April 8, 2024

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Today’s Forecast

✈️ Make my way back home when I learn to fly

INDYtoday: INDY_Mia drone city footage gif_APR24

Drones are an exciting way to see new viewpoints in your city. | Drone footage by @miaonthemap

City Editor Shea here. As I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Mia, who you may remember filled in for me while I was on maternity leave, I learned that she has another awesome skill beyond her obvious talent of knowing everything there is to know in Indy: She’s a drone pilot.

If you’re like me, your drone is still in the packaging, or you flew it once… straight into a tree in your backyard and now you’re nervous to take it out again. Thankfully, Mia helped me decode exactly what beginners need to know in order to take flight safely and successfully in Indy.

Pre-flight checklist

Commercial drone operators — think real estate or cinematography — have more strict licensing qualifications, but as a hobbyist, your first step is to take The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It’s free and offered online by a variety of FAA approved administrators; always carry proof of certification when flying.

Does your drone weigh 0.55 pounds or more? Then you are required to register it and ensure that it’s Remote ID compliant. It’s also highly recommended that you download the B4UFLY mobile app, which provides key information like interactive maps, airspace designations, and more.

INDYtoday: INDY_capitol mall drone_APR24 — Fun fact: Drones have their own professional sport called Drone Racing League (or DRL for short).
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Photo by @miaonthemap

Local regulations

Speaking of where you can/can’t fly a drone in Indy — you’re cleared for takeoff most anywhere. However, the use of drones is prohibited on Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property such as state parks, natural, and recreational areas. Licenses to launch and film may occasionally be granted by DNR or by specific DNR divisions. Additionally, you can’t use a drone to scout game during hunting season.

There are also restrictions extending five miles from the airport. Various other guidelines, like maintaining line-of-sight and not flying more than 400 ft above the ground should be followed.

Here are some great local places to fly.

Mia's tips for beginners

Events

Monday, April 8

LUNACY! Solar Eclipse Festival | Monday, April 8 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Celebration Plaza, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | Cost of purchase | Celebrate the solar eclipse with food trucks, musical performances, and free yoga.
Team Edward vs. Team Jacob Eclipse Silent Disco | Monday, April 8 | 7 p.m. | The Vogue Theatre, 6259 N. College Ave., Indianapolis | $10-$20 | Dress up to dance under the moon all night long with the “Twilight” saga playing in the background.

Tuesday, April 9

Seniors Stay Creative | Tuesday, April 9 | 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $25-$30 | Seniors discover the joy of art with like-minded peers in this guided class.
An Evening with Will Power | Tuesday, April 9 | 5:30-8 p.m. | Indianapolis Motor Speedway, 4790 W. 16th St., Indianapolis | $60-$75 | Indianapolis 500 winner and two-time INDYCAR champion Will Power shares career stories and personal insights.

Wednesday, April 10

I Come in Pieces | Wednesday, April 10 | 6-7 p.m. | Eskenazi Hall, 735 W. New York St., Indianapolis | Free | Watch this collaboration between Dance Kaleidoscope and musician Jordan Munson come to life in a gallery space.

Thursday, April 11

Plant-Based Palette: Crafting Culinary Masterpieces Without Meat | Thursday, April 11 | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | COhatch Broad Ripple, 6151 Central Ave., Indianapolis | $20 | Learn to make a plant-based, mouthwatering meal that will captivate the senses.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Today Is

Happy eclipse day, Indy. Here are some tips on how to capture the incredible view with your phone. If you’re still hoping to watch with others, check out our events calendar for dozens of parties and festivals around the city. (WTHR)

Community

Parents, take note: The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has now implemented a curfew for kids under the age of 18 to keep them safe. Get the breakdown. (WRTV)

Watch

The Indiana Fever, who have the No. 1 overall pick in the WNBA Draft, will host a free draft party on Monday, April 15 at Bicentennial Unity Plaza starting at 5:30 p.m. The event will include food, drinks, a livestream of the draft, and activities for the whole family. (WRTV)

Try This

All aboard. Railbike excursions will debut in late May on the historic Nickel Plate line in Noblesville. Up to four passengers of all ages can ride on one of two tours. Book now. (WTHR)

Edu

Ivy Tech honors students will now be guaranteed admission into UIndy’s Ron and Laura Strain Honors College. Applicants must earn an associate degree + honors diploma from Ivy Tech and have at least a 3.3 GPA. They will also be eligible for at least $16,000 in merit scholarship money.
(WISH/Mirror Indy)

Sports

Indiana basketball needs Myles Rice. Why? Find out with the Locked On Indiana Hoosiers podcast.

Home

Did you know you could finance your fixer-upper with home equity? You could get up to $50K with a HELOC — calculate your payment.*

The Buy

The lipstick that’s more like a phenomenon: Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. You can now buy Clinique on Amazon, and the black honey lipstick has skyrocketed to the No. 1 new release in beauty and personal care.

Answered

Last week we asked, “What Indy-based social media accounts should we be following?”

INDYtoday: INDY_Treat Yourself Indy influencer St. Elmo's shrimp cocktail_APR24 — Traci of @treatyourselfindy is a pro at discovering gluten-free meals across the city.
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Photo by @treatyourselfindy

The response was overwhelming. Here are just a few accounts you recommended:

"@treatyourselfindy! She is foodie focused and is all about supporting local (eateries, bars, and even events). She also highlights places with gluten free options and has an eye for those with more food restrictions. " — Alissa B.

"@francisandfernbtq — they have the most adorable clothes, but also a lot of fun trinkets, accessories, and a section for little ones! They update socials with events going on as well.” — Sammy

"@jessicagreenartwork — local artist featured twice in the Decorators Showhouse, recently commissioned for Habitat Indy, and once a year does a scavenger hunt for free paintings. She’s the bee’s knees!” — Carolyn G.

"@everychildindiana — it’s a movement to improve lives of Hoosier kiddos and families affected by child welfare!” — Akilah W.

Check out our Instagram post for 200+ more follow recommendations from your fellow Hoosiers.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

Here’s a personal social media follow recommendation from me: @rebelheartsmovement. I’ve taken classes from most of these yogis, each with their own distinctive style and flow, and always walk away both calmed + energized. They frequently hold workshops across the city that focus on organic movement, breathwork, and meditation.

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