Best Modest Proposal Podcasts (2025)

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A Modest Proposal for Fixing the Internet 48:52

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7d ago48:52

48:52

In this episode, Mookie Spitz unloads on the modern internet — tracing its slide from the glorious chaos of Usenet, IRC, and walled-off forums into today’s algorithm-choked, centralized cesspool. He argues for a smarter, AI-driven return to decentralization: digital “tribes” where like-minded people can gather, free from trolling, doomscrolling, an…

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The Way We Were (S2E2) This is a deep Yukon lore episode 1:26:55

9h ago1:26:55

1:26:55

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Way We Were, the 2nd episode of the second season of The OC. We launched a Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 Yo…

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Moonstruck Musings on Storytelling & Selling 1:25:07

9h ago1:25:07

1:25:07

In this loaded episode, your follically-challenged host Mookie Spitz sits down with science educator, technologist, and multi-genre author Ingrid Moon to dissect writing and self-publishing — and why it’s so damn hard to do it well. They start with Ingrid’s journey from tech marketing to science classrooms to building reference books for sci-fi aut…

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Weekend Mass Shooting in Indy, Annual Naturalization Ceremony, Federal Education Grants Not Dispersed, Indiana 50501 & Indivisible Central Indiana hold picnic, HIV Cases on the Rise in Indy 6:30

11h ago6:30

6:30

A mass shooting in downtown Indianapolis early Saturday left two teenagers dead and five others injured. Some of America’s newest citizens took the Oath of Citizenship in downtown Indianapolis Thursday as the country celebrates its 249th birthday. The Trump administration told states last week that it won’t be dispersing nearly seven billion dollar…

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Annual Fourth Fest, Fever Win Commissioner’s Cup, Tech Company Behind Data Center Proposal Named, Rideshare Vouchers for July 4th Weekend, Funding for Affordable Housing Initiatives 6:17

4d ago6:17

6:17

Indianapolis is celebrating Independence Day with the annual Fourth Fest downtown. The Indiana Fever are the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup champions. The name of the tech company behind a proposal to build a data center in Franklin Township has been hidden from the public. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute will offer vouchers for discounted Uber and…

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Long-Closed IPS School Repurposed, IN Supreme Court Hears a Property Tax Case, Public College Degree Programs Shrinking, Governor Mike Braun Explores Tolling IN’s Interstate Highways 5:13

5d ago5:13

5:13

The long-closed John Marshall High school on the city’s far eastside will be repurposed. The Indiana Supreme Court heard a property tax case that could impact local government and school finances. Public colleges are planning to eliminate almost 20 percent of their degree programs across the state, following new legislative requirements. Governor M…

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Creative Writing in the Age of AI 1:06:14

6d ago1:06:14

1:06:14

Host Mookie Spitz — fresh off finishing his second novel — takes a sledgehammer to the hysteria that AI is the death of creative writing. In this unfiltered deep dive, he argues that the heart of any good writing is timeless: storytelling driven by human experience, emotion, and characters you actually care about. AI? A useful and enthusiastic side…

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A Survival Guide for Self-Publishing 56:02

7d ago56:02

56:02

You finally did it! You wrote the damn book. You self-published it. Congratulations!—now brace yourself, because nobody gives a shit. In this brutally honest episode, Mookie Spitz breaks down the gut-wrenching, ego-bruising reality of trying to market and self-promote a book in a world drowning in content and distraction. From the raw highs of crac…

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Vision Zero Task Force Releases Initial Plan, Indiana DCS Reorganizes, Officials Seek to Execute Third Death Row Inmate, New Grant-Funded Site Opens for Mothers in Need of Breast Milk 5:39

6d ago5:39

5:39

The Indianapolis Vision Zero Task Force has released an initial plan to make the city safer for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers. The Indiana Department of Child Services is undergoing what it calls a “transformational” reorganization of its agency. Indiana officials seek to execute a third death row inmate less than a year after the state ended i…

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The Distance (S2E01) Caleb's zinger, WWIII and other distractions 1:02:32

7d ago1:02:32

1:02:32

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Distance, the 1st episode of the second season of The OC. We launched a Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 You c…

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Mural Unveiled at Fletcher Place Community Center, Proposal for Affordable Housing Project Receives Scrutiny, Wayne Township Superintendent to Retire, Arguments on Data Center 5:32

7d ago5:32

5:32

A new mural was installed at the Fletcher Place Community Center, painted in anticipation for the WNBA All-Star weekend. A proposed project to address affordable housing in Indianapolis received scrutiny at a recent meeting. Jeff Butts, who has led Wayne Township schools for more than a decade, will retire in January. A proposed data center would r…

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The Wall, Part 3: Cracking the Code in 2025 56:17

9d ago56:17

56:17

In this third installment of The Wall podcast series, Mookie Spitz dives headlong into the chaos of modern marketing, media, and the relentless flood of content competing for human attention. Building on his earlier breakdowns of the death of earned media and the inevitable (but not yet imminent) AI targeting revolution, this episode zeroes in on w…

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The Wall, Part 2: Birth of AI Marketing 58:14

10d ago58:14

58:14

Host Mookie Spitz tears into the brutal reality of digital marketing: your genius content, product, or art is probably DOA — not because it sucks, but because it’s buried under an avalanche of bullshit. In this blisteringly honest solo episode, Mookie traces humanity’s obsession with communication from cave paintings to TikTok, shows how billion-do…

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Turmoil Continues Among Indianapolis City-County Democrats, New Downtown Charter School to Open Next Fall, Healthy Food Initiative, Modest Growth for Private School Voucher Program 5:37

10d ago5:37

5:37

Turmoil among Indianapolis City-County Democrats continues following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and abuse in the mayor's office. A new charter school is set to open downtown next fall. A new initiative aims to bring healthy food to Indianapolis communities. Indiana's private school voucher program expanded more modestly …

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Indiana's Lawsuits Against TikTok Move Forward, Bipartisan Support for Clean Energy in U.S. Senate, IU Could Lose Hundreds of Degree Programs, Concern Over Data Center on South Side 6:24

11d ago6:24

6:24

The state of Indiana's lawsuits against TikTok can move forward after the Indiana Supreme Court decided not to take on the social media company's appeals. Advocates for federal clean energy tax credits are speaking directly to U.S. Senators through ads — including Todd Young of Indiana. Indiana University could lose hundreds of degree programs as p…

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The Wall, Part 1: Death of Earned Media 59:57

12d ago59:57

59:57

In this solo rant, Mookie Spitz dissects the invisible monster we’re all up against—The Wall: a relentless digital flood of content, misinformation, distraction, and algorithmic gatekeeping. He dives deep into how the modern marketer, creator, or brand can barely get a word in edgewise without screaming into a storm of AI-generated junk and viral i…

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Student Tobacco Use Continues to Decline, Two-Year Freeze on College Tuition Rates, Indiana Economy Holds Steady, Some Indiana Children May No Longer Qualify for Medicaid Services 5:28

12d ago5:28

5:28

Tobacco use among middle and high school students in Indiana continues to decline. College tuition rates for Indiana’s undergraduate students will be paused for two years. One measure of the strength of Indiana’s economy held steady for a third month according to new preliminary data. Indiana is introducing new tools on July 1st to evaluate if chil…

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Heat Advisory Extended for Central Indiana, Pacers Fans React to NBA Finals Loss, Parents Raise Concerns About Bus Rides and More at IPS, Housing Project for Adults Aging Out of Foster Care 5:25

13d ago5:25

5:25

A heat advisory for Central Indiana was extended until this Friday. The Indiana Pacers will have to continue their quest for an NBA Championship another year, after they lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the deciding game of the Finals. Parents and community members are raising concern about longer bus rides, school closures and a lack of transp…

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Season One Recap: "Things don’t go well for Saleri." 1:36:30

14d ago1:36:30

1:36:30

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed [kinda] recap the first season of The OC. We launched a Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 You can find Alex online here: ht…

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New WNBA Legacy Project Mural Planned for Indy, Marion County Could Lose Local Dollars, Federal Proposal Could Impact Medicaid, IN Secretary of State Faces Scrutiny over Spending 5:31

14d ago5:31

5:31

A new mural is coming to the Fletcher Place Community Center in downtown Indy as part of the WNBA Legacy Project. Marion County school districts could soon lose a significant amount of local dollars. A recent proposal by the U.S. Senate could require Indiana to roll back eligibility in the Medicaid expansion program. Indiana Secretary of State Dieg…

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Indy Council Approves Funds for Sexual Misconduct Investigation, Indiana Pacers Win Game 6, IBLC Members Reflect on Juneteenth, Urban Farms Challenged by Funding Cuts 8:30

17d ago8:30

8:30

The Indianapolis City-County Council approved funds to pay law firm Fisher Philips the remaining money owed for an independent investigation into the handling of sexual misconduct allegations. The Indiana Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder to force a game 7 in the NBA Finals. Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus Members reflect on Juneteenth. The …

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Pacers Fight to Survive in NBA Finals, Advancements Toward Environmentally-Friendly Future, Settlement with Purdue Pharma Over Role in Opioid Crisis, Potential Strike at Duke Energy 5:16

19d ago5:16

5:16

The Indiana Pacers will return to Indianapolis fighting to stay alive in the NBA Finals. The Indianapolis Office of Sustainability recently released its annual report highlighting local advancements toward a more environmentally-friendly future. Attorney General Todd Rokita announced Monday that 55 attorneys general have agreed to a settlement with…

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Indiana Fever Beats New York Liberty, New Hotel Coming to Indy Airport, 'Food in Transit' Program Offers Free Produce in Indianapolis, Letter Calls for Gov. Braun to Address Housing Crisis

20d ago

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The Indiana Fever delivered the reigning WNBA champions the New York Liberty its first loss of the season on Saturday. A new hotel is coming to the Indianapolis International Airport. The 'Food in Transit' program is back for its eighth year, offering free produce to Indianapolis residents. More than 700 organizations and individuals signed a lette…

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Indianapolis 'No Kings' Protest, Making Healthcare Accessible for Formerly Incarcerated People, Summer Meetings about Future of Public Schools, Interview with Lauren Roberts 9:09

21d ago9:09

9:09

Thousands gathered at the Indiana Statehouse in downtown Indianapolis over the weekend, part of the "No Kings" protests that took place nationwide. A new partnership on Indianapolis’s near north side is trying to make healthcare more accessible for formerly incarcerated people. A group responsible for shaping the future of public schools in Indiana…

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The Ties That Bind (S1E27) Seth Sails Away 1:32:42

25d ago1:32:42

1:32:42

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Ties That Bind, the 27th episode of the first season of The OC. We launched a Patreon! You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522…

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Fishers Adds 1,000 Acres, Advanced Manufacturing Workers in High Demand, Indy's First Knozone Action Day of the Year, BP Puts Underground Carbon Emission Project on Hold 5:14

24d ago5:14

5:14

Fishers announced last week that nearly one thousand acres have been added to the city. Advanced manufacturing workers are in high demand across the state and there’s a growing need for credentialed workers in the sector. Indianapolis issued its first Knozone Action Day of the year. Oil company BP has put its project to store its carbon emissions u…

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Third Councilor Calls for Hogsett to Resign, Lebanon Warehouse Expansion Could Create 700 Jobs, Keystone Group Buys Vacant Monument Circle Building, Indy's Plan to House 350 People 4:51

25d ago4:51

4:51

A third member of the Indianapolis City-County Council has called for Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign. The expansion of a manufacturing warehouse in Lebanon is expected to create nearly 700 new jobs. The Keystone Group announced it purchased the former Anthem headquarters on Monument Circle. The City of Indianapolis announced a plan Tuesday for housing…

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Sexual Harassment Investigation Eclipses Spending Package at Indy Council, Circle City Readers Funded Through December, Seawall Repairs Near Michigan City Plant, Travel Ban Protest 5:55

26d ago5:55

5:55

A $27 million spending package at the Indianapolis City-County Council's Monday meeting was overshadowed by the fallout from a sexual harassment investigation. The Circle City Readers program is now funded through December. The northwest Indiana utility NIPSCO is working to repair a seawall near its Michigan City coal plant. People protested Presid…

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Indiana Included in Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Eggs, New Facility Helps Hoosiers with HIV, Transitional Housing Complex Reopens, Some IN Children Not Able to Join Preschool Program 5:15

27d ago5:15

5:15

Indiana is one of the states included in a salmonella outbreak linked to eggs. More people living with H-I-V in Indiana will have access to supportive services with the opening of a new facility. A transitional housing complex in Indianapolis partially reopens, less than a year after a fire damaged the property. Why some Indiana children will NOT b…

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Cap on Rentals Coming to Carmel, Impact from Trump Admin Rescinding Guidance on Emergency Abortions, Student Journalists Face Challenge at Purdue, Black Legislative Caucus 5:49

28d ago5:49

5:49

Carmel is the latest municipality to adopt restrictions on the number of rentals in neighborhoods. The Trump Administration recently rescinded guidance directing hospitals to provide emergency abortions to women when they are necessary to stabilize their medical condition. Purdue University gave a two-day notice to the student newspaper that it wou…

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The Top Dawg of Customer Relationships 1:00:05

1M ago1:00:05

1:00:05

From class clown to dancefloor king, Howard Wallach joins Mookie Spitz to talk shop, soul, and set lists. In this episode, we go behind the curtain with a master of moments who’s turned DJing into an art form where empathy and customer service become a force for good. Howard reveals how tragedy shaped his hustle, how being of service trumps being t…

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Rep. André Carson's Camp Atterbury Concerns, Former Virtual Charter School Leader to Plead Guilty in $44M Fraud Case, A-to-F Letter Grades for Schools, IU Health Discrimination Lawsuit 5:30

1M ago5:30

5:30

U.S. Representative André Carson is seeking information on how an Indiana military base could potentially be used as an immigration detention center. A former administrator of two now-closed Indiana virtual charter schools has agreed to plead guilty in a multi-million dollar fraud case. Indiana is bringing back A-to-F letter grades for schools – bu…

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AES Indiana Requests Rate Increase, Indianapolis to Host 2028 U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, Indy Tutoring Program in Jeopardy, What’s at Stake with Potential Major Medicaid Reforms? 9:22

1M ago9:22

9:22

Your power bill might go up over the next two years, if you're a Marion County resident. Indianapolis will be hosting the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials again in 2028. An Indianapolis tutoring program found results for struggling young readers since 2023 – but the program’s future is in jeopardy. What’s at stake if major Medicaid reforms make it thro…

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Indy Councilor Calls For Mayor Hogsett to Resign, Judge Orders State to Reopen Rental Assistance Program, Federal Grant for Cement Plant Revoked, Federal Reconciliation Bill 6:24

1M ago6:24

6:24

Democratic Indianapolis City-County Councilor Andy Nielsen has called for the resignation of Mayor Joe Hogsett after the final report of an investigative committee was released. A county judge is ordering the state to reopen a federal rental assistance program that was abruptly shut down in March. The U.S. Department of Energy has revoked a grant t…

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The Strip (S1E26) In which most of the gang goes to Las Vegas 1:52:10

1M ago1:52:10

1:52:10

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Strip, the 26th episode of the first season of The OC. You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 You can find Alex online here: …

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Indy City-County Council to Vote on $27 Million Package, Big Waves in Clean Energy, Federal Government Says Monroe County Obstructs Immigration Law, Indiana is Bird Flu Free 5:52

1M ago5:52

5:52

A $27 million spring spending package before the City-County Council will receive a final vote next week. Nearly half of all the solar installed in Indiana came online last year, mostly from the state's utilities. Monroe County is the only Indiana jurisdiction named on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s list of cities, counties and states t…

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Indiana Pacers Make NBA Finals, Parents Say Indiana FSSA Changes are Hurting Families, Purdue Closing DEI Office, New Recycling Method Could Reduce Reliance on Foreign Materials

1M ago

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The Indiana Pacers are going to the NBA Finals. Parents of medically complex children say the changes made by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration following the 2023 Medicaid forecasting error left families without critical services. Purdue University is closing its Office of Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging. The U.S. Department …

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Pacers Lose Away Game, Downtown Transforms for SPARK on the Circle, 'Intellectual Diversity' Complaints on Campus, Hogsett Admin 'Legally Compliant' in Sexual Harassment Response

1M ago

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The Indiana Pacers will be returning to Indianapolis after losing to the New York Knicks 94 to 111. A section of Monument Circle in Indianapolis will transform into a pedestrian-only space designed to feel like a public park. Dozens of complaints around the state involve 'intellectual diversity' on college campuses. Last summer women who worked in …

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IU Indy Removes "Black Lives Matter" Banner, Highest Paid Education Leaders, How Immigrants Can Assert Their Constitutional Rights, Hamilton County's Effort to Help Residents in Need 4:55

1M ago4:55

4:55

IU Indianapolis recently removed two signs that read “Black Lives Matter” and “Discrimination has no place here” from its downtown campus. The highest-paid public school employee in Indiana made more than three hundred and fifty-thousand dollars last year. The Trump administration is ramping up immigration enforcement – one small red card can help …

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Indy Parks Meals Program, Pacers are One Win Away from NBA Finals, Alliance Could Change How IPS and Charter Schools Work Together, Indiana Utility Chairman Retires 4:41

1M ago4:41

4:41

Children 18 and under can get free meals at locations across the city through the Indy Parks Meals Program. The Indiana Pacers are one win away from making it to the NBA finals. A new board is expected to shape how Indianapolis Public Schools and charter schools collaborate. The chairman of the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission, Jim Houston, an…

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Alex Palou Wins 2025 Indianapolis 500, Pacers Vs Knicks Game 4 Preview, State Election Official Under Investigation, Medicaid Coverage at Risk for Over One Million Across Midwest 4:59

1M ago4:59

4:59

When the checkered flag dropped, Alex Palou won the day in the No. 10 Chip Ganassi car with speeds topping 220 mph. After a disappointing loss at the end of Sunday night's playoff game, the Indiana Pacers face the New York Knicks for game four of the Eastern Conference finals. The Marion County Election Board is investigating whether the state’s to…

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The Shower (S1E25) Summer's dad hates Seth AND MORE 1:07:38

1M ago1:07:38

1:07:38

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Shower, the 25th episode of the first season of The OC. You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 You can find Alex online here:…

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Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay Dies at 65, Indianapolis Motor Speedway's Commitment to DEI, Why International Student Cases Remain Open, Improvements for Maternal Mental Health 5:00

2M ago5:00

5:00

Jim Irsay, the Indianapolis Colts’ owner who leveraged the popularity of Peyton Manning into a new stadium and a Super Bowl title, died Wednesday at age 65. The Indy 500 has only had two Black drivers in its history — Willy T. Ribbs and George Mack. Nine international students in Indiana are no longer subject to immediate deportation. States across…

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Grandstands Sell Out at Indianapolis 500, Roger Penske Fires Leaders in Wake of Cheating Scandal, Improvements at Indy's Grassy Creek Park, Indiana's New Rules Around Sex Education 4:11

2M ago4:11

4:11

Grandstands at Indianapolis 500 are sold out for the first time in nearly a decade. Roger Penske has fired his team president, IndyCar managing director and IndyCar general manager in the wake of an Indianapolis 500 cheating scandal. Indianapolis community leaders gathered to celebrate new improvements at Grassy Creek Park, on the city's far east s…

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Another Cheating Scandal for Team Penske, Home Energy Rebate Program, Indiana Collects $51 Million Less than Projected, Indiana Fails to Act After Loss of Federal Food Program 5:07

2M ago5:07

5:07

Team Penske has been rocked by a second cheating scandal in just over a year. Indiana residents can apply for money from the state to help make their home more energy efficient. Indiana collected about $51 million less in taxes last month than even the recent, very pessimistic revenue forecast projected it would. Indiana families who received credi…

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IPS Launches Survey for Families, Ruling Issued in Legal Battle Between IPS and Indiana, Indiana Fever Kicks Off Regular Season with a Win, Experts React to Trumps Order on Drug Prices 5:40

2M ago5:40

5:40

Indianapolis Public Schools wants to hear from families about how students get to and from school. The Indiana Court of Appeals has issued a ruling in a years-long legal battle between Indianapolis Public Schools and the state. The Indiana Fever kicked off its 2025 regular season with a win against the Chicago Sky. President Donald Trump signed an …

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IndyGo Proposes Bus Fare Increase, Indy Art Center Exhibit on Cultural Identity, Economic Impact of Unaffordable Basic Needs, Talking to Fran Quigley about His New Book on Eviction Court

2M ago

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IndyGo is proposing a dollar increase to bus fares. An exhibit at the Indy Art Center explores cultural identity when faced with resistance. Twenty-nine percent of Hoosiers working the state’s most common jobs struggled to afford basic necessities in 2023. A new book from a local lawyer, author and professor explores his work on eviction court in I…

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The Proposal (S1E24) Luke goes against the wind 1:05:40

2M ago1:05:40

1:05:40

In which Niko Stratis and Alex Steed discuss The Proposal, the 24rd episode of the first season of The OC. You can find Niko Stratis online here: https://www.nikostratis.com You can pre-order her book The Dad Rock That Made Me a Woman here: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-dad-rock-that-made-me-a-woman-niko-stratis/21762522 You can find Alex online…

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Creating Meaningful Human Connection at Scale 1:50:23

2M ago1:50:23

1:50:23

Mookie has a spirited chat with David Garrison, CEO of Connect Networks to discuss the organizational challenges of fragmentation, communication, and misaligned priorities—and what to do about it. The two dive headfirst into how David's networking platform leverages human-centered tech to smash silos, spark curiosity-driven collaboration, and build…

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New Housing Task Force Meets in Lawrence, Indy Council Considers $27 million Spending Package, Clergy Gather to Denounce Beckwith's Comments, ICE Detains Indianapolis Woman 4:52

2M ago4:52

4:52

A new housing task force in Lawrence held its first meeting on Thursday. City money for roads, home repairs, parks and crime prevention is part of a $27 million spending package. Black and white clergy gathered to denounce Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith’s recent inflammatory comments about the Three-Fifths Compromise. Immigration and Customs En…