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Pendleton woman accused of $359K childcare fund scam

Federal prosecutors say a Pendleton woman used falsified attendance and food claims to obtain about $359,083.60 from federal child‑care programs tied to three Indianapolis centers, and she also faces individual tax charges. Court filings say she has agreed to plead guilty but has not yet formally entered a plea.

Purdue celebrates new Pickett-Chaney Pickleball and Tennis Complex, responds to growing campus demand

Former Indianapolis daycare operator federally charged with wire fraud, failing to file income tax return

Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton throws first pitch at Wrigley; continues offseason work with Pacers Foundation

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton threw the ceremonial first pitch at the Cubs-Brewers game at Wrigley Field and reiterated he has abandoned his childhood Brewers fandom. Sports Illustrated reports he’s also been active this offseason, including hosting the Pacers Foundation Charity Softball Classic.

Indiana trucking businesses face compliance signal as new English requirement leaves CDL testing unchanged

A law enacted in March requires commercial driver’s license applicants to be proficient in English, but Indiana’s BMV says it will not add a separate English exam and will continue giving CDL and permit tests in English. State and federal officials have increased enforcement activity tied to English proficiency.

Indiana ends routine ambulance diversion for crowded emergency departments

Indiana’s September policy change limits ambulance diversion to disasters or critical infrastructure failures, according to state health officials.

Colts WR Keenan Allen speaks for the first time since arrest

After a Sunday arrest on preliminary DWI charges, Keenan Allen spoke Thursday and the Colts’ leadership said he will play in Week 1. Team officials have kept discussions private while the legal matter proceeds.

Carmel floods create urgent need for remediation services and financial aid in Hamilton County

Weeks after floodwaters receded in east Carmel, dozens of households face extended recovery while homeowners contend with gutted homes, contamination risks and insurance gaps. Local charities and the Hamilton County Community Foundation are collecting donations to help cover unmet needs.

Colts finalize QB depth chart; Anthony Richardson named backup in Indianapolis

Coach Shane Steichen announced Anthony Richardson will be the Indianapolis Colts’ backup quarterback after a preseason competition with Riley Leonard. The decision follows Richardson’s preseason improvement and a front-office statement that he will remain with the team this year.

Jeff’s Bagel Run to open first Indiana location in Fishers, expanding local breakfast market

Jeff’s Bagel Run plans its first Indiana location at 11745 Allisonville Road in Fishers, listed as “coming soon” on the chain’s website. A spokesperson told the publication the store is expected to open by the end of this year, and the franchise’s site says it operates 49 restaurants across multiple states.

FTC: Scammers are cloning car dealership websites

The Federal Trade Commission warns scammers are using AI to create fake car-dealer websites that mimic real inventories and branding, risking consumer data theft and nonexistent vehicle sales. Indiana officials are urging vigilance and offering a complaint route for victims.

Zionsville budget would tap $1.6M of $40M reserves, end soft hiring freeze to add firefighters and staff

Mayor John Stehr’s proposed 2026 budget would draw on reserves to cover temporary deficits tied to tax changes and resume hiring, including six firefighters in 2027. The Town Council will have a first reading of the plan on Sept. 21.

AG Rokita Sues Over Storm Scams

Attorney General Todd Rokita has filed lawsuits against five companies tied to post‑storm tree removal, alleging excessive fees, incomplete contracts and false statements about insurance coverage.

Indianapolis teachers union opposes IPEC-backed $95M school tax plan as IPS still faces $20M in cuts

A proposed IPEC-backed referendum would raise about $95 million annually for Indianapolis public schools, with roughly half directed to Indianapolis Public Schools and the rest to about 60 charter schools. The Indianapolis Education Association opposes the measure because IPS officials say the district would still need roughly $20 million in additional cuts even if the measure passes.

Indiana ends routine ambulance diversions starting in September, shifting hospital and EMS operations

State health officials and emergency care partners agreed to stop routine ambulance diversion statewide, limiting it to disasters and critical infrastructure failures beginning in September 2026. The change was announced by the Indiana Department of Health and several hospital and EMS organizations.

Terre Haute Pastor Arrested on 10 Child Sex Abuse Material Charges

IU Southeast to host four-time Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves at Sanders Speaker Series on Sept. 9

Indiana University Southeast will present Helio Castroneves as the featured speaker for the 2026 Sanders Speaker Series at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9 in the Stem Concert Hall of the Paul W. Ogle Cultural and Community Center. Admission is free but a ticket is required.

$2.25M Lilly Endowment grant to Indy Chamber Foundation to expand Life in Indy talent platform

The Indy Chamber Foundation announced Aug. 31, 2026 that Lilly Endowment awarded $2.25 million to scale and modernize its Life in Indy regional storytelling platform, funding digital updates, talent-attraction initiatives, community storytelling and expanded research capacity to support regional recruitment efforts.

IU Kokomo honors faculty; awards spotlight course redesigns, curriculum changes that affect student programs

Indiana University Kokomo presented teaching, research and service awards at its annual fall convocation, recognizing faculty whose work includes curriculum realignment, course redesigns, peer-mentoring program revisions and new program learning outcomes. Recipients included Nicholas Baxter, Paul Cook, Karen Sallee and five Trustees Teaching Award winners.

Indiana to receive at least $300M in settlement with Meta

Indiana will receive a guaranteed $296 million—and as much as $419 million—under a proposed $17.1 billion nationwide settlement with Meta resolving claims over harms to youth. The agreement, filed by Attorney General Todd Rokita, requires new Instagram and Facebook safety features and awaits federal court approval.

Danville’s new mural festival will temporarily close Washington Street and spotlight downtown businesses

Danville will host the inaugural Merge Mural Fest in September 2026, with nine artists painting walls in a parking lot east of Washington Street and a public unveiling and reception set for Sept. 19. Organizers and several downtown merchants are backing the event.

IU Indianapolis unveils $110M James T. Morris Arena and campus service upgrades for fall 2026

Indiana University Indianapolis plans multiple campus changes for fall 2026, led by the $110 million James T. Morris Arena opening, additions of 40 student beds, expanded laundry and accessibility improvements, and new student-focused services and equipment access.

Indianapolis Public Library launches free Small Business Series starting Sept. 14 to support local entrepreneurs

The Indianapolis Public Library will host a free, in-person Small Business Series at Central Library beginning September 14, 2026, offering workshops on data tools, business systems, intellectual property, budgeting, planning and certification. Registration is encouraged and sessions are funded by the Library Foundation’s Dr. Michael R. Twyman Endowment Fund.

GOP senators back Chris Garten to lead Indiana Senate; will steer committee picks and 2027 budget planning

Senate Republican caucus unanimously endorsed Sen. Chris Garten to replace Rodric Bray as president pro tem, naming him to lead the caucus’ campaign operation and planning for the 2027 legislative session. The full Senate must vote on the leadership change after the November election on Organization Day.