Weekly View » Ethel Winslow

Honoring Mothers and Motherhood May 10

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 07 May 2026 05:11:05 +0000

For centuries, almost every culture has set aside a day to celebrate mothers and the role they play in the family, and in shaping society. It is a day to recognize not just biological moms, but adoptive mothers, mother-figures who helped raise you, and those who have nurtured you.
In the United States, the holiday was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held the first Mother’s Day service of worship at Andrews Methodist Episcopal Church in Grafton, West Virginia. Her campaign to make Mother’s Day a nationally recognized holiday in the United States began in 1905, the year her mother, Ann Reeves Jarvis, died. Her mother had been a peace activist who cared for both Union and Confederate wounded in the Civil War. She and another peace activist and suffragist, Julia Ward Howe, urged authorities to create a “Mother’s Day For Peace.” Anna Jarvis wanted to set aside a day to honor all mothers because she believed a mother is “the person who has done more for you than anyone in the world.” In addition to Jarvis, Notre Dame Football coach Frank E. Hering, was also an early proponent of having Mother’s Day made into a national observance and actively campaigned throughout the country to push the idea.
By 1911 all U.S. states observed the holiday,with some of them officially recognizing Mother’s Day as a local holiday (the first being West Virginia, Jarvis’ home state, in 1910). In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day, held on the second Sunday in May, as a national holiday to honor mothers.
The holiday has grown over the decades, with restaurants offering brunch deals, florists making a killing selling flowers, candymakers pushing chocolates, and card companies cashing in. The National Retail Federation expects that about 84% of the population will celebrate, purchasing over $38 billion of goods — jewelry, flowers, and special outings — on their mothers. It has become the third largest retail holiday in the United States.

“Come From Away” at the IRT

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 05:09:22 +0000

A musical about September 11, 2001? Yes. Come From Away tells the story of some passengers who were diverted to Gander International Airport in Newfoundland on 9/11 when U.S. air space was closed because of the terrorist attacks. The small town (about 10,000 people), took in the 6,000+ passengers of 38 planes, fed them, sheltered them, and entertained them for six days until air space opened back up. It won a Tony for Best New Musical for the 2016-17 season. We don’t often get to see a Tony Award winner in Indy, so grab the opportunity if you can.
Most of us remember the terror and fear of that day, and also the humanity as communities gathered to help the families of those who were killed in New York, Washington D.C., and Shanksville Pennsylvania. The passengers in Come From Away had no idea why they ended up in Newfoundland, only to find out once they get into town what had happened. Friendships form as the passengers and the townspeople reach out to each other for mutual support and understanding. A romance blooms, a relationship breaks apart, and at the end the “come from aways” leave, only to return 10 years later to catch up and celebrate the small town that had embraced them.
The Indiana Repertory Theatre chose this complex show as its season closer, with fresh faces from all over the country in the cast of 12. The actors play different characters from the town and from the planes, putting on or taking off jackets, caps, and aprons for the different roles. The band sits behind the simple stage and at times become part of the play itself. Directed by James Vasquez, the script and music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein come alive with despair to hope to joy to anguish. The music is remarkable in conveying the many emotions running through the characters, particularly “Prayer” with its heartfelt spirituality, the uncertainty of “Darkness and Trees,” and the raucous party scene when the town throws a shindig.
Expect to laugh and cry as stories unfold in this ambitious, extraordinary production of Come From Away. It is an astonishing play in the capable hands of the team at the IRT. The play runs through May 10, and it has been drawing big crowds. Visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 to reserve tickets.

Blue Line Utility Construction Continues

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 05:11:46 +0000

Anyone who has tried to get anywhere on the east side has been experiencing the unique frustration of trying to figure out how to get to your destination without running into a road block, or popping a tire. While the closure of East Washington and Ritter Ave. is just the first of many closures, it has hit residents and businesses of Irvington particularly hard. Many live on narrow one-way streets winding through heavily residential areas with street parking. However, once Washington was blocked, non-”native” Irvingtonians attempted to take shortcuts through side streets, not realizing that they were going the wrong way, trying to squeeze through alleys that look like the craters of the moon, cutting through parking lots, and generally causing mayhem. While the crazy has calmed down a little, the increased traffic on the side roads has also contributed to more potholes after a rough winter.
Potholes are a big issue in the Irvington neighborhood and throughout the east side of Indianapolis, with residents, particularly on streets like Rawles, experiencing persistent issues with road damage. The city has experienced a high volume of complaints in 2026, with crews working to address them as fast as they can when weather permits. However, through-roads and heavily trafficked main streets are a priority over smaller residential lanes. Residents can report potholes through RequestIndy online, or by calling the Mayor’s Action Center (MAC): Call 317-327-4622.
Citizens Energy Group today announced coming lane restrictions and closures of multiple portions of Washington Street in the Irvington neighborhood, located generally between Irvington and Arlington avenues. Utility relocation work here is required due to its location along IndyGo’s upcoming Blue Line route, a 24-mile bus transit corridor running east and west on Washington Street in Marion County. The Irvington neighborhood closures are expected to take more than three months in all. The first phase was the closure of Ritter and Washington, which will be followed by a two-week closure of westbound traffic along Washington, between Layman Avenue and Audubon Road.
Crews will continue work at various smaller locations, restricting lanes within the segment of Washington Street between Irvington Avenue and Arlington Avenue.
Travelers and through-traffic looking to avoid delays in this area can detour using 10th Street, by way of Emerson and Arlington avenues.
IndyGo has made resources available to local organizations and business owners near construction zones, including “We are Open” signage through a community tool kit. The small business owners in Irvington on East Washington and Audubon encourage everyone to come out and support them during this difficult time.

“English” at the IRT

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 05:09:12 +0000

It’s not often we get to experience a Pulitzer Prize-winning play here in the Midwest, so grab the chance to see English by Sanaz Toossi at the IRT before it closes April 4. It is a rich exploration of how language and identity converge and conflict. The play won the Pulitzer for Drama in 2023.
The play involves four Iranian students studying English in preparation for a test just outside Tehran, Iran in 2008. The teacher, Marjan (Neagheen Homaifar), does not allow them to speak Farsi in class — only English. Roya (Leyla Modirzadeh) struggles, confessing she only wants to learn English to speak with her Canadian grandchild on the phone. Elham (Natasha Behnam) and Goli (Emelia Maryam Mosay) are learning the language to open up new opportunities for themselves. Omid (Revon Yousif) says he wants to study English to get a green card. The exercises, the drills, and awkward show-and-tell games used as learning tools are innovative, but also frustrating. They begin to question how much of their Iranian identities they will have to give up as they learn how to think in a different language, and how much their heritage means to them. The premise sounds serious, but there is certainly humor in English through misunderstandings and outbursts of frustration.
Director Azar Kazemi brings to light the excitement and conflict of learning a new language, and the fear students feel that they are letting go of something important. This is a deeply moving and complex play that speaks (sorry) to our yearning to belong, but also to change.
Tickets start at $27 and are available online at irtlive.com or by calling the box office at 317-635-5252.

St. Patrick’s Day(s) in Indy

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 05:11:46 +0000

The Irish in Indianapolis have contributed to the city in many ways — from building our structures, building businesses, contributing to the arts, and the politics of the city.
The most Irish of holidays is St. Patrick’s Day. The day marks the death of Ireland’s patron saint, who was said to introduce Christianity to the island, and cast out the snakes. Here in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the contributions of those with Irish heritage, as well as the Irish culture. But for many, it’s about the beer and whiskey.
St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated most of the weekend, March 13 to the actual day of Tuesday, March 17 at watering holes across the city. Even if you have not a drop of Irish blood in you, you can still be an honorary Irish-person for the day. Just find something green to wear, and start the festivities at the 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Friday, March 13 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania. The Indy Public Safety Foundation will have a tent party on North St. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for folks of all ages, and it’s free.
The Snug, celebrating its third anniversary, will be holding an Irish Festival Block Party Saturday, March 14 from noon-10 p.m. on S. Audubon from just north of Hibben Ave. to just south of the Snug itself. There will be street closures at Bonna Ave. as well as Audubon. There will be food trucks, 210 South Audubon Road. This festive gathering in Irvington features live music, Irish dancers, pipers, food vendors, drinks, and plenty of St. Patrick’s fun throughout the day. Music by Laughing Jack, Patchwork, Tullies at the Wakefield, the St. Patrick’s Day Rogues Pipes & Drums will be featured all afternoon. The event is family friendly, making it a great way to celebrate Irish culture with friends, family, and the community. Admission online is $6 or $10 at the door. Please park and walk in from Bonna Ave., and be courteous to residents who live in the neighborhood. Visit snugin.us for more information and to get tickets online. The pub is located at 210 S. Audubon in the heart of historic Irvington.
Over here on the east side, McGinley’s Golden Ace, one of the oldest pubs in Indianapolis, will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day — plus! They will have traditional Irish music on Friday, March at noon, Saturday, March 14 beginning at 1 p.m. all evening, and then Tuesday, March 17 from noon into the evening. Deardaoin, Dooley Brothers, Brigid’s Cross, Laughing Jack, and Dereck Warfield & the Young Wolfe Tones will be performing in the big tent. Must be 21 or older to enter. Doors open at 11:00am on Friday, Saturday & Tuesday. $10 cover, cash only!

“Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” at the IRT

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 06:09:46 +0000

August Wilson, one of the most important playwrights in the 20th Century, created ten plays about the Black experience in America after Emancipation, going decade to decade. Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is set in 1911 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In a stunning production from the Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT), the story comes alive in the very capable hands of an outstanding cast and director Timothy Douglas.
Set in a boarding house owned by Seth Holly (Keith Randolph Smith) and wife Bertha (Stephanie Berry), boarder Bynum Walker (DeShawn Harold Mitchell), all live in relative harmony. Their peace is disrupted with Herald Loomis (Shane Taylor) and his daughter Zonia (Kerah Lily Jackson) ask for a room, and he tells Seth he is looking for his wife. Loomis is moody and distant and has travelled a distance since being separated from her under mysterious circumstances. At dinner, he erupts into screams and speaking in tongues, frightening everyone. Seth tells him he must leave after that, giving him a couple of days to find a room. Just as he is getting ready to leave, his wife Martha (Lilian A. Oben) appears, and he breaks down.
The “Joe Turner” referenced in the play is based on a real-life person, Joe Turney, the brother of Tennessee governor Peter Turney who illegally kidnapped Black men and forced them to work for him for seven years before releasing them. The implication was that Herald, a preacher, was captured by him, which destroyed his life. The play is about shared Black pain still resonating from the trauma of enslavement, that the loss of spirit and family nearly 50 years after gaining their freedom is not easily overcome.
A brilliant cast led by Keith Randolph Smith as Seth and Stephanie Berry as Bertha, plus Kaitlyn Boyer as Mattie Campbell, and Shane Taylor as Herald Loomis, tackle their roles with nuance and energy.
Joe Turner’s Come and Gone is an important work, the fourth of Wilson’s The American Century Cycle. The IRT’s production is luminous, exciting, and sometimes painful. The show continues through Feb. 22. Visit irtlive.com or call 317-635-5252 for shows and prices.

So Long 2025! A Look Back on the Year that Was, Part 2

Ethel Winslow — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 06:11:02 +0000

2025 national and local news was a wild ride of ups and downs, inside outs, and outside ins.
President Donald Trump’s second term started off with a flurry of executive orders that banned any mention of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), transgender or sexual identity, withdrew the country from the World Health Organization, and authorized Elon Musk’s drive to purge “waste, fraud, and abuse” from government agencies. These were the first in about 221 executive orders he signed in his first year. In the first two weeks, Musk’s “DOGE” squad moved into agencies, including the Treasury and Office of Management and Budget, gutted USAID which provided food and medical care across the world, and NOAA. Other agencies lost employees to DOGE actions, such as the FAA, the National Institutes for Health, the CDC, IRS, and many others. Trump ordered the Dept. of Education to be shuttered. The courts put the brakes on some of the initiatives, ordering the rehiring of thousands of employees, and ordering funding for USAID to be returned. However, the administration ignored some court orders, bringing the country to the brink of a constitutional crisis. By summer, Musk fell out with the President, and DOGE packed up and left town, and was dismantled completely in September.
The Trump administration also cracked down on undocumented immigrants, rescinded the refugee status of over 300,000 Venezualians as well as 240,000 Ukrainian war refugees and refugees from Somalia, while also stopping refugees coming in from across the globe. ICE and Border Patrol targeted Los Angeles, Georgia, Chicago, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and Portland for large-scale raids. Thousands came out to protest the actions. In New York City courts, immigration hearings were targets for agents to detain immigrants going through the legal process. The administration called for National Guard units to help with crime in D.C., LA, and Chicago.
President Trump issued tariffs on many nations, including Canada, China, Mexico, and countries that exported steel and aluminum and auto parts. In many cases, there were negotiations that lowered them, then they were imposed again. In the past, Congress, which has the “power of the purse” to raise or lower tariffs would announce changes, but the President claimed executive privilege, using the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and part of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. The Supreme Court will hear the case for the legality of the tariffs in early 2026.
The Jeffrey Epstein files were ordered released by the courts, but the Attorney General refused to release them. Congress voted for them to be released, and they were slowly made public — heavily redacted. By the end of the year, another million pages were found in the case, with the promise they would be released eventually.
The “Big Beautiful Bill” passed in Congress, but only after a 43 day government shutdown. Appropriations were made for the 2026 fiscal year, but it did not extend the expanded Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) funding, potentially throwing thousands off the Marketplace insurance plans due to affordability. It included tax cuts for tipped employees and overtime, and an additional deduction for seniors.
In other news, the Department of Defense was renamed the Department of War, and the Navy was mobilized to intercept boats leaving Venezuala, destroying them in the ocean. The administration claimed they were drug boats heading to the U.S. In December, the Navy intercepted oil tankers from Venezuala, stating they were keeping them from destinations in China and Russia.
Several major disasters struck the United States. Starting in January, historic wildfires around Los Angeles burned thousands of homes and businesses, killing 25, Wildfires also raged across North and South Carolina, and Texas forced evacuations from wildfires in March. Wildfires on the North Rim of the Grand Canyon burned down a historic hotel. The south suffered through record-breaking cold in January, with New Orleans seeing 5 inches of snow. Floods hit Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, and southern Indiana, killing 10 in Kentucky. A flash flood in Texas Hill country killed over 135 people, including children at a summer camp along the Guadalupe River. Indiana saw 60 tornadoes in 2025, a near record number.
Mass shootings in 2025 continued, including a school shooting at a Catholic elementary school, killing 2 children and wounding 20 others. In Traverse City, Michigan, 11 people were stabbed in a Walmart by a person with a history of mental illness. This year’s number of mass shootings is actually down, with 17 incidents in the year to the lowest number in 20 years, according to Northeastern University Mass Killing Database.
In Indiana, Indiana University’s director of student media and advisor to the Indiana Daily Student was fired in October, and the university leadership stopped the print edition of the paper. It was reported that the advisor was terminated because it was unwilling to censor student media. Earlier in the year, Governor Braun installed conservatives on the board of IU after ousting the alumni-elected trustees.
Governor Braun called a special session on Nov. 3 to vote on redistricting. Polls showed that Hoosiers opposed redistricting 5 years after the last redistricting. The plan was endorsed by the president, who attempted to court Indiana lawmakers to vote for the bill. When the Senate voted to not go into session, Braun demanded that they hold a session on Dec. 1 for hearings for the redistricting. Hundreds showed up to protest the map and hearings as unconstitutional. Several assemblymen were threatened, including swatting, pipe bomb threats, and other harassment in order to get them to vote for the plan. Representatives voted on the proposed map, which would have divided Marion County into four districts, effectively eliminating a “safe” Democratic district, and carving the other Democratic district in the north into two parts, blending it with reliable Republican voters. Turning Point USA and other conservative organizations threatened to fundraise to “primary” Republicans who voted against it. The proposal was defeated.
Martin University, the only mainly Black university in Indiana, closed it doors in December, citing financial problems.
In November, Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita sued the Indianapolis Public Schools for “thwarting” ICE agents from entering schools to remove children suspected of being undocumented immigrants. The school system is revising its policies for 2026.
Vop Osili stepped down from the position of City-County Council President. In December, Maggie Lewis was selected to replace him.

So Long 2025! A Look Back on the Year that Was

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 18 Dec 2025 06:11:58 +0000

Even news junkies needed to take a break sometimes during 2025. Across the globe, there were famines, floods, political chaos, and so much more that the human brain had barely enough time to process one event before another blew up. This week we’ll look at international news, before we tackle the U.S. and Indiana news in the Jan. 2, 2026 issue.
In June, Israel, enmeshed in an ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza, launched missiles into Tehran, Iran, taking out the military command of the country. The next day, Iran, an ally and financial backer of Hamas, launched missiles into Tel Aviv, knocking out the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The conflict escalated as nightly bombings continued, and then the U.S. dropped bombs on alleged sites where uranium was enriched in Iran. A few days later, Iran notified the U.S. that their base in Qatar was about to be bombed, giving service members time to get jets off safely and to take shelter. The war in Israel against Hamas in Gaza took a terrible turn, when Israeli forces began targeting hospitals, schools, and civilians. Aid was blocked in Gaza, and the conditions worsened. When aid could get through, thousands would swarm to get food, and Israeli soldiers would shoot at them. Starvation escalated, taking a toll on children especially. In August, agencies announced there was a famine in Gaza City. In September, the Israelis attacked Hamas leadership in Qatar, leading to international outcry against the government. In October, a cease-fire was declared and the Israeli hostages were released. However, there were numerous violations to the pact, and ongoing tensions over Gaza into December. President Trump encouraged peace between the factions, but old grievances die hard.
At least 60,000 people were killed in Sudan’s Al Fasher region when the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) took control mid-year. At least 150,000 residents are missing. The power struggle between the army (SAF) and RSF paramilitary group erupted in 2023, and has steadily grown more violent. Millions have been displaced fleeing the violence, and there is widespread famine as aid is stopped by the RSF. Children and women have been targeted for sexual violence. In November, the Sudan Doctors Union estimated that over a half million children had died due to malnutrition. The genocide in Sudan continues to be one of least reported stories of 2025.
The war between Russia and Ukraine also escalated in 2025, killing civilians and troops on both sides of the border. The United States voted against a United Nations resolution to condemn Russia for invading Ukraine, siding with Russia and sidelining historic allies in Europe. The administration blamed Ukraine for the invasion in 2022, stating its desire to join NATO “forced” Russia to invade. In late February, a meeting between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance held in front of press cameras declined into a shouting match that had the president and vice president ambushing the Ukrainian president, doubling down on Russian propaganda. The fallout from the disastrous meeting was European countries vowing support, including military and financial assistance. Trump met with Putin in Alaska in August, hoping to get a ceasefire that never materialized. Trump hosted Zelenskyy in Washington DC, and several prime ministers and officials of the EU went with him to prevent further bullying. Negotiations have stalled, with Russia and Ukraine refusing to concede.
Justin Trudeau, the prime minister of Canada, stepped down from the office in January after 9 years in office. He faced with growing opposition in his own party, as well as criticism from conservatives due to meeting president-elect Donald Trump. Trump had said that he planned to make Canada the 51st state, taking over the U.S. ally using economic force. Mark Carney was voted in as Prime Minister in May. The. U.S. imposed tariffs on many Canadian goods, to which the Canadians replied “Elbows Up.” In late May, wildfires in Manitoba Canada forced 17,000 to evacuate, and a massive smoke plume over the northeastern provinces.
Nepal went through a violent revolution in September, when young people set fire to the Parliament, Supreme Court, police stations, and the houses of politicians. The Prime Minister and Home Minister resigned in the face of massive protests about blocking social media.
Conflict on the Cambodia-Thailand border escalated in December. The brief cease-fire, brokered by President Trump in September, was suspended in November after an incident with a landmine in Thailand. By early December, there were air strikes along the border, clashes, and Thai forces opened fire on Cambodian positions. Thailand evacuate 138,000 civilians near the border as hospitals, homes, and businesses were bombed.
Brazil’s court found former president Bolsanaro guilty of attempting a coup and sent him to house arrest with an electronic ankle bracelet. However, in November, he was arrested again and ordered back to prison after he attempted to remove the bracelet and escape house arrest. He remains in police custody.
Wildfires in Greece, Bulgaria, and Turkey forced thousands to flee their homes and businesses in July. City. In August, flash floods in China killed dozens of people. In March. a devastating 7.7 earthquake in Myanmar caused damage and death as far as Thailand and Bangladesh. Myanmar’s dictatorship was slow in reporting deaths and injuries. In September, a 6.0 earthquake in Afghanistan killed over 1,400 people. The Philippines suffered a 6.9 earthquake in late September that killed over 70 people.
Hurricane Melissa became a Category 5 and pummeled Jamaica with torrential rain and historically high winds. It was one of the strongest hurricanes on record, with ground winds at 185 mph, and 43 inches of rain, causing massive floods and destruction. More than 1,300 people died in floods in Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Thailand after a massive cyclone hit the area.
A terrorist attack in Australia on Bondi Beach in Sydney killed 16 and injured 40 more in December. The victims were Jewish people celebrating the first night of Hanukkah on the beach. Among the dead were a Holocaust survivor and a 10 year old girl. The assailants were a father and son. The father was killed at the scene and the son was shot and taken into custody.
Pope Francis passed away just after Easter Sunday. The conclave met for two days before naming the first U.S. native Cardinal Robert Prevost as the new Pope, Leo XIV. The 69-year-old Chicago-born Pope was close to Pope Francis. It’s said that he roots for the White Sox.
Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity during his brutal term. He was flown to the Hague to face the court.
South Korea elected a new president, Lee Jae-myung, after the former president was ousted for trying to impose martial law in 2024.
A bold theft from the Louvre in Paris, France caught the world’s attention. Thieves broke in during visitor hours and stole priceless French crown jewels and escaped in an 8 minute time frame. Suspects were arrested, but there is still no sign of the jewels.

“Wonders” at the District Theatre

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 11 Dec 2025 06:09:33 +0000

Ben Asaykwe’s latest musical focuses on the behind-the-scenes spirits that guided Ebenezer Scrooge through his life to get to that fateful night with three ghosts. With a cast of 46 that is comprised of professional singers and actors and non-performers, Wonders is a memorable musical.
The behind the scenes spirits convene to focus their attentions on Scrooge as a baby, to ensure the lessons he learns throughout his life will lead to the epiphany of the holiday spirit. Hope (Sarah Zimmerman) introduces them aas Innocence (Megan Arrington-Marks), Curiosity (Shelbi Kamora-Berry), Joy (Noah Winston), Pleasure (Tiffanie Bridges), Fear (Matt Anderson), Honor (Maria Meschi), Ambition (Jaddy Ciucci), Avarice (Kallen Ruston), Memory (Hannah Boswell), and Truth (Ben Asaykwe). The non-performers are humanity, threading between the spirits, and at times interacting with Scrooge at various points in his life.
The music is exceptional and beautiful throughout the show, with tremendous voices and great poetry. It was an outstanding, unique production that was sweet and tender without leaning into sentimentality. Wonders was indeed, a wonder.
With federal and state budget cuts to the arts, local theatres are struggling to stay open. Please support them — and don’t miss this one! Catch the show on Fridays and Saturdays begin at 7:30 p.m. Sunday shows begin at 5 p.m. from now to Dec. 21. Tickets are $45 for the VIP experience, $31 for general admission. Visit indydistricttheatre.org to make reservations. The theatre is located at 627 Mass Ave.

Illegal Dumping Hurts Everyone

Ethel Winslow — Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:11:08 +0000

Illegal dumping isn’t just unsightly, it’s also hazardous. Illegal dumping incidents have been rising in neighborhoods where homeowners find piles of trash in their backyard overnight, on commercial lots where business owners open up in the morning to find their dumpsters overflowing with someone else’s trash, and at recycling centers where construction materials are stuffed among the recyclables.
According to the Indianapolis municipal code, it is illegal to deposit or place unwanted items, trash, scraps, and other debris on private and public property without permission. Illegal dumping creates a public health and environmental safety hazard, and attracts rodents and other pests. Illegal dumping is a punishable offense; and fines can be as much as $2,500.
Earlier this year, the city allocated $5 million in funding to address illegal dumping, targeting areas were there have been several reports of dumping, particularly in alleyways.
The city urges citizens to report illegal dumping through RequestIndy or by calling the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4622. Include details about where the garbage is located, if you witness the dumping, and the violator’s vehicle and license plate number.
When the Dept. of Business and Neighborhood Services (DBNS) receives or gathers sufficient evidence to identify someone that has allegedly committed an illegal dumping violation, an administrative hearing will be scheduled and notice of the hearing will be mailed to the alleged violator. If the hearing officer determines that there is sufficient evidence and testimony to prove the person identified committed an illegal dumping violation, they may assess a fine of up to $2,500 per instance to the violator.
Even in the case of illegal dumping, a property owner is still responsible for cleaning the trash/debris that was dumped. DBNS will send notification to the property owner; and the property owner will have 10 days from the date on the notice to clean the trash and/or submit an Illegal Dumping Affidavit. If an affidavit is submitted and the case meets these illegal dumping abatement assistance requirements, DBNS may provide no-cost clean-up services.
Some individuals who offer to remove trash for a fair price illegally dump that trash to save on disposal costs. Check the hauler’s, background, references, and whether they are licensed by the City of Indianapolis. You can also ask how they plan to dispose of the trash and whether they are willing to provide a copy of the disposal receipt.