Podcasts about wfyi

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 Indianapolis will be holding meetings throughout the summer. Last Monday night the Indianapolis City-County Council meeting erupted into chaos as Lauren Roberts was forcibly removed from the chambers while attempting to speak about her experiences inside Mayor Hogsett's campaign – WFYI's Jill Sheridan sat down with Roberts to find out what she wanted to say. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. WFYI News Now is produced by Drew Daudelin, Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Listen to a 2017 interview WFYI's Kyle Long recorded with Brian Wilson, the visionary composer and producer behind the Beach Boys. He died on June 11, 2025, at the age of 82. The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful bands of all time, selling over 100 million records and charting 37 songs in the U.S. Top 40. Much of that success was due to Wilson's visionary production style. which included unorthodox instrumentation, innovative recording techniques, and most notably the band's iconic vocal harmonies. Those trademark vocal harmonies were directly inspired by the Indianapolis group The Four Freshmen. The Four Freshmen were formed on the campus of Butler University in 1948. Wilson credited the Four Freshmen as his main influence in crafting the Beach Boys' sound. Wilson was such a big fan, he even recruited Four Freshmen arranger Dick Reynolds to work on several Beach Boys projects. During his conversation with WFYI, Wilson discussed his deep appreciation for The Four Freshmen.

Enjoy the final episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Phil Ranelin, a legendary Indianapolis jazz trombonist. Listen to classic music from Ranelin, along with a recent interview he recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long. On this edition, Ranelin will discuss his lifelong friendship with jazz star Freddie Hubbard. Ranelin and Hubbard both attended Indianapolis' Arsenal Tech High School during the 1950s. Two decades later, they recorded three albums together. Ranelin will also reflect on his time in Detroit, where he co-founded the Tribe Records label, and performed with Motown musicians like Stevie Wonder and The Temptations.

Listen to an interview with the musician and activist Taylor Hall. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, so Hall chose the month of May to release her latest collection of songs, Cheaper Than Therapy. During her recent conversation with WFYI's Kyle Long, Hall said she hopes the project will help to destigmatize mental health and provide her fans with a message of hope. Also hear a conversation with Jenny Boyts, CEO of Forty5, a locally owned Indianapolis production company specializing in live music events. Forty5 owns and operates local venues including The Vogue and Turntable, and produces live concert series like Rock the Ruins at Holiday Park. Boyts rose to prominence in Indianapolis through her work with Indy Pride, serving as Indy Pride's board president for 4 years. Boyts says the relationships she created while building community with Indy Pride have informed her work with Forty5.

This is the second episode in our three-part series exploring the music of Phil Ranelin. Listen to classic music from Ranelin, along with a recent interview he recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long.  On this edition, Ranelin will reflect on his work with Wes Montgomery and performing on Indiana Avenue. Ranelin will also discuss how his work has been embraced by a new generation of musicians, including Madlib, Kamasi Washington, and Carlos Niño.

On May 25th, the legendary Indianapolis jazz trombonist Phil Ranelin will turn 86 years old. For the next three weeks on Echoes of Indiana, we'll celebrate the anniversary of Ranelin's birthday by exploring his work in music. Listen to a recent interview Ranelin recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with classic recordings from his discography.  Phil Ranelin was born in Indianapolis in 1939. He grew up on the city's east side in the Martindale Brightwood neighborhood and attended Arsenal Tech High School, where jazz icon Freddie Hubbard was also a student. Nearly two decades later they would record three albums together. During the 1960s, Ranelin was active on the local jazz scene, performing with Indianapolis jazz greats like Wes Montgomery, Pookie Johnson, David Young, and Freddie Hubbard.  Around 1968, Ranelin left Indianapolis for Detroit, becoming deeply involved in the city's dynamic music scene. While in Detroit he worked as a session musician and touring performer for Motown Records, appearing with artists including Stevie Wonder and The Temptations. But it was his work with Tribe jazz collective that elevated his legacy in music.  Ranelin co-founded Tribe in the early 1970s with saxophonist Wendell Harrison. Tribe started as a musical ensemble, but soon expanded into a record label, magazine and artist collective. Their work was explicitly political, advocating for Black empowerment and self-determination. Ranelin's tenure with Tribe Records produced a number of seminal albums including “The Time Is Now” and “Vibes from the Tribe.” These recordings blended traditional jazz with funk, and avant-garde techniques, helping to redefine the boundaries of the genre. Ranelin spent much of the last 40 years, living in Los Angeles, California.  But he recently returned to his hometown Indianapolis after suffering a severe stroke in 2021.  On this week's episode, hear music from Ranelin's most recent releases, including "The Found Tapes: Live in Los Angeles,” and “Tribe 2000.”

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During the 1960s and ‘70s, funk music flourished in Indianapolis. Local bands like The Highlighters, Amnesty, The Moonlighters, Billy Ball and The Upsetters, and The Presidents packed nightclubs clubs across the city, from Indiana Avenue to East 38th Street.  On March 16th, WFYI hosted a screening of the new PBS documentary WE WANT THE FUNK! at the Kan-Kan Cinema. The film explores the history of funk music, from its early jazz roots to its rise into popular culture. Before the screening, WFYI's Kyle Long moderated a panel discussion exploring the history of Indianapolis funk music. The panel featured four important pioneers of Naptown funk: Steve Weakley (Funk Incorporated), Lester Jonhson (Ebony Rhythm Funk Campaign), Reggie Griffin (Manchild), and Rodney Stepp (Rapture/The Spinners). Listen to excerpts from that conversation, along with music from legendary Indianapolis funk bands.

Listen to an interview with members of Sweet Poison Victim, an Indianapolis band known for their unique blend of West African music and rock and roll. The band also explores Latin American and Caribbean sounds, a reflection of the diverse backgrounds of the group's members.  The band's leader, Kwesi Brown, was born and raised in Ghana. Brown's background has shaped every aspect of the group's sound and style, including their name. The band's name was inspired by a medicinal alcohol that Brown calls “sweet poison”. The drink is steeped in a variety of roots and herbs, and Brown says that mix of flavors is reflected in Sweet Poison Victim's sound.  Hear music from Sweet Poison Victim's new album Ringgold Avenue Highlife, along with excerpts from their recent appearance on WFYI's Small Studio Sessions.

We're taking the show on the road this year to celebrate our 30th Anniversary! This week, we bring you to our first stop, Indianapolis, in partnership with WFYI. We dig into the local food scene with restaurateur Martha Hoover, owner of Cafe Patachou and the founder of the Patachou Foundation. We talk to her about her start as a prosecutor turned restaurateur and how the restaurant scene has changed over her 35-plus years running a restaurant in Indianapolis. Then, we welcome Samir Mohammad of 9th Street Bistro, Zoë Taylor of Borage, and food writer and Eater correspondent Brian Garrido to the stage to talk about the present: Indianapolis's new and booming food scene. Then, we close the show with a heartwarming story of Isaac Roman and Thomas Hayes re-opening Indy's beloved Rene's Bakery.Broadcast dates for this episode:February 21, 2025 (originally aired)Generous listeners like you make The Splendid Table possible. Donate today to support the show

Indianapolis Public Schools pays teachers the highest starting salaries in Marion County, according to a new analysis from Chalkbeat and WFYI. An Indianapolis program at Hope Academy will serve kids with substance use disorders before they enter high school. An archeological excavation project is underway in Indianapolis at the site of the city's first public burial ground. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin, Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Join us for a remembrance of Rev. Dennis H. Freeman, an important figure in Indianapolis gospel music. Freeman passed away on January 15, 2025, at 84. Listen to a 2021 interview WFYI's Kyle long recorded with Freeman, along with rare recordings of his music.  Rev. Dennis H. Freeman was a keyboardist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and choir director. In a monumental career, that stretched over eight decades, Freeman performed alongside the greatest names in gospel music, including James Cleveland, Dorothy Love Coates and the Gospel Harmonettes, The Caravans, Raymond Raspberry, The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Dorothy Norwod, The Soul Stirrers, The O'Neill Twins, and many others.  Freeman began working professionally in music as a teenager in the 1950s, playing organ at churches around the Indiana Avenue neighborhood. In 1959, he formed the Freeman Singers, a talented ensemble of singers that included the Indianapolis jazz vocalist Everett Green.  By the 1960s, Freeman had become a fixture of gospel music in Indiana. Freeman took part in many historic events in Hoosier gospel music, including Mahalia Jackson's 1966 concert at Clowes Hall, and the first Indiana Black Expo in 1971.  Freeman's music was heard across the country, on the many albums, singles and tapes he released.

Listen to an interview with the poet, activist and educator Nikki Giovanni, who passed away on December 9th at the age of 81. In 2015, Giovanni spoke with WFYI's Kyle Long. They discussed her work in music, and her connections to Indianapolis. Also, as we approach the end of the year, media outlets including NPR, Rolling Stone, the New York Times and Pitchfork are publishing their annual “best of” music lists. We'll explore music from the Indiana musicians featured among the year's best, including Jlin, Omar Apollo, Justin Hicks of the HawtPlates, and Freddie Gibbs.

President-elect Donald Trump praised Indiana schools as "well run" in a recent interview with Time magazine. President Joe Biden issued sweeping pardons last week to clear the records of more than 1,500 people – one Indianapolis woman was pardoned for a drug crime committed two decades ago. Washington Township Schools Board approved new rezoning in their district. A recent state law prompted by a WFYI investigation now requires the Indiana Commission on Seclusion and Restraint to meet twice per year – but the group hasn't met in 14 months. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

In schools nationwide, educators are hoping to empower students with knowledge and inspire them to dream up ways to ensure a better climate future. At a high school in Bloomington, Indiana, students pitched their ideas to scientists this past spring. WFYI investigative education reporter Lee Gaines reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In schools nationwide, educators are hoping to empower students with knowledge and inspire them to dream up ways to ensure a better climate future. At a high school in Bloomington, Indiana, students pitched their ideas to scientists this past spring. WFYI investigative education reporter Lee Gaines reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Hear the final episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane, a legendary, folk, blues, and jazz singer who used her voice to advocate for social justice and civil rights. Dane passed away in October of 2024, she was 97 years old. Listen to a 2018 interview Dane recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with rare recordings from her discography. Barbara Dane began singing on the picket lines of Detroit as a teenager. Politics and activism would remain a central focus of her music. She would go on to record for the biggest labels in American music and collaborate with iconic artists, including Louis Armstrong, Earl Hines, and Lightnin' Hopkins.  At the height of the 1960s folk music boom, Bob Dylan called Dane a hero. But Dane never experienced the commercial success of her folk singing peers like Dylan. She refused to compromise her principles for corporate record companies, which led Dane to start her own label in the 1970s, Paredon Records. Through her Paredon label, Dane issued revolutionary music from Palestine, Vietnam, and Cuba. She also released her own recordings on the label, including the 1973 album “I Hate the Capitalist System”.  On this edition, we'll discuss Dane's work with Paredon, and her connection to Bob Dylan.

Hear the first episode in our two-part series celebrating the life and music of Barbara Dane, a legendary, folk, blues, and jazz singer who used her voice to advocate for social justice and civil rights. Dane passed away in October of 2024, she was 97 years old. Listen to a 2018 interview Dane recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with rare recordings from her discography. Barbara Dane was born Barbara Jean Spillman in Detroit, Michigan in 1927. She began singing on the picket lines of Detroit as a teenager. Politics and activism would remain a central focus of her music. Dane would go on to record for the biggest labels in American music and collaborate with iconic artists, including Louis Armtstrong, Earl Hines, and Lightnin' Hopkins.  At the height of the 1960's folk music boom, Bob Dylan called Dane a hero. But Dane never experienced the commercial success of her folk singing peers like Dylan. She refused to compromise her principles for corporate record companies, which led Dane to start her own label in the 1970s, Paredon Records. Through her Paredon label, Dane issued revolutionary music from Palestine, Vietnam, and Cuba. She also released her own recordings on the label, including the 1973 album “I Hate the Capitalist System”.

Rachel Fradette, education reporter for public radio station WFYI, talks about how the upcoming session of the Indiana General Assembly may impact schools.

Listen to the first episode in our three-part series celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of trombonist J.J. Johnson, one of the greatest jazz icons to emerge from Indianapolis.  On this edition, listen to a discussion recorded live at the Jazz Kitchen, featuring an all-star panel of jazz musicians discussing Johnson's work. The event was moderated by WFYI's Kyle Long, and features commentary from musicians Phil Ranelin, Steve Turre, Rob Dixon, Steve Allee, and Pharez Whitted. Johnson's widow Carolyn Johnson also made a special appearance onstage.

In the latest installment of The Checkup, our health reporting team finds out why the generic drug market is in trouble. IndyGo's long-awaited Blue Line is one step closer to completion. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick says Indiana needs to refocus its economic development strategy. Thirty-two students at an elementary school in Avon were arrested last school year, according to a recent state report – but a WFYI investigation found those arrests never happened. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Hear a tribute to the famed Indianapolis soul singer Jimmy Guilford, he passed away earlier this month. Jimmy Guilford started his career singing doo-wop on the streets of Indiana Avenue. His talents would eventually carry him to the Apollo Theater in New York, the nightclubs of Las Vegas, and the recording studios of Detroit, where Jimmy cut a series of classic soul singles. Guilford's career in Indianapolis spanned over six decades of music making. He worked with some of the greatest music legends in Indianapolis, from the jazz icon Wes Montgomery to the rock and roll star Thurston Harris.  We'll share a 2019 interview Guilford recorded with WFYI's Kyle Long, along with rare singles he recorded with the Lamplighters and Four Sounds.

IMPD arrested one of their own officers on Monday, on 12 counts of child exploitation. School attendance is improving for many Indiana students, according to recent state data. The surge in interest in women's sports brought sports leaders in Indiana together to talk about the future. WFYI's Samantha Horton spoke with Patrick Rishe, director of the sports business program at Washington University in St. Louis, to talk about the chances Indy has to land a Major League Soccer team. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Over the last few years, parents and a network of organized conservative groups have put pressure on public schools and community libraries across the country to remove certain books from their collections. In Indiana, teachers may even be charged with a crime for providing books deemed "harmful." WFYI's Lee Gaines reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

The Indiana Hospital Association launched software this month to connect hospitals with available staff. Cummins is undergoing a round of layoffs, citing the company's commitment to a zero-emissions business strategy. A low-head dam is a structure built across a river where water still flows but is very hazardous for users – WFYI's Jill Sheridan sat down with Friends of the White River's Scott Salmon to talk about the history of the Emrichsville Dam and the bigger problem of low-head dams. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

The last stretch of upgrades to natural gas pipelines are underway on the east side. Nearly one in five students attend schools outside of their home district, according to a new data analysis by WFYI. New Title IX rules that would enshrine LGBTQ+ protections in Indiana schools were blocked by a U.S. District Court judge. When a critical access hospital in southern Indiana closed in 2022, health care leaders invited the community to contribute to a response plan. Democrats are trying to capitalize on the opportunity they see in the governor's race after Republicans nominated self-proclaimed Christian nationalist Micah Beckwith for lieutenant governor. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Drew Daudelin, Zach Bundy and Abriana Herron, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

‘Bad Bars' investigation  The IndyStar investigative team's dive into violence and other issues at Indianapolis bars started in fall 2022.  Journalists Ryan Martin and Tony Cook uncovered more than 600 reports of violent acts tied to Indianapolis bars since 2016, including homicides and gun violence. Their investigation revealed lax oversight and a decline in enforcement of underage alcohol rules. The reporting led to bars being shut down, calls from the community for more oversight, and an increase in funding for an understaffed Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.   WFYI's School accountability of student seclusion and restraint   And Governor Eric Holcomb signed a new law this legislative session that blocks schools from temporarily removing a student from instruction except as a last resort.  The Commission on Seclusion and Restraint also has to meet twice a year now, rather than once.  These changes, among others came after reporting done by WFYI's Lee Gaines. Her work, based on public records, school logs, audio records of state meetings, and parent interviews– found that some schools do not accurately report incidents of restraint and seclusion to the state. The DOE is also required to conduct an annual audit of seclusion and restraint data reported to the agency by school districts, according to a rule that took effect in 2018. But the department has no record of an audit ever being done for the year before 2023, according to a spokesperson for the agency. The IDOE began conducting audits following inquiries from WFYI. This week on Noon Edition, our hosts will talk about local news reporting focused on these two stories, which had policy impacts in Indiana.  You can follow us on X @WFIUWTIUNews or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show to news@indianapublicmedia.org.GuestsLee Gaines, WFYI Investigative reporter, 2023 SPJ journalist of the year Tony Cook, IndyStar Investigative Reporter, SPJ story of the year Gerry Lanosga, The IU Media School Director of Journalism and Associate Professor

U.S. Senator Mike Braun easily won the crowded Republican primary for governor. Valerie McCray won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, making history in the process. Voters in Pike Township approved a $14.5 million annual levy to support their school district. Jill Sheridan, WFYI's Policy Desk Editor, talks about results from other local elections. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Pro-Palestinian protests are popping up on college campuses around the country, including an encampment at IUPUI. The Biden administration announced it's moving to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The ACLU of Indiana is suing Indiana University on behalf of three people who were banned from the campus for participating in political protests. WFYI's Statehouse education reporter Rachel Fradette spoke with education editor Eric Weddle about the 2024 Primary Election. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

Matthew Socey dips into this interview vault TWICE for your pledge dollars. Go to wfyi.org/give to show your support to Film Soceyology and WFYI. Oh, and he reviews Boy Kills World.

An event this week will provide reentry resources for formerly incarcerated people in Indianapolis. The science of reading is a body of scientific research about how children learn the building blocks of literacy, a law requires schools to begin using the method this year. Eclipse gazers at the Indianapolis Children's Museum may have been exposed to measles from an out-of-state visitor on April 8. Indiana native, baseball legend and human rights advocate Carl Erskine passed away last week at the age of 97 - WFYI's Jill Sheridan sat down with Ted Green, a documentary filmmaker and friend of Erskine's, to talk about his legacy. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.

A WFYI investigation that found some schools aren't accurately reporting how often they forcibly isolate and restrain students has prompted the passage of a new state law. You have two weeks left to register if you want to vote in this year's primary election. Recent legislation signed into law could weaken debt protections for Hoosiers. Dylan Peers McCoy spoke with Indiana Commissioner for Higher Education Chris Lowery about college affordability, and why young people are skipping higher education. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.

People incarcerated in Indiana state prisons might soon have access to financial aid to pay for Ivy Tech Community College classes. Governor Eric Holcomb vetoed a bill that would define and ban antisemitism in state public education institutions. Republican gubernatorial candidate Brad Chambers unveiled a 10-point economic plan yesterday that highlights tax reform, child care, entrepreneurship and housing. Read or Restrict, a new documentary film from WFYI, explores how the movement to remove certain books from school libraries has taken root in Indiana. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.

A guilty verdict came Friday for a man charged with fatally shooting Indianapolis police officer Breann Leath in 2020. A program that teaches groups how to create spaces that promote safety is open to residents. Legislation that would change the way schools and families settle conflicts over special education services failed to advance in the Indiana Statehouse. WFYI's Zak Cassel sat down with IndyStar investigative reporter Kristine Phillips to learn about recent legislation related to transgender access to health care. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.

The Indianapolis Public School Board is accepting applications for its next appointment to the Indianapolis library board - IPS is responsible for appointing two members to the board. Lawmakers shared more detailed plans this week about their education goals for the upcoming legislative session - they're divided on how to address work-based learning, low third grade reading scores and early education. Indiana sixth through eighth graders can now participate in the first statewide civics bee. More than thirty Hoosiers signed on to a multi-state letter urging the Environmental Protection Agency to ban the use of coal ash as fill-in construction. William "Duke" Oliver is an Indianapolis native with deep roots in the community that he's served - Oliver sat down with WFYI's Jill Sheridan to talk about his history on the council. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, Drew Daudelin and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.

The American south has been a hostile place for Black people for much of this country's history. In the 1840s, some Black families decided to look for something better. They undertook a dangerous journey to the north and west to Indiana, and one of the most notable places where they settled was in Grant County, northeast of Indianapolis. Two of the families who ended up there were the Weavers and the Pettifords. The families and their descendants are the subject of the documentary “Rooted In Love, Lifted in Strength” from Loving Life Productions. LaKesha Lorene is the producer of the documentary, and Charo Speikes-Boyd is president of the Pettiford-Weaver Family Trust. They spoke to WFYI's Ray Steele about the family's legacy and an upcoming screening of the documentary at the Spirit & Place Festival in Indianapolis. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily.  Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts.

Kronos Quartet have been called one of the most important new music ensembles in the world — over 1,000 new works and arrangements have been commissioned for the group. WFYI's Kyle Long recently spoke to the group's founder David Harrington. They discussed Kronos Quartet's 50th anniversary, the group's upcoming appearance in West Lafayette, collaborating with Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle, and their latest album "Songs and Symphoniques: The Music of Moondog”.

Kronos Quartet have been called one of the most important new music ensembles in the world — over 1,000 new works and arrangements have been commissioned for the group. WFYI's Kyle Long recently spoke to the group's founder David Harrington. They discussed Kronos Quartet's 50th anniversary, the group's upcoming appearance in West Lafayette, collaborating with Bollywood icon Asha Bhosle, and their latest album "Songs and Symphoniques: The Music of Moondog”.

The Spirit and Place Festival kicks off Thursday, November 2nd. The 10-day event will bring together more than 100 cultural organizations to present a wide variety of performances, discussions, and displays centered around the theme “nourish." WFYI's Jill Sheridan talked to Spirit and Place Program Director Erin Kelley about what to expect at the 28th annual event. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily.  Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts.

Recently part of Indiana Avenue got a new name.  It's now Madam Walker Way, named for Madam CJ Walker, the legendary creator of beauty products and the namesake of the historic Walker Theatre -- now the Madam Walker Legacy Center.  The center's leadership also released some big plans for the next few years leading up to its 100th anniversary.  WFYI's Ray Steele recently spoke to Kristian Little Stricklen, the president of the Madam Walker Legacy Center, about those plans. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily.  Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts.

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is a global icon of Indian classical music. Hussain recently spoke with WFYI's Kyle Long. They discussed his upcoming concert with Bela Fleck, AI music, working with Tina Turner, and more.

Tabla virtuoso Zakir Hussain is a global icon of Indian classical music. Hussain recently spoke with WFYI's Kyle Long. They discussed his upcoming concert with Bela Fleck, AI music, working with Tina Turner, and more.

Forty Six Flats is being built through a partnership between the city, the developer, Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority and nonprofit Partnership for Affordable Housing.  National experts say hospital mergers contribute to Indiana's high healthcare costs.  Indiana tax revenues were steady in the first quarter of the new fiscal year.    WFYI and the Indianapolis Recorder sent election surveys to this year's Indianapolis City-County Council candidates, for both contested and uncontested races.  You can read each candidate here.  Indianapolis protests call for a ceasefire in Gaza, and an end to U.S. aid to Israel. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily.  Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts. Today's episode of WFYI News Now was produced by Darian Benson, Abriana Herron, and Kendall Antron with support from Sarah Neal-Estes.  

During the 1970s, the Indianapolis music scene produced several important funk bands – including Amnesty, an eight-piece ensemble known for their hard-hitting grooves and soaring vocal harmonies.  In 1973, Amnesty traveled to New Palestine, Indiana – a small town east of Indianapolis. Their destination was 700 West, a modest recording studio located in the home of Moe Whittemore.  Amnesty recorded 10 tracks at 700 West. Two of those recordings were issued on Whittemore's 700 West label – but the full sessions remained unreleased for over 30 years. In 2007 the California-based label Now Again issued the complete Amnesty 700 West sessions. The album was titled “Free Your Mind” and it became an instant classic among funk and soul music fans.        The music Amnesty recorded at 700 West has been streamed millions of times online and sampled in hip-hop tracks by Jay-Z, Snoop Dogg, and Ye - the artist formerly known as Kanye West.  For the next two weeks on Echoes of Indiana Avenue we'll celebrate the 50th anniversary of Amnesty's 700 West sessions by looking back at a 2019 interview WFYI's Kyle Long recorded with Amnesty's vocalist Joe Trotter, percussionist Rafael Barnes, and sax player Gino Johnson.

Todd Young comes out against Trump. Suzanne Crouch picks up a pair of congressional endorsements. Plus, Rainwater for governor again and more. From the television studios at WFYI, it's Indiana Week in Review for the week ending May 12, 2023. 

Ray Steele is the local host for NPR's Morning Edition on WFYI 90.1 FM in Indianapolis. He joins Jimmy to talk about his responsibilities as a broadcaster to promote positive content around Indianapolis and help underserved communities with his platform. Ray provides expert analysis on professional wrestling and explains the peace it brings him when needing to disconnect from the stress of work. Finally, both recall their experience being involved with Timmy Takedown, a charity pro wrestling event organized & performed by people with disabilities. For more about Timmy Takedown & how to donate to Timmy Global Health, visit https://www.timmyglobalhealth.org/timmytakedown For more with Ray, tune in weekdays 5-9 AM ET on WFYI 90.1 FM in Indianapolis, stream online, & follow him @RaySteeleWFYI on Twitter! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/jbkonair/support

Jennifer McCormick launches a gubernatorial bid. The final version of the anti-ESG bill. Plus, no 13th check and more. From the television studios at WFYI, it's Indiana Week in Review for the week ending May 5, 2023. 

State budget turmoil at session's end. State elected officials get a pay raise. Plus, a controversial bill on books in schools and more. From the television studios at WFYI, it's Indiana Week in Review for the week ending April 28, 2023. 

A surprising state revenue forecast. Marlin Stutzman vying for his old job. Plus, a weakened physician non-compete bill and more. From the television studios at WFYI, it's Indiana Week in Review for the week ending April 21, 2023.

Senate GOP unveils its proposed budget.The Senate changes the Don't Say Gay bill. Plus, the state Supreme Court weighs a COVID class-action ban and more. From the television studios at WFYI, it's Indiana Week in Review for the week ending April 14, 2023