• Developer Moves a Step Closer to Building Data Center

    INDIANAPOLIS — The proposed $500 million Metrobloks data center in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood appears to be moving forward, after a Feb. 12 Metropolitan Development Commission hearing examiner recommended the MDC pass the rezoning request. The project at 2505 N. Sherman Dr. has prompted intense concern in the area, and many oppose it due to health, environmental, and economic concerns. Neighbors plan to appeal the decision before the Metropolitan Development Commission takes it
  • Rally Held to “Show the Love” for Ransburg Y

    INDIANAPOLIS — Community members rallied Saturday, Feb. 14 to save the Ransburg YMCA on Indianapolis’ east side, which is set to close permanently on March 31. In January, the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis made the decision to close the facility on Shortridge Rd. due to financial reasons. The facility was losing roughly $1 million a year.However, hundreds of residents who have patronized Ransburg for the last 67 years have created a “Save the Ransburg Y” group on Facebook,
  • IPS Foundation Awarded Funds to Fight Hunger

    INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is taking a meaningful step to address growing food insecurity among students and families, thanks to a $50,000 investment from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust to the IPS Foundation.The funding will directly support food pantries across the district, prioritizing school-based pantries that are open to the broader community while also strengthening services for IPS-enrolled students and their families.Recent disruptions and pauses in
  • Big Donation Goes to Support Cancer Center

    INDIANAPOLIS  — Past Community Health Network President and CEO Bryan Mills and his wife Cathie have made a generous gift to benefit Community Health Network MD Anderson Cancer Center patients in two meaningful ways.First, their gift will create the Bryan and Cathie Mills Endowment, which will establish a short-term housing program for patients of the Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Institute. Community’s first stem cell transplant took place in October of 2024 at Comm
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  • Sharing Place Food Pantry to Move Temporarily

    LAWRENCE — The Sharing Place Food Pantry, currently housed in Craig Academy, will be temporarily relocating due to construction.The last day at 6501 Sunnyside Rd., was February 19th and the new location will open March 2nd. The Sharing Place will be relocating to Servants of Christ Lutheran Church located at 7650 Oaklandon Rd, Indianapolis. The organization served over 20,000 neighbors in 2025.Days and hours of operations will remain the same with the exception of second Saturdays when the
  • INHP Awards Grants for Neighborhood Initiatives

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) has selected 11 neighborhood-serving organizations to receive grants for increasing affordable housing preservation and development, and enhancing housing options for residents. Called the Indianapolis Neighborhood Development Initiative (INDI), this year’s program will distribute $900,000 total to these organizations to support their efforts in developing or preserving 743 affordable housing units in Marion Coun
  • Best of Fest at the Historic Artcraft Theatre

    INDIANA — Best of Fest: Heartland Film Festival Edition, presented by Heartland Film and The Historic Artcraft Theatre, returns for the 14th year on March 6 and 7. This mini movie series replays fan-favorite films from the 2025 Heartland Film Festival.The four film screenings will be held at The Historic Artcraft Theatre in Franklin, Indiana (57 N. Main Street, Franklin, IN 46131). The 104-year-old theatre remains one of the most intact Art Deco movie houses in central Indiana and is liste
  • Applause!: Feb. 20-26

    • Prayers for the family and friends of Beech Grove Officer Brian Elliott who died in the line of duty on Monday, Feb. 16. He and two other officers were called for a disturbance, and after they arrived, Officer Elliot and one other officer were shot. Despite the best efforts of medical personnel, Officer Elliot passed away.• Volunteers are needed to come sort seeds for the 2026 Seed Library at Irvington library on Tuesday, Feb 24 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Measure out bulk seed
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  • John Lennon’s Tooth and Doodles

    This article was published in February 2012.
    The last couple of months have witnessed yet another sign of the staying power of the Beatles as a couple of items hit the auction block at two different auction houses in Great Britain. One of them is historically significant while the other is slightly creepy.On November 5th, the tooth fairy was denied when a tooth belonging to former Beatle John Lennon was sold by Omega Auction House in Cheshire England. The thought of actually paying money for the
  • 100 Years Ago: Feb. 20-26

    From The Indianapolis Times, Thursday, February 25, 1926: The inaugural game at the new sport emporium at the State Fairground Exposition Building tomorrow night will feature a basketball clash between the Butler Bulldogs and the Wabash Little Giants. Built for the local high school sectional tournament and state high school championship game, the facility is one of the largest basketball arenas in the world. The standing room platform has been removed and with 14,500 seats surrounding the entir
  • New Irvington Plaza Ownership Promise New Vision for Site

    INDIANAPOLIS — National markets real estate investor, Terry Tallen and local partners operating as Tallen Irvington Plaza, LLC (TIP) finalized the purchase of Irvington Plaza, on Feb. 3 for an undisclosed price. TIP is launching an extensive, multi-year renovation of this substantial 15.75-acre commercial and residential zoned site to create a beautiful, welcoming mixed-use community oasis, with much-needed housing, a modern grocery store, innovative restaurants and more.Over the past thre
  • Timothy E. Nelson, Ph.D. to Speak at the Eiteljorg

    INDIANAPOLIS — Each February during Black History Month, the Eiteljorg presents the Leon Jett Memorial Lecture Series, which features a respected author, artist or scholar speaking about historical and contemporary Black Americans and their contributions to the American West.At 1 p.m. on Saturday Feb. 21, the Eiteljorg welcomes this year’s speaker: historian and author Timothy E. Nelson, Ph.D., who will discuss his research of a Black community in New Mexico during an oil boom in the
  • “Love in Action” at Central Library Feb. 14

    INDIANAPOLIS — Art, fashion, community, and a celebration of Black History Month take center stage as The Indianapolis Public Library launches the 38th annual Meet the Artists exhibit and reception, a monthlong celebration of African American creativity built around this year’s theme, “Love in Action.”The celebration will kick off in the Central Library Atrium, 40 E. St. Clair, with a free opening reception Saturday, Feb. 14 from 5:30–10 p.m., with live entertainmen
  • Arts & Rummage Returns to Hancock Co. Fairgrounds

    GREENFIELD — The 10th annual Arts & Rummage sale at the Hancock County Fairgrounds will open at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21. Vendors will be selling rummage sale items, antiques, collectibles, electronics, home décor, books, record albums, clothing; homemade crafts including 3D printing, crochet, woodwork and flower arrangements; other vendors will be there offering fire safety equipment and advice, bath and body items and free table massages.Not to be overlooked is the “arts
  • Your Money, Your Community: Why Where You Bank Matters

    Where you choose to bank affects more than your personal finances — it also impacts the community around you. For many people, banking feels like a purely individual decision. But at a credit union, deposits do more than support one account at a time. They help fuel local opportunity.Credit unions are designed to serve the communities they operate in. Because they are member-focused and community-based, the money deposited by members is largely reinvested close to home — supporting e
  • William Lawson Exhibit at Carpenter Realtors in Irvington

    Carpenter Realtors and Branch Manager Rich Costello will present an exhibit of paintings by artist William Lawson through the end of February at their office gallery location 5636 East Washington Street (next door to Jockamo Upper Crust Pizza). Lawson, an Irvington resident since 2018, shows eleven paintings created over the past thirty years, including some loaned from local private collections and some that are available for purchase.The works, mostly landscapes, showcase Lawson’s eye fo
  • This Season Could be Injuring Your Mental Health

    We all think of the physical ailments that come with winter: colds, the flu and various other respiratory illnesses. We don’t, however, always give enough attention to the mental illnesses that arrive with winter, such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).SAD isn’t always taken seriously since it’s easily confused with winter blues. If February gets you down, you’re in good company. According to a 2023 poll by YouGov, a research data and analytics technology group, the on
  • Mayor Announces Leadership Appointment

    INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Shea Joyce will serve as Deputy Mayor for Operations and Government Affairs. The appointment is effective as of Tuesday, Feb. 10. Joyce has served as Director of Government Affairs and Strategic Initiatives in the Mayor’s Office since March 2024.In her role as Deputy Mayor for Operations and Government Affairs, Joyce will spearhead the efforts to ensure funding for core government programs and priorities, as well as provide oversight to the
  • Madam Walker Legacy Center Hosts “Sky Breaking” Ceremony

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Madam Walker Legacy Center recently marked a major milestone with its “sky-breaking” ceremony, officially launching the final construction phase of its rooftop expansion. The renovated rooftop is slated to open in May 2026.The sky-breaking united local leaders, business executives, philanthropic partners and civic stakeholders. Renovations will enhance the Center’s ability to host cultural events, attract visitors and generate earned revenue, ensuring t
  • Applause!: Feb. 13-19

    • February 14th, the group will be holding a “Show Your Love for Ransburg” rally from 9 a.m. — noon, outside of the Ransburg’s entrance at 501 N. Shortridge. You are encouraged to make a sign, wear your YMCA gear, and bring friends to stand up and show your support for the Ransburg. Refreshments and snacks will be provided.• With much of the snow probably melted due to the predicted warm-up, expect pothole season to be a doozy. DPW can’t patch unless they
  • Sketches from Kiritis Trial at Irvington Historical Society

    IRVINGTON — The recent release of director Gus Van Sant’s movie Dead Man’s Wire has caused a lot of interest in the events in 1977 — and local connections. The film chronicles the terrifying moment in Indianapolis history when real estate developer Anthony “Tony” Kiritsis took mortgage lender Richard Hall hostage and paraded him through the streets of Indianapolis. Skilled negotiations prevented bloodshed.In October of 1977, Kiritsis went on trial. Judge Micha
  • Ransburg YMCA Scheduled for Closure

    INDIANAPOLIS — The YMCA Association Board of Directors has announced its decision to consolidate its services in the greater east side Indianapolis community, as well as consolidate its early learning programming. This step is necessary to secure long-term sustainability of YMCA services in central Indiana. Part of the decision includes closure of the Ransburg YMCA, effective March 31. YMCA leadership had been working to address ongoing financial challenges at that center and ultimately de
  • Heartland Film Festival Featured Films Nominated for 44 Oscars

    INDIANAPOLIS — The 98th Academy Awards will take place on Sunday, March 15, and the nominations were announced recently. Heartland Film is honored to be one of the first to showcase Oscar-nominated films through the Heartland Film Festival in October, the Indy Shorts Film Festival in July and as Truly Moving Picture Award recipients. This year, 20 films celebrated by Heartland Film — 9 short films and 11 feature films — earned 44 total Academy Award Nominations.With eight short
  • Water Main Replacements Coming to Martindale-Brightwood

    INDIANAPOLIS — Citizens Energy Group has started a water main replacement project in the Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood. This work is part of ongoing efforts to improve water infrastructure and replace customer-owned lead service lines.It will be a 6-month project, broken into three phases (about 2 months each)• First Phase: Water main replacements along 25th St. (N. Sherman Dr. to N. Keystone Ave.)• Additional work on N Gale St., Stuart St., and N Rural St.• Replacement
  • The Classic Suburb…And Note

    Every day the sound of music rings out across Irvington as the chimes of the Methodist Church proclaims the hour and on Saturday summer evenings at Irving Circle Park the sweet sounds of Audio Diner and other local musicians waft across a crowd of gentle listeners. Every October, Irvingtonians look forward to the Spooky Organ Concert at Our Lady of Lourdes Church and in years past the singing of Handel’s Messiah by a community chorus at the Methodist Church was a Holiday tradition. Music h
  • Southside Art League Hosts “Crazy Color Critters” Exhibit

    GREENWOOD — The February featured exhibition is a group exhibit by over 30 of the watercolor students of Beverly S. Mathis at the Southside Art League Off Broadway Gallery. The show theme is “Crazy Color Critters.” Bring the kids to this show; they will love it. Many paintings will be for sale, and would make a unique and fun gift for Valentine’s Day.Last summer the two watercolor classes artists were instructed on how to paint an animal portrait, but with a new twist, NO
  • “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the IRT

    August Wilson, one of the most important playwrights in the 20th Century, created ten plays about the Black experience in America after Emancipation, going decade to decade. Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is set in 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In a stunning production from the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), the story comes alive in the very capable hands of an outstanding cast and director Timothy Douglas.Set in a boarding house owned by Seth Holly (Keith Randolph Smith) and wife Bertha
  • Applause!: Jan. 30-Feb. 12

    • The NCAA Men’s Final Four Legacy Project presented by Dove Men+Care will be at Christian Park here on the east side. By early April, Christian Park will receive a basketball court renovation to help create a true basketball and sports destination on the eastside of Indianapolis. The completed renovation will be revealed in March.• On Saturday, Feb. 7 from 10:30 a.m.-noon, Spades Park Library will celebrate the new artwork above the fireplace, created by Jarrod Stone, a local ar
  • Angela E. White Named CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation

    INDIANAPOLIS — Angela E. White, CFRE, has been named president and chief executive officer (CEO) of Eskenazi Health Foundation. She succeeds Ernest Vargo II, CFRE, who retired after serving as president and CEO of Eskenazi Health Foundation for 15 years.Prior to joining Eskenazi Health Foundation in August 2024 as executive vice president, White served as senior consultant and CEO of Johnson, Grossnickle and Associates (JGA), a consulting firm specializing in philanthropy and strategy for
  • New Shelter on East Side Set to Open in Spring

    INDIANAPOLIS — The long-awaited updated and larger animal shelter for Indianapolis Animal Care Services (IACS) at 5001 E. Raymond St. will soon be open. Construction will be finished in March and IACS will be moving into the space in April. The City will be hosting a public grand opening in early May.Improvements include:• 234 dog kennels (182 are indoor/outdoor). There are currently 210 kennels.• 80 cat condos• All dog and cat spaces have access to natural light through win
  • Shelby St. Closed for Drainage Project

    INDIANAPOLIS — A major thoroughfare on the southeast side will be closed through roughly July of this year. Shelby between Morris St . and Cottage Ave. is affected, but there is access to businesses and homes through side streets and on sidewalks.The Fountain Square Drainage Improvements will not only expand drainage capacity for the Fountain Square community, but it will also improve cyclist safety along the downtown corridor with a protected bike lane. A bioretention rain garden barrier
  • IU Takes the Trophy Home!

    INDIANA — Indiana University fans erupted in cheers on Monday, Jan. 19 when the Hoo-Hoo Hoosiers took the College Football Playoff championship for the first time in the university’s history. Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and the entire team played their hearts out, finishing off the Miami Hurricanes 27-21. The win caps off an undefeated season. They are the first FBS team to complete a perfect 16-win season since the 1894 Bulldogs.Coach Curt Cignetti, in his second year at
  • Global Prep Academy to Expand in Martindale-Brightwood

    INDIANAPOLIS — Global Prep Academy has announced it will expand its middle school grades to a second site near Martindale-Brightwood with the $2.7 million purchase of a building directly off the Monon Trail.The new building at 1002 E. 25th St. sits on a former industrial site and will be renovated to house up to 325 middle school students. The pre-K-8 charter school’s enrollment has more than tripled since launching as an Innovation Network school within Indianapolis Public Schools i
  • Community Health Network Foundation Leader to Retire

    INDIANAPOLIS — After nearly 14 years as President and CEO of Community Health Network Foundation, Joyce Irwin has announced her plans to retire on July 3, 2026.An executive committee member at Community Health Network, Irwin has advanced the Foundation’s mission and dramatically increased philanthropic support, leading a team to secure 15.7% year-over-year revenue growth. Since 2012, the year Irwin started at Community, the Foundation has raised more than $137 million in donations to
  • “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” at Epilogue Players

    INDIANAPOLIS —  Epilogue Players will present their next show Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike by Christopher Durang and directed by Michael and Marie Beason. It won a Tony Award in 2013, and is a comedic mashup of Chekhovian themes and characters with modern-day issues like aging, regret, and family dysfunction involved. The show will be presented Feb. 5-15,  with Thursday – Saturday performances at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:00 p.m.The story revolves around the relatio
  • Major Fire in Irvington Jan. 18

    INDIANAPOLIS — At 6:55 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 18 Indianapolis Fire Department firefighters had their work cut out for them after heavy fire broke out in a vacant building at 5239 E. Washington St., the former site of a tire store. Several 911 callers reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the structure. On arrival, neighbors told IFD that squatters occupy the building on a routine basis and they believed were the cause for the fire.Firefighters were told that unaccounted for squatters mig
  • Devour Indy Winterfest Through Feb. 1

    INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis restaurants will showcase food and cocktails with special deals through Saturday, Feb. 1 at select locations. A few eastside restaurants will be participating, including• Beholder, 1844 E. 10th St. (reservations required)• Ash & Elm Cider Co., 1301 E. Washington St.• Sahm’s Tavern & Sports Bar, 5623 E. WashingtonDevour Indy is a citywide dining experience that allows diners to explore the best cuisine in the city with special menus a
  • Applause!: Jan. 23-29

    • Kevin Murray will be guest speaker at the Tuesday, Jan. 27 meeting of the Perry Township / Southport Historical Society. Kevin is an attorney and author of a fascinating book with a very long title: The 1st Fighting Irish: The 35th Indiana Volunteer Infantry: Hoosier Hibernians in the War for the Union. The meeting is at 7:00 p.m. at the Perry Township Education Center, 6548 Orinoco Ave. Enter through the center doors at the northwest corner of the building.• More than 100 community
  • Whatever Happened to John Brisker?, Part 2

    For three seasons (1969-71), John Brisker ruled the ABA. He averaged 26.1 pts per game, which is crazy good, but more importantly, he led the league in fights and his intimidation factor was off the charts. In an outlaw league filled with castoffs and misfits, John Brisker topped them all. Executives placated him, coaches hated him, opposing players feared him, and even his own teammates refused to guard him during practice — all of which was perfectly fine with John Brisker.Brisker’
  • Free Events Highlight Martin Luther King Jr. Day

    INDIANAPOLIS — Martin Luther King Jr. was born January 15, 1929 and grew up to be an American civil rights activist and Baptist minister. He was the leader for the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He advanced civil rights for people of color in the United States through the use of nonviolent resistance and civil disobedience against Jim Crow laws and other forms of legalized discrimination. On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating
  • Indiana High School Graduation Rate Climbs

    INDIANA — The Indiana Department of Education recently announced that nearly 92% of Indiana’s high school seniors graduated in 2025, setting the highest graduation rate on record. The 2024 graduation rate was 90.23%, showing a 1.6 percentage point improvement.This is the third straight year of post-pandemic improvement kicked off in 2023, when 88.98% graduated. Seniors recorded a decade-low graduation rate of 86.65% in 2022.Almost 87% of Black students graduated in 2025, up 3 percent
  • IMPD Chief Chris Bailey to Become Chief Deputy Mayor

    INDIANAPOLIS — Mayor Joe Hogsett has announced that Chris Bailey will be appointed as Chief Deputy Mayor and Chief of Staff effective Feb. 2.Chris Bailey currently serves as the Chief of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. Chief Bailey has dedicated more than 26 years to serving Indianapolis, beginning his career with IMPD and rising through every level of the organization. Appointed Chief of Police in January 2024, Bailey led Indiana’s largest law enforcement agency wit
  • City of Beech Grove Receives Grant for Emerson Ave. Corridor

    BEECH GROVE — The City of Beech Grove has been notified by the U.S. Department of Transportation that it has been awarded a $17,082,400 grant from the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. Beech Grove was awarded the funds for the Emerson Avenue High Injury Network Safety Improvements, which will boost safety for drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transit users along Emerson Ave. between Victory Dr. and Main St. The project will ultimately represent a total investment of approxim
  • State Announces Matching Grants for Preservation

    INDIANA — Five federal Historic Preservation Fund matching grants totaling more than $279,000 for historic preservation and archaeology projects in five Indiana communities were recently announced. These five grants, which will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and municipalities for work in Marion, Madison, Marshall, Fountain, and Delaware counties, help strengthen Indiana’s historical and cultural heritage by assisting local preservation projects. In most cases, these grants re
  • New Art Museum Accepting Applications for Studio Spaces

    INDIANAPOLIS — The Contemporary Art Museum of Indianapolis (CAMi) (@CAMiMuseum) is now accepting applications for studio and storefront spaces in their new building opening May 2026 on the near southside.There are 18 studios and six storefronts available, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis through Friday, Feb. 13.CAMi is also hosting an open house on Saturday, Jan. 24, from 1 to 3 p.m. for those interested in visiting and learning more about the spaces. Please plan to start at t
  • “The Mousetrap” at Beef & Boards Through Feb. 15

    INDIANAPOLIS — Beef & Boards’ 2026 Season springs open with Agatha Christie’s legendary whodunit, The Mousetrap, now on stage. The record-breaking murder mystery — famous for keeping audiences guessing for more than 70 years — invites patrons to settle in for an exciting evening of suspense and intrigue.Snow is piling up outside Monkswell Manor, but the tension indoors is even thicker. After a local woman is murdered, the guests and staff of this remote country
  • “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the IRT Jan. 27-Feb. 22

    INDIANAPOLIS — Joe Turner’s Come and Gone from beloved Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright August Wilson, is widely regarded as an American masterpiece. Part of his “Century Cycle,” the play is the second in a ten play series exploring the African-American experience in the 20th century. The Indiana Repertory Theatre will present Joe Turner’s Come and Gone from Jan. 27-Feb. 22.At a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911, descendants of the formerly enslaved have come
  • Booth Space Available for Creatives and Others at Indoor Sale

    GREENFIELD — Booth space is now available for the annual Arts & Rummage indoor sale to be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21st at the Hancock County 4-H Fairgrounds, 620 N. Apple. The event is an all-purpose indoor sale:  part rummage sale, part flea market, part craft fair.Spots are available for just $50 for a 10’ x 8’ space which includes an 8-foot table and two chairs.  Extra tables will be available on site for $10 per booth space.Email c.schae4er@g
  • Applause!: Jan. 16-22

    • The IU football team did it again, squashing the Oregon Ducks 56-22 in the Peach Bowl. They will go on to play The Miami Hurricanes on Monday, Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m. The game will air on ESPN, and is streaming live on many apps. Go Hoosiers!• There will be open houses on the Marion County Land Use Plan Update. Neighbors have been key in helping shape this plan, which plays a vital role in determining the type of development that residents may see in their communities. The next open hou
  • Indiana Gearing Up to Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary

    INDIANA — Indiana is actively preparing for the U.S. 250th anniversary (America 250) in 2026, with statewide initiatives led by the Indiana Semiquincentennial Commission (America 250 – Indiana) to highlight Indiana’s role in American history through events, educational programs, and a torch relay, involving the Indiana State Museum, Indiana University, and many other organizations across all 92 counties. Celebrations will focus on Hoosier contributions, foundational ideals, and
25 Feb 2026
19 Feb 2026

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