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Evansville Police Arrest Unlicensed Driver with Loaded Gun and Methamphetamine After Traffic Stop

Evansville Police Arrest Unlicensed Driver with Loaded Gun and Methamphetamine After Traffic Stop

Cody Matthews, 25, was arrested in Evansville, Indiana, following a Monday morning traffic stop that led to the discovery of a loaded handgun and illegal drugs. Evansville Police Department officers initially spotted a dark gray Chevrolet SUV at a Marathon gas station, noting its license plate belonged to a different vehicle, a 1994 red Mercury. Officers initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of Uhlhorn Street and North Third Avenue, identifying Matthews as the driver and sole occupant. Matthews reportedly appeared anxious and, when asked, consented to a search of his person and the vehicle. Before the search, he informed officers there was a gun under the driver's seat, claiming two individuals who had been with him earlier had forced him to take responsibility for items placed there. The search uncovered a loaded Heritage Rough Rider .22-caliber revolver, a glass smoking pipe with burnt residue, a small baggie of methamphetamine, and a bag of marijuana. Records also indicated Matthews was operati...

Indiana Debates Future of $320 Million Classroom Technology Investment Amid Calls for Reduction

Indiana Debates Future of $320 Million Classroom Technology Investment Amid Calls for Reduction

Indiana has invested over $320 million in classroom technology, including iPads, Chromebooks, and MacBooks, since 2016, with a significant increase in device provision to students since 2018, doubling to approximately 85% of public schools. This surge was largely driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to widespread 'one-to-one' device policies. However, a growing movement among parents and state lawmakers, including Rep. Jake Teshka, R-North Liberty, is advocating for limiting or eliminating school-purchased devices, particularly for younger grades. Critics argue that excessive screen time negatively impacts children's attention spans and social development. Some public and private schools are already re-evaluating their technology use, with some private institutions like The Oaks Academy and St. Richard's Episcopal School adopting low-tech approaches, emphasizing physical books and reduced screen time. Conversely, proponents of educational technology, such as Valerie Love from Sheridan Community Schools...

125,000 Residents in Northwest Indiana Still Without Power Nearly a Week After Derecho

125,000 Residents in Northwest Indiana Still Without Power Nearly a Week After Derecho

Northwest Indiana continues to grapple with widespread power outages nearly a week after a derecho struck the region on Tuesday. As of Sunday, over 125,000 residents remain without electricity, with critical infrastructure such as police departments, fire stations, and wastewater treatment facilities relying on backup generators. The storm caused significant damage to transmission and distribution systems, leaving many neighborhoods in the dark. Local leaders and residents have expressed frustration over the lack of communication and clear timelines from NIPSCO, the utility company responsible for restoration efforts. NIPSCO has stated that 90% of power is expected to be restored by Tuesday night, with full restoration anticipated by Friday night. However, many affected communities, including Dyer and Munster, Indiana, are still awaiting updates.

Indiana Activates Disaster Relief Fund and Seeks Federal Aid After Historic Flooding

Indiana Activates Disaster Relief Fund and Seeks Federal Aid After Historic Flooding

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has activated the state's disaster relief fund, providing $5,000 grants to individuals affected by the recent historic flooding and storms. This initiative aims to help families cover basic needs like clothes and food while displaced from their homes. The state is also offering housing vouchers through the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority to move approximately 1,000 displaced individuals from emergency shelters into temporary accommodations such as hotels and apartments. Governor Braun plans to apply for a major disaster declaration from FEMA, which, if approved, would unlock additional federal funding for uninsured and underinsured residents and hazard mitigation efforts. Emergency SNAP benefit replacements are also being activated for eligible recipients who lost food due to the storms or power outages.

North Carolina SBI Assists Florida Authorities in Multi-State Cemetery Theft Investigation

North Carolina SBI Assists Florida Authorities in Multi-State Cemetery Theft Investigation

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) is collaborating with the Orange County, Florida, Sheriff’s Office to locate three individuals suspected of being involved in a multi-state cemetery theft ring. The suspects, identified as Drake Lee Milam (33), Porsche Bancroft (32), and Angela Garrett (52), all from Indianapolis, Indiana, are believed to be operating across the southeastern U.S. They are accused of breaking into cemetery niches and stealing heirlooms, including cremated remains. Authorities have identified at least 20 cases in Florida alone, with incidents reported in at least nine states. Milam and Bancroft are reportedly in a relationship, and Garrett is Bancroft’s mother. Warrants have been issued for their arrest, which would facilitate their extradition back to Florida. Central Florida Crimeline is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest. Families are being encouraged to inspect their loved ones' resting places to ensure no items have been disturbed...

Historic Flooding in Hamilton County Impacts Hundreds of Homes

Historic Flooding in Hamilton County Impacts Hundreds of Homes

Hamilton County, Indiana, is grappling with the aftermath of historic flooding after the White River crested at 24.60 feet around 3:30 a.m. on August 15, 2026, breaking a 113-year-old record (IndyStar, 2026). The flooding has affected hundreds of homes, with 215 properties impacted in Carmel and 552 in Noblesville. First responders conducted water rescues as floodwaters rose, displacing dozens of residents. Local officials, including Hamilton County Commissioner Christine Altman, have begun recovery efforts, focusing on damage assessment and reconstruction. A bridge on Hazel Dell Parkway is under evaluation for potential repair or replacement due to flood damage. The floodwaters have started to recede, and no fatalities have been reported.

Severe Flooding in Indiana Leaves Seven Dead, Thousands Without Power

Severe Flooding in Indiana Leaves Seven Dead, Thousands Without Power

Indiana has been hit by days of heavy rain and severe storms, resulting in record-breaking flooding across the state. The White River crested at over 24 feet (7.32 meters) in Anderson and Noblesville, surpassing records set in 1913. Indianapolis experienced its worst flooding in over 30 years, with hundreds of homes evacuated and emergency shelters established. The storms, which began on August 11, have claimed seven lives, including a four-year-old boy and a cyclist who fell into a collapsed road. Nearly 130,000 residents remain without power as of midday Sunday, down from a peak of 300,000. Roads, bridges, and other infrastructure have been severely damaged or washed away. Federal disaster assistance has been approved to aid recovery efforts.

Flooding Reported in Indiana Amid Hurricane Damage in Hawaii

Flooding Reported in Indiana Amid Hurricane Damage in Hawaii

Severe weather events are impacting multiple regions in the United States. Flooding has been reported in Indiana, causing disruptions and potential damage to local communities. Meanwhile, Hawaii is dealing with the aftermath of hurricane damage, which has left parts of the state grappling with recovery efforts. These events highlight the ongoing challenges posed by extreme weather conditions, which are becoming increasingly frequent and severe due to climate change. Local authorities are working to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected residents.

Storm Recovery Efforts Continue in Chicago and Indiana Amid Severe Weather Impacts

Storm Recovery Efforts Continue in Chicago and Indiana Amid Severe Weather Impacts

Severe weather has left a trail of destruction across the Chicago area and northwest Indiana, with at least seven storm-related deaths reported in Indiana. The region experienced historic rainfall, tornadoes, and flooding beginning August 11, 2026. Nearly 150,000 customers in northwest Indiana remain without power as of Sunday, August 16, 2026. Indiana Governor Mike Braun declared a statewide disaster emergency, and President Donald Trump approved a Presidential Emergency Declaration to provide federal disaster assistance. In Illinois, communities like Lansing and Flossmoor are still recovering from storm damage, with local leaders calling for federal aid. Cleanup efforts are ongoing, but progress has been slow due to the extent of the damage.

Historic Power Outages Persist in Indiana Following Severe Storms

Historic Power Outages Persist in Indiana Following Severe Storms

Severe storms swept through Indiana last week, leaving widespread damage and significant power outages. As of Monday morning, approximately 115,000 customers remain without electricity, according to NIPSCO. At the peak of the outages, over 60% of NIPSCO's electric customers were affected, marking this as the largest outage event in the company's history. Restoration efforts are ongoing, with the company aiming to restore power to all affected customers by Friday. The storms caused extensive damage, including downed trees, power lines, and flooding, which have complicated recovery efforts.

Severe Flooding Impacts Eastern Corn Belt Amid Heavy Rains

Severe Flooding Impacts Eastern Corn Belt Amid Heavy Rains

The eastern Corn Belt has experienced significant flooding following a week of record rainfall, according to a report by World Weather Inc. (ProFarmer, 2026-08-17). Over the weekend, central Illinois and west-central Indiana received 3 to more than 5 inches of rain, with Doppler radar indicating localized totals of 5 to 7 inches. Lighter rainfall of 1 to 2 inches, with isolated totals exceeding 3 inches, was reported from southern Iowa and northern Missouri to Ohio and West Virginia. Cumulative rainfall over the past seven days reached 5 to more than 10 inches in many areas, exacerbating flooding concerns. The heavy rains have raised alarms about potential damage to soybean crops, particularly due to mold, mildew, and crop yellowing in the most severely affected areas.