Homicides in Indianapolis fell by nearly 30% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, new national crime data shows.

Why it matters: Indy's drop is consistent with many of the nation's large and midsize cities, reinforcing a broader decline in violent crime since the pandemic surge.

By the numbers: Indianapolis saw 57 homicides between Jan. 1 and June 30, according to stats compiled by the Major Cities Chiefs Association (MCCA).

• That's down from 80 in the same period in 2024.
• Nationwide, homicides fell by 19%, with decreases of at least 50% in Denver, Honolulu, Orlando and Tampa.
• In Indianapolis, incidents of rape, robbery and aggravated assault also declined.

Catch up quick: There was a notable increase in the rate of gun violence across the U.S. during the pandemic.

• The recent downward trend counters President Trump's false claims that immigration had sparked rising crime nationwide — a reason he gave for his mass deportation plan.

The latest: Though July was a violent month for Indianapolis, with 21 criminal homicides, according to Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department data, the city is trending below 2024 numbers.

• Both criminal homicides and non-fatal shootings have been trending downward since their peak in 2021.

Zoom in: The 2026 city budget proposed earlier this month includes continued funding for violence reduction strategies like the Indy Peace Project, which is a major contributor to the success in reducing gun violence, according to Office of Public Health and Safety director Andrew Merkley.

What we're watching: Trump has said he will base federal grants to local police departments on whether they participate in his plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.

• Local agencies that opt out of Trump's plans could face fewer resources to fight crime.
• IMPD Chief Chris Bailey has said immigration enforcement is "not our role."

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Everything is getting more expensive — from restaurants and groceries to energy bills.

Why it matters: A tight budget can make socializing feel more stressful than fun.

The big picture: Whether you're on a first date, looking to surprise a longtime partner with something creative or just get out with friends, here are some local date ideas that won't break the bank.

🖼️ Newfields for free

Experience all that Newfields has to offer for free on the first Thursday of every month.

🌮 Beer and tacos

Cheap and delicious? You're welcome.

• Head to Turner's Bar in the Stutz for a $3 High Life and order the best $5 taco you've ever had at the window into Julieta Taco Shop next door.
• Add rice and beans for just $3 more and you've got a great meal and perfect dive bar vibes for under $15.

🍷 Wine tasting at Easley

The downtown winery offers a curated tasting experience with a self-guided flight of seven wines with crackers for just $8 each.

• Enjoy your tasting inside or outside in the wine garden.

🧗 Reach new heights

It's just $20 for a day pass to North Mass Boulder and first-timers can rent their climbing shoes for free.

• Afterwards, head upstairs to the Top Out Cafe and grab a beer or coffee and exercise your mind with one of their many free-to-play board games.

🏖️ Have a beach day

Morse Beach in Noblesville is open through Labor Day.

• It's just $6 per person and for an extra $3 you can bring your own cooler full of snacks (no booze, though).
• The beach is open weekends from noon-6pm.

More ideas

🏌️ The LIV Golf tournament is coming back to Indiana next year. Its Hoosier debut at Chatham Hills saw near-record attendance. (FOX59)

🏗️ The City of Indianapolis is looking for a new developer for City Market and the surrounding plaza, aiming for a 2028 reopening. (via press release)

🏈 The Colts lost their preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, but got good looks at both quarterback contenders. Still no word on who will get the regular-season starting job, though. (IndyStar)

🛝 Washington Park got a new splash pad and playground in a $3.5 million upgrade. (Mirror Indy)

👮‍♂️ IMPD Chief Chris Bailey condemned the actions of a hate group that marched through downtown during the weekend. (WISH-TV)

✌🏿 Justin here!

This week's bite is the fanciest meal I've ever had in a big red barn.

The bite(s): Chicken cordon bleu with a side of cream of mushroom soup ($26), filet and gorgonzola crostini ($16), zucchini fries ($10), and apple crisp ($12) from Nyla's.

The 'burb: Westfield.

The intrigue: As LIV Golf drew crowds, my wife and I hit Westfield's "Restaurant Row" for a Saturday night bite amid the buzz.

• Tens of thousands of golf fans being in town made parking a little tricky. But the meal will go down as one of the most memorable we've had this year.

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Tyrese Haliburton's recovery from the Achilles injury he suffered in Game 7 of the NBA Finals seems to be progressing well, with the star sharing a snap of himself wearing two shoes for the first time since surgery.

Driving the news: Haliburton also told reporters recently that he's now able to walk without a scooter or crutches.

The intrigue: The photos also teased a new colorway of his signature shoe, the Puma Hali 1.

• The shoe release, expected later this year, may be more exciting than the Pacers' recently released schedule, which seems to slight the team for having to play a season without its star.