Indianapolis, IN
NWS confirms that an EF1 tornado hit Carmel and an EF2 tornado hit Hendricks county
Drone shows Carmel damage from unconfirmed tornado, severe weather
Aerial views show the damage caused by the severe weather and reported tornadoes that passed through central Indiana on Wednesday.
After a night of destructive winds tearing through parts of Hamilton and Hendricks County, the National Weather Service of Indianapolis confirmed Thursday afternoon that both areas had been hit by tornadoes.
The National Weather Service of Indianapolis survey teams confirmed that Carmel had been hit with an EF1 tornado, which could clock between 86 to 110 mph, while the northeast end of Hendricks County was hit by an EF2 tornado, which could clock between 111 to 135 mph.
Carmel city leaders confirmed at their Thursday afternoon council meeting that no one had been injured during the storm.
This falls in line with information that was reported last night, the NWS radars indicated that a tornado was forming shortly after 9:30 p.m. in Zionsville, which was moving northeast at 65 mph. The city of Carmel alerted residents on social media that “a tornado is on the ground in the area. Take shelter immediately.”
After the tornado tore through the city, photos and videos began to emerge of the damage that occurred throughout the city.
The powerful storm appeared to hit a Midtown industrial corridor just west of the Monon Trail particularly hard in Carmel, according to information released by the city. Several businesses along Third Avenue SW and Carmel Drive had torn-up roofs and shattered glass across parking lots.
Earlier in the night, the Hendricks County tornado severely damaged a warehouse in Brownsburg. The sheared-off wall and partially collapsed roof of the Sur La Table warehouse was one of the most striking images from Wednesday night’s storm damage.
In response to the damage, Carmel Mayor Sue Finkam declared a local state of emergency Thursday at 1 p.m. as the Hamilton County city reckons with ongoing storm damage and recovery operations. The Carmel City Council also voted in an emergency meeting to allocate up to $250,000 from the city’s general fund to pay for damage and cleanup in addition to up to $50,000 to be directed to a parks fund.
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun also announced he would activate the Indiana National Guard to help residents impacted by the severe weather.
“Hoosier Guardsmen always answer the call to serve our state and our nation,” Braun said in the press release. “In times like these, I’m immensely grateful for the soldiers who are on the ground ensuring Hoosier safety.”
The full extent of the damage in Carmel and across the state has not been determined yet. The Governor’s Office team is still investigating the matter and will update the public as it learns more.
Contact IndyStar reporter Noe Padilla at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social.
Indianapolis, IN
Shooting in Downtown Indianapolis Leaves 1 Critically Injured – Indianapolis Today
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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.
- 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.
Indianapolis, IN
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.
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.
Indianapolis, IN
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.
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.
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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