Frosty Forecast: Schools Delay, City Clears Snow, and Housing Market Trends in Central Indiana

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, January 29th, 2026. We're waking up to dangerously cold temperatures across Central Indiana this morning, and several school districts have made the decision to delay the start of classes by two hours. The Indiana Area School District and Decatur schools are both operating on a two hour delay today, giving families extra time and providing daylight for safer bus transportation. A cold weather advisory remains in effect until ten this morning, with wind chills ranging from zero to minus ten degrees in many areas. We're expecting scattered snow showers throughout the day, particularly across the northern parts of the region, with lake effect snow possible tonight. Temperatures will hover in the single digits to low teens, so bundle up before heading out. On the local government front, city officials continue recovery efforts following recent winter weather. The Shelbyville Street Department has been working around the clock to clear residential access to mailboxes and open alley approaches, though they've decided not to plow the alleys themselves to avoid blocking residents who've already dug out. If you've noticed missed areas in your neighborhood, you can call the Street Department at 317-392-5169. The city is also expecting extra trash and recycling pickups next Monday and Tuesday, as only about sixty percent of items were set out during last week's weather event. In real estate news, new home applications in Shelby County are up eighteen percent, running higher than the average for Central Indiana last year. Applications rose fourteen percent year over year, signaling continued interest in the housing market despite broader affordability challenges. Down at the state level, Indiana legislators are actively working on housing affordability measures. House Republicans advanced their priority housing bill, HB 1001, out of committee this week. The bill is aimed at expanding housing supply and improving homeownership affordability by easing local zoning and development rules. It includes amendments addressing duplexes, accessory dwelling units, and impact fees. The legislation has drawn broad support from housing advocates and economic development groups, though some local officials have raised concerns about impacts on local control and infrastructure funding. Looking ahead to the weekend, we have some entertainment coming to downtown Indianapolis. Country music fans will want to know that Rascal Flatts is bringing their Life is a Highway Tour to Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, February 1st. We want to remind everyone to stay safe in these dangerous cold conditions. Keep extra blankets in your car, check on elderly neighbors, and limit time outside whenever possible. Thank you for tuning in to Indianapolis Local Pulse. Be sure to subscribe for more local updates tomorrow. This has been a Quiet Please production. For more, check out quietplease dot ai. For more http://www.quietp This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.