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‘That’s all we are asking for’ IHA residents encourage city and HUD deal

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‘That’s all we are asking for’ IHA residents encourage city and HUD deal


MARION COUNTY — The city is working with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to make sure people receiving assistance from the Indianapolis Housing Agency get the help they deserve.

At this time, the city has only filed a letter of intent with HUD, but if a deal is reached, the city said it’s goal is to make sure the Indianapolis Housing Agency is financially stable and able to better serve residents.

“That would be so great. That would be what people like me are looking for. That’s all we are asking for,” said Barton Tower resident, Katie Hinton-Burger.

Completed maintenance orders, clean living conditions, and security are some of the things Katie Hinton-Burger and William McMiller said residents have been struggling with at Barton Tower.

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WRTV

It’s not the only low income housing complex owned by the Indianapolis Housing Agency that’s facing allegations of poor living conditions.

“We don’t have no activities, nothing to make older people like me happy. Then, we have to put up with roaches and bedbugs and stuff like that,” said Hinton-Burger.

“We pay rent here. We should be able to live here comfortably,” said McMiller.

Another IHA property, Lugar Tower, isunder investigation by the Indiana Attorney General’s Office.

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WRTV

A 2022 data breach and years of complaints from IHA residents prompted the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development to perform a financial review on the agency and for the city to take action.

WRTV has requested the full financial report from IHA and HUD.

“The federal government had concerns as shown in the report. We have concerns to make sure IHA is well run, so this seems like time to cooperate with federal government to make sure it’s managed as well as possible,” said Corporation Counsel for the city of Indianapolis, Matt Giffin.

Giffin said it’s in the process of reaching an agreement with HUD that will allow the city to step in and help reorganize the housing agency.

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“The city has been supporting IHA in various ways including helping dig them out from cyber attack last year. This would involve a closer relationship, more city support, more city involvement in structure and management of IHA. The details we don’t know yet, but working on it with HUD,” said Giffin.

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WRTV

Residents will be notified of any future changes.

Deputy Mayor of Neighborhood Engagement, Judith Thomas, said that includes:

“Simply listening. Looking at where the challenges are and taking next steps to make sure we are working to make it better for everyone. I think that’s why residents are so happy to know people are very concerned and we want to be there to make sure things are going right for them,” she said.

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Relief, residents tell WRTV, is long overdue.

“This is not our problem. They should be able to step in here and help us much more than they do. Other than that, I love where I live at and I don’t want to go no where,” said Hinton-Burger.

“We hope to have it finalized by end of this year. It’s in negotiation with the federal government so it could be lengthy review process but hoping to have it by then,” said Giffin.





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Indianapolis, IN

Food Truck Friday: Dolce Vita Café

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Food Truck Friday: Dolce Vita Café


Dolce Vita Café in Indianapolis is the perfect destination for anyone looking to enjoy European-inspired desserts in a modern, welcoming setting.

Founded by Nesrine Nahri and Costa Albany, Dolce Vita combines the rich flavors of artisanal crepes and gelato with a fresh twist, making it a must-visit for dessert lovers.

Whether you’re stopping in for a sweet treat or looking to relax in a cozy environment, this café offers something special for everyone.

At Dolce Vita, every dessert is a masterpiece. The café’s menu showcases a variety of crepes filled with delicious ingredients and gelato made with care, offering a taste of indulgence with every bite.

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Dolce Vita stands out as a favorite spot for both locals and visitors to enjoy a little sweetness in their day.



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Police Interceptor from 'Blues Brothers 2000' to be auctioned in Indianapolis

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Police Interceptor from 'Blues Brothers 2000' to be auctioned in Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The police car that Dan Akroyd drove in “Blues Brothers 2000” will be auctioned in October in Indianapolis.

The Ford Police Interceptor in the 1998 sequel to the original “Blues Brothers” comedy, released in 1980, will be sold Oct. 5 during Mecum Auctions’ Indy Fall Special 2024 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.

Akroyd’s character Elwood Blues drove the car in one scene that led to a crash with what Guinness World Records calls the largest car pileup on film: 50 cars. In the scene, Elwood Blues drives from the crash, turns to the band members and tells them, “Don’t look back.”

Akroyd formerly owned the 1991 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor that carries a 351 CI V-8 engine — with $15,000 worth of modifications — and a blue interior. The car will be sold with documentation connecting it to the movie.

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Mecum says Akroyd sold the car to the Slippery Noodle Inn in downtown Indianapolis.

Photos show the car for sale has an autograph and inscription from the actor on the dashboard.

The Indy Fall Special will be Mecum’s second autumn auction in Indianapolis. The auction will include 1,000 classic and collector vehicles.

Tickets to the show will be $30 for a single-day ticket, and $75 for the three-day event from Oct. 3-5. Children 12 and younger get in free.

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Metta World Peace talks about mental health at Indianapolis high school

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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?”

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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.”

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