Indianapolis, IN
The Indianapolis Foundation Releases President’s 180-Day Summary Report – Indianapolis Recorder

The Indianapolis Foundation is honored to share the reflections and insights gathered by Dr. Lorenzo L. Esters, during his first six months as President of the Indianapolis Foundation. This report is a culmination of an extensive listening tour during which he had an invaluable opportunity to connect with many in the community and understand their needs, aspirations, and concerns.
Esters has identified key commitments for the future based on conversations he has had including through large group events, intimate focus groups, one-on-one conversations, and surveys.
Dr. Esters states, “Our community is rich in strengths, from a community that has a strong sense of civic engagement and a vibrant cultural scene. However, challenges such as disparities in access to resources and opportunities require our attention and collaborative efforts. The need to stay the course toward achieving racial equity and economic opportunity emerged as a recurrent theme.”
In response to these findings, The Indianapolis Foundation will embark on a strategic path that aligns with the expressed needs of our community. Upcoming initiatives will ensure our organization’s support directly contributes to community growth, and building alliances with local organizations, businesses, and government entities will be integral to our strategy. By fostering partnerships, the Foundation aims to amplify the impact of our collective efforts. The Foundation maintains its commitment to incorporating diverse perspectives in its decision-making processes and ensuring equitable representation and participation remains a cornerstone of future initiatives.
As the Foundation moves forward, the community’s input remains critical to our success and our community’s health and well-being. The community is invited to continue its engagement and collaboration as we work to shape the future of our community, building a more resilient, inclusive, and thriving Indianapolis for all. Dr. Esters has met approximately 500 individuals with listening and learning and will not stop here. “I will continue reaching out and will be present within our community, and if we haven’t met yet, just know that you are likely on my list of the next very important individuals or organizations to meet,” stated Esters.
“I am excited about the journey ahead and express my sincere gratitude to everyone who participated in these first and formative steps in charting our course for the future together. I am confident that, with your continued support, we will achieve remarkable outcomes for communities across Indianapolis.”
To read the Summary Report CLICK HERE
Indianapolis, IN
6-year-old boy dies following accidental shooting, IMPD says
Man and woman found shot inside home after Thanksgiving house fire
A man and woman are dead after being found shot inside a home during a house fire on Thanksgiving morning in the 3700 block of Audubon Road.
A 6-year-old boy is dead after accidentally shooting himself with a relative’s handgun, an Indianapolis Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed.
At 4:09 p.m., on Nov. 27, officers were called to a home in the 5200 block of Corgan Way on the city’s southwest side. Officers found the boy shot, and he was taken to an area hospital in critical condition but later died.
“Your heart just sinks. We just have to do better. We cannot allow our little ones, who were the voice for, who are just innocent and don’t know any better, to get a hold of a weapon like this,” Officer Tommy Thompson said. “It’s just sad. Far too young. For this child’s life that’s been taken, I hope we can take something from it.”
Thompson said the boy’s parents were on their way to the city and other family members were taken downtown for questioning. No one is being detained at this time.
“It sounds like a tragic accident. There are no words that can ever express the feeling that I’m sure this family member’s going through, who was the owner of this firearm, and how it got into this child’s hands. Their mental health is going to have to be monitored for a while,” Thompson said.
In a statement online, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey said, “Our entire department is holding this family and our community close to our hearts this evening.”
“My heart goes out to the family and everyone who knew this child, a life gone far too soon,” The statement read. “This loss is especially heartbreaking on a day meant for gratitude.”
Thompson offered a reminder to the community that Indianapolis Public Libraries have free gun locks available, and if someone has a firearm they don’t want anymore, the department will take it to have it destroyed.
Earlier in the day, two people were killed after a shooting on the city’s east side. A man and woman were found shot inside a home after the Indianapolis Fire Department was called about a house fire. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, and the woman was taken to a hospital in critical condition but later died.
Two young children were also found inside the home, but were unharmed.
“I have two families from this morning and this afternoon, just gutted on a Thanksgiving,” Thompson said. “This is a quiet community behind me, this complex. I just can’t imagine how they’re impacted as well, how scary that is.”
Jade Jackson is a Public Safety Reporter for the Indianapolis Star. You can email her at Jade.Jackson@IndyStar.com and follow her on X, formerly Twitter @IAMJADEJACKSON.
Indianapolis, IN
Colts’ QB future could take unexpected turn with Daniel Jones
When the Indianapolis Colts signed quarterback Daniel Jones to a one-year, $14 million contract during the NFL offseason, no one knew what to expect. Some felt that Jones could revitalize his career as the starter, while many others felt that he would end up being a backup behind former No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson.
Jones quickly won the starting job during training camp and preseason action. He has looked the part of a franchise quarterback for the Colts this season.
Through his first 11 games with the team, the 28-year-old signal caller has completed 69.1 percent of his pass attempts for 2,840 yards, 17 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He has also picked up 159 yards and five touchdowns on 43 rushing attempts.
Read more: Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes May Help Make NFL History on Thanksgiving
Due to his impressive play so far this season, the expectation has been that Indianapolis will reward him with a long-term contract. However, that might not end up being the case.
Over the last few weeks, the Jones magic has begun to slow. He hasn’t played bad football, but he has not been nearly as good as he was early in the season. That has led to some concern about investing too much into him.
His track record is also a potential concern. Jones received big-time money from the New York Giants a few years back. That move ended up being a massive mistake for the Giants and the Colts do not want to double down on the same mistake with the same player.
To that end, an unexpected turn has been suggested for Indianapolis.
James Boyd of The Athletic has shared his idea that Indianapolis doesn’t give Jones a huge long-term deal. Instead, he thinks that the Colts could franchise tag the quarterback.
“Jones has really struggled against the blitz lately after torching aggressive defenses earlier this year,” Boyd wrote. “Countering the blitz has never been his strong suit, and if Jones and the Colts are unable to find a solution for dealing with extra pressure, it’s worth questioning how much Indianapolis should invest in him long term, which is where the franchise tag could come in handy.”
Read more: Minnesota Vikings Emerge Again in Aaron Rodgers Speculation
Giving Jones the franchise tag instead of a lucrative long-term extension would give the franchise at least one more year to make a final decision. There is no need to rush a long-term decision.
There is no question that Jones could be the team’s future under center. But, it’s always better to be safe than sorry in a situation like a monster quarterback contract extension.
Only time will tell, but the Jones situation could get interesting for Indianapolis. The Colts will have a tough decision to make when the 2025 season comes to an end.
For more on the Indianapolis Colts and general NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Indianapolis, IN
Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis
INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are investigating a shooting on the city’s east side that left one person in critical condition on Wednesday.
IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 2000 block of Kildare Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located a victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
The victim was transported to a local hospital and reported to be in critical condition.
Police have not released information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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