INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Security is top of mind as tens of thousands gather to watch the Monument Circle light up at the 63rd annual Circle of Lights. Thousands more people are also expected downtown Friday with high school football state title games and an Indiana Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse all happening at the same time.

Organizers want to make sure this celebration is safe so families can enjoy the entertainment.

Charles DeBlaso, commander of special operations for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, said, “Downtown is safe. We are aware, unfortunately, of what happened throughout the country with different cities this past weekend. We take a look at that. We look at our plan to see if there’s anything we can do different.”

Tens of thousands of people are expected to meet downtown to see Monument Circle be transformed into a giant Christmas tree. IMPD has been planning security for months, and with the added sports games, it’s going to be a busy night. IMPD is asking for help.

“I will say, most importantly, we need the community to step up,” DeBlaso said. “We need people, parents most importantly. If you’re kids aren’t home late at night, you need to find them and get them home.”

IMPD is encouraging people to report anything suspicious to nearby police or security. There will be a large security and police presence downtown, some in plain clothes. Drones will also be used to monitor the area.

“Young adults, teenagers, bringing guns to disputes isn’t the answer,” DeBlaso said.

The entire area surrounding Monument Circle will be closed off to cars. Organizers say plan ahead to reserve your parking or get in early.

“I would encourage people to plan ahead to allow a little bit of extra time to know that there are many coffee shops and bars that’ll be open this evening,” said Taylor Schaffer, President & CEO of Downtown Indy Alliance. “And by allowing themselves extra time, they may be able to enjoy that. They’ll get to step inside and warm up for a few minutes before heading to their next stop.”

Another way organizers are keeping crowds safe is through large monitors or digital boards that can be used as a tool for emergency messaging.

Once the switch is flipped around 6:50 p.m. this evening, more than 4,700 lights will shine.

“There’s something special when that light switch is flipped,” Schaffer said. “For families who have seen it so many times or children just seeing it for the first time. There’s electricity. There’s excitement. There’s a joy that comes to that, and you see so many families take photos in front of it. And to know those photos make it on Christmas Cards, make their way onto mantels, make their way into frames, and solidifies this as a tradition that continues for decades to come.”

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Zionsville Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Edward Miller.

Miller is a 48-year-old white male. He is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 230 pounds, has gray hair with hazel eyes, and was last seen wearing a white baseball cap, wrapped in a white blanket, tan coat, gray pants, and boots.

Miller is missing from Zionsville, Indiana, which is 18 miles northwest of Indianapolis, and was last seen on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, at 8:04 p.m.  He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

Investigators ask that anyone with information on Edward Miller contact the Zionsville Police Department at 317-873-5967 or 911.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Department of Public Works (Indy DPW) is preparing for a snow storm on Thanksgiving weekend.

On Friday, Indy DPW/AFSCME Local #725 crews will begin rotating, 12-hour shifts to monitor and treat roads as necessary. Indianapolis Fleet Services crew will mirror those shifts to keep the fleet running smoothly.

As the winter weather begins, Indy DPW’s focus will be “priority one roadways, thoroughfares, street abutting hospitals and fire stations, and bridge overpasses,” according to a news release.

At this time, Indy DPW is expecting one-to-three inches of snow on Saturday, Nov. 29.

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) — One man is dead and another man was injured during a double stabbing at a concert in Fort Wayne Friday, according to the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD).

At 1:42 a.m. Friday, FWPD officers were dispatched to Piere’s Entertainment Center in the 5600 block of St. Joe Road on a report of a stabbing. Security personnel alerted officers to a disturbance inside the venue. Officers entered and found a man suffering from an apparent knife wound. Due to the large crowd, additional officers were requested to help secure the scene.

A second man with knife-related injuries was also found at the scene. Officers provided medical aid to both men until medics arrived. One man was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other man was transported to a local hospital in non-life-threatening condition.

The FWPD Homicide Unit, Crime Scene Management, and Air Support Unit were called to assist with the investigation. Detectives are reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses. Investigators ask that anyone with information regarding this incident contact the FWPD at 260-427-1222, Crime Stoppers at 260-436-7867, or submit an anonymous tip through the “P3 Tips” app.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – A winter storm remains on schedule this weekend and it’ll bring accumulating snow to most of Indiana on Saturday. Travel may become difficult, especially across northern sections of the state. Gusty winds will allow for some of the snow to blow and drift at times. 

FRIDAY NIGHT: Another chilly night is on tap with overnight lows in the low 20s. Clouds will increase and there could be a few flakes across western Indiana by sunrise.

SATURDAY: Snow should develop first across the western part of Indiana but it will eventually overspread our entire area by afternoon and evening. Temperatures will start out in the 20s and slowly rise into the mid 30s by late evening.

We still expect snowfall totals around 2 to 4 inches along the I-70 corridor and Indianapolis. There may be a pretty sharp gradient across the metro Indy area with more that 4″ to the north and less that 2″ to the south.

SATURDAY EVENING/NIGHT: Warmer air should help turn the snow over to a mix or rain from SW to NE. Temperatures may get as warm as the mid 30s, which will turn things into a slushy mess. Snow should remain the primary precipitation type across our northern counties longer and that’s why we believe the higher totals will found in that direction. Totals over 6″ are more likely up towards Kokomo and Lafayette with even higher amounts across Northern Indiana.

SUNDAY: Most of the impactful accumulations will be over by mid morning but some snow showers could linger into the afternoon. Temperatures will slowly cool during the day from the 30s back into the 20s. It’s worth noting that we’ll have gusty winds from the SE on Saturday and more gusty winds from the WNW on Sunday. Bundle up for the walk to and from Lucas Oil Stadium for that big Texans/Colts game.

7 DAY FORECAST: Cold weather is here to stay all week long. Keep in mind the average high/low right now is 46/31. Another wintry system may lead to snow accumulation late Monday and Tuesday morning. That could gum up the work for your Tuesday morning commute depending on how things evolve.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — In other cities, Black Friday is for tracking down the best deals on gifts for everyone on your shopping list. In Indianapolis, Black Friday is for Circle of Lights.

For the past 63 years, the Circle of Lights celebration has been a cherished holiday tradition. About 10,000 people are expected to gather Friday evening for the lighting of “the world’s largest Christmas tree” on Monument Circle.

Free activities, festive food and beverages, and a pre-show will begin at 5 p.m., with live music and entertainment starting at 6 p.m. At 6:50 p.m., all eyes will be on the Soldiers & Sailors Monument as Santa Claus “flips the switch” to illuminate 52 strands of sparkling garland and nearly 5,000 multi-colored LED lights.

According to Visit Indy, each of the five bulb colors honors a branch of the United States military — green for the Army, clear for the Air Force, blue for the Navy, yellow for the Coast Guard, and red for the Marines. Adding to the festive scene are 52 larger-than-life toy soldiers and sailors and peppermint sticks that circle the Monument.

The city plans to have a large police presence, including drones, to help monitor the area around Monument Circle. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department says it will have uniformed and undercover officers in the crowd to keep things safe.

“We’ll have a lot of resources that’s going tobe assigned down here. Downtown is safe,” IMPD Commander of Special Operations Chuck DeBlaso said. “Most importantly, we need the community to step up.”

If you see something, say something — report anything suspicious to an officer or security guard.

Circle of Lights attendees are also encouraged to sign up for public safety alerts by texting COL2025 to 67283.

If you’re planning to join the celebration, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead. Plan to arrive early and stay late.
• Expect crowds.-About 25,000 people are expected downtown on Friday night due to Circle of Lights, state football championships at Lucas Oil Stadium, and a Pacers game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
• Parking will be at a premium. Construction, street closures, and other events near Monument Circle mean you might end up parking farther away than you did in years past.
• Dress warmly. Conditions will be very cold, with temps below freezing and wind chill in the 20s.
• Leave your chairs at home. Prohibited items include chairs, pop-up tents, coolers, bicycles, and animals (except for service animals).

Click here to learn more about Circle of Lights.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Officials with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles announced Friday that it issued about 70,000 Blackout license plates in its first three months of availability.

The BMV says the black license plates, introduced Aug. 8, generated more than $2.3 million to be reinvested to the agency. The special plates now rival some of the agency’s highest-selling Special Group Recognition plates.

Indiana BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey says it’s all about giving drivers options.

“The Blackout plate is proving to be a popular option, and the numbers prove it,” Garvey said in a press release. “I want all Hoosier drivers to know that the Blackout plate is an option for not only their cars, but trucks, motorcycles, and RVs too. Many of our customers want a plate that matches and complements other style choices on their vehicle.”

Starting in 2026, the agency will offer the “Blackout” option for disability plates.

Plate designs can be picked in person at any BMV branch, online or at a BMV Connect Kiosk.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Indianapolis police say they used data from a suspect’s ankle monitor to locate him after a Thanksgiving Day shooting.

Derrick Fisher Jr., 30, is accused of shooting a male at an apartment complex on the city’s west side, the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department announced Friday.

Just before 8:30 p.m. Thursday, IMPD officers responded to a shooting in the 2900 block of Campanile Drive. That’s an address within The Steeples on Washington apartments, located at North Tibbs Avenue and Washington Street.

The victim, identified in a police report as a male, was “awake and breathing” when transported to hospital. Police did not provide an update on his condition.

IMPD says witnesses at the scene helped officers “quickly identify” Fisher as the suspected shooter.

“Fisher was on GPS monitoring for an unrelated case, and this information was used to quickly locate him. Officers from multiple districts and units worked together to safely apprehend Fisher,” IMPD said in a release Friday.

Fisher was arrested on preliminary charges of aggravated battery and unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon.

Online court records show Fisher pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of a firearm by a serious violent felon in August 2023. He has prior convictions in Marion, Johnson, and Hendricks counties for crimes including resisting law enforcement, domestic battery, and criminal confinement involving a victim under the age of 14.

Fisher was being held Friday at the Marion County Jail. A preliminary hearing date has not been announced.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Burn off some of those Thanksgiving calories on Black Friday by lacing up your skates for opening day at the Ice Rink at Holliday Park.

Friday, Nov. 28 marks the first day of public skating at the beloved outdoor ice skating rink, which will be open for seasonal fun through Sunday, March 1, 2026.

Located inside Holliday Park Nature Center, the Ice Rink at Holliday Park offers something for everyone, including family and date night fun, skating lessons, hockey, curling, and special seasonal events.

Tickets are $14 (free for children 4 and under), with skate rental included.

Highlights of the season ahead include:

• Special Events: Black Friday Opening Day (Nov. 28), Winter Solstice Skate with Santa (Dec. 21), Valentine’s Day Skate (Feb. 14), Winter Olympics Watch Parties (February), and more.
• Half-Price Student Nice: Students can enjoy half-price skating every Friday from 7-8:30 p.m.
• Skating & Hockey Lessons: Lessons for all ages and skill levels will be offered by Winter Club of Indianapolis. Free, drop-in hockey lessons will be conducted by Our Hockey House starting in January.
• New Curling League: The only outdoor Curling League in Indianapolis is being offered at the rink starting in January.

The Ice Rink at Holliday Park is located at Holliday Park Nature Center, 6363 Spring Mill Rd., Indianapolis.

Click here to learn more about the Ice Rink at Holliday Park or purchase tickets.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, announced Friday that charges against a man who authorities say shot two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder.

The announcement comes after the death of one of the soldiers.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon’s shooting and President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that Beckstrom had died.

Pirro’s office said the charges Rahmanullah Lakanwal now faces include one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.

Pirro said that Lakanwal drove across the country to launch an “ambush-style” attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Pirro said that “it’s too soon to say” what the suspect’s motives were.

People who knew the suspect say he served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit before immigrating to the United States.

Lakanwal, 29, worked in one of the special Zero Units in the southern province of Kandahar, according to a resident of the eastern Afghan province of Khost who identified himself as Lakanwal’s cousin. He said Lakanwal was originally from the province and that his brother had worked in the unit as well.

The cousin spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals. He said Lakanwal had started out working as a security guard for the unit in 2012 and was later promoted to become a team leader and a GPS specialist. A former official from the unit, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation, said Lakanwal’s brother was a platoon leader.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal from the country, officials said. Lakanwal applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but his asylum was approved under the Trump administration, #AfghanEvac said in a statement.

Lakanwal has been living in Bellingham, Washington, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) north of Seattle, with his wife and five children, said his former landlord, Kristina Widman.

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AP writer Sarah Brumfield contributed to this report.