” he said. “I’ll get in a lot of trouble.”
Those other racing sausages
The “Weenie 500” featuring the six Oscar Meyer Wienermobiles was an instant hit in 2025, so naturally it is back. Last-row starter Sting Ray Robb is among the IndyCar drivers scheduled to serve as crew chiefs.
“I think the jokes write themselves,” he said. And indeed they do.
“You want to relish that opportunity, I guess,” responded IndyCar’s Dave Furst, the moderator.
“It’s good that you mustered the courage to get that pun out,” preceded the next question.
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