Meredith Hackler

Indianapolis

Reporter at WRTV-TV (Indianapolis, IN)

Reporter at WRTV with a focus on state politics. Story💡➡️ [email protected]. Views are my own.

Articles

Thousands warned for speeding in Indiana construction zones

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Thousands of drivers have been warned after being caught speeding in a construction zone on the northeast side of Indianapolis. The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and construction workers say these warnings are having an impact. “Our office, everyone comes through our office, and we want everybody to be able to go home,” said Chad Scott, the VP of Safety, Health and Environmental Management at Milestone Contractors.
Indianapolis takes action against illegal dumping with $5 million initiative

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Illegal dumping of trash and unwanted items has plagued the city for years, but local officials are now committing to combat this issue. The city has allocated $5 million in funding to address illegal dumping, targeting areas identified by residents. Local property inspector Tilynna Francis witnesses the consequences of illegal dumping daily. “It’s widespread; I see it every single day,” she said.
Global Entrepreneurship Conference allows IU Students to showcase innovative ideas

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — The City of Indianapolis is back on the global stage, this time as a hub for entrepreneurs from around the world. The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is offering a platform for local college students to pitch their inventions and ideas to a global audience. Indiana University brought some of its brightest students to the GEC, with each project aiming to address a specific problem.
Women’s remains saved and honored during unclaimed ceremony in Marion County

3 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Doves were released into the air Monday at the end of a service held at a West Side cemetery, honoring those who have passed but have no one to remember them. Over the last four years, the Marion County Coroner's Office has conducted a ceremony to render honor and dignity to the unclaimed remains of individuals in the community.
VA Secretary Doug Collins visits Roudebush VA Medical Center

4 weeks ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — During a recent visit to the Roudebush VA Medical Center, Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins emphasized the necessity for administrative changes to improve care for veterans. Notably, Collins assured attendees that these changes will not involve laying off doctors or nurses. Since assuming office, Collins has been touring VA hospitals nationwide. He stated that he has observed various administrative inefficiencies that need to be addressed.
Indianapolis center offers 24/7 support for mental health and addiction recovery

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, the Assessment and Intervention Center in Indianapolis reaffirmed its commitment to assist those struggling with mental health and addiction issues. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the facility aims to provide support to individuals in crisis. "I remember I slept here,” said Dwayne Miller, a former visitor who credits the center with helping him achieve sobriety three years ago.
USDA approves Indiana Governor’s request to restrict SNAP purchases

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved a request from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, which will stop SNAP beneficiaries from using their benefits to purchase sugary drinks and candy starting January 1, 2026. The Ross Foundation, located on the far East Side of Indianapolis, regularly holds food pantries offering fresh fruits and vegetables to the community.
Meals on Wheels Marks Successful First Year of NO Limits to Recovery Program

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Meals on Wheels is making a difference in the lives of individuals recovering from substance abuse through a new program called NO Limits to Recovery. Graduates of the program emphasize that the meals provided were vital to their sobriety. The program delivers 10 meals each week to individuals in their first 90 days of recovery. For Matthew Hopkins, a graduate of the program, these meals helped him reach milestones.
Le Mans joins forces with Indianapolis in Sister Cities partnership

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Le Mans has officially joined 10 other cities in the Sister Cities International program, fostering a partnership aimed at economic growth and cultural exchange between two iconic racing capitals. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett hailed the agreement, recognizing the shared significance of the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. "There are not many races that rival the Indianapolis 500 in notoriety or fame, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans is certainly one of them," Hogsett said.
Indiana Medicaid and SNAP advocates react to Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’

1 month ago | wrtv.com | Meredith Hackler

INDIANAPOLIS — Members of the U.S. House of Representatives completed an all-nighter that culminated in the passage of President Trump’s so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” early this morning. The bill, which passed by a single vote, now moves to the Senate for consideration. The legislation extends Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, lifts the federal tax on tips and overtime and allocates nearly $50 billion to resume construction of the border wall.