Yes, we have the Golden Globes, the Oscars and other film awards, but if you want to know the best films and performances of the year, I like to rely on our own critics here in Indiana, the Indiana Film Journalists Association. Originally organized to encourage studios to provide screenings for local critics, the annual awards announcement is one I look forward to each year.
The IFJA announced their nominees recently, and have just revealed the award winners for 2025.
I have dabbled in film criticism in the past, but I’m not as young as I once was so had to cut back on a few of my endeavors. It takes time an effort to screen films and write reviews.
That said, here are the award winners for 2025 from our local Indiana film critics:
A winter storm that brought several inches of snow to the area has moved on, but dangerously cold conditions are lingering across Central Indiana this morning.
The National Weather Service says a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. as wind chill values dip as low as 19 degrees below zero. Forecasters warn that exposed skin can develop frostbite in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions.
Snowfall ended late Saturday, giving area street crews the opportunity to begin clearing roads and treating icy spots. Crews worked overnight and into Sunday morning to improve driving conditions, though officials continue to urge motorists to use caution, particularly on secondary roads and bridges where ice can persist.
Despite the harsh weather, the Indy Fuel went ahead with their annual Teddy Bear Toss game Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center. The game drew a sellout crowd, and most ticket holders attended, braving the snow and cold to support the team and the charitable tradition.
As of 5:40 a.m. Monday, Hamilton Southeastern Schools had not announced a delay or cancellation, indicating buses were expected to run on their normal schedule barring any last-minute changes. Parents and students are encouraged to continue monitoring school communications for updates.
The National Weather Service says conditions will gradually improve later today as wind chills rise, but cold temperatures will persist. Residents are urged to dress in layers, limit time outdoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors, including the elderly and those without adequate heating.
Officials also remind pet owners to bring animals indoors and to ensure space heaters and other heating devices are used safely as the region endures the latest blast of winter weather.
Indiana found itself in the national spotlight this past week as the State Senate prepared to vote on a new congressional district map for Washington.
Governor Mike Braun strongly backed the proposed maps, and the Indiana House approved the plan by a 57–41 vote. All Democrats present voted no, joined by 12 Republicans.
That vote shifted attention squarely to the Indiana Senate chamber. The Statehouse was packed with advocates on both sides of the issue, and many political observers predicted a close vote. It was anything but.
In the end, 31 senators voted against the plan, while just 19 supported it. All 10 Democratic senators voted no, joined by 21 Republicans — a clear majority of the chamber and a majority within the GOP caucus.
That outcome raises an obvious question: why would so many senators, including Republicans, reject a redistricting plan supported by a Republican president and governor?
My state senator, Kyle Walker, explained his vote in a written statement.
“I simply could not support an effort to redraw legislative districts in the middle of a decade solely for political purposes,” Walker wrote. “Our commitment to democracy requires predictability, transparency, and public trust.”
Walker also said he heard from a large number of constituents who opposed the plan. His vote carries additional weight because he has announced he will not seek another term in the state Senate.
Already, two Republicans have announced plans to run for the seat next year: Hamilton Southeastern School Board President Juanita Albright and Fishers City Councilor Tiffanie Ditlevson. It would not be surprising to see more candidates enter the race once filing opens early next year for the May primary.
Political observers in Indiana and across the country are now asking a broader question: why did Indiana do this? Why push back against leaders of the same party?
I don’t pretend to have all the answers. But after living in this state for all of my 74 years, I’ve learned something about Hoosiers, regardless of party or ideology: we do not like being told what to do — especially by people in Washington, D.C.
The heavy-handed pressure tactics used by some supporters of the new maps appear to have backfired. Threats directed at lawmakers and their families don’t build support; they only harden opposition.
There were also outside groups urging “Indianians” or “Indianans” to support the plan — a clear signal the message was not written by anyone with a meaningful connection to this state.
Finally, there have been vague threats to withhold federal funding from Indiana because of the Senate vote. That may or may not happen, but politically it would be counterproductive. You don’t make friends or influence people through threats.
Whether you supported congressional redistricting or opposed it, one thing is clear: this episode showed the nation that Indiana still has a mind of its own.
INDOT camera showing I-69 at 116th Street at 7:30am Sunday
After another round of winter weather dropped about 5.5 inches of snow by midnight Saturday, road crews in and around Fishers have been working to clear snow-covered streets and improve travel conditions. While cleanup efforts continue, dangerously cold air has moved into central Indiana, creating new hazards for residents.
The National Weather Service reports that extreme cold is now the primary concern. Wind chill values early Sunday are expected to remain in the double digits below zero before falling into the single digits by late afternoon. The bitter cold is forecast to persist through early Monday morning, with a gradual warming trend expected to begin around midday Monday.
An Extreme Cold Warning remains in effect until 11 a.m. Sunday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory that continues through 9 a.m. Monday. According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values could drop as low as 23 degrees below zero during the warning period and remain near 21 degrees below zero during the advisory.
Forecasters warn that exposure to these conditions can be dangerous. Frostbite on exposed skin may occur in as little as 30 minutes, particularly during the coldest periods. The extreme cold may also complicate snow removal efforts, as low temperatures can cause icy conditions to persist on roadways even after plowing.
Residents are urged to limit time outdoors when possible and take precautions if travel is necessary. The National Weather Service recommends dressing in multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and face coverings, to protect against frostbite and hypothermia. Drivers should continue to use caution on area roads as crews work to manage lingering snow and ice.
The cold weather is expected to ease slowly Monday, but officials stress the importance of remaining cautious until temperatures return closer to seasonal norms.
The Indy Fuel skated in front of a sellout crowd Saturday night at the Fishers Event Center, hosting the Cincinnati Cyclones for the team’s annual Teddy Bear Toss game. While the Fuel came up short on the scoreboard in a 4-1 loss, fans still flooded the ice with teddy bears for charity following Indy’s lone goal of the night.
The opening period was marked by frequent special teams action, with both squads combining for several penalties in the first 20 minutes. Indy controlled much of the early play and outshot Cincinnati 8-5 in the period, but the Cyclones capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity late in the frame. John Jaworski scored at 18:56 to give Cincinnati a 1-0 lead heading into the first intermission.
Cincinnati added to its lead in the second period during another stretch of penalty-filled play. After the Fuel successfully killed off several penalties, Jaworski struck again with just four seconds remaining on a high-sticking minor to make it 2-0. Through two periods, Indy held a slim 18-17 edge in shots on goal.
The Cyclones extended their advantage in the third period. Ryan Kirwan scored at 9:57 to push the lead to 3-0, and Zack Trott followed with a power-play goal at 12:09 after an Indy boarding penalty, making it 4-0.
The long-awaited Teddy Bear Toss moment came late in the game. Terry Broadhurst, who recently rejoined the Fuel after spending three seasons playing in Europe, scored just two seconds into a power play at 18:01 to break the shutout. Jadon Joseph assisted on the goal, prompting fans to shower the ice with teddy bears destined for local charities.
The Cyclones and Fuel finished even in shots on goal, 25-25, but Cincinnati’s special teams proved to be the difference on a night that blended holiday tradition with high-energy hockey.
The National Weather Service office in Indianapolis has upgraded its forecast for central Indiana, issuing a Winter Storm Warning as snowfall expectations increase across the region.
Forecasters now say 4 to 6 inches of snow are likely in the Fishers area and much of central Indiana, with isolated locations possibly receiving higher amounts. The Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through midnight.
The snow is expected to create slippery and hazardous travel conditions throughout the day and evening. Officials warn that road conditions could worsen quickly as temperatures fall after the snow ends.
Compounding the situation, a Cold Weather Advisory remains in effect from midnight Saturday through 1 p.m. Sunday. Wind chills are forecast to drop as low as 23 to 25 degrees below zero, creating dangerous conditions for anyone outdoors for extended periods.
The extreme cold will also make snow and ice removal more difficult for road crews, as treated surfaces can quickly refreeze once temperatures plunge.
The National Weather Service cautions that frostbite on exposed skin could occur in as little as 30 minutes under these conditions, and prolonged exposure could lead to hypothermia.
Drivers are urged to use caution if travel is necessary and to keep emergency supplies such as food, water and a flashlight in their vehicles. Residents heading outside are advised to wear layered clothing, hats and gloves to protect against the bitter cold.
Up-to-date road conditions across Indiana are available by calling 511.
The City of Fishers has added a reminder to the weekly road construction report, containing links to the snow removal priority map and how to report snow plow damage.
You can view all that and more in the weekly road construction report, provided by the City of Fishers:
The Indy Fuel dropped a 6-3 decision to the Bloomington Bison on Friday night, despite outshooting them and cutting an early deficit to one goal late in the game.
Bloomington jumped out to a fast start, scoring three times in the first 10 minutes. Brenden Datema opened the scoring at 4:36, followed by a goal from captain Eddie Matsushima at 7:08. Ayden MacDonald added a power-play goal at 9:23 to make it 3-0.
Indy responded before the end of the first period when Kevin Lombardi scored at 16:04, with Tyson Feist and Harrison Israels picking up assists.
The Fuel continued to push in the second period, killing off an early penalty before Lombardi struck again at 5:34 to cut the deficit to 3-2. The same trio of Lombardi, Feist and Israels combined on the goal. Bloomington answered later in the period with a goal from Zakary Karpa to regain a two-goal advantage.
Matsushima extended the Bison lead to 5-2 with a power-play goal early in the third period. Israels pulled Indy back within two at 9:06, assisted by Lombardi and Feist, giving all three players three points on the night.
Indy pressed late and pulled its goaltender for an extra attacker, but Lou-Félix Denis sealed the game with an empty-net goal at 17:47.
The Fuel outshot Bloomington 38-27 and return home Saturday night to host the Cincinnati Cyclones in their annual Teddy Bear Toss game.
Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn speaks at the Statehouse event (Photo provided)
State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) hosted a Sandy Hook Remembrance Day event at the Indiana Statehouse on Friday to honor victims of school shootings and to call for stronger gun safety laws aimed at protecting children.
The event was held ahead of the 13th anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, which took place Dec. 14, 2012, and claimed the lives of 20 children and six educators. Lawmakers, gun violence prevention advocates, faith leaders and community members attended the gathering, which focused on remembrance and prevention.
Garcia Wilburn said the event served both as a memorial and a call to action, noting that gun violence involving children has continued in the years since Sandy Hook. She criticized recent changes in Indiana law that eliminated permit requirements to carry handguns, arguing that the policy has increased the risk of firearms falling into the wrong hands.
The program included remarks from elected officials and advocates, musical performances, and multi-faith prayers. Attendees were also able to connect with gun violence prevention organizations. In addition, the event featured a children’s shoe drive benefiting Grace Care Center, held in memory of children who have died as a result of gun violence.
Statistics from the gun safety organization Everytown for Gun Safety were cited during the event, indicating that more than 4.6 million children nationwide live in homes with at least one loaded and unlocked firearm. The organization also reports that nearly 360 children unintentionally shoot themselves or another person each year.
Advocates at the event pointed to research showing that safe storage laws, which require firearms to be secured and kept inaccessible to children, can significantly reduce unintentional shootings, youth suicides and school shootings.
Garcia Wilburn said she believes Indiana can uphold Second Amendment rights while also adopting policies that improve public safety, and urged lawmakers to pursue what she described as common-sense gun legislation to help prevent future tragedies.
The Fishers area is bracing for another round of winter weather this weekend, with additional snowfall followed by dangerously cold wind chills.
The National Weather Service (NWS) office in Indianapolis has issued a Winter Weather Advisory calling for 2 to 5 inches of snow to fall Saturday, followed by a Cold Weather Advisory beginning late Saturday night.
According to forecasters, snow is expected to develop late Saturday morning and continue through the evening. The Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. to midnight Saturday, with accumulations of 2 to 6 inches possible across central Indiana, including the Fishers area. Drivers should be prepared for slippery road conditions as the snow moves through the region.
Once the snowfall ends around midnight, bitterly cold air will move in. The NWS has issued a Cold Weather Advisory from midnight Saturday night through 1 p.m. Sunday. Wind chill values could drop as low as 19 degrees below zero.
Forecasters warn that exposure to these conditions could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes, and hypothermia is also a serious risk. Residents are urged to limit time outdoors and dress appropriately, including wearing a heavy coat, hat, and gloves if they must be outside.
The latest advisories come after a surprise freezing drizzle Thursday morning created hazardous road conditions across the area. The icy precipitation was not forecast, resulting in delays as road crews worked to treat slick surfaces.
The National Weather Service advises motorists to slow down, use caution while traveling, and check current road conditions by dialing 511.
