INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Central Indiana stays hot and humid for the next few days as a stalled front keeps storm chances in the forecast through the weekend.

This morning:

Early morning storms are tracking across northern Indiana. These storms will stay north of Interstate 70 through mid-morning. Any storms that develop could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. A Flood Watch remains in effect for northeastern Indiana, where several inches of rain has fallen since early Wednesday morning.

Today:

The heat is the main story Thursday. Highs will reach the mid-80s across northeastern Indiana, near 90 in the metro, and into the mid-90s across southern counties. Many across central and southern Indiana will feel head indices pushing close to 100° again.

Scattered storms will be possible, mainly during the afternoon and evening hours. The stalled front will provide the focus for storm development, but severe weather is not expected.

Tonight:

Mostly cloudy with a few lingering showers possible. Lows will drop into the low to mid-70s.

Tomorrow:

Friday brings another warm, unsettled day – but a touch cooler than previous days. Highs will top out in the mid 80s across central Indiana, and closer to 90° over southern Indiana. The front continues to wobble across the state, keeping spotty rain and storms in the forecast. No organized severe weather is expected.

This weekend:

Saturday will be another very warm day. Highs will climb back into the low to mid-90s across southern Indiana, with upper 80s for central portions of the state. Storm chances continue, especially Saturday afternoon and evening – starting in northern portions of the state, and eventually sagging south into central Indiana late night/overnight.

Sunday brings similar conditions with highs in the upper 80s to low 90s. Scattered storms remain possible.

7 day forecast:

Relief arrives early next week. The front finally pushes south of Indiana on Monday, bringing more comfortable air. Highs Monday will drop into the upper 70s to low 80s. Tuesday and Wednesday stay pleasant with highs in the mid-70s to near 80 and lower humidity.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Federal Reserve is raising benchmark interest rates by a quarter of a percentage point to mitigate soaring inflation. This is the first rate hike in three years.

Kyle Anderson, an economist at the Kelley School of Business, says the move is a mixed bag: New borrowers will likely see rates increase, but savers could see better returns.

“Primarily it will affect Hoosiers who might be buying a house, a car that they are borrowing money for,” Anderson says. “Someone who is going to make an offer on a house, going to the bank and getting that financing. Suddenly that monthly mortgage payment is going to be higher, and their rates will likely stay that way for some time now.”

The new benchmark sets the stage for other lenders to hike interest rates to a range of 3.75% to 4%.

Anderson recommends looking for a less expensive house or vehicle to offset higher interest rates and make payments more manageable.

“If you recently bought a house in the last year or two, you probably don’t have to worry about this at all. It’s really about new sales on new houses and existing ones.”

Annual percentage rates on credit cards will also likely rise, though Anderson says credit card companies usually take longer to make those adjustments.

Anderson says the rate hike helps savers because interest rates on savings accounts could go up. However, not all banks pass along the higher rates.

“Bank savings interest rates might go up now. If you have a regular checking or savings account, you might not see higher rates, but if you have a little more savings, you can find a bank offering a better deal. You’re going to find a high interest rate that’s beneficial.”

Anderson says the increase could slow the economy.

“Because businesses will face higher borrowing costs, they may be less likely to make investments, make new hires, and all of that. So we’ll see that play out… a slow economy, slower economic growth and slower job creation.” Anderson says the change is relatively minor. “It’s a small rate increase; it’s not going to send us into a wild recession or contraction or something like that.”

The Federal Reserve will meet Oct. 27-28 to reassess interest rates.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — ICE officials confirmed Wednesday that “Operation Safe Community – Indiana” netted 426 total arrests of illegal immigrants between August 30 and September 3 throughout the state of Indiana. 

ICE enforcement and Removal Operations acting Assistant Director, Patricia Hyde, released a statement that says in part: “This operation underscores the fact that when law enforcement agencies cooperate, the American people are safer.”

Circle City Broadcasting spoke with Dallin Lykins, an immigration lawyer with Banks and Brower Wednesday to discuss the operation. He says the immigration sweep has made it more difficult for his firm to let their clients know what to expect. 

“What used to be a little more certain – you could explain a process of how the immigration laws work and how the system works…now it’s hard to explain that process because I can’t promise that process will be followed.”

Two weeks after a raid led to several arrests at the 54 Beauty Lounge in Lawrence, many of the surrounding businesses are open again, but are struggling with a lack of customers. They say residents, illegal or otherwise, are too scared to leave their homes.

The owner of a Honduran restaurant in the Pendleton Pike Shoppes plaza says he’s seen an 80% decrease in sales and has already had to let some employees go. 

“It can impact businesses, their consumers…we’ve spoken with employers who have employees that are going through the process as best they can through the immigration system and are still getting detained and losing their jobs,” Lykins said.

A press release by ICE states the criminal history of the 426 arrested include charges of sex crimes, assault, weapons offenses, domestic violence and drug trafficking. 

Lykins pushed back at the notion, saying many of the clients they’ve been working with have been detained without a criminal record. 

“Every alien arrested during this operation was in violation of U.S. immigration law. Indiana is safer today as a result of the hard work of our ICE officers,” Raymond Hernandez, deputy field office director of ICE Chicago, said.

The full press release from ICE can be found here: ICE Operation Safe Community nets more than 400 arrests in Indiana | ICE

MOOSE, Wyo. (WISH) — Grand Teton National Park staff euthanized a black bear last week near Delta Lake after a series of dangerous encounters between the animal and park visitors, the park announced Tuesday.

According to a social media post, earlier this year, park rangers received several reports of a black bear approaching hikers. At the time, officials did not have enough information to determine if the behavior was a one-time thing or the start of a dangerous habit.

That changed last week.

The bear repeatedly approached people and ate human food left behind by visitors. Park staff monitored the area and found the bear unusually difficult to scare off.

Experts said the bear’s behavior showed it had become used to finding food near humans. As of Wednesday, the park said it is monitoring three black bears that have received food rewards in the area.

Park managers decided the bear’s lack of fear and its proximity to hikers created a serious safety risk. Because Delta Lake is in a remote area of the park, wildlife staff tranquilized the bear and killed it on-site. A helicopter crew flew the carcass out of the backcountry the following morning.

“We need to be clear—this bear was lethally removed because of poor decisions made by park visitors,” park officials said in a statement. “It is everyone’s responsibility to help keep bears wild: Never leave food unattended, even for a moment.”

Officials urged hikers to gather all belongings, especially food, if a bear approaches. “If you have time to grab your phone, you have time to grab your food,” the statement continued.

Park rangers noted that a bear that gets a “food reward” learns that approaching people pays off. A small decision to leave a backpack or snack behind can lead to the death of a bear or injuries to visitors.

Pre-hibernation hunt

The park says bears are on a mission to find a large amount of food before they hibernate for the winter, and that they are searching even harder due to this year’s poor berry crop.

Which means, your unattended bag of snacks could be worth investigating, even if it’s set down for a short period of time.

“It starts innocently. You set your pack down and step a short distance away to take in the view. You’re still nearby, but your back is turned. A bear following its nose may be tempted by the faint smells emanating from your pack,” the park said in a statement.

“Your choices matter. A single food reward can change a bear’s behavior, and those changes can have deadly consequences.”

Help keep bears wild and other people safe

1. Never leave packs, food, or coolers unattended.
2. Store food and garbage in bear-resistant containers.
3. Keep a clean camp and follow food storage rules.
4. Carry bear spray and keep it readily accessible.
5. Stay at least 100 yards from bears.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the first time since 2023 in an effort to quell stubbornly-high inflation, a move that could spur a sharp response from the White House.

The quarter-point increase lifts the Fed’s key rate to about 3.9% and, over time, could result in higher borrowing costs for mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. In a set of quarterly projections, the Fed also signaled that its rate-setting committee expects to hike rates a second time later this year to 4.1%.

“Today’s policy action will support a timelier return” to the central bank’s 2% inflation goal, the Fed said in a statement.

The move comes as Americans are already struggling with high costs for groceries, gas, and housing. Affordability has taken on a leading role in the upcoming midterm elections, just seven weeks away.

In a press conference following the Fed’s announcement, Fed Chair Kevin Warsh said that while the job market remains resilient, inflation has stubbornly remained above the Fed 2% target for years. “The plain fact is that inflation is too high and has been for too long,” Warsh said.

Since taking the lead at the Fed in May, Warsh has said the Fed is firmly committed to taming inflation, and that policymakers would take their cues from the data to determine if inflation was going in the right direction. “We must be confident that underlying inflation is moving to our objective clearly and at sufficient speed. Today the FOMC decided that this standard has not been satisfied.”

Since taking the lead at the Fed in May, Warsh has said the Fed is firmly committed to taming inflation, and that policymakers would take their cues from the data to determine if inflation was going in the right direction. “We must be confident that underlying inflation is moving to our objective clearly and at sufficient speed. Today the FOMC decided that this standard has not been satisfied.”

The rate hike marks a turnaround for Warsh, who was appointed by President Donald Trump and took over the top job in May. Warsh often suggested last year when under consideration by Trump that the Fed could reduce its key rate, echoing the president’s call for lower borrowing costs.

And in April, when Warsh’s nomination was under consideration by the Senate Banking Committee, Trump said in a television interview that he would be disappointed if Warsh didn’t cut rates. On the same day, however, Warsh told the committee he did not promise Trump he would cut rates and said he would be “an independent actor” as Fed chair.

Yet the ongoing disruptions from the Iran war, which have pushed up average gas prices more than 7% from just a month ago, threaten to spread through the economy and keep broader inflation stubbornly high. An inflation report last week showed core prices, which exclude food and energy, accelerated a bit in August.

According to the Fed’s preferred measure, inflation was 3.7% in July compared with a year ago, up from 2.3% in April 2025, just before Trump unveiled sweeping tariffs. Core inflation, which excludes the volatile food and energy categories, was 3.3% in July, the latest data available, up from 3% just before the Iran war and far above the Fed’s target.

Earlier Wednesday, the government said retail sales jumped 1.2% in August from the previous month, a sign that consumers are still spending at healthy levels despite sentiment surveys that indicate Americans remain gloomy about the economy. Strong spending is a sign that interest rates at current levels aren’t necessarily restricting the economy and cooling inflation.

“While uncertainty remains elevated owing, in part, to geopolitical developments, domestic spending has been resilient,” the Fed said, a likely reference to ongoing consumer spending and strong investment in AI data centers by large technology companies.

Higher inflation isn’t all about gas prices. Ongoing investment in AI has driven up prices for computer chips and other electronic gear, adding to overall inflation. Tariffs may still be elevating some costs, such as appliances, which jumped in price last month.

Trump harshly criticized Warsh’s predecessor, Jerome Powell, for not cutting rates quickly enough. His Justice Department even launched a criminal investigation into Powell over brief testimony he delivered to Congress last year, though that probe was eventually dropped.

When asked Wednesday how the president might react to the rate increase, Warsh said, ““I’ve got nothing for you on a discussion with the president.”

Kevin Hassett, Trump’s top economic adviser, was asked in an interview with Fox News on Sunday how Trump might react to a rate hike.

“I’m sure he’s not going to be super happy about it, but he will defend the independence of Kevin Warsh above all,” Hassett said.

Warsh might also have a measure of protection from the fact that his father-in-law is Ronald Lauder, a friend of Trump’s and a billionaire donor to his campaigns.

In the Fed’s economic projections issued along with the rate decision, officials indicated they are likely to raise the key rate once more this year. Analysts doubt that will be at the next meeting in October, just days before the midterm elections.

“Most FOMC members see a total of two hikes this year per the (projections), and it will likely skip October’s meeting given its proximity to the midterm elections,” said Kay Haigh of Goldman Sachs.

For their part, Wall Street investors have forecast three hikes for the Fed, with additional increases in December and March.

INDIANAPOLIS — A five-day U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operation resulted in 426 arrests across Indiana, authorities say.

“Operation Safe Community-Indiana” ran from Aug.30 through Sept.3.

ICE says those arrested had criminal histories including sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, drug trafficking, weapons offenses, burglary, identity theft, and fraud. Authorities say members of gangs including MS-13, 18th Street, and Tren de Aragua were also among those arrested.

While much of the operation focused on the Indianapolis metro area, ICE officers conducted enforcement actions throughout the entire state.

“Every alien arrested during this operation was in violation of U.S. immigration law, and Indiana is safer today as a result of the hard work of our ICE officers,” ICE Chicago Deputy Field Office Director Raymond Hernandez said in a statement.

The department added the operation “is in keeping with President Trump’s promise to make America safe again.”

As News 8 previously reported, ICE’s presence had many residents in the community on edge.

In a shopping plaza in Lawrence, several businesses closed their doors, including a Haitian market and Honduran restaurant.

Lawrence Police Department said it helped ICE agents arrest a person with felony warrants at a hair salon on Pendleton Pike.

Lawrence police said they only became involved because the situation became a public safety issue, stressing that they did not plan or initiate the operation.

One woman told News 8 her brother was detained by ICE while at work.

Sightings of ICE across the city flooded social media.

 U.S. Rep. Andre Carson sent a formal inquiry to ICE, demanding more details on raids. He expressed his concern that some arrests were based on racial profiling.

“ICE claims they’re going after the worst of the worst,” he said. “That’s simply not true. Ninety-six percent of ICE arrests in July did not have prior criminal convictions. ICE is making our city less safe.”

Mayor Joe Hogsett also weighed in, saying the city received no advance notice from ICE about any operations in Marion County.

Operation Safe Community-Indiana follows similar enforcement actions in Atlanta and Washington, D.C. Indiana falls under ICE Chicago’s jurisdiction.

INDIANAPOLIS — Wide receiver Keenan Allen has been formally charged for drunk driving just weeks after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.

Allen, 34, is charged with operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration of .15 or more and operating a vehicle while intoxicated — both misdemeanors.

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police say Allen was stopped in the 100 block of South Meridian Street in a no-parking zone just after 1 a.m. on Aug. 30.

According to online court records, Allen paid a $500 bond to be released from jail.

His initial hearing scheduled for Sept.16 was cancelled. An attorney conference is now set for October 26 at 8:30 a.m.

The Colts released a statement on Aug. 31 saying: “We are aware of the incident involving Keenan Allen last night. We are in the process of gathering more information and have no further comment at this time.”

INDIANAPOLIS — A man is injured after being stabbed in downtown Indianapolis early Wednesday morning, according to police.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department said officers responded to the 400 block of East Ohio Street on a report of a person stabbed around 6:30 a.m.

Officers arrived and found an adult male victim with stab wounds.

Police said the victim is in serious, but stable condition.

The suspect fled the scene before officers arrived, IMPD said.

An investigation is ongoing.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Pat McAfee called it the best kick in College GameDay history.

Zionsville native Connor Kacena-Merrell shocked the nation by making a 33-yard field goal to win $1.2 million Saturday morning on ESPN’s College GameDay.

The 19-year-old University of Texas-Austin freshman camped out from 9 p.m. Friday night to ensure he was one of the first 300 people on line to receive a raffle ticket. Kacena-Merrell was the third number called, ultimately paving the way for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“I was confident in my abilities, but when you get into that moment, there was definitely that added pressure to it, and you don’t know what’s going to happen,” Kacena-Merrell said.

But he nailed it, impressing McAfee, Kirk Herbstreit, Matthew McConaughey and the entire nation.

“It was crazy. My phone was blowing up,” Kacena-Merrell said. “It was definitely a process going through everything after, but I’m super excited, and it was such an amazing experience all around.”

Kacena-Merrell developed that leg strength at Park Tudor. He played football and was a captain on the soccer team for the Panthers. He even won a state championship with the soccer team.

The night before the biggest moment of his life, he was thinking of Indianapolis and how he could give back to a charity based right here in his hometown — Building Tomorrow.

“I had worked a little bit with Building Tomorrow before. They work to improve literacy rates in East Africa,” Kacena-Merrell said. “I found out that they’re the most dedicated, passionate people. They love what they do. They’re super hardworking. To then on Saturday have the opportunity to help them out again and work with them again it was a no brainer for me.”

Kacena-Merrell donated half of his GameDay winnings, plus made another kick for another $1 million during halftime of the Texas-Ohio State game. All of that adds up to a $1.1 million donation to Building Tomorrow.

“We’re almost going to be able to fill up a stadium full of kids that are going to be able to read, write and do math all because of (his) kicks. We’ll reach about 80,000 learners with the money that he’s raised,” said George Srour, Building Tomorrow’s co-founder and chief dreamer. “There’s something about paying it forward and just the bigger lesson. Like, yes, we benefit and we’re really grateful for that, but there’s also something bigger here and the fact that he’s helping teach a new generation of what giving looks like I think is really exceptional.”

Kacena-Merrell’s goal was to make as big of an impact as possible.

“I feel like I’m a pretty average kid from Indiana, pretty average college student, so being able to impact other people’s lives throughout that process is something that’s important to me,” Kacena-Merrell said. “A big part of having a fulfilling life is being able to expand your impact. That in my opinion is what makes a good life.”

A good life making other lives better.

KOKOMO, Ind. (WISH) — An 18-year-old Kokomo woman faces felony charges after a Kokomo Police Department investigation into the death of an infant.

Howard County Prosecutor Mark A. McCann said in a Tuesday news release that Keira Darlene Dunson faces three felony counts: neglect of a dependent resulting in death, which is a top-level felony; neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury, a mid-level felony; and neglect of a dependent resulting in bodily injury, a low-level felony.

The name of the infant and the date of the death did not appear in the release. The prosecutor did not immediately provide court documents to show what police had found in their investigation.

Authorities on Tuesday afternoon booked Dunson into the Howard County jail, according to online records. The Howard County Sheriff’s Office app did not have a photo of Dunson about four hours after her booking.

If a court convicts Dunson of the top-level felony, she faces a sentencing range of 20 to 40 years in prison, the release said.

Prior to her arrest, Howard Circuit Court Judge Lynn Murray set a $50,000 bond, with 10% cash permitted.

Online records did not show a court hearing had been scheduled as of Tuesday night.