This year marks 60 years since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 legislation changed who could come to America.

Now, local leaders gathered in Indianapolis to celebrate its impact, especially on Indiana’s growing Asian American and Pacific Islander population.

Before 1965, immigration from Asia was almost entirely banned, but during the civil rights era, the new Act replaced a quota system and opened the door for families to build their lives in Indiana.

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May is a time to recognize the rich history, culture and contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

Thursday was the start Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Dr. Albert Chen is not only a successful entrepreneur, he’s also a community builder. “You just have a determination and passion, and don’t be afraid to fail. During that period of 20 to 30 years, I probably failed several times. Fail just to get back up,” he told News 8.

Chen founded Carmel-based Telamon Corp., a provider of solutions for telecommunications networks, in 1985. At the time, Asian American leadership in Indiana’s corporate space was rare. That’s something he set out to change by just giving entrepreneurship a try.

Chen also founded Indiana’s Asian American Alliance Inc. in 1999. Since then, he’s seen the Asian population grow, especially in suburban neighborhoods like Carmel. “You don’t see any leadership for Asian Americans, so I thought there should be an organization that trains Asian American’s how to be a leader in this community.”

The nonprofit alliance offers leadership development programs and events designed to develop those skills, promote cultural heritage, and build a more cohesive community. He’s excited to see how the organization grows in the future and hopes to expand on volunteer services. “Train the younger generation to have the ambition to become a leader, particularly in public service.”

Nowadays, Chen is focused on the future. He has written a book hoping to inspire young Asian American leaders to build their own foundations. “I want them to become financially independent, and maybe this is a good route to become an entrepreneur, and establish your long-term reward.”

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Known for hosting Final Fours and legendary auto races, Indianapolis continues to solidify its status as a national sports hub.

But as the city gears up for a packed 2025 calendar, including the WNBA All-Star Game, leaders say the sports scene is doing more than drawing crowds. It’s also paving new paths for young women.

WISH-TV contributor and former NFL player Emil Ekiyor joined News 8 at 5 p.m. Wednesday for a conversation, speaking about an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of female leaders through sports.

Ekiyor said the timing aligns perfectly with broader national conversations about women’s sports and representation in leadership roles.

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As Indiana’s legislative session nears its end, environmental advocates are taking stock of the impact new policies may have on the state’s air, land, and water. With Earth Month underway, the focus is shifting to how state lawmakers’ decisions will affect Hoosiers and the environment in the years to come.

Sam Carpenter, executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council, joined News 8’s Wednesday Midday newscast for a conversation, and to weigh in on the legislature’s performance.

An executive order from Gov. Mike Braun aims to recover rare earth elements from coal, a move Braun said was driven by a desire to reduce dependence on China for these critical materials used in smartphones, electric vehicles, and other technologies.

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An urgent situation is unfolding across Marion County as thousands of high school seniors prepare to graduate in just two months, raising questions about what comes next for the Class of 2025, and for the broader community, as a result. WISH-TV contributor Emil Ekiyor, who is also the CEO of InnoPower, noted that many students are at a crossroads, unsure of their next steps after graduation.

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Sparking discussion to ignite change, that’s the goal of the Indiana Youth Institute’s 2025 Kids Count Data Book.

The data, released in mid-February at the Statehouse, outlines trends affecting kids in Indiana. From health and education to economic stability and family support, the report paints a detailed picture of what life looks like for Hoosier kids.

The report ranks Indiana 27th in the United States for overall child well-being.

The data also found, in Marion County, that access to exercise opportunities is at 91% compared to 76% statewide.

The report also saw a decrease in substance abuse for students in grades 7-12.

But, Marion County’s youths still face challenges. One of the biggest is mental health, a problem that increased during the pandemic.

Indiana Youth Institute plans to travel to other regions of Indiana to present local data about kids to community leaders and advocates.

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A new facility opening in Indianapolis is offering a different kind of support for children with autism.

UNIFI Autism Care is putting the finishing touches on a new facility in Indianapolis, introducing what they call a “whole-child approach” that goes beyond traditional therapy.

The facility will bring together doctors, therapists, educators and other healthcare providers.

The new center will be opening in Broad Ripple. UNIFI has two other locations in Evansville and South Bend.

UNIFI Autism Care is expected to open its doors in May.

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