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Articles by Jenny Tilley
Avon High School wins 2026 ISSMA Class A band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium
The Avon High School Marching Black and Gold drummed, trumpeted and marched their way into another statewide championship title. The band placed first in Class A in the 2026 Indiana State School Music Association Marching Band Finals held on Nov. 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The win marks the 19th ISSMA state championship for Avon and the band's fourth consecutive title in the Class A division since 2023.
When Central Indiana schools are on Thanksgiving break in 2026-27
Indianapolis-area schools have Thanksgiving breaks coming up, and some have the whole week off. Here's a look at when students don't have class.
Avon High School wins 2026 ISSMA Class A band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium
Updated Nov. 8, 2026, 10:55 a.m. ET The Avon High School Marching Black and Gold drummed, trumpeted and marched their way into another statewide championship title. The band placed first in Class A in the 2026 Indiana State School Music Association Marching Band Finals held on Nov. 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium. The win marks the 19th ISSMA state championship for Avon and the band's fourth consecutive title in the Class A division since 2023.
Avon High School wins 2026 ISSMA Class A band competition at Lucas Oil Stadium
See Class A bands perform at 2026 ISSMA State Finals at Lucas Oil Stadium Avon High School performs at the Indiana State School Music Association Class A marching band state finals at Lucas Oil Stadium , Nov 7, 2026; Indianapolis, IN. (Gary Brockman/ For IndyStar) The Avon High School Marching Black and Gold drummed, trumpeted and marched their way into another statewide championship title.
Who's your favorite Indiana marching band? Vote ahead of ISSMA finals
Marching bands from around the state are getting ready for the Indiana State School Music Association final competition. As high school performers prepare to take the field Nov. 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium, we want to know who your favorites are in this year's competition. Voting closes at noon Friday, Nov. 6. You can vote as many times as you want for each class in the nonscientific polls below. Who's your favorite Class D Indiana marching band performing at ISSMA state finals?
Who's your favorite Indiana marching band? Vote ahead of ISSMA finals
Nov. 2, 2026, 5:03 a.m. ET Marching bands from around the state are getting ready for the Indiana State School Music Association final competition. As high school performers prepare to take the field Nov. 7 at Lucas Oil Stadium, we want to know who your favorites are in this year's competition. Voting closes at noon Friday, Nov. 6. You can vote as many times as you want for each class in the nonscientific polls below. Who's your favorite Class D Indiana marching band performing at ISSMA state finals?
ISSMA marching band state finals week is here. See who's competing
The Indiana State School Music Association's fall marching band season ends Saturday, Nov. 7, with open class state finals. Some performers wrap their season this weekend, while others participate in the Bands of America Grand National Championship Nov. 12-14. Here's what's happening. When and where is 2026 ISSMA state finals? Open Class state finals are Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. Love crosswords? Explore the Crossword page and play the new MidGrid Crossword.
ISSMA marching band state finals week is here. See who's competing
The Indiana State School Music Association's fall marching band season ends Saturday, Nov. 7, with open class state finals. Some performers wrap their season this weekend, while others participate in the Bands of America Grand National Championship Nov. 12-14. Here's what's happening. When and where is 2026 ISSMA state finals? Open Class state finals are Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. Love crosswords? Explore the Crossword page and play the new MidGrid Crossword.
ISSMA marching band state finals week is here. See who's competing
The Indiana State School Music Association's fall marching band season ends Saturday, Nov. 7, with open class state finals. Some performers wrap their season this weekend, while others participate in the Bands of America Grand National Championship Nov. 12-14. Here's what's happening. When and where is 2026 ISSMA state finals? Open Class state finals are Saturday, Nov. 7, at Lucas Oil Stadium in downtown Indianapolis. Love crosswords? Explore the Crossword page and play the new MidGrid Crossword.
Daylight savings time change is Halloween weekend. Date, trick-or-treat times
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Daylight savings time change is Halloween weekend. Date, trick-or-treat times
Follow Daylight savings time change is Halloween weekend. Date, trick-or-treat times Chris Sims, John Tufts and Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star Updated Fri, October 23, 2026 at 9:42 AM EDT Daylight saving time lands on Halloween weekend, which means ghouls and goblins get an extra hour to celebrate when clocks fall back on Saturday night. Does daylight savings time change fall back on Halloween weekend? When does daylight savings time change end in 2026? What date do clocks fall back for DST?
Who won the 2026 BOA Indianapolis Super Regional? See the results
After two long days of competition, 10 Indiana high school bands were finalists at the Bands of America 2025 Indianapolis Super Regional Championships at Lucas Oil Stadium, with two familiar names atop the standings. Here are the results of the top 14 high schools that competed from all across the country.
See the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional lineup at Lucas Oil
High school marching bands from around the region will be in Indianapolis Oct. 16 and 17 for the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional Championship. More than 70 bands from around Indiana will take the field Friday and Saturday for the preliminary round of competition at Lucas Oil Stadium. Ball State University's marching band also will perform in exhibition at the end of prelims. Bands who make it to the final round will compete Saturday evening.
See the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional lineup at Lucas Oil
High school marching bands from around the region will be in Indianapolis Oct. 16 and 17 for the Bands of America Indianapolis Super Regional Championship. More than 70 bands from around Indiana will take the field Friday and Saturday for the preliminary round of competition at Lucas Oil Stadium. Ball State University's marching band also will perform in exhibition at the end of prelims. Bands who make it to the final round will compete Saturday evening.
How to watch Kentucky native Sharonda Cox on 'Survivor 51'
Alexis Levine will compete in "Survivor" Season 51, premiering on Sept. 21, 2026, on CBS. A Kentucky native is one of 21 new faces competing for $1 million this fall on "Survivor." Sharonda Cox, 34, is from Richmond and now lives in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she is an OB/GYN resident. On the show, she's a member of the Savu tribe.
How to watch Kentucky native Sharonda Cox on 'Survivor 51'
One member of the Savu tribe on "Survivor 51" is from the Bluegrass State. A Kentucky native is one of 21 new faces competing for $1 million this fall on "Survivor." Sharonda Cox, 34, is from Richmond and now lives in Pompano Beach, Florida, where she is an OB/GYN resident. On the show, she's a member of the Savu tribe.
Center Grove, Homestead marching bands place in top 3 at BOA Ohio contest
Two Indiana marching bands competed Sept. 26 at the Bands of America Central Ohio Regional Championship. Center Grove High School in Greenwood and Homestead High School from Fort Wayne both won in their classes in the preliminary round and competed in finals at the Columbus, Ohio, event. In Class AAAA prelims, Center Grove won the awards for outstanding music performance, outstanding visual performance and general effect. Homestead also won all three categories in Class AAA prelims.
Chinese buffet reviewer isn't done with Indiana. See his recent stops
Sept. 28, 2026, 5:05 a.m. ET Since we last checked in with Brandon Elliott, aka Mullet Review, he's continued sampling Chinese buffets around Indiana as part of his quest.
Chinese buffet reviewer isn't done with Indiana. See his recent stops
Since we last checked in with Brandon Elliott, aka Mullet Review, he's continued sampling Chinese buffets around Indiana as part of his quest.
Buc-ee's is coming to another state neighboring Kentucky Original
Buc-ee's is coming to another state neighboring Kentucky. Officials in Greenwood, Indiana, on Sept. 21 approved plans for a travel center. Some residents expressed opposition, citing issues including traffic near schools and light pollution, but the council ultimately voted 7-2 in approval of the project. About the Indiana Buc-ee's plan The Texas-based chain's proposal called for roughly 80 acres to be rezoned from Residential Large to a Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Buc-ee's is coming to another state neighboring Kentucky
Buc-ee's is coming to another state neighboring Kentucky. Officials in Greenwood, Indiana, on Sept. 21 approved plans for a travel center. It's expected to open by late 2028. Some residents expressed opposition, citing issues including traffic near schools and light pollution, but the council ultimately voted 7-2 in approval of the project. The Texas-based chain's proposal called for roughly 80 acres to be rezoned from Residential Large to a Planned Unit Development (PUD).
Richard Allen's murder trial appeal hearing is today. See past coverage
Jenny Porter Tilley Ron Wilkins Sarah Nelson Jordan Smith Kristine Phillips USA TODAY NETWORK Updated Sept. 21, 2026, 8:16 a.m. CT Indiana's appeals court will hear oral arguments this morning in convicted murderer Richard Allen's case. A jury found Richard Allen guilty in 2024 for the killings of teens Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams. He was sentenced to 130 years in prison.
Richard Allen's murder trial appeal hearing is today. See past coverage
Indiana's appeals court will hear oral arguments this morning in convicted murderer Richard Allen's case. Refresh yourself on the facts of the case. Indiana's appeals court will hear oral arguments this morning in convicted murderer Richard Allen's case. A jury found Richard Allen guilty in 2024 for the killings of teens Liberty "Libby" German and Abigail "Abby" Williams. He was sentenced to 130 years in prison.
Gas prices above $4 nationwide, including in Kentucky Original
Sept. 18, 2026, 10:10 a.m. ET Filling up at the pump ahead of a loud weekend? It could be a little more costly, though Kentuckians will likely pay less than the national average cost for a gallon of gas. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas was more than $4 as of Thursday, and in some states, the price hit $5 or $6 a gallon, data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show. Here's a look at prices around Kentucky.
Indiana gas prices near $4 a gallon for regular, and $6 for diesel
Gas may be a bit more pricey for any fall road trips travelers have planned. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas was more than $4 as of Thursday, and in some states, the price hit $5 or $6 a gallon, data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show. Here's a look at prices around Indiana. What's the average cost of gas in the US? As of Friday, the national average was about $4.46 per gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
Indiana gas prices near $4 a gallon for regular, and $6 for diesel
Gas may be a bit more pricey for any fall road trips travelers have planned. The nationwide average for a gallon of regular gas was more than $4 as of Thursday, and in some states, the price hit $5 or $6 a gallon, data from the American Automobile Association (AAA) and U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show. Here's a look at prices around Indiana. What's the average cost of gas in the US? As of Friday, the national average was about $4.46 per gallon of regular gas, according to AAA.
2 in Indiana make Forbes list of 400 most wealthy in US
Sept. 17, 2026, 1:18 p.m. ET Two Hoosiers are on Forbes' latest list of the country's 400 wealthiest people. Carl Cook was the 187th wealthiest, according to Forbes, with a net worth of $8.7 billion. He took over as CEO of medical device manufacturer Cook Group, his parents' business, after his father, Bill Cook died. Forbes also has Herb Simon at 218th, with a net worth of $7.7 billion. He and his late brother, Melvin, founded what would become Simon Property Group.
See which Kentucky airport ranked in JD Power's customer satisfaction study
JD Power recently released its 2026 North America Airport Satisfaction Study, and one Kentucky airport made the top list for its size. CVG also recently ranked 10th in a study of airports with the shortest wait times, according to Cincinnati Enquirer reporting. The study prioritizes several areas of passenger satisfaction, including ease of travel, trust level, facilities in the terminal and more.
Ranking names happiest state in the US... and no, it's not Kentucky.
Is Kentucky a happy state? Not really, according to WalletHub's annual Happiest States in America report. Wallethub ranked all 50 states using measures tied to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, financial security and community life. Hawaii earned the top spot, followed by New Jersey, Utah, Idaho and Maryland. But the Bluegrass state fell near the bottom, at No. 46, trailed by Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana and West Virginia.
Ranking names happiest state in the US... and no, it's not Kentucky.
Is Kentucky a happy state? Not really, according to WalletHub's annual Happiest States in America report. Wallethub ranked all 50 states using measures tied to emotional and physical well-being, work environment, financial security and community life. Hawaii earned the top spot, followed by New Jersey, Utah, Idaho and Maryland. But the Bluegrass state fell near the bottom, at No. 46, trailed by Alaska, Arkansas, Louisiana and West Virginia.
Nike drops Indianapolis Colts running shoes
Aug. 28, 2026, 9:53 a.m. ET NFL season this year comes with both Disney-themed options and shoes. Your fan outfit 'fit may not rival Simone Biles', but these Nikes could help. Nike just dropped Indianapolis Colts-themed Nike Vomero 18 running shoes as the brand unveiled special designed shoes for many NFL teams. Check out the shoes below and get a pair to complete your game day look.
Michigan reports 2 cyclosporiasis related deaths as Indiana cases rise
Aug. 3, 2026, 1:48 p.m. ET Cyclosporiases cases continue to rise in Indiana, with one county nearing 300 reports, according to the Indiana Department of Health. Cases in Marion County have surpassed 100. Meanwhile, Michigan officials confirmed the first two deaths in connection with the parasitic infection known for causing explosive diarrhea. Last week, Indiana cases reported since May 1 surpassed 1,000. As of Monday, Aug. 3, the state health department had reported 1,349 cases.
A new Dutch Bros location is coming to Indiana. Find out where
Arizona-based coffee chain Dutch Bros is expanding in Indiana. Although the opening date isn't clear yet, Dutch Bros said it's planning a location in Warsaw, Indiana, during its third quarter, which runs through the end of September. The new shop will be at 3352 Lake City Highway.
Gen Con attendees share what they're looking forward to, what makes it special
John Tufts Jenny Porter Tilley Jaylon Lee Hawkins Madyson Crane Indianapolis Star Updated July 31, 2026, 1:15 p.m. ET By 10 a.m. yesterday, thousands of gamers were lined up in downtown Indy for the opening day of Gen Con. Our staff had a blast. We watched the crowd pour in, met some interesting vendors and even saw a Pokémon card worth as much as some houses. The biggest hiccup was traffic.
Indiana has nearly 600 cyclosporiasis cases as of July 22, IDOH says
July 22, 2026, 2:05 p.m. ET The cyclosporiasis outbreak has reached nearly 600 cases in Indiana, according to the updated numbers from the Indiana Department of Health as of 1 p.m. on July 22. The age of those affected now ranges from 8-98. There are now over 4,000 laboratory-confirmed cases nationwide, with about 7,400 more yet to be confirmed, according to a July 21 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Cyclosporiasis cases in Indiana pass 500. See the latest data
July 21, 2026, 1:54 p.m. ET As of noon Tuesday afternoon, July 21, the Indiana Department of Health said there have been 511 cases of cyclosporiasis in the state since May 1. Those infected range in age from 8 to 91, according to the data. Cyclosporiasis in Central Indiana In Marion County, the health department reported 52 cases so far. Here's a breakdown of the surrounding counties: Boone County: 1 case. Hamilton County: 9 cases. Hancock County: 13 cases. Hendricks County: 7 cases.
Bloomington is having deja vu as new Little 500 film starts production Original
July 20, 2026, 5:02 a.m. ET Any film featuring Indiana University's infamous bike race needs a few key components: Limestone, bikers and plenty of locals. In 1978, Bloomington welcomed crews to film "Breaking Away," originally titled "Bambino." The Little 500-focused movie starred Dennis Christopher, Dennis Quaid, Daniel Stern and Jackie Earle Haley. "Breaking Away," as it was later titled, became a cornerstone of southern Indiana pop culture.
Sorry, but we have to talk about explosive diarrhea
Sorry, but we have to talk about explosive diarrhea No one wants to talk about explosive diarrhea — but everyone wants to prevent it. Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal distress for hundreds of Americans, isn't new. But according to the the United States is seeing a major outbreak of more than 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases this year.
Cyclosporiasis cases surpass 200 in Illinois. See common causes
Cyclosporiasis cases surpass 200 in Illinois. See common causes The dreaded "explosive diarrhea" disease continues to spread across the United States in growing numbers, with Illinois among the various hotspots. Cyclospora, a parasite causing severe gastrointestinal distress for hundreds of Americans, isn't new. But according to the the U.S. is seeing a major outbreak of more than 1,000 cyclosporiasis cases this year.
I-69 still bears scars from June tornado between Martinsville and Bloomington
Jenny Porter Tilley, Carol Kugler, Boris Ladwig and Rich Janzaruk, Indianapolis Star Updated Mon, July 13, 2026 at 7:09 PM UTC If you're heading to Bloomington ahead of the new school year at Indiana University, you might notice a scar left behind by severe weather. On June 17, a tornado touched down about 13 miles northwest of Bloomington. Its path wound through Morgan County just south of Martinsville, downing trees and power lines near Mile Marker 130.
I-69 still bears scars from June tornado between Martinsville and Bloomington
Jenny Porter Tilley Carol Kugler Boris Ladwig Rich Janzaruk Indianapolis Star Updated July 13, 2026, 3:09 p.m. ET If you're heading to Bloomington ahead of the new school year at Indiana University, you might notice a scar left behind by severe weather. On June 17, a tornado touched down about 13 miles northwest of Bloomington. Its path wound through Morgan County just south of Martinsville, downing trees and power lines near Mile Marker 130.
Meet the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards finalist from Illinois
Hannah Hudnall Jenny Porter Tilley Katie Wiseman Peoria Journal Star June 26, 2026, 11:23 a.m. CT An adorable black rescue dog from Alton has been voted the top pet in Illinois. Fans selected their favorites in the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, a USA TODAY Pets contest to benefit the Best Friends Animal Society, selecting a winner from each state, along with runners-up. Cats and dogs were eligible. They're among 50,000 entries from around the nation.
This Indiana dog will be in the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards final round Original
The voters have spoken: Bella is the top dog in Indiana. Fans selected their favorites in the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards, a USA TODAY Pets contest to benefit the Best Friends Animal Society, selecting a winner from each state, along with runners-up. Cats and dogs were eligible. They're among 50,000 entries from around the nation. Bella, Indiana's winner, will receive a $3,500 cash prize, plus tickets to an August awards ceremony.
Bru Burger Bar bunnies serve up a side of cuteness. See them in action Original
June 25, 2026, 2:31 p.m. ET Baby bunnies brightened up the week at Bru Burger Bar's Bloomington location. Bru Burger wouldn't tell us what's in their delicious ketchup, but they did share what happened when a mother rabbit graced their courtyard. Staff noticed the bunny family outside the restaurant on Thursday, June 18, in a nest in the bushes, assistant manager Keyla Lindell said in an email. On Monday evening, the babies came out of the nest with their mom.
Bru Burger Bar bunnies serve up a side of cuteness. See them in action
Jenny Porter Tilley, Indianapolis Star Thu, June 25, 2026 at 6:31 PM UTC Baby bunnies brightened up the week at Bru Burger Bar's Bloomington location. Bru Burger wouldn't tell us what's in their delicious ketchup, but they did share what happened when a mother rabbit graced their courtyard. Staff noticed the bunny family outside the restaurant on Thursday, June 18, in a nest in the bushes, assistant manager Keyla Lindell said in an email.
Here's what Mike Pence said in new Netflix series 'The American Experiment'
June 25, 2026, 9:34 a.m. ET In "The American Experiment" on Netflix, Former Indiana Governor and Vice President Mike Pence recounts the moment President Donald Trump asked him to overturn the 2020 election results. The new docuseries serves as both a crash course in U.S. history and a reflection on the state of American democracy as the nation nears its 250th anniversary. "I'll always believe that I did my duty that day," Pence said in the final episode.
First we couldn't watch Disney+. Then came the phishing
June 19, 2026, 11:58 a.m. ET Families everywhere planning to rewatch the first four "Toy Story" movies before seeing the new film this weekend had their hopes dashed Thursday night. Full disclosure: My family was actually planning to binge-watch "Bob's Burgers," but we, too, were met with a login error on the Disney+ app. Downdetector had more than 20,000 outage reports for the streaming platform starting just before 7 p.m. on June 18.
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