#indiana

Texas A&M Volleyball Star Addi Applegate Returns Home to Indiana for Key Matches Addi Applegate, a sophomore defensive specialist for the Texas A&M Aggies, will return to her home state of Indiana this weekend for a pair of high-stakes matches against Purdue and Indiana as part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week. The Aggies, ranked No. 12 in the nation, will face No. 14 Purdue at 7 p.m. Tuesday and No. 21 Indiana at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Purdue’s Mackey Arena. The matchups mark a significant homecoming for Applegate, who grew up in Yorktown, Indiana, and has deep ties to the Hoosier State. Applegate’s journey to Texas A&M began nearly three years ago, during her high school senior year in 2023. At the time, she was considering leaving Indiana to play for the Aggies, who were competing in a tournament in Bowling Green, Ohio, just over two-and-a-half hours from her home. Her father, Greg Applegate, embarked on an incognito visit to observe the team’s performance, driven by a desire to see how head coach Jamie Morrison coached. The Aggies dominated the tournament, winning all three matches, and Applegate ultimately committed to Texas A&M on September 12, 2023. Morrison, now in his second season with the Aggies, recalled the recruitment process as a blend of mutual discovery. Applegate had never heard of Texas A&M before the coaching staff began pursuing her as a sophomore in high school. Her father’s connection to Indiana—where he had attended dental school—meant she was also being recruited by the Indiana Hoosiers. Despite her familiarity with both programs, Applegate ultimately chose Texas A&M after a visit to College Station. “I kind of knew I wanted to be far away from home,” she said, acknowledging the competitive nature of Indiana’s volleyball landscape.#purdue #indiana #texas_amg #indiana_hoosiers #addi_applegate

NIPSCO Filed Rate Increase Applications Amid Storm Damage in Northwest Indiana Following a severe derecho that struck Northwest Indiana, leaving hundreds of thousands without power for over a week, the Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) submitted multiple applications for customer rate increases to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The filings, which include one request filed on August 11—the day of the storm—and two additional submissions on August 14 and 20, could result in an annual increase of nearly $88 for customers. If approved, the adjustments would take effect as early as November 1. NIPSCO described the rate increase requests as part of its routine process, noting that Indiana utilities are permitted to adjust rates biannually or quarterly for specific costs. The company cited fuel expenses, regional transmission organization fees, and investments in resource adequacy and reliability as the primary reasons for the proposed hikes. It emphasized that the fuel cost adjustment would remain in place until replaced by a new one approved in a future filing. However, local advocates and residents have criticized the timing of the rate increases, especially given the ongoing recovery efforts after the storm. As of August 22, approximately 100 customers still lacked power, a significant drop from over 9,300 the previous day. Initially, nearly 60% of NIPSCO’s 500,000 customers were without electricity, with 335 damaged utility poles and 27 substations requiring repairs. Critics argue that the company’s focus on rate hikes appears to overshadow its responsibility to restore services promptly. The rate increase applications come amid a history of steep hikes for NIPSCO customers. In July 2025, average bills rose by 16.75%, or nearly $280 annually, following a 2024 increase.#indiana #mike_braun #nipsco #indiana_utility_regulatory_commission #peoples_gas

Indiana Power Outages Lingering Nearly 2 Weeks After Destructive Storm Thousands of residents in northwestern Indiana remained without electricity nearly two weeks after a violent storm struck on August 11, 2026, prompting frustration from officials and residents alike. The storm, which brought winds ranging from 70 mph to over 100 mph, caused widespread damage across northern Illinois and northwestern Indiana, toppling trees, damaging homes, and disrupting power lines. As of August 23, more than 16,500 customer accounts were still without power, with officials and local leaders expressing concern over the slow pace of restoration. Indiana State Senator Melton, who voiced public frustration, criticized the delay in restoring electricity, stating, “Twelve days is too long for parents to worry about their children and for businesses to lose revenue.” His comments echoed similar concerns raised by Indiana Governor Mike Braun, who declared a statewide emergency on August 13 and urged authorities to expedite the recovery efforts. Braun emphasized the need for the Indiana National Guard and state agencies to clear paths for utility crews, asserting, “There is no excuse for these delays.” The Northern Indiana Public Service Company, the region’s primary electrical provider, acknowledged the ongoing challenges, stating that “no outage is being overlooked” and that additional contractor crews had been deployed across the service area. The company aimed to restore power to Munster by midnight on August 24 and to Gary and Portage by midnight on August 25. However, it cautioned that individual households or businesses might experience longer outages due to localized damage. At the peak of the crisis, over 374,500 outages were reported, highlighting the scale of the disruption.#indiana #mike_braun #melton #northern_indiana_public_service_company #derecho

One Week Without Power: Indiana Communities Struggle to Recover A week of relentless storms has left northwest Indiana communities grappling with the aftermath of prolonged power outages, damaged infrastructure, and a desperate need for food, water, and shelter. As residents continue to recover, local officials and food banks are working tirelessly to meet the overwhelming demand, but many are running out of supplies and resources. The crisis has exposed the fragility of emergency preparedness in the region, with families facing challenges ranging from spoiled food to the inability to restore basic utilities. In Gary, a mobile food pantry at West Side Leadership Academy became overwhelmed by demand, serving approximately 150 people before exhausting its stock. Gary Community School Corporation Superintendent Dr. Yvonne Stokes described the situation as a critical moment of support for families affected by the storms. "This is not our first time doing this. We have a partnership and we have been doing this since May," Stokes said. "But it was real important that we made sure we were able to support today because of what's going on with the storm and the aftermath." The school district also distributed about 700 grab-and-go lunches over two days, but without electricity, non-refrigerated food had to be discarded, and the remaining supplies were donated to a neighboring food bank. Stokes emphasized that families are still seeking help with food, clothing, and shelter, while the school building itself faces significant damage, including fallen trees, water leaks, and unsafe conditions that delay its reopening. The impact extends far beyond Gary.#indiana #gary #lake_station #hobart #west_side_leadership_academy

Midwestern State Leads Nation in Home Foreclosures as U.S. Filings Surge 26% Foreclosure filings in the U.S. rose by 26% compared to the previous year, with Midwestern states bearing the brunt of the crisis. In the first quarter of 2026, 118,727 properties faced foreclosure, marking a 6% increase from the prior quarter. Indiana emerged as the hardest-hit state, with one foreclosure filing for every 739 housing units, nearly two-thirds higher than the national average of one in every 1,211 homes. South Carolina and Florida followed closely, with foreclosure rates of 1 in 743 and 1 in 750, respectively. These states, all of which voted for Donald Trump in the 2024 election, now face mounting economic pressure as the 2026 midterm elections approach. The National Association of Home Builders’ CEO, Jim Tobin, highlighted that while falling rents offer temporary relief for struggling homeowners, purchasing a home remains the most reliable path to wealth accumulation. However, rising mortgage rates and inflation continue to strain homeowners. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate climbed to 6.37% by mid-May 2026, up from 5.98% in late February. This increase, combined with higher living costs, has pushed monthly payments beyond the reach of many households. The data reveals a troubling trend: more homes are entering the foreclosure process. In the first quarter of 2026, 82,631 properties initiated foreclosure proceedings, a 20% rise from the previous year. Lenders repossessed 14,020 homes, a 45% annual increase. While these figures remain below the peak levels of the 2008 housing crisis, experts warn that the uptick signals growing financial distress among homeowners. Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, noted that the recent surge in foreclosures suggests more households are struggling to keep up with housing costs.#donald_trump #south_carolina #florida #indiana #midwestern_states

Timing Rain and Storms Friday Across Indiana Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to move across Indiana on Friday, with activity gradually intensifying from late morning into the afternoon. A cold front is responsible for the unsettled weather, bringing the possibility of a few storms that could develop into severe conditions, particularly in central and eastern parts of the state. While most storms are anticipated to remain non-severe, some gusty winds may accompany the strongest systems. The timing of the precipitation varies by region. Areas north and west of Indianapolis may experience rain during the morning commute, while southern and eastern parts of the state could see showers later in the morning or early afternoon. As the rain moves eastward, temperatures are projected to rise, increasing the likelihood of isolated severe storms in central and eastern Indiana. A Level 1 severe risk has been issued for parts of the state, especially near and east of Indianapolis. This risk is tied to the timing of the rain: earlier showers will reduce the chance of severe weather, but later arrivals could allow storms to intensify slightly. Throughout the day, scattered rain and thunderstorms will persist across much of Indiana, with periods of dry weather interspersed. A few storms may reach severe levels, characterized by strong winds. As the afternoon progresses, the main wave of rain will begin to taper off from west to east, though sporadic leftover showers could linger into the late evening. Rain is expected to clear by late evening, paving the way for a sunny and quiet weekend. Saturday and Sunday will feature mainly clear skies with temperatures in the 70s and very low humidity, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.#indianapolis #indiana #storm_prediction_center #matt_standridge #severe_weather

Powerball Jackpot Remains Unclaimed After April 20 Drawing The Powerball lottery drawing held on Monday, April 20, 2026, did not result in a jackpot winner, leaving the $87 million prize unclaimed. The winning numbers for the drawing were 9, 17, 36, 47, and 64, with the red Powerball number 26 and a Power Play multiplier of 3X. Despite the absence of a jackpot winner, there was one $1 million prize awarded to a ticket holder in Missouri who matched all five white balls but did not include the Powerball number. No Match 5 plus Power Play winner was reported, which would have secured a $2 million prize. The next Powerball drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, with the estimated jackpot rising to $100 million. The cash value of the jackpot for this upcoming drawing is $45.6 million. Powerball drawings occur at 11 p.m. ET every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday. The odds of winning the jackpot remain at 1 in 292.2 million, while other prize tiers range from $4 for matching only the Powerball number to $1 million for matching all five white balls. Powerball tickets cost $2 per play, with an additional $1 available for the Power Play option, which multiplies non-jackpot winnings. In Kentucky, Indiana, and some other states, players can also add the Double Play feature for an extra $1, offering a second chance at winning $10 million. Tickets are sold in 45 states, including Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana, as well as Washington, D.C., and the Virgin Islands. Non-U.S. residents and citizens can also participate. Online ticket purchases are available in Kentucky through the state’s official lottery website and in Ohio and Indiana via Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Sales typically close one to two hours before the drawing time, which varies by jurisdiction.#indiana #powerball #jackpocket #kentucky #missouri

Line of Gusty Storms May Become Severe Tonight A line of gusty storms is expected to develop later today, with potential for severe conditions as the evening progresses. Weather officials are urging residents to stay alert between 6 p.m. and midnight as a powerful south-southwest wind drives temperatures toward 80°F, marking a sharp increase from earlier in the day. This unseasonably warm weather is accompanied by strong gusts that could lead to isolated power outages and tree damage. While the warmth may feel pleasant, the winds are described as a significant threat, capable of causing disruptions across the region. The storm threat is intensifying as the afternoon winds pull in increasing humidity, creating conditions ripe for thunderstorm development. A frontal boundary moving in from the west is set to interact with the warm, moist air, prompting close monitoring of thunderstorms forming upstream. These storms are anticipated to approach the Illinois/Indiana border between 6 and 7 p.m. High-resolution models suggest an active storm window from 6 p.m. to midnight, with storms organizing into a fast-moving line or linear complex. If this pattern holds, damaging straight-line winds are expected as the primary threat, with a lower but non-zero risk for isolated rotation. Authorities are advising preparedness, as watches and warnings may be issued this evening, with conditions likely to change rapidly. The unsettled weather pattern is expected to continue through Friday, with uncertainty surrounding the exact development. Enhanced low-level wind shear could support rotating thunderstorms, particularly if instability increases during the day. This setup warrants close attention, especially for areas where conditions might favor storm formation.#weather_service #indianapolis #illinois #indiana #final_four

First Alert Weather Day for Severe Storm Threat Tonight A First Alert Weather Day has been issued for Fort Wayne, Indiana, as the region faces the possibility of strong to severe thunderstorms between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. tonight. Meteorologists warn that severe weather threats remain active, with damaging winds and large hail expected to be the primary concerns. While the potential for a tornado exists, officials note that the likelihood of such an event is currently low compared to other severe weather risks. The situation will be closely monitored throughout the evening. Temperatures are expected to rise significantly this afternoon, with readings near 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, a cold front is set to move through the area, causing temperatures to drop sharply by the following day. Friday will bring dry conditions but much cooler air, with high temperatures only reaching the mid-40s. Looking ahead, the weekend is forecast to improve significantly. Sunny skies are expected to return on Saturday, with partly cloudy conditions on Sunday. Temperatures will gradually rise throughout the weekend, offering a respite from the recent chill. Next week, the weather pattern is expected to warm up again, with high temperatures climbing back into the 70s by Monday. However, another round of showers is anticipated to move in during the middle of the week, bringing a return of wetter conditions. Residents are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential weather disruptions.#indiana #first_alert_weather_day #severe_thunderstorms #fort_wayne #damaging_winds

Storms late Sunday bring risk of high winds, spin-up tornadoes A line of severe storms is moving into southeastern Indiana and the Cincinnati metropolitan area, with potential for damaging winds and brief tornadoes. Meteorologists warn that the storm system could bring gusts up to 60 mph, along with thunderstorms and lightning, starting within the next 15 to 20 minutes. The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of Indiana and Kentucky, including Gallatin, Carroll, Owen, Switzerland, Ripley, and southeastern Indiana, effective until 3 a.m. Monday. The storm’s leading edge is expected to reach Franklin County and areas near Ripley County by around midnight, with the main storm system moving into the Cincinnati area by approximately 12:30 a.m. or 1 a.m. Stronger winds, potentially exceeding 60 mph, are anticipated as the storms progress, which could trigger severe thunderstorm warnings. Additionally, the possibility of brief tornadoes remains, though the threat is considered low. The storm system will continue eastward, with heavy rain and gusty winds expected throughout the overnight hours. By 2 a.m., the storm line will cover a significant portion of the region, though weakening is expected as the storms move past I-75 and I-71. By 4 or 5 a.m., the heaviest rain will shift eastward, leaving the Cincinnati area with colder temperatures. Temperatures are projected to drop sharply overnight, with morning lows in the teens and daytime highs in the 20s. The National Weather Service warns of a transition to wintry conditions, including flurries and light snow showers that could persist into the afternoon. While no significant snow accumulation is expected, the cold snap will last for several days. A severe thunderstorm watch remains in effect for the entire region until 4 a.#national_weather_service #severe_storms #indiana #kentucky #cincinnati_metropolitan_area

Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: What the alerts mean and why they matter A tornado watch signals that atmospheric conditions are conducive to tornado formation, often covering broad regions for extended periods. In contrast, a tornado warning indicates that a tornado has been detected or is imminent, demanding immediate protective actions. On March 6, a severe storm system originating in Indiana spawned tornadoes in southern Michigan, resulting in four deaths and multiple injuries. Although no tornado watch was issued beforehand, warnings were promptly activated as the storm system evolved, underscoring the critical need for public awareness and preparedness. Authorities emphasized that residents should rely on multiple alert systems, such as weather radios, mobile apps, and emergency broadcasts, to stay informed. The rapid escalation of severe weather conditions highlights the importance of vigilance, as tornadoes can develop swiftly and without prior notice.#indiana #tornado_watch #tornado_warning #southern_michigan #severe_storm_system

Indiana statewide tornado siren test set for Tuesday; St. Joseph, LaPorte counties will not participate Indiana will conduct a statewide tornado siren test on Tuesday morning as part of the state’s Severe Weather Preparedness Week. The drill is scheduled for 10:15 a.m., during which the National Weather Service will issue a test tornado warning alert. This alert will be distributed through most notification systems, including the statewide Emergency Alert System (EAS). Residents in St. Joseph County will not participate in the test. County officials explained that they conduct regular siren tests on the first Thursday of each month and chose to skip Tuesday’s event to avoid confusing residents. They also cited the potential for actual severe weather later in the day, which could complicate the test’s effectiveness. LaPorte County has also decided not to take part in the statewide drill. Officials in that county provided similar reasoning, noting the risk of real severe weather on Tuesday and the desire to prevent public confusion. Both counties emphasized their commitment to emergency preparedness but prioritized avoiding unnecessary alerts during a time when actual threats could arise. The test is part of broader efforts to ensure residents are familiar with tornado warning systems. While the statewide drill aims to verify the functionality of sirens and alert systems, local officials in St. Joseph and LaPorte have opted for alternative schedules to align with their own testing protocols and weather conditions. This decision highlights the balance between maintaining public awareness and avoiding disruptions during periods of heightened risk.#national_weather_service #indiana #st_joseph_county #laporte_county #emergency_alert_system

Severe storms with tornado risk Tuesday night into Wednesday Severe weather, including thunderstorms with tornado risks, hail, gusty winds, and heavy rain, is expected to impact parts of Indiana from Tuesday night through Wednesday as colder air moves in. The National Weather Service has issued a weather impact alert, highlighting the potential for isolated tornadoes, large hail, and damaging winds during the event. The storm activity follows a record warm day and is anticipated to bring multiple rounds of thunderstorms, with the most significant severe weather concentrated in northern Indiana Tuesday night and central to southern Indiana Wednesday morning. The severe risk is classified as low to medium overall, but certain areas could experience strong storms with tornado threats. The first wave of storms is expected to target northern and north-central Indiana, particularly northwest Indiana, where conditions are most favorable for supercells. These storms may produce tornadoes, especially in the northwest and north-central regions, with some tornadoes potentially reaching EF-2+ strength. Hail, including tennis ball-sized stones in northwest Indiana and quarter-sized hail in central Indiana, is also likely during this period. A second wave of storms will shift focus to central and southern Indiana, including the Indianapolis area, during Wednesday morning. While these storms may be slightly weaker than the overnight activity to the north, they could still bring gusty winds, frequent lightning, and scattered rain showers. Severe weather is expected to diminish by Wednesday afternoon, though scattered thunderstorms may linger. Rainfall totals are projected to range from 0.5 to 2 inches statewide, with localized areas experiencing higher amounts due to repeated storm clusters.#national_weather_service #indiana #tornado_risk #matt_standridge #superstorms

Daylight Saving Time 2026: Clocks Move Forward on March 8 The clocks will spring forward this Sunday, March 8, marking the start of daylight saving time for 2026. This annual time adjustment, which shifts clocks ahead by one hour, is observed in most U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with the exception of Hawaii, most of Arizona, and several U.S. territories including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. These regions do not participate in the practice, which is governed by the Uniform Time Act of 1966. States may also exempt themselves from observing daylight saving time through state laws. In Indiana, the time change occurs because the state observes daylight saving time, despite its complicated history with the practice. While Indiana briefly skipped the time shift in the past, residents currently adjust their clocks forward in the spring and backward in the fall. The change is intended to extend daylight hours during spring, summer, and fall, though its implementation has been debated for decades. When the clocks move forward at 2 a.m. on March 8, people will lose an hour of sleep. This shift is part of the broader daylight saving time schedule, which ends in November when clocks are set back an hour. The fall adjustment allows for an extra hour of sleep but has also been a point of contention for its impact on daily routines. The concept of daylight saving time originated in the U.S. during World War I, when it was first introduced as "war time" to conserve energy. However, it was abandoned after the war due to lack of necessity. The modern version of the practice began with the Uniform Time Act of 1966, which established the current schedule of starting on the last Sunday of April and ending on the last Sunday of October.#congress #uniform_time_act_1966 #michael_downing #daylight_saving_time_2026 #indiana

Near-record temperatures and flooding risks continue in Indiana Heavy rain is expected to persist through the week as temperatures rise to near-record levels, according to a forecast from WISH News. A flood watch remains active for the southern two-thirds of central Indiana until 10 a.m. Wednesday, with additional flood advisories issued for counties south of Indianapolis. Over 3 inches of rain fell in parts of the southern metro area, causing localized flooding. A stalled frontal system over the state is drawing moisture from the Gulf, leading to waves of widespread rain and embedded thunderstorms. Additional rainfall of 1 to 3 inches is possible today, with rain chances briefly decreasing by late morning into the early afternoon. High temperatures are projected to reach the mid to upper 50s, with the southern portion of the state possibly seeing low 60s. Severe weather is expected tonight as another round of showers and thunderstorms develops in the late evening and overnight. A few storms could be strong to severe, with large hail as the primary concern. The southern third of Indiana is under a Level 1 out of 5 risk for severe storms. Thursday will bring widespread showers and a few thunderstorms, with high temperatures climbing into the mid 60s. Friday’s forecast highlights near-record heat, with temperatures surging into the mid 70s—20 to 30 degrees above average. The record high for this date, 75°, set in 1973, is now in jeopardy. While rain chances will remain, they are expected to become more isolated. Additional rainfall of 3 to 5 inches could fall through the end of the week into early next week, exacerbating flooding risks along rivers and streams. Areas prone to flooding will need to remain vigilant over the next several days.#indianapolis #indiana #central_indiana #southern_indiana #wish_news