Indiana football fans will have a chance to come together for a historic night when the Fishers Event Center hosts a free watch party for the College Football National Championship game on Monday, January 19.
With Indiana stepping onto the national stage, organizers say watching the game at home simply doesn’t do the moment justice. Instead, fans are invited to experience the championship on the largest screen in Fishers, surrounded by fellow Hoosiers who understand the significance of the occasion.
Doors at the Fishers Event Center will open at 7 p.m., with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. Admission is free, but a ticket is required for entry. Free parking will be available, and concessions will be open throughout the evening.
The event is designed as a community celebration of Indiana football, giving fans a shared space to cheer, react and take in what many are calling a once-in-a-generation moment for the program. From the opening kickoff to the final whistle, the watch party aims to capture the atmosphere of a big-game environment without leaving Fishers.
Organizers encourage fans to arrive early to secure seating and soak in the energy leading up to kickoff. With a national championship on the line, the night is being billed as more than just a game—it’s a chapter in Indiana football history.
The Indiana Football Watch Party will take place at the Fishers Event Center on January 19. Tickets are free and required, and additional details are available through the venue’s official channels. Get your tickets at this link.
Congresswoman Victoria Spartz has filed paperwork to run for re-election to the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking another term representing Indiana’s 5th Congressional District.
In a statement announcing her candidacy, Spartz said the country is approaching major fiscal challenges and argued that her background in finance and health care policy makes her well suited to continue serving in Congress.
“Our nation will soon face significant fiscal challenges, and my extensive expertise on fiscal issues and health care will be greatly needed in Congress,” Spartz said. “Too many people are running for office with corrupt personal agendas and radical policies that have been destructive to our country and undermine President Trump’s conservative agenda, and we cannot allow them to prevail — too many Americans have sacrificed for our freedoms.”
Spartz, a Republican, was first elected to Congress in 2020 and has since represented a district that includes parts of Hamilton, Marion, Madison and surrounding counties. She previously served in the Indiana State Senate after being appointed in 2017 and winning election the following year.
Born in Ukraine, Spartz immigrated to the United States in 2000 and has frequently cited her experiences growing up under a socialist system as shaping her political views. She holds degrees in international economics and business, a master’s degree in accounting from Indiana University, and completed executive coursework at Harvard Business School. Before entering politics, she worked as a certified public accountant, taught at IU’s Kelley School of Business, served as chief financial officer for the Indiana Attorney General’s Office, and founded several businesses.
In Congress, Spartz has focused on fiscal responsibility, federal spending, and health care policy, arguing for greater transparency and competition in the health care system. She has served on the House Judiciary Committee and has often aligned herself with conservative priorities, including support for former President Donald Trump’s policy agenda.
Her re-election bid comes as candidates across Indiana begin filing for the 2026 election cycle, which is expected to feature contested primaries and heightened political activity statewide. Spartz had previously indicated she might step away from congressional service but later reversed course and sought re-election in the last cycle.
With her filing, Spartz becomes one of the early incumbents to formally enter the 2026 race in Indiana’s 5th District.
The Indy Fuel avoided a series sweep Sunday night, closing out a three-games-in-three-days set with a 2–1 victory over the Rapid City Rush.
After dropping the first two games of the weekend, Indy responded with a strong performance, controlling play for much of the contest and outshooting Rapid City 57–31.
The Rush struck quickly to open the scoring, as Connor Joyce netted the game’s first goal just 32 seconds into the opening period. Indy answered with sustained pressure, dominating possession and generating numerous scoring chances.
Tempers flared midway through the first period when Fuel captain Chris Cameron and Rush forward Garrett Klotz dropped the gloves at the 8:05 mark. Both players received five-minute fighting majors.
Indy appeared to tie the game late in the period when Terry Broadhurst and Sahil Panwar connected on a scoring chance, but after video review the call on the ice of no goal stood. The Fuel finally broke through at 16:14, when Matt Petgrave scored to even the contest. Jesse Tucker and Cody Laskosky earned assists on the play.
The Fuel carried a 25–10 shot advantage into the first intermission.
Indy took its first lead of the series early in the second period. Owen Robinson scored at 7:06, finishing a setup from Lee Lapid to make it 2–1. The Fuel continued to press but were unable to add to the lead despite several quality opportunities.
Special teams played a key role as Indy killed off Rapid City’s lone power play of the night and held firm during a late third-period push. The Rush pulled their goaltender with under two minutes remaining, but the Fuel defense and goaltending stood strong to preserve the one-goal victory.
The win allowed Indy to close the weekend on a positive note after a demanding stretch of three games in three days.
Part of the crowd at the candlelight vigil held at Holland Park
As I drove to Holland Park Sunday evening, I wondered how many people would come out on a cold, 32-degree night to attend a candlelight vigil in memory of Renée Nicole Good. What I found was a crowd far larger than I expected — more than 200 people, many holding candles and bundled against the chill, gathered to honor her life and mourn her tragic death.
The vigil was a peaceful, heartfelt affair, marked by speeches, songs and moments of reflection. Attendees expressed deep sorrow and frustration over Good’s death — at the hands of a federal immigration agent during an enforcement action in Minneapolis earlier this month — and shared their hope for accountability and change.
State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn opened the evening with a prayer and a message of unity.
“We don’t stand here today pointing fingers or taking sides,” Representative Wilburn said. “We’re standing here to say that we’ve had enough of this darkness.”
Her words set the tone for a gathering focused on community healing and solidarity rather than division.
Also speaking was Catherine Torzewski, a State Senate candidate in the Democratic primary, who called it an honor to stand with those attending the vigil.
“I know that things are heavy right now,” Torzewski said. “I know it’s hard to keep pushing in the face of what we are seeing, but it’s really important that we all keep going.”
Throughout the event, there were references to the rule of law and the Constitution, and speakers underscored the importance of peaceful civic engagement. The overall atmosphere was solemn but determined.
The vigil was sponsored by Indivisible Fishers Resists, a grassroots organization that focuses on local civic engagement, constitutional advocacy and response to federal government actions.
Good, a 37-year-old mother of three and poet, was fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent in Minneapolis on January 7. Her death has sparked national controversy and protests across the country as communities grapple with questions about the use of force by federal law enforcement and what happened during the encounter.
State Representative Victoria Garcia Wilburn speaks to the crowdOne of the many messages expressed at the vigil
The Indiana General Assembly convened last week for its 2026 legislative session, with lawmakers from both parties outlining priorities that reflect sharply different approaches to affordability, public safety, health care, and the role of state government. Fishers is represented in the Indiana House by Speaker Todd Huston, a Republican, and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, a Democrat, each advancing agendas shaped by their party’s broader goals.
House Republicans, led by Huston, began the session by rolling out a package of priority legislation focused on reducing costs for Hoosier families and businesses. Huston has said the Republican caucus intends to concentrate on housing affordability, utility costs, deregulation, and streamlining state government. GOP leaders argue that reducing regulatory barriers and increasing efficiency will help lower everyday expenses and encourage economic growth.
Among the areas Republicans have highlighted are efforts to boost housing supply by easing regulations, address rising utility bills through energy and cost reforms, and eliminate or consolidate state boards and education requirements they view as unnecessary. Huston has framed the agenda as a continuation of recent legislative efforts to make Indiana more affordable and competitive.
Democrats, meanwhile, have emphasized targeted consumer protections and public safety measures. Garcia Wilburn, who represents another portion of Fishers, has introduced a slate of legislation she says is aimed at keeping Hoosiers safe and healthy while easing financial pressure on families.
Her authored bills include proposals to expand health insurance options by allowing physical and occupational therapists to serve as primary care providers, require colleges to notify designated emergency contacts when a student experiences a medical emergency on campus, and mandate in-person assessments by the Department of Child Services before closing child welfare investigations. Other measures would require the state Insurance Commissioner to consider affordability when reviewing health insurance rate increases and protect emergency medical services degree programs from elimination at state universities.
Garcia Wilburn is also co-authoring legislation addressing Medicaid fraud protections, funding for family recovery and safe baby courts, sentencing enhancements for violent crimes against law enforcement officers, and increased transparency around hospital payment plans and medical debt.
In a statement, Garcia Wilburn said her legislation reflects concerns she hears from constituents about rising health care costs and public safety. She said requiring the Insurance Commissioner to consider affordability when approving premium increases is one way to hold insurance companies accountable to consumers.
As the session moves forward, both parties say affordability will remain a central theme, though their approaches differ. Republicans are focusing on deregulation and cost reduction through structural changes, while Democrats are pushing for direct consumer protections and safeguards for vulnerable populations. With Fishers lawmakers playing prominent roles on both sides of the aisle, residents will have a close view of how those competing priorities unfold at the Statehouse in the weeks ahead.
The Indy Fuel outshot the Rapid City Rush by a wide margin Saturday night at The Monument in South Dakota, but could not overcome timely Rush scoring in a 4–2 loss.
Fuel goaltender Ryan Ouellette stopped 22 shots in his first game action since Nov. 7, while Indy generated more than 40 shots on goal for the second straight night.
Indy controlled much of the opening period, outshooting Rapid City 15–5, but the Rush struck first. After the Fuel killed off a slashing penalty, Rasmus Ekström scored his eighth goal of the season just eight seconds later to give Rapid City a 1–0 lead.
The Fuel appeared to tie the game midway through the period, but Sahil Panwar’s goal was overturned due to goaltender interference. Indy continued to apply pressure and was rewarded at 4:53, when Tyler Paquette scored his first even-strength goal of the season, assisted by Matt Petgrave and Nick Grima. Petgrave’s assist marked his 20th point of the year. The teams went to intermission tied 1–1.
Rapid City took control early in the second period. Blake Bennett scored twice, first at 9:31 and again four minutes later, to give the Rush a 3–1 advantage. Indy responded late in the frame when Eric Martin scored his first professional goal with 1:20 remaining, cutting the deficit to 3–2.
Despite outshooting Rapid City 30–12 through two periods, the Fuel could not find the equalizer.
Indy continued to press in the third period, finishing the night with a 46–25 edge in shots on goal. Ouellette was pulled for an extra attacker in the final minute, but Brett Davis sealed the win for Rapid City with an empty-net goal with 42 seconds remaining.
The Fuel and Rush conclude their weekend series in Rapid City Sunday.
The Indy Ignite opened their second Major League Volleyball season with a 3–1 victory over the Dallas Pulse on Saturday night at the Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas.
Indy claimed the match with set scores of 25–27, 27–25, 26–24 and 25–20. The contest marked the inaugural game for the Dallas Pulse franchise and featured a tightly contested opening three sets that each went beyond regulation.
Dallas took the first set 27–25, earning the Pulse their first-ever professional set win. The Pulse rallied late after trailing 23–19, closing the set on an 8–2 run to seize the early momentum.
The Ignite responded in the second set, overcoming a 19–14 deficit to even the match. Indy forced extra points and closed out the set 27–25, with newcomers Kayla Lund and Cara Cresse scoring the final points to swing the match back in Indy’s favor.
The third set followed a similar pattern, with neither team able to build a sustained lead. After multiple ties late, Leketor Member-Meneh delivered a decisive kill to give the Ignite a 26–24 win and a 2–1 advantage in the match.
Indy took control in the fourth set, using a 7–1 run midway through to create separation. The Ignite maintained that edge down the stretch, closing out the set 25–20 to secure the season-opening victory.
The win marked a successful debut for Indy head coach Lauren Bertolacci, who took over the program ahead of the 2026 season.
The Ignite will continue their season on the road, at Columbus and Orlando, before returning home for their home opener against Omaha at the Fishers Event Center on January 24.
Two local community organizations, Indivisible Fishers Resist and Streetside Democracy Defenders, are planning a candlelight vigil this weekend in Fishers.
According to an announcement from the groups, the vigil is scheduled for Sunday, January 11, from 5 to 6 p.m. at Roy G. Holland Memorial Park, located at 1 Park Drive. Organizers say the event is intended as a peaceful gathering in response to what they describe as a wrongful incident involving Renée Nicole Good on January 7.
In their statement, organizers said they are calling on community members to come together to acknowledge what they believe occurred and to show solidarity. The announcement criticizes what it describes as actions and messaging from the current administration, though no specific officials or agencies were named.
Organizers emphasized that the vigil is meant to be family friendly and focused on strengthening community connections. Candles will be provided, and attendees are welcome to bring posters or signs, though the groups ask that messages remain appropriate for all ages.
“The goal is to keep the messages family friendly and to strengthen the ties within our community,” the announcement states.
The vigil is open to the public, and no speeches or programming beyond the candlelight gathering were outlined in advance. Organizers say the hour-long event is intended to provide space for reflection and peaceful expression.
The City of Fishers has changed-up the format of the weekly road construction report. Instead of starting the listing with the State Road 37 and Clear Path updates, it relegates those items to the end, but starts the listing with the expected local road closures.
So, if you are accustomed to the old format, this will be new, but many will see this as a better way to communicate with the public.
With that in mind, here is the Fishers area road construction report, as provided by the City of Fishers, for the work week starting Monday, January 12:
The Indy Fuel outshot the Rapid City Rush by a wide margin Friday night but could not find the net after the opening period, falling 3-1 in the first game of a three-game series at Rapid City.
Indy controlled play early, firing 16 shots on goal in the first period while allowing just four. Despite the early pressure, it was the Rush who struck first. Ryan Wagner scored a power-play goal at 17:54 after a hooking penalty on Matt Petgrave gave Rapid City the advantage.
The Fuel responded quickly. Sahil Panwar scored less than 30 seconds later to tie the game 1-1, with Mike Van Unen recording the assist against his former team after being traded to Indy from Rapid City in December.
Indy continued to dictate the pace in the second period, adding to its shot total but unable to break through. The Fuel killed off a Rapid City power play midway through the period and later went on the power play themselves after a hooking penalty on Chaz Smedsrud, but the Rush penalty kill held. After two periods, Indy held a commanding 28-12 edge in shots, with the score still tied.
The third period featured more special teams play but the same result for the Fuel. Indy successfully killed another Rush power play early in the frame, then failed to convert on a power play of its own following a tripping call on Rasmus Ekström.
Rapid City broke the tie at 11:39 of the third when Ryan Chyzowski scored to give the Rush a 2-1 lead. Late penalties gave Indy one final opportunity, including a 6-on-4 advantage after pulling goaltender Mitchell Weeks, but Brett Davis sealed the outcome with an empty-net goal in the final minute.
The Fuel finished with a season-high 47 shots on goal, compared to just 16 for Rapid City.
The two teams meet again Saturday night in the middle game of the three-game set.
