Get In the Know With Kim’s Monday News & Headlines
Good morning on this icy and slick Monday across the Circle City and beyond…
The White House is keeping a close eye on two unfolding situations today. Obama administration officials are confirming the device found on the White House grounds early this morning is a small drone. The other situation of course is on the East Coast where extreme weather is set to hammer the area. Speaking from India, where he’s traveling with the President, Presidential Spokesman Josh Ernest said there is no immediate threat in back in Washington DC. He also noted federal officials are in close contact with local governments and ready to assist in any way they can because tens of millions of people on the East Coast are bracing for what’s being called a historic blizzard. It’s also a weather system that is expected to be very dangerous where people in the affected areas are asked to exercise extra precautions.
A sexual assault reported at Purdue University is under investigation. A woman told police she was walking home from a party Saturday night when she was grabbed by a man on Waldron Street. She said he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and was a college-aged man. The latest attack comes after police arrested a 20-year-old last week for raping a woman visiting from Iowa at the Acacia Fraternity.
Travel advisories have been issued in nineteen counties north and east of Indy. That means travel could be hazardous and some roads might be restricted because of conditions. Officials say wind is an issue this morning with snow blowing back onto roads.
Seven people including a child are injured from a crash on the Indianapolis’ north side. Police say a Jeep heading down Keystone Avenue lost control and hit a car in the opposite lanes Sunday night. Four people are hospitalized and two, including a ten-year-old, are in critical condition. Police believe slick roads caused the crash.
The City County Council will take up the controversial issue of digital billboards tonight. The billboard industry is pushing to end a law prohibiting them in Marion County. More than 25 neighborhood associations are fighting the proposal on grounds they had no say in it. They also say that digital billboards like the one that can be seen on Fall Creek Parkway at the Indiana State Fairgrounds are distracting.
On the political front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is defending his planned speech in front of the United States Congress, despite being invited without President Obama’s knowledge. Netanyahu says he’s coming to the U.S. in March in an effort to persuade Congress not to strike any type of nuclear agreement with Iran because he says any such deal could put Israel in danger. Critics, however, say Netanyahu planned his visit as a photo-op with Republicans, hoping it will bolster his re-election bid back home. House Speaker John Boehner extended the invitation without informing the White House, which is considered a breach of protocol that many of those same critics say would not have been done to any other president. Both Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry have made it clear they have no intention of meeting with Netanyahu during his visit.
An NBA Hall of Famer wants the war on terrorism to focus less on fighting Islam and more on building opportunities. Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Kareem Abdul-Jabbar said poverty and lack of hope for a better life are the roots of terrorist indoctrination, not a religious teachings. He added that critics who call for Muslims to condemn and criticize terrorists should see that many do, but have no influence. Abdul-Jabbar compared blaming all Muslims for terrorist attacks to blaming the Pope for bombings by Catholics in the Irish Republican Army.
Viola Davis is celebrating her big win during Sunday night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards. Davis won SAG’s Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Drama Series Award for her role on ABC’s “How To Get Away With Murder.” The film “Birdman” emerged as a big winner in the film and acting categories as well. To hear a highlight of Davis’ speech where she reminds Hollywood that talent comes in diverse packages, click the media player below:
In Sports:
Chicago Cubs legend Ernie Banks has passed away. Nicknamed “Mr. Cub,” Banks spent all 19 of his major league seasons in Chicago and was the first black player in Cubs history. Before becoming a Cub, Banks played two seasons for the Kansas City Monarchs. The two-time National League MVP was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1977. In 2013, he was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Obama, the highest honor given to citizens in the United States. Banks died Friday at age 83.
For the second time in less than a year, Colts linebacker Andrew Jackson is in trouble for drinking and driving. Officials say Jackson was arrested in Bowling Green, Kentucky early Friday, and pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and reckless driving. He was sentenced to 14-days of home incarceration, along with participation in an alcohol and drug education program.
The Pacers’ losing streak is over. They beat the Orlando Magic Sunday night 106-to-99. This was the Blue ‘n Gold’s first win since back on January 9th. The Pacers play the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday.
Matt Ryan hooked up with Jimmy Graham late in the fourth quarter to give Team Irvin the lead and eventual 32-28 win over Team Carter at the 2015 Pro Bowl from University of Phoenix Stadium. Lions quarterback and Pro Bowl offensive MVP Matthew Stafford threw for 316 yards with two touchdowns and a pick. Drew Brees and Andrew Luck each threw two touchdowns for Team Carter. Pro Bowl defensive MVP J.J. Watt recorded an interception and three pass deflections in the defeat.
And Finally:
Some central Indiana businesses are cashing in on “Deflategate.” The Flying Cupcake here in Indy introduced the “Tom Brady Cupcake” over the weekend. It’s a deflated football of vanilla lying—that’s L-Y-I-N-G—on a rich chocolate cake. Bloomington’s Julian Coffee Roasters has a Patriot Blend in a 12-ounce bag that weighs ten ounces. (Photo courtesy of The Flying Cupcake’s Facebook page.)
Indianapolis Weather:
Clouds, flurries and snow showers are possible today and tonight. Expect a High of 31. Indiana Christian Academy is on a two hour delay.
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