Saturday's Indianapolis News: Storm Risks, Digital Payments, Energy Rates, and Local Triumphs

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Saturday, September 13, 2025. We greet this morning with temperatures around sixty, warming fast to the mid-eighties. Forecasters are warning us to keep an eye on the sky starting mid-afternoon, as a cluster of storms could sweep through from two to nine p.m., mainly impacting our western neighborhoods. There’s only a slight risk for severe weather, but with outdoor events today, plan ahead and check radar before heading out. Once the storms clear late tonight, tomorrow looks dry and very warm, with highs near eighty-seven—perfect for catching the Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Turning to major developments, Indianapolis has rolled out a new digital payment system designed to make city transactions easier. The city’s Information Services Agency is now letting residents and businesses pay for things like permits or planning applications by simply clicking a link in a text or email. This means no more waiting in line at city offices—definitely a win for convenience according to city officials. From city hall, energy and utility rates remain a concern. Residents on the South Side are voicing opinions about plans to reduce coal ash contamination from the AES Harding Street Station, with public feedback sessions scheduled for September sixteenth at Pagoda Drive. Folks are worried about the health impacts and the possibility of higher utility bills, especially with talk about a new data center pushing rates even higher. On the roads, a troubling incident last month on I-465 has led to an arrest. Police report that a man fired at another vehicle while riding his motorcycle. A follow-up search found drugs and improvised explosive devices at his home. Thankfully, no one was hurt, and the suspect is now in custody. For real estate, the latest numbers put Marion County’s average home price just over two hundred eighty thousand, still up about four percent from last year. Open houses are bustling this weekend, though buyers are keeping a close eye on mortgage rates, which remain above six percent. In the job market, growth continues steadily, with new roles announced in healthcare, logistics, and a major downtown retailer scheduled to open next month on Massachusetts Avenue—good news for folks seeking opportunities as we head into the fall. In school news, congratulations to the North Central Panthers who claimed a thrilling one-point victory under the Friday night lights. Local elementary robotics teams are also celebrating, as several clinched top spots at last weekend’s citywide competition, showing great promise for our future tech leaders. Music fans will love that the historic Vogue Theatre in Broad Ripple is bringing back its fall concert series tonight, featuring acclaimed indie acts and local favorites. Don’t forget to check out the annual Penrod Arts Fair at Newfields, running all weekend, offering food, art displays, and plenty of family activities. And a ray of hope to close—doctors at This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.