Activists nationwide, including in Indianapolis, are calling for no work, no school and no shopping on Friday, to protest ICE's aggressive enforcement.

The big picture: Organizers of the national shutdown are pushing for the boycott to oppose ICE funding as part of a larger protest movement against ICE in the wake of the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis.

State of play: Several local political and advocacy groups have endorsed Friday's call to action.

• The Indianapolis Liberation Center is hosting a community teach-in at 2pm today.
• According to the center, it will focus on building the infrastructure to sustain a shutdown, the history of general strikes and their effectiveness at creating change and hands-on training to organize neighborhoods for opposing ICE activity.
• Marion County Young Democrats are organizing a rally in front of the governor's residence at 4:30pm today, followed by a vigil "in remembrance of all who have been murdered or gone missing at the hands of ICE" at New Liberty Missionary Baptist Church.

Reality check: The action has not attracted widespread closures of Indianapolis businesses, and it's unclear how many local individuals will opt in.

• The near east side bike shop Bike People will be closed today. Several businesses, including Pots & Pans Pie Co. and Tomorrow Bookstore, are directing a portion of their proceeds to organizations working with immigrants.
• Irvington Vinyl and Books is also closing Friday, even though "we need to be making money," owner Elysia Smith said on social media.
• "We have made $50 this week, and I know that is the same tune that a lot of other local businesses are going to be singing," she said, encouraging followers to come in and support the store over the weekend.

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Indy's local businesses need your help.

The big picture: The combination of closing on Sunday and even some on Monday to prioritize staff and customer safety, and Hoosiers simply not wanting to deal with the harsh conditions, has made the end of January difficult.

• "If y'all like any small business, please remember them these next few months and be sure to come out and support them," the Sidedoor Bagel team wrote on Instagram. "It's rough to be closed for things out of our control. Especially in the winter when things are already slow."

What they're saying: "We need you, our staff needs you, other independent restaurants, shops and businesses need you," Jockamo Pizza posted on Instagram on Wednesday. "This weather has a severe impact on all. Please consider supporting small businesses."

What's next: A slightly warmer start to February. And we do mean slightly.

• After a weekend of highs in the teens, NWS predicts high temperatures around 30 degrees starting Tuesday.

The bottom line: The coming days present an opportunity to get out and support local shops.

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🤖 The Indy Chamber yesterday called for the approval of a $4 billion data center project near the northeast corner of Kentucky Avenue and Camby Road, despite opposition from residents. (IBJ)

🏥 Indiana Senators have advanced legislation that puts limits on how hospitals can collect on unpaid medical bills. Senate Bill 85 caps medical wage garnishment at 10% and prohibits liens from being placed on patients' homes in pursuit of debt. (WTHR)

💰 Audiochuck, the Indianapolis-based company that produces the "Crime Junkie" podcast, will donate $1 million to local nonprofit IYG Inc. to expand services for LGBTQ+ youth. (Via press release)

🚌 IndyGo is rolling out multiple route changes next month. They include the popular Route 26 bus from Keystone at the Crossing to downtown running every 30 minutes on Sundays instead of every 75 minutes. (Mirror Indy)

🥤 Limited edition Coca-Cola cans celebrating IU's national championship win will hit Indianapolis store shelves next week. (WISH-TV)

🎧 Hoosier football fans can also snag the headset Curt Cignetti wore during the title game at auction. On Thursday, bids were up to $16,000. (FOX59)

This weekend, Indianapolis is a great place to see some good dogs.

What's happening: The Indy Winter Classic Dog Show continues at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, putting thousands of pooches center stage to show their skills and strut their stuff.

• More than 40 vendors and photographers will also be on-site selling goodies, taking glamour shots of the competitors and educating spectators about different breeds.

If you go: 8am-6pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday in the West Pavilion.

• Tickets are $8. Kids 12 and under get in free.

More weekend picks

Black History Month starts Sunday, but the Central Library's annual celebration of Black art is already underway.

Why it matters: The annual "Meet the Artists" exhibit is a cultural event that stands as one of the city's longest-running showcases of local creators of color.

• Now in its 38th year, the free exhibit is curated by founder Anthony Radford, who was inspired to create a platform for marginalized artists after seeing Indy art icon Joe Holiday in 1988 at an Indianapolis Public Library exhibition.

Zoom in: The 2026 edition is titled "Love in Action," and organizers say the goal is to create a positive environment to give attendees a break from the difficulties of the world.

• The more than 40 creators taking part include visual artists, fashion designers, sculptors and authors.

If you go: The exhibit is open through March 28.

• A Valentine's Day reception with workshops and a red carpet experience takes place at 5:30pm.
• It closes with a meet and greet on March 27 from 6-9pm.

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