Indianapolis, IN
Pair of Colts Earn Recognition for Elite Play
The Indianapolis Colts struggled defensively in 2024, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t bright spots sprinkled throughout the roster.
The Colts’ defensive line hit a peak in 2023 by setting an Indianapolis-era record of 51 sacks. In 2024, that number decreased substantially to just 36 sacks due to injuries and a string of less-efficient performances.
Regardless, the Colts’ interior defensive linemen have shown up time and time again. DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart are stalwart defensive tackles who bring veteran knowledge and tough play to Indy’s front seven.
Stewart and Buckner are entering their 9th and 10th years in the NFL, respectively. Both have been with the Colts for at least five seasons, marking their name in Indianapolis history with every play they make.
Pro Football Focus expert Trevor Sikkema took the time to rank every interior lineman and placed Buckner in the top 10 at eighth place.
“Buckner was once again a top-10 interior defender in PFF overall grade (81.7) in 2024,” Sikkema wrote. “He also places sixth at the position with 0.85 PFF WAR over the past three seasons. Just one of Buckner’s past eight seasons has yielded a PFF overall grade below 79.0.”
Buckner’s consistency has been the difference for the Colts at many times. He suffered a short injury stint last season for the first time in three years, but still recorded 6.5 sacks and 61 total tackles in 12 games played.
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Further down the list was Stewart, whom Sikkema ranked as the 24th-best interior defender in the league.
“Stewart recorded the 17th-highest single-season PFF overall grade among interior defenders last season (76.1). His 78.7 PFF run-defense grade also ranked seventh at the position. Though he is one-dimensional, Stewart is excellent at what he does best.”
As Sikkema mentioned, Stewart is one of the top run defenders in football. At 6-foot-4 and 313 pounds, Stewart has been able to consistently penetrate opposing offensive lines and force the running back to a different part of the field.
According to ESPN, Stewart recorded 18 stuffs in 2024. A stuff is considered a tackle for no gain or for a loss on a rushing play. His ability to get in the backfield early is a true difference maker for the Colts, and will be needed again in Lou Anarumo’s scheme.
The Colts must be able to rely on Stewart and Buckner to stay on the field and disrupt opposing passers and ball carriers to limit big plays from the start. If the two are able to set the tone, the rest of the defense can follow.
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Indianapolis, IN
Man arrested for gun and drug possession in downtown Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers arrested a man Tuesday for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana according to an Thursday IMPD Downtown District Facebook post.
Police pulled over 33-year-old Malcolm Murray at the intersection if East Ohio Street and North Delaware Street because Murray did not have a license.
Police asked Murray if he had any weapons in his car and he told the officers no.
Police asked Murray to leave the car and Murray put down a crossbody bag that he was wearing.
Narcotics detection K-9 Bruce identified narcotics odor in the car. Police searched the car and found a handgun and marijuana inside the crossbody bag.
Police say that Murray tried to blame the female passenger saying, “Ain’t that your gun.”
Police arrested Murray for possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon and possession of marijuana.
Indianapolis, IN
Downtown fitness center 4th annual ‘Pump it for Parkinson’s’ fundraiser
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The National Institute for Fitness and Sport hosted its fourth “Pump it for Parkinson’s” on Thursday. It’s a step-a-thon style event with more than 500 locations participating.
Organizers set a goal of hitting 50 million nationally this year. Last year, the fundraiser hit 33 million steps. Locally, NIFS hopes to reach 2 million steps.
The annual fundraiser is part of the nonprofit’s efforts for Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which falls in April.
This year, the group partnered with White River State Park and put up signage for people to track their steps to submit.
President Emily Davenport says exercise has proven to be key in managing Parkinson’s symptoms.
“When we started this initiative four years ago, our goal was to raise awareness on the benefits,” Davenport said. “It’s amazing what we’ve learned of how many people are touched by this disease, whether it’s the diagnosis for themself or a family member, a friend who has that diagnosis.”
Steps were completed on the track in the gym or on exercise machines. NIFS has worked with exercise equipment company NuStep since the event’s inception.
Sales Manager Shane Lehto says his coworkers make a day of the event every year at their Michigan headquarters.
“We also invite the public to come in,” Lehto said. “We’ve got several of our machines set up. We’ve got a big screen TV that’s got a track that they can race on.”
Pump it for Parkinson’s complements the organization’s work in fitness for aging populations. It also runs “Bold Moves,” an exercise regimen for people living with the disease.
Alex Carpenter is an instructor at NIFS who leads some of those classes. He says it’s rewarding to see someone’s progress.
“Honestly, (it’s) the best part of my day,” Carpenter said. “Just seeing that positive interaction and hearing those things that they’re actually benefiting from this — I found through this that this is definitely my passion in life.”
Also new this year, the event includes a vendor fair featuring local resources.
“Hoop it for Parkinson’s” returns on Thursday alongside the step-a-thon portion of the event. It’s a special basketball game at 2 p.m. with people who have the disease.
To submit steps to this year’s Pump it for Parkinson’s, visit the event’s website. Donations can also be made on the Parkinson’s Foundation website.
Indianapolis, IN
Sunday, April 12, 2026 Business Highlights – Indianapolis Today
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
This episode of the BEO Show covers a variety of business topics, including the OWMBD Vendor of the Month, an update on the collapse of Saks Global, a new OMWBD certification management system, a look at the business of comedy with Sherri Shepherd, a salute to the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc., and tax and overtime tips from the Indiana CPA Society.
Why it matters
The BEO Show provides a comprehensive overview of important business news and trends impacting the Indianapolis and Indiana business community, covering topics ranging from minority-owned business development to the evolving retail landscape to the growing comedy industry.
The details
The episode features interviews with several business leaders and experts, including Jill Hall of ReproGraphix, Inc., William Stern of Cardiff, David Fredricks of OMWBD, comedian and talk show host Sherri Shepherd, and the principals of the female-owned design firm IDO, Inc. The topics discussed offer insights into the challenges and opportunities facing businesses of all sizes in the region.
- The BEO Show airs on Sunday, April 12, 2026.
The players
Jill Hall
Owner of ReproGraphix, Inc., a print and graphics company.
William Stern
CEO and Founder of Cardiff, a business consulting firm.
David Fredricks
Director of the Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD).
Sherri Shepherd
Talk show host and business woman.
Amanda J. Medlen
Principal and CEO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Lee A. Boyland
Principal and COO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Jennifer Knotts
CFO of IDO, Inc., a female-owned design firm.
Courtney Kincaid
President of the Indiana CPA Society.
Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›
What they’re saying
“We must continue to support and empower minority and women-owned businesses in our community.”
— David Fredricks, Director, OMWBD
“The business of comedy is evolving, and comedians need to think strategically about building their brands and revenue streams.”
— Sherri Shepherd, Talk Show Host, Business Woman
“As a female-owned firm, we are proud to design spaces that reflect the diversity and creativity of our community.”
— Amanda J. Medlen, Principal/CEO, IDO, Inc.
What’s next
Viewers can find more information about the topics covered in the episode on the websites and social media pages of the featured guests and organizations.
The takeaway
The BEO Show provides a valuable platform for showcasing the vibrant and diverse business community in Indianapolis and Indiana, highlighting the challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions that are shaping the region’s economic landscape.
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