Indianapolis, IN
Metta World Peace talks about mental health at Indianapolis high school
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Former NBA player Metta World Peace and other panelists on Thursday participated in the Circle City Classic’s mental health panel discussion.
The nonprofit Indiana Black Expo‘s Circle City Classic, in its 40th year, will conclude Saturday with a parade and football game.
The former Indiana Pacers player once known as Ron Artest shared his personal mental health journey and the importance of removing the stigma around seeking help. “It’s been going on before us, during our time here, and after us so it’s the opportunity to give tools, some encouragement and some support.”
Thursday’s event was billed as the first time World Peace has spoken about mental health in Indiana. He says he was particularly happy to talk to youths at Warren Central High School as they navigate changes in their lives. “It’s good to be back here, especially in Indiana, to talk about the stigmas with mental health, especially when you’re trying to become a professional, exit high school or college. What’s next?”
Cara Holdsclaw, the chief operating officer of Indiana Black Expo (IBE), says, after receiving good feedback regarding talking about mental health during IBE’s Summer Celebration in June, organizers of the Circle City Classic thought continuing the discussion was important. “We want to make sure that people know it’s OK to ask for help if they know something might not be right, and to be able to seek the help that you may need, or be able to see that somebody else in your family or friends need help as well,” Holdsclaw said.
As Masimba Taylor, the principal of Warren Central High School, sees it, the mental health discussion with students was very needed. “They always bring up mental health, and so the fact that the young people are talking about it, the fact that they’re asking for more information, and asking for help, so if we can provide even just a small bit or the opportunity to hear from professionals, then it’s everything.”
Student and football player Madden Beriault says listening to a former professional athlete tell his story and give advice is a great way for him to better his own mental health as he navigates school and sports. “Being a student-athlete is a lot of different things on your plate and a lot of different stresses from a lot of different angles, so hopefully learn how to cope with different types of stress.”
While some people may not have the resources to get the mental health support they need, World Peace — also known as Metta Sandiford-Artest — says it’s important to continue to believe in yourself even when the journey gets rough. “Practice breathing. Practice meditation. Make sure you stay spiritual and remember your core values and keep your families first. But, I also believe in collaborating with others across the board. Sometimes it’s hard to go through things on your own.”
Mental health resources
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis TikTok creators brace for impact of looming ban
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Unless the United States Supreme Court steps in, a ban on the social media platform TikTok will take effect on Sunday.
The court has yet to rule on whether it will pause the law banning TikTok from taking effect. As of Thursday morning, the court has not scheduled any other dates to release opinions.
The uncertainty is leaving Indianapolis TikTokers, like Summer Hudson, bracing for impact.
She’s a realtor and goes by @findalottolove on TikTok. A licensed agent for eight years, she’s been posting tours of Indianapolis-area houses for sale since the pandemic.
“When I heard about the TikTok ban, I immediately panicked,” Hudson said.
Four years — and more than 220,000 followers later — the relator says TikTok has opened many doors for her. She’s seen so much business come in that since she started posting, her agency has grown significantly.
“I was actually unprepared for how much it impacted my business,” Hudson said. “I was almost scrambling because people were reaching out to me in a way that I hadn’t had (before). I now have a team of eight.”
On top of the boost to business, Hudson says she’s made up to $4,000 in a month simply by uploading videos through the platform’s creator fund.
She feels the ban is a double standard since other social media apps have been shown to store and use people’s data the same way TikTok does.
“There’s so much to lose if we ban TikTok,” Hudson said. “It’s a huge community. I think there’s so much support that you get from other TikTok users.”
The frustration created by a potential ban goes beyond businesses. For many creators, like Tommy Barrett, making content is about giving others a platform.
He’s known as @itstartswithaquestion on Tiktok.
Barrett’s page focuses on food reviews of Indy-area businesses, many of which he posts from his car.
“[Making videos] has really grown my appreciation for the city,” Barrett said.
The content creator also is part of TikTok’s Creator Fund.
According to Barrett, he’s not paying any bills with the money he makes posting videos. However, it’s enough to fund his lunches, which then become content.
Reaching almost 30,000 followers, the platform by far makes up the TikToker’s largest social media following. He says it’s enough to make a real impact on the local businesses he reviews.
“I had an unreal bagel. I went posted it, tons of people watched it,” Barrett said. “The owner texts me, ‘I’m running out of bagels — every single Saturday, I’m very busy, and I thank you so much,’ That’s what that means to me.”
He’s worried that a looming ban on TikTok could have devastating effects on local economies.
“I’d be really frustrated,” Barret said. “It’s about showcasing the people that really need it the most, and especially in the city that I love the most.”
Both Hudson and Barret still plan on making short-form content on competing platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels.
While the fate of the ban is still up in the air, President-elect Donald Trump says he is considering an executive order which would allow ByteDance — TikTok’s parent company — more time to find a potential buyer.
Although, it’s unclear whether Trump could actually do that if the new law takes effect before he takes office.
Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis family pleads for answers as 14-year-old girl’s murder remains unsolved
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indianapolis family is still begging for answers after a 14-year-old girl was found shot to death over the weekend on the city’s south side.
Police say detectives found the body of 14-year-old Deandra Staples on Saturday at the Laurelwood Apartments on Indy’s south side.
“This community is crying,” Nick Glover, Staples’ cousin, said. “She was a little one, but she danced, she sang, she had a spirit that was out of this world.”
On Wednesday night, there was a balloon release in Staples’ honor at the apartment complex.
“My baby is 12, they’re about the same age. You raise your babies up, keep them close and try to teach them and guide them in the right direction,” Glover said. “Nobody wants to bury their baby.”
Glover spoke about the pain he’s feeling and his frustration with the violence in the community.
“How could you? Someone so little and innocent. How could you leave our baby out here?” Glover said. “Every time you turn on the news or Facebook, a baby is laid out, and now this time it’s our baby and I’m just sick of it.”
No arrests have been made in this case. Staples’ family continues to ask anyone with information to come forward.
“It could have been your baby,” Glover said. “Somebody needs to talk. If you know who, you know what, everybody has a ring camera. It’s never too late to speak up.”
RELATED | Family remembers 14-year-old girl killed on Indy’s south side over the weekend
Anyone with information on Staples’ death is asked to contact the IMPD Homicide Office at 317-327-3475 or submit an anonymous tip at 317-262-8477.
Indianapolis, IN
Bleacher Report Says Colts’ Anthony Richardson on ‘Hot Seat’ for 2025
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson had a rough outing for his sophomore campaign in the NFL, struggling with accuracy, turnovers, and adjusting to the speed of NFL defenses.
In a recent article from Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report, the analyst details quarterbacks who will be on the hot seat to perform better in 2025, and Richardson finds himself firmly in the ranks.
Richardson has a lot of room to grow, but Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen may not have the time to wait for him to blossom next season.
– Maurice Moton | Bleacher Report
As Moton alludes, Richardson’s might not fit Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard’s timeline given how hot their seats are. Regardless of the situation, Richardson has to leap forward in year three while Indy makes the playoffs, or this trifecta of general manager, head coach, and quarterback might be torn down to the studs. Moton continues on Richardson.
Richardson isn’t a lock to start Week 1. Even if he does retain the position, the 22-year-old has to stay healthy and show progress or possibly lose the job to his competitor.
– Maurice Moton | Bleacher Report
General manager Ballard hinted during his end-of-season press conference that the Colts will bring in quarterback competition to push Richardson. While Joe Flacco was an understandable signing in 2024, he wasn’t threatening the former fourth-overall pick.
If the Colts sign a Trey Lance or Jameis Winston, Richardson will be pressed to be the best version of himself. Without competition players become comfortable and complacent, which might lead to a disastrous and lazy culture, something the Colts have exhibited.
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Richardson is entering a season as critical for success as Steichen and Ballard, but is under center and playing the games, putting more pressure than ever on the 22-year-old signal-caller.
After two seasons in the NFL, Richardson’s numbers are hard to look at, with 176/348 completions (50.6%) for 2,391 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Richardson also has an ugly 12 fumbles as a rusher but has compiled 635 rushing yards on 111 attempts (5.7 average), and 10 rushing scores.
Regardless of Richardson’s fantastic rushing abilities, quarterbacks win by making easy and difficult tosses. So far, Richardson has sailed simple passes while having a propensity to throw interceptions, which can’t continue if he wants to start.
Indy’s success hinges on Richardson’s on-field efficiency when it’s all said and done. Thus far it’s not resulted in winning football and in 2024, the former Florida Gator took steps backward, not forward, in overall development.
We’ll see what Ballard changes with the roster ahead of a massive offseason that will decide the trajectory of Indy’s franchise. The Colts must make something happen with Richardson or risk having to part ways with their project field general.
All eyes will be on if Richardson improves and hits the gimme throws while maintaining care of the pigskin. With many jobs on the line, look for Steichen to do everything possible to put his quarterback in a position to get better and succeed.
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