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Indianapolis' most historic high school has a new leader

The new leader of the historic high school wants to build on its high achievement.

Education

Eric Sinclair is in his first year as Shortridge&#x27;s principal and the responsibility of leading Indianapolis Public Schools&#x27; flagship high school is not lost on him.Why it matters: Shortridge, the state&#x27;s oldest free public high school, has a long history of success and a new leader who wants to restore that reputation.

'Burb Bites: Carmel Christkindlmarkt case closed

News from around the region includes the end of a lengthy investigation, Innovation Mile's next big thing and a big gift in honor of a Fishers man.

News

This week&#x27;s news from around the region includes the end of a lengthy investigation in Carmel, an update on the next big addition to Noblesville&#x27;s Innovation Mile and cancer research gains made in the memory of a Fishers man.🎄 Carmel City Council has ended its more than yearlong investigation into the city&#x27;s handling of the Christkindlmarkt board shake-up, unanimously accepting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a report" data-vars-click-url="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:359769ff-7904-46f7-a94b-c184e8db0621" data-vars-content-id="e370db15-87fb-4d74-a548-cd27ae961b74" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Carmel Christkindlmarkt case closed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://acrobat.adobe.com/id/urn:aaid:sc:VA6C2:359769ff-7904-46f7-a94b-c184e8db0621" target="_blank">a report</a> that largely cleared city officials of wrongdoing.

Indiana part of America's uptick in executions

Indiana is preparing for its fourth execution in less than two years as executions have risen nationally.

Indiana is preparing for its fourth execution in less than two years, adding to a post-COVID surge in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="capital punishment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/24/trump-death-penalty-biden-commutation-death-row" data-vars-content-id="d839132f-51fc-4046-a323-77bb432c285d" data-vars-headline="Indiana part of America&#x27;s uptick in executions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/24/trump-death-penalty-biden-commutation-death-row" target="_self">capital punishment</a> that drove more executions last year than any since 2009.The big picture: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="d839132f-51fc-4046-a323-77bb432c285d" data-vars-headline="Indiana part of America&#x27;s uptick in executions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration has overtly cheered on the death penalty even as fewer courts sentence defendants to death and more than half of states have banned or at least temporarily halted the practice.

5 IMPD officers charged over Flock searches

Prosecutors say the officers conducted thousands of improper searches.

Five IMPD officers have been accused of using Flock cameras to track romantic partners, spouses and women they met in public.Why it matters: The charges put <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="even greater scrutiny" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/09/18/impd-changing-flock-camera-alpr-policies-misuse" data-vars-content-id="20e0f964-ebcc-49b5-833d-d0ff4b7ed40c" data-vars-headline="5 IMPD officers charged over Flock searches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/09/18/impd-changing-flock-camera-alpr-policies-misuse" target="_self">even greater scrutiny</a> on how Indianapolis police use and misuse a surveillance system designed to help solve crimes and track vehicles.

Old News: Indiana's Statehouse gets its start

This week 146 years ago, the cornerstone of Indianapolis' most recognizable government building was laid.

History

This week 146 years ago, the cornerstone of Indianapolis&#x27; most recognizable government building was laid with thousands of people watching and a time capsule tucked inside.Why it matters: The ceremony marked the beginning of a structure that still anchors Indiana government today.

30 Over 30: Ale Emporium serves wings, pizza and community

The Ale grew from a neighborhood sports bar into a four-location local brand without losing the family-run feel that made it iconic.

Welcome back to Axios Indianapolis&#x27; &quot;30 Over 30,&quot; a series celebrating the icons that have shaped our city for 30 years or more.In my two-plus decades of Central Indiana living, I&#x27;ve heard hours of debate over who has Indy&#x27;s best breaded tenderloin.<ul><li>But when I start talking wings, one of the quickest and most consistent answers I receive has been holding it down in Castleton for the past 44 years.</li></ul>

Old News: Glen Campbell opens Market Square Arena

The country music icon opened a venue that would leave a lasting legacy in the city of Indianapolis.

Fifty-two years ago this week, Glen Campbell became the first performer to take center stage in a venue that would leave a lasting legacy in the city of Indianapolis.Why it matters: Market Square Arena was more than a home for the Pacers and where <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Elvis played his last show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/old-news-elvis-presley-plays-his-last-show-ever-in-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="55754f01-16ab-494e-88e1-3636d69ded70" data-vars-headline="Old News: Glen Campbell opens Market Square Arena" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/old-news-elvis-presley-plays-his-last-show-ever-in-indianapolis" target="_self">Elvis played his last show</a>.

Old News: Madam C. J. Walker incorporates in Indy

America's first self-made woman millionaire made a major move in her ascent as an Indianapolis icon 115 years ago.

This week 115 years ago, America&#x27;s first self-made woman millionaire made a major move in her ascent as an Indianapolis icon.Driving the (old) news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="On Sept. 2, 1911" data-vars-click-url="https://www.in.gov/ibc/2614.htm" data-vars-content-id="ae951b77-d031-4dfe-822d-945307e9030b" data-vars-headline="Old News: Madam C. J. Walker incorporates in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.in.gov/ibc/2614.htm" target="_blank">On Sept. 2, 1911</a>, Madam C. J. Walker formally applied for incorporation of her cosmetics company in Indianapolis.

National parks turn 110: Where Hoosiers can celebrate for free

The National Park Service turns 110 Tuesday, and Hoosiers can celebrate with free access to outdoor experiences on opposite ends of the state.

The National Park Service turns 110 Tuesday, and Indianapolis residents can mark the occasion with free access to outdoor adventure spots on opposite ends of the state.Why it matters: The celebration recognizes more than a century of protecting America&#x27;s natural and cultural resources while providing a reminder of what Hoosiers could lose if federal support for public lands <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="continues to shrink" data-vars-click-url="https://www.npca.org/articles/11371-president-s-budget-proposal-slashes-national-park-service-funding-amid" data-vars-content-id="5729d58e-2279-4916-a8f3-6c686fabdb1f" data-vars-headline="National parks turn 110: Where Hoosiers can celebrate for free" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.npca.org/articles/11371-president-s-budget-proposal-slashes-national-park-service-funding-amid" target="_blank">continues to shrink</a>.

Old News: Indy's last historic flood 

The Great Flood of 1913 was unlike anything Indianapolis had ever seen. Until last week.

The Great Flood of 1913 drowned West Indianapolis, destroyed the Washington Street bridge and forced 7,000 families from their homes.Why it matters: Floodwaters that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tore through the Hoosier state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.weather.gov/ind/march_1913_flood" data-vars-content-id="82849fe3-7ea6-4e13-83ce-9df09f42249b" data-vars-headline="Old News: Indy&#x27;s last historic flood " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.weather.gov/ind/march_1913_flood" target="_blank">tore through the Hoosier state</a> 113 years ago provided a benchmark for every subsequent flood.

Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day

Thousands of people traveled to Monument Circle for the monument's big moment.

This week, 124 years ago, Indianapolis dedicated a monument that has defined the city&#x27;s identity for generations.Driving the (old) news: On May 15, 1902, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Soldiers and Sailors Monument" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/explore/soldiers-and-sailors-monument/" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/explore/soldiers-and-sailors-monument/" target="_blank">Soldiers and Sailors Monument</a> was celebrated with an all-day civic event and a special claim to fame.<ul><li>It was the first monument in the United States dedicated to the common soldier instead of a general or a president.</li></ul>The big picture: The choice to center sacrifice over rank made Indy a pioneer in how the nation remembers its veterans.Zoom in: Dedication ceremonies started at 8am with a parade of veterans from the Mexican-American, Civil and Spanish-American wars and ended with fireworks that drew thousands to Monument Circle.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gen. Lew Wallace" data-vars-click-url="https://www.in.gov/history/about-indiana-history-and-trivia/annual-commemorations/civil-war-150th/hoosier-voices-now/lew-wallace/" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.in.gov/history/about-indiana-history-and-trivia/annual-commemorations/civil-war-150th/hoosier-voices-now/lew-wallace/" target="_blank">Gen. Lew Wallace</a>, decorated Civil War officer and &quot;Ben-Hur&quot; author, served as master of ceremonies.</li><li>Poet <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="James Whitcomb Riley" data-vars-click-url="https://indianahistory.org/education/education-resources/educator-resources/online-resources/indiana-bicentennial-minute/james-whitcomb-riley/" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianahistory.org/education/education-resources/educator-resources/online-resources/indiana-bicentennial-minute/james-whitcomb-riley/" target="_blank">James Whitcomb Riley</a> and composer John Philip Sousa created and performed works for the occasion.</li></ul>By the numbers: The monument is 284.5 feet tall, just 15 feet shorter than the Statue of Liberty, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana War Memorials Foundation" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianawarmemorials.org/" target="_blank">Indiana War Memorials Foundation</a>.<ul><li>It cost nearly $600,000 to design and construct. Officials say it would cost more than $500 million to build today.</li><li>It was under construction for 13 years following a groundbreaking in 1888.</li><li>70 architectural proposals were submitted; the winning design was from the Berlin-based Bruno Schmitz.</li><li>You can get to the observation deck by climbing 331 stairs or taking an elevator most of the way and walking the last 31 steps, but the monument is closed for repairs until further notice.</li></ul>Fun facts: A roster of every Indiana soldier who served in the Civil War, along with copies of the state&#x27;s two constitutions and a 38-star American flag, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="are sealed inside" data-vars-click-url="https://library.indianapolis.iu.edu/static/collections/kade/soldiers.html" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://library.indianapolis.iu.edu/static/collections/kade/soldiers.html" target="_blank">are sealed inside</a> the monument&#x27;s foundation.<ul><li>The structure has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.</li><li>In 2011, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="American Planning Association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.planning.org/" data-vars-content-id="6dd2e6a7-8847-4c23-b95d-0a483d046bc9" data-vars-headline="Old News: Soldiers and Sailors Monument dedication day" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.planning.org/" target="_blank">American Planning Association</a> named Monument Circle one of the nation&#x27;s great public spaces.</li></ul>

Old News: Marion County's first election

The county's first clerk, recorder, associate judges and commissioners were elected 204 years ago today.

Election

On this day 204 years ago, more than 300 people hit the polls for Marion County&#x27;s first election.Driving the (old) news: On April 1, 1822, Hoosiers elected the county&#x27;s first clerk, recorder, associate judges and commissioners from a pool of 32 candidates.

Old News: James Baskett makes history amid controversy

Why you won't find the Indy native's award-winning performance on Disney+.

Seventy-eight years ago this month, Indianapolis native James Baskett made history by becoming the first Black man to win an Academy Award for his portrayal of Uncle Remus in Disney&#x27;s &quot;Song of the South.&quot;Yes, but: You won&#x27;t find the Arsenal Tech graduate&#x27;s controversial performance streaming on Disney+ because of the film&#x27;s problematic history.

Old News: The Dillinger Gang's deadly bank heist

John Dillinger and his gang's Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934.

This week 92 years ago, Indianapolis&#x27; most notorious native son made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" target="_blank">headlines</a> for leading a deadly bank robbery near the state line.Driving the (old) news: John Dillinger and his gang&#x27;s Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934 when they hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First National Bank branch in East Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" target="_blank">First National Bank branch in East Chicago</a>.