Local News Headlines: January 29, 2024

Facebook to invest in 700,000 square foot Indiana facility
Meta, the, has announced that they will heavily invest in Indiana. The multi-billion dollar business has committed to building an $800-million data center campus in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The 700,000-square-foot facility at the River Ridge Commerce Center is expected to bring 1200 construction jobs and over 100 permanent, full-time positions to southern Indiana.

Construction on the massive facility will begin immediately, and is projected to be completed and operational by 2026.

IU trident sculpture at Indianapolis International Airport
The IU trident is in the airport’s Civic Plaza, between the concourses (photo by Liz Kaye, Indiana University)

Indianapolis airport now displays IU welcoming symbol
Indianapolis International Airport is now the home to a 6-foot-tall, crimson-colored IU logo, installed in Civic Plaza, between Concourses A and B. The trident was debuted on January 19th “as a symbol of IU’s commitment and contributions to the city, state, and world; and a celebration of the students, faculty, staff, alumni, families, and others who embody the Indiana University spirit,” according to an Indiana University news release. The trident is primarily made of steel and is lit from the inside, giving it a glow on both sides and the edges of the structure. It will be on display at the airport through Jan 19, 2025.

The trident was created by an Indianapolis-based business co-owned by Lola Hamilton, a native Hoosier and an alumna of the IU Herron School of Art + Design in Indianapolis. Creating university logos and letters is a common task for Hamilton and her team.

Federal Jury convicts heavily armed methamphetamine dealer
INDIANAPOLIS- A federal jury has found Manuel L. Brown, 49, of Indianapolis, guilty of trafficking methamphetamine, carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents and evidence introduced at trial, on September 3, 2020, Fishers Police Department officers were on active patrol when they observed a Dodge Caravan commit multiple traffic violations. Officers conducted a routine traffic stop and identified Manuel Brown as the driver. A K9 officer was called to the scene and dedicated the presence of drugs inside the vehicle.

Officers searched the van and located a glass smoking pipe with methamphetamine residue in the center console, a loaded .22 caliber revolver, an additional .22 caliber revolver, a loaded Smith and Wesson revolver, a zippered case containing a loaded.45 caliber pistol, multiple plastic bags containing a total of 214 grams of methamphetamine, 20 grams of heroin and fentanyl, and two digital scales, plastic bags for packaging drugs, a night vision rifle scope, multiple boxes of ammunition, and $1,750 in cash. An examination of the data on his mobile phone located numerous messages relating to drug trafficking as well as images of drugs on scales and of one of the seized firearms.

At the time of his arrest, Brown had a prior felony conviction for criminal confinement, and was prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.

“Illegal guns and deadly drugs are a scourge on our neighborhoods, and armed drug traffickers like this defendant will continue to be a priority for federal prosecution,” said Zachary A. Myers, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana. “The trial conviction here is a testament to the talent and dedication of the officers, agents, and prosecutors who disrupted the defendant’s crimes and ensured that he will be held accountable. Hamilton County is safer today because of them.”

This Week in Hoosier History

Adam Lambert's 'Feel Something': Listen| Billboard | Billboard

1982 – Adam Lambert, American singer-songwriter, was born in Indianapolis. Adam Mitchel Lambert (born January 29, 1982) is an American singer, songwriter and actor. Since 2009, he has sold over 3 million albums and 5 million singles worldwide. Lambert is known for his dynamic vocal performances that combine his theatrical training with modern and classic genres. Lambert rose to fame in 2009 after finishing as runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol. Later that year, he released his debut album For Your Entertainment, which debuted at number three on the U.S. Billboard 200.

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