Kara Kenney

Indianapolis

Investigative Reporter at WRTV-TV (Indianapolis, IN)

Emmy & Murrow award winning reporter @wrtv in Indy. Mother of 2. IU grad. Named 2017 Best Reporter by Associated Press. Former SPJ Journalist of the Year.

Articles

"Disgusted by the whole thing": Ex-Hogsett campaign staffer on meeting and investigation

2 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS — A woman who accused Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s former Chief of Staff of sexual harassment is calling for the City-County Council to take action. Law enforcement forcibly removed Lauren Roberts at Monday night’s council meeting after council president Vop Osili said she had used her allotted time to speak. “I’m just disgusted by the whole thing,” said Roberts on Thursday. “It was just very upsetting.”Roberts sat down with WRTV on Thursday.
Fraud, mistakes cost Medicare an estimated $60 Billion a year

2 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS— Fraud, mistakes and abuse cost Medicare an estimated $60 billion each year. This week marks Medicare Fraud Prevention Week, and WRTV Investigates has learned several types of Medicare fraud are making the rounds in Indiana including:Genetic testing stripsRemote patient monitoringDurable medical equipment fraudNancy Moore, director of Indiana Senior Medicare Patrol, says bad actors steal Medicare numbers on the dark web.
Dozens of Indiana state employees receive layoff notices as budget cuts take effect

2 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS — Dozens of state employees received notice this week they’re out of a job. WRTV Investigates has learned the Braun Administration has eliminated at least 131 positions from numerous state agencies. State workers in education and commerce are among those facing layoffs. Impacted staff were notified yesterday of a Reduction in Force (RIF), according to Courtney Bearsch, a spokesperson at the Indiana Department of Education.
“Substantial development”: State issues cease and desist to Jack’s Donuts CEO

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

HENRY COUNTY— The Indiana Secretary of State’s Securities Commissioner has issued a cease and desist order to the CEO of Jack’s Donuts, aimed at preventing him from offering and selling securities to investors. Financial securities typically refer to an investment such as a stock, bond or note. “A financial security is an instrument that provides investors claims on future cash flows,” Steven Sibley, an associate chair of finance graduate programs at the IU Kelley School of Business.
Where does the Hoosier lottery money go? The answer might surprise you

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS — The Hoosier Lottery brought in a near-record $1.7 billion in sales in fiscal year 2024. A chunk of that money goes back to the State of Indiana, but where it ends up might surprise you. Education, roads: Many lottery players believe money goes to help schools and potholesAt Silver Express on West 10th Street, it’s an endless stream of customers buying lottery tickets. “You can’t win it if you’re not in it,” said player Lisa Mattingly.
Prosecutors re-file murder charges in 2006 death of Chad Rouse

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

HOWARD COUNTY, Ind.— Howard County prosecutors have re-filed murder charges against a man accused of killing Chad Rouse in 2006. Prosecutors re-filed the charges against Kevin Maddox last week and on May 30, a judge issued an arrest warrant with bond set at $300,000. As of June 2, the warrant remains active, and law enforcement continues to search for Maddox. WRTV Investigates left a message for Maddox’s attorney and we are still waiting to hear back.
Online law school gaining traction as solution to Indiana's attorney shortage

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS— Abby Strehle is a Greenwood nurse and mother with a side interest— the law. “It was always lingering in the background,” said Strehle of the law. Strehle could not give up evenings for a traditional law school, so instead, she attended law school online through Purdue Global. “It was logistically the only option for me,” said Strehle. After years of hard work, Strehle took the Indiana bar exam in February and passed. “It was relief and joy,” said Strehle.
Audit: Ex-trustee racked up $1.1M in personal expenses on township credit card

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

COLUMBUS — The former Columbus Township Trustee used the township credit to rack up $1.1 million in personal expenses, including alcohol, meals, groceries, home improvement, cannabis, travel and school tuition, according to an audit just released by the Indiana State Board of Accounts (SBOA). Benjamin P. Jackson served as the trustee from July 1, 2013, until he resigned on November 22, 2024, amid an investigation by Indiana State Police and SBOA. No criminal charges have been filed against Jackson.
Man gets 16-year prison sentence for battering girlfriend's son

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

HOWARD COUNTY — A judge sentenced a Lafayette man to 16 years in prison for battering his girlfriend’s son. Howard County Judge Lynn Murray sentenced Jeramie Jennings to 16 years in the Indiana Department of Corrections. Last month, a jury convicted Jennings of Battery Resulting in Bodily Injury (where person is under the age of 14) as well as Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Serious Injury and Neglect of a Dependent Resulting in Bodily Injury.
"Pure hell": New law aims to get foster children into safe homes more quickly

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Kara Kenney

INDIANAPOLIS — A new law will take effect July 1 aimed at reducing the amount of time children spend in the state’s child welfare system. WRTV Investigates has been telling you about new efforts to better protect children, including our special report “Kids in Our Care: Pressing for Change.”On average, children spend more than a year in the child welfare system, but it’s closer to three years for children who get adopted.