NEW YORK, October 27 (IPS) – Notwithstanding last minute shenanigans and the possibility of backroom deals by powerful states, two women from Latin America are leading contenders in the race for the UN’s next Secretary-General. After 80-plus years of men-only leadership, momentum is building to break the glass ceiling at the global institution dedicated to saving future generations from the scourge of war.
INDIANAPOLIS — Underneath the Monon Trail bridge, where the Fall Creek Trail intersects, is a homeless encampment.
Three large tents are set up in the woods. A bathtub, a couch, and a child’s stroller are among the items left behind, feet away from where people bike and jog. The city government of Indianapolis said it will clean it up Tuesday morning.
Andrew Merkley, director of the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, said the goal is to keep trails in the city clean.
“We want to make sure this area is cleaned up,” he said. “Whenever there are abandoned camps, especially when they are along waterways.”
Resident Dylan Zyrowski, who frequently bikes around the area, said that cleanup is welcome news.
“I mean, I feel pretty safe coming through here,” he said. “But my mom was here taking my kids for a walk over here. And she got down here and was not feeling very safe. So, I think it’s good they’re having it cleaned up.”
The city said the cleanup will be paid for with Federal Emergnecy Management Agency funds because the area was impacted by recent flooding.
“There’s a lot of debris, potentially human waste or other items that could impact the environment or the health of those in the area,” said Merkley.
The city said there is currently no one living in the area and that the people who have been staying there were connected to homeless resources.
For Zyrowski, though, it’s not just about cleaning up the area. He said he also feels for the people who had been living there.
“It’s heartbreaking to see folks out there,” he said. “I always think we’re always a few life decisions away from being somebody that’s on the streets. As much love and care as we can show those folks as possible, I think, is great.”
LONDON, October 26 (IPS) – Classrooms with mouldy walls, riddled with cockroaches and rats, stifling in summer and freezing in winter: this is how French high school students describe the places where they’re meant to learn. These impossible-to-ignore symbols of underfunding and neglect sparked a protest movement that has shaken the country.
Read the full story, “France’s New Protest Generation Rises”, on globalissues.org →
ANDERSON, Ind. — A woman is fighting for her life after a two-vehicle crash in Anderson, police said.
Just before 6 a.m. Monday, officers with the Anderson Police Department responded to a crash near the intersection of West 53rd Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. That’s near Birdie Shots on the southwest side of the city.
Preliminary information determined one vehicle was stopped at a traffic signal while traveling south on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard when another vehicle driving southbound hit it from behind.
The passenger, a woman, was taken to a local hospital and then flown to an Indianapolis hospital for further treatment, police said. The driver of the stopped vehicle suffered minor injuries and was treated and released. The driver of the other vehicle was not hurt.
Members of the Anderson Police Department’s crash team took over the investigation because of the severity of the crash. Both drivers stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers. Officers observed no signs of impairment at the scene.
The crash remains under investigation. Police said they will release additional information as it becomes available.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Colts traveled to Minnesota this week hoping to hand the undefeated Vikings their first loss. Instead, the Vikings handed the Colts their third loss in a row.
The Vikings beat the Colts 16-10. They’re now 2-5 for the season. WISH-TV’s Daybreak Colts contributor Heather Lloyd joined Daybreak on Monday to discuss Sunday’s loss and a very tumultuous week for this team.
“Since I was here last Monday, the Colts fired General Manager Chris Ballard and a few days later, news came out that backup quarterback Anthony Richardson was charged with possession of marijuana.
So, not a great week all around.”
“The Colts went into halftime up 10-6. But the second half was not kind to them. Spencer Shrader missed two field goals and Daniel Jones threw a game losing interception.”
“There were some bright spots. Some young players stepped up and had big days – running back Seth McGowan, safety A.J. Haulcy, defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore, and others. On both the offensive and defensive side, it was clear that these players aren’t mailing it in. They were out there, giving it their all, determined to do whatever they could to help their team win now.”
“Daniel Jones’ struggles continue. He has 10 turnovers through seven games. And for those of you wondering, Shane Steichen was adamant that he believes in Daniel Jones and he will remain the starting quarterback. Tough day at the office for the Colts after a tough week at the office for everyone.”
“Change is coming. It already started. The rebuild has begun…The players know that everyone knows that.”
“I think they made a big statement yesterday (Sunday), whether they’re going to be here or somewhere else. You put your best out there every week because you don’t know what the future holds – and right now, you don’t even know who will be calling the shots.”
“Coming off a decade-long rebuild, the Indianapolis Colts are headed straight into another rebuild (which we hope will be much shorter). But I think one of the issues the Colts have right now is that this wasn’t really a rebuild – because what did you build? You changed players around, you added some talent, but I could argue that this team looks a lot like the one Chris Ballard inherited ten years ago.”
“So, I think the rebuild they’re about to go into is going to be much more significant. What does it mean for Shane Steichen, for Lou Anarumo, for Daniel Jones? Will the Colts try to recoup some of their draft capital before the November trade deadline? All these questions are out there and they’re going to be out for most of the season. So, for the Colts, it’s now about doing your job to the best of your ability and ignoring the noise around you – which is easier said than done.”
“Jonathan Taylor’s wife made a TikTok talking about the plight of the Colts and how for the first time ever, they’re wondering whether he’ll be here or traded away. So, a lot going on in that building right now – and that uncertainty extends to the homes of the players and their families as well.
The best way to avoid all this? Win!”
“The annual trip to Jacksonville… and perfect timing, too – because it’s Halloween weekend and EverBank Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Colts. The last time the Colts won in Jacksonville was 2014 with Andrew Luck as quarterback… All I can say is – good luck!”
The Colts have lost 10 consecutive games at EverBank Stadium, even during stretches when Indianapolis fielded superior teams.
The Jaguars (4-2) lead the AFC South and are coming off a bye week. The Colts will need to overcome both their recent struggles and historical demons to avoid falling to 2-6.
YEREVAN and SHIKAHOGH STATE RESERVE, Armenia, October 26 (IPS) – Less than 100 metres from military positions facing each other across the Armenia-Azerbaijan border, the forest suddenly disappears.
Read the full story, “How Conflict Brings Biodiversity to the Brink”, on globalissues.org →
INDIANAPOLIS — With Election Day just around the corner, Indianapolis voters have more places to cast their ballots early.
Until Nov. 1, registered Marion County residents can vote at the following locations:
Warren Township Government Center
Decatur Township Government Center
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
Franklin Township Government Center
Indianapolis Public Library – Fort Ben Branch
Indianapolis Public Library – Pike Branch
Krannert Park
Perry Township Government Center
St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
The Indianapolis City-County Building is open until Nov. 2. Registered voters must bring their ID.
At St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, organizers said more than 1600 voters showed up Saturday, with wait times up to 2 hours.
“That’s how intense the voting has been. And in fact, we open at 11 a.m.,” volunteer Stephen Hoskin said. People started showing up at 10, knowing they couldn’t vote yet, but they stayed in line. It peaks in early afternoon; by the end of the day, it’s down,” Hoskin said.
Voters said that this time on Sunday, wait times were short. Many say they were in and out in 10 minutes.
For Keisha Nikolson, voting became a family affair.
“It was important just to exercise our civic responsibility and duty. Our ancestors and several people’s ancestors have sacrificed to vote. And I always feel like it’s my honor to come and vote and make sure that I’m civically responsible. But also I wanted to enjoy this experience with my mom because she taught me early on to be a responsible adult,” Nikolson said.
Early voting allowed Eleanor Hendrickson to vote for the first time during her college fall break. “I just turned 18 this year, and I just think it’s really important to have those young voices out here voting. I think the current events going on…I think it’s important to have the young generation’s opinions on that too.”
A first-time voter is excited to cast her ballot. “I know a lot of people will say that maybe my vote doesn’t matter, things like that. But people fail to realize that there are smaller issues that you have to vote on that do affect you and the people around you. Going out and voting, just a simple thing like that, makes a difference.”
These eight voting locations are now open through Nov. 1, giving voters more options before Election Day. More information is available at vote.indy.gov.
If you are outside Marion County, you can look up your voter registration and early voting center locations online here at the Indiana voters website.
DHAKA, Bangladesh, October 26 (IPS) – Bangladesh has achieved remarkable economic progress over the past few decades. Its garment industry has become globally important, millions of people have entered the workforce, and private businesses have expanded across manufacturing, services, technology and trade. But economic growth alone does not create a healthy business environment. Businesses also need predictable laws, safe workplaces, fair competition, protection of property and contracts, and respect for the rights of workers, consumers and communities.
(MIRROR INDY) — A luxury hotel and spa. Rooftop dining and an entertainment venue. Senior living and a Ferris wheel. Those are just some of the ideas a developer wants to bring to the Washington Square Mall property.
About two dozen residents gathered Oct. 22 at the Warren Township Schools Administration building to hear from California-based developer BRC Commercial Properties, LLC. The developer is calling the concept “The Washington Grand Hotel, Resort, and Conference Center.” The developer estimated the project would cost about $5 billion.
Representatives for BRC said the ideas shared are not set in stone and there will be future meetings for residents to share input.
Many residents agree the Far Eastside property is in need of some redevelopment.
Eastsider Page Lacy said the property and surrounding area “has been going down for decades.”
“I want to see something positive happen to it, something that would help the neighborhood and not just be any old thing,” Lacy said.
Lacy said she has wondered if Washington Square Mall would have a similar fate to Lafayette Square Mall on the west side. After closing, a developer had plans for Lafayette Square but faced setbacks. The developer is now turning the westside property into apartments.
Teri Rypel said the ideas shared at the meeting was a good place to start. But, she said there is a long way to go before any development happens.
“They don’t have any funding yet that was mentioned,” Rypel said about BRC’s proposal. “I don’t know that they even have any particular investor that is willing to take on this project.”
At the meeting, Britt Wagner, CEO of BRC Commercial Properties, said the project would be funded by “several major investors,” including some “international investors.” However, he said he could not identify the investors due to nondisclosure agreements.
The developer also does not yet own the property. Although the mall is split between more than a dozen owners, Ohio-based Durga Property Holdings LLC is considered the primary owner of the property.
At the meeting, Eddie Hager, a representative for BRC, said the company has signed a purchase agreement and is in final discussions with Durga.
However, a representative for Durga said that is false.
Keith Lee Jr. serves as the operations manager for Washington Square Mall and works with Durga principal Kumar Vemulapalli. He said neither he, his lawyer nor Vemulapalli are aware of any purchase agreements.
Lee said Wagner is giving community members false hope.
“I just asked him for the purchase agreement today, and he said he didn’t have it with him,” Lee said. “I think that’s not fair, because what if this community also wants to see it, to see proof that something is in motion right now?”
Wagner told Mirror Indy a purchase agreement was signed in 2025. He said he was unable to share it with Mirror Indy due to a nondisclosure agreement he had to sign.
While the property is for sale, the mall remains open with about a dozen local businesses.
Wagner said he has spoken to a few of the mall’s tenants. He said some are worried about losing their businesses, but BRC would be committed to helping them find new locations after any redevelopment begins.
Once BRC has purchased the property, Wagner said he hopes for the project to be completed within five years. He said future community meetings have yet to be scheduled, but they will happen.
“All we’re trying to do is something for the community,” Wagner said.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations. Sign up for our free newsletters.
Mirror Indy reporter Darian Benson covers east Indianapolis. Contact her at 317-397-7262 or darian.benson@mirrorindy.org. Follow her on X @HelloImDarian or on Bluesky @darianbenson.bsky.social.
MINNEAPOLIS (WISH) — The Colts lost to the Vikings, 16-10, and drop to 2-5 on the season.
The Colts were held scoreless in the second half. They led 10-6 at halftime.
The Colts play the Jaguars on the road next. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Sunday, November 1.
This story will be updated.
