INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — On the latest “All INdiana Politics,” News 8 political reporter Garrett Bergquist speaks with Congressman Jim Baird on the Iran war.

Baird tells Bergquist that he believes Iranian leaders are getting desperate for a deal. He also weighs in on the Strait of Hormuz deadline and the TSA funding situation.

Later, Bergquist discusses the Commission for Higher Education’s decision to consolidate or eliminate hundreds of college degrees in Indiana. This decision will affect programs across all seven public institutions.

Last but not least, two members of Indiana’s best political team, Democrat Karlee Macer and Republican Lacey Berkshire, comment on the impact degree elimination or consolidation will have on education and TSA funding.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — We are 50 days away from the Indianapolis 500 and leading up to the green flag, WISH-TV is talking to people who have played a role in past races and those dedicated to the history of this iconic event.

Mike Lashmett, the founder of Vintage Indy, joined Saturday Daybreak to share his Tales From The Track.

Lashmett started as a mechanic back in 1971 for the Vel-Parnelli Jones team and George Bignotti, who won the Indy 500 with the Johnny Lightning Special 55 years ago. He said he did everything from driving the truck, to assembling the car, and working pit stops.

Lashmett shared that he was with that team for two years and then transitioned to the Super Team, who brought on Mario Andretti.

“Then I left that team at the end of ’72 and went with George Bignotti over to Patrick Racing Team,” he said. “That team won the 500 in 1973 and I was on Gordy’s car later that season. We won several races including Phoenix, and Trenton, sat on the front row for the California 500 at Ontario next to Pete Robson and Jerry Grant.”

Lashmett explained that preserving the history of the 500 is a must. He often conducts public speaking engagements with his good friend and pace car driver, Al Unser Jr, who was the first person to compete against his own father in the same Indianapolis 500.

Lashmett says Indianapolis would be nothing without the history and that it’s a very special place, not only because of the races, but because of the people.

“There’s a lot of famous racetracks in the world, Daytona, Le Mans, Monaco. No place has the history that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500 has,” he said.

“And no place do the fans have the appreciation and knowledge of even the minutia of the history of all things Indianapolis. So, that’s how important it is.”

Stay updated with Indy 500 live coverage, breaking news, and exclusive sports information from WISH-TV — your source for all things Indianapolis sports.

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The 2026 NCAA Tournament is nearing its conclusion, with the Final Four set to take place in Indianapolis this Saturday. The matchups feature a mix of familiar and new faces, including Arizona making its first appearance in the national semifinals since 2001.

Why it matters

The Final Four is the most anticipated event of the college basketball calendar, drawing massive viewership and setting the stage for an exciting national championship game. This year’s tournament has featured several Cinderella stories and unexpected contenders, adding to the intrigue.

The details

The two national semifinal games will be played on Saturday, April 4th. The first matchup at 3:00 PM local time will feature Arizona taking on the winner of the East Regional. The second game at 5:30 PM will pit the winner of the Midwest Regional against the victor of the West Regional.

• The Final Four will take place on Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Indianapolis.
• The national championship game is scheduled for Monday, April 6, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Fans can tune in to the national semifinal games on CBS this Saturday, with the national championship game set for Monday night. Ticket sales and viewing parties are expected to be at a fever pitch as the tournament reaches its climax.