Photo Source: KYLE / Getty David Letterman’s last “Late Show” airs TONIGHT.
Indianapolis Metro Police are still investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash on the south side Wednesday morning. That crash has left a woman who was crossing the street in the area of Raymond and Shelby Streets dead. This tragedy happened around 6:40 a.m. IMPD so far, has located a red Ford Mustang vehicle that left the scene but not the car’s driver. Reports indicate that car was ditched with the tags pulled in an apparent effort to hamper identifying its owner. That car has severe front end damage with a shattered windshield and is believed to be involved in the crash. Police are looking for the car’s owner. Call 317-262-TIPS if you have any info.
Despite the aforementioned pedestrian killing, it’s been a less-deadly year in Indianapolis. IMPD says there have been 39 murders so far, compared to 55 at this same time last year. The police department says the public has been calling in tips to the Crime Stoppers hotline which has played a big role in helping them crack down on crime. They also say extra traffic stops and increasing patrols in and near high crime hot spots have helped decrease those totals.
No charges will be filed in the stage collapse at Westfield High School. More than a dozen students fell about ten-feet into the orchestra pit last month during a performance of the musical “American Pie.” Investigators say the orchestra pit cover had been replaced earlier in the year by a school employee, with the help of students. The Westfield Police Department says while the construction was faulty, the accident did not warrant criminal charges.
In national headlines…
Source: John Eder / Getty
The largest recall of any product in U.S. history is underway affecting one in four cars on the road. Federal regulators say the corporation Takata is declaring nearly 34-million vehicles on the roads “defective” because the air bags could explode sending shards of metal flying at the driver. There’ve already been about 17-million vehicles recalled in the U.S. because of these defective air bag inflators made by Takata. We’re learning from NBC News that even some of the cars that have already been fixed, may have been fixed with defective parts and that the correct parts to currently address this airbag issue are in short supply. To determine whether you’re affected, type your car’s VIN into the safecar.gov website. We’ve provided the link for you.
A former cop is among the 170 people arrested in connection with the Texas biker gang shootout that left nine people dead. San Antonio police confirmed retired Detective Martin Lewis is under arrest in McClelland County, but wouldn’t say how he’s connected to the groups involved in Sunday’s bloodshed. Lewis was a cop for over three decades and retired in 2004. That shootout also left 19 others injured.
It looks like a southern governor learned nothing from the “religious freedom” law debacle here in Indiana and the backlash against Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal is now creating a religious freedom law of his own. Jindal, who is expected to enter the GOP race for president, is doing this by executive order after the Louisiana state legislature killed the measure. In issuing the “RFRA” order Tuesday, Jindal said the state should not be able to take action against someone for their belief in traditional marriage. So Jindal pressed forth and issued the order just two hours after a house committee defeated a bill that would block the state from penalizing companies because of the owner’s stand on same-sex marriage.
The longest chapter in late night television history is ending tonight. Hoosier native, David Letterman, will wrap up his time as the host of CBS’s “Late Show” after 22 seasons. It’s the end of 33 years of late night hosting for Letterman. He started making his mark in 1982 when he launched NBC’s “Late Night.” The Broad Ripple High School and Ball State University graduate really began his journey as the weatherman at WTHR-TV (located across the street from our radio station). Letterman was a talk show host on another Indy radio station. Mayor Greg Ballard has proclaimed today David Letterman Day here in the city. Indianapolis Power and Light is celebrating Letterman as well. Their corporate building on Monument Circle downtown says “Thanks Dave!” in lights. The funnyman, by the way, is a co-owner of the Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing IndyCar team.
In Sports
Speaking of IndyCar…One of it’s drivers, James Hinchcliffe, is now out of the Verizon IndyCar Series for the foreseeable future. You may recall, the Canadian driver was seriously hurt in a crash Monday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway during qualification practice for the upcoming 99th running of the Indianapolis 500. Hinchcliffe was transported to I.U. Methodist hospital for emergency life-saving thigh surgery as a result of that crash. We’ve now learned that a part of his race car was embedded in his body in the crash and had to be removed. Team owners say doctors think he’ll make a full recovery.
In NBA action…The Golden State Warriors overcame a 16-point deficit to take Game One of the NBA’s Western Conference finals Tuesday night. Steph Curry scored 34 points to lead the Warriors to a 110-106 win over the Houston Rockets. Meanwhile, the Eastern Conference finals will get underway tonight. That’s when the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks will go head-to-head. Game time is 8:30 p.m. Eastern on TNT.
Since our Pacers aren’t playing in the NBA Playoffs, you can enjoy Pacer’s Coach Frank Vogel on David Letterman’s “Stupid Human Tricks” instead. Coach Vogel appeared on the show with Letterman back in 1986.
Weather
Parts of the Central U.S. are in for a wild ride on this Hump Day, with forecasters warning of possible “life-threatening flooding.” The major areas of concern lie in Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. It’s particularly bad timing for Texas, coming just one day after several tornadoes touched down or were spotted in at least two northern towns. The unseasonably cold temps can be felt here in Indy.
Indianapolis Weather
Overcast. Cooler. Today’s High: 59 degrees.
And finally…Sawyer Fredericks won season eight of “The Voice” Tuesday night. The teenager from upstate New York earned his title on last night’s finale. He beat out three finalists; Pharrell William’s other contestant–a gospel and R&B lover’s favorite, Koryn Hawthorne; Adam Levine’s Joshua Davis; and Blake Shelton’s Meghan Linsey (was runner up). The coaches paid tribute to the late legendary bluesman, B.B. King, during the broadcast by singing one of King’s hits, “The Thrill Is Gone.” Season Nine of “The Voice” will return to NBC in the fall.
I’m Kim Wells. Make today a great day and log on for more news and entertainment headlines throughout the day here, at TLCnaptown.com.
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