The stories that shaped Indianapolis in 2025
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For better or worse, this last year was a newsy one in Indianapolis.
The big picture: Before we move on to 2026, let's take a look at some of the stories, people and moments that shaped 2025.
- Here are Axios Indianapolis' picks for the biggest stories of the year.
👎 Redistricting failure
It brought Vice President JD Vance to town twice and put Indiana squarely in President Trump's crosshairs.
- It also brought out the worst in far too many people, on both sides of the issue — those who threatened, intimated and tried to bully lawmakers into supporting (or opposing) the measure.
Why it matters: Trump was incensed when the Senate voted down the measure and threatened consequences for not falling in line.
What we're watching: Trump could exact his revenge in myriad ways.
- There's that USDA hub that was supposed to locate here, bringing hundreds of new federal workers.
- We need federal approval for changes to our Medicaid expansion program, and there's that discretionary half of the new rural health fund.
What's next: Statehouse leaders have said they'll end the legislative session, which reconvenes in January, early to make up for the cost of bringing lawmakers this year to consider redistricting.
🏠 Property tax reforms
Congratulations! Next year's property tax bill will (probably) be lower.
Catch up quick: Rising home values over the last several years were driving up property tax bills, putting pressure on cash-strapped homeowners.
- Gov. Mike Braun told Axios he heard so much about the issue while campaigning in 2024 that he "couldn't avoid it."
- He signed Senate Enrolled Act 1 into law in April, which gives the average homeowner a $300 credit toward their next property tax bill — reducing bills year-over-year for two-thirds of homeowners — and includes new credits for veterans and seniors, saving Hoosiers an estimated $1 billion over the next three years.
Yes, but: Those dollars went to local units of government, like cities, towns, schools and libraries.
- Teachers are taking pay cuts, libraries are struggling and cities are looking at eliminating departments.
🏫 IPS overhaul
Perhaps it's recency bias, but the remaking of school governance in Center Township feels like a story that's just getting started and will change the city for years.
Catch up quick: In exchange for letting Indianapolis Public Schools continue to exist, state lawmakers ordered a city-led group to find ways to create more efficient sharing of resources between the district and the charter schools operating within its boundaries.
The latest: Recommendations include a new governing body to oversee transportation, facilities, enrollment and property taxes.
What's next: A bill is being drafted to implement the recommendations, something the Indiana General Assembly will take up in January.
🏈 Indianapolis Colts
Indy lost a giant this year when Colts owner and philanthropist Jim Irsay died in May.
Catch up quick: His passing ushered in a new era for the team as his daughters took the reins.
- Carlie Irsay-Gordon became a national figure, and the Colts were on their way to their best season.
- Then, QB Daniel Jones suffered an Achilles tear and the dream season turned into a nightmare.
The latest: They face a must-win game Monday against the 49ers to stay in playoff contention.
🎓 Indiana University drama
The year started with Braun quickly and quietly taking over the IU Board of Trustees, placing several conservative voices on the board charged with managing the famously progressive university.
Driving the news: It's ending with a lawsuit alleging the university interfered with the student newspaper when it ended its print editions and fired its adviser.
- In between, President Pam Whitten was accused of plagiarism, the school was once again ranked one of the worst in the country for free speech and a documentary was made "chronicling the systematic destruction of a world-class university, and the politically motivated culture war against its faculty over a two-year period."
Yes, but: IU football is a whole different story.
🦬 Hoo-hoo-hoo HOOSIERS!
Who would've thunk it — IU is a football school.
Driving the ball: The Hoosiers are the best football team in the country. They've got Heismendoza! And the best coach in the country — again!
What we're watching: Hopefully, the Hoosiers continue to roll through opponents on their way to a national championship.
- First comes the Rose Bowl, where IU will face Alabama at 4pm on New Year's Day.
👀 Calls for Mayor Joe Hogsett's resignation
One of the biggest stories of last year continued to make waves through 2025.
Why it matters: Some local leaders say mounting criticism of Hogsett's handling of sexual harassment allegations made by former campaign and city staffers against Thomas Cook — plus questions about Hogsett's behavior — impacted the mayor's ability to do his job.
The latest: Hogsett has stayed firm in his stance that he wouldn't leave office, despite multiple City-County Councilors calling for him to do so.
What we're watching: The next mayoral race is in 2027, and Hogsett isn't expected to run again, but some local leaders with close ties to him, including councilor Vop Osili, are and the culture inside City Hall will certainly be part of the campaign conversation.
🚍 The Purple Line
In its first full year of operation, IndyGo's Purple Line connecting the far east side to downtown has become the city's most popular route.
🩼 Hali Hurtin'
On the list of crappy, unfair things that happened this year … this one's gotta be near the top.
What happened: Do we really need to rehash it?
What's next: Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is out for the season, continuing to recover from his devastating Achilles tear (and planning a wedding).
- Here's hoping we see him back on the court this time next year.
- In the meantime, we can take solace in Fever star Caitlin Clark being back to 100% after her own injury-plagued season.