Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Friday, May 2, 2025.
We start the day with breaking news from the city’s south side, where police confirm a fatal shooting overnight. Officers responded to a call just after 5 a.m. near Madison Avenue. On the city’s west side, another shooting left one person dead yesterday afternoon on Rolling Dunes Drive. Police remain on the scene, asking neighbors to come forward with any information as they work to ensure public safety.
Turning to city hall, Indianapolis is moving ahead with its new $1.6 billion budget for 2025. The City-County Council approved the plan, which includes increased funding for public safety, road repairs, park improvements, and efforts to reduce homelessness and gun violence. Council members acknowledge concerns around the need for more investment in early childhood education and climate initiatives, but say this budget is a step forward for tackling the city’s immediate challenges.
Weather is on everyone’s mind today as rain and the possibility of storms could affect outdoor plans across Marion County. The forecast calls for scattered showers throughout the day, with lingering clouds heading into the evening. That could put a damper on some planned festivities and youth sports, so keep your umbrella handy. Temperatures should hover in the upper 60s. Looking ahead, more showers are expected through the weekend, so plan accordingly.
On the real estate and job front, business activity remains steady. Several new small businesses are opening this month around Fletcher Place and Broad Ripple. Job seekers will want to note that hiring in logistics and healthcare is up, with local postings approaching 2,000 open positions citywide.
In cultural highlights, anticipation is building for the Summer Jam concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse featuring GloRilla and emerging artists, with tickets moving fast. Our city is also gearing up for the WNBA All-Star Game in July, with Friday night kickoff events still available even after general tickets sold out in just five hours. The Pacers made headlines this week as star Tyrese Haliburton’s emotional family moment after the team’s playoff-clinching win over the Bucks captured national attention.
Schools are also in the spotlight—shout out to North Central High School’s robotics team, who clinched a regional award in their latest competition. Their success continues to put Indianapolis students on the map for STEM achievement.
In jobs news, the F.A.S.T. program is helping more local families out of poverty by connecting them with career training and support services, which could be a game-changer for dozens of Indianapolis households this spring.
For community events, don’t miss the Saturday farmers market at Garfield Park or the neighborhood cleanup on Mass Ave. Organizers hope a strong turnout will help boost community spirit and beautify our city.
For a feel-good finish, a local girl scout troop raised enough funds to build a free little library near 38th Street and College Avenue, proving once again that small acts can make a big difference in our neighborhoods.
That’s all for today’s headlines. This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.
