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Despite being known as the man behind the Fieldhouse Files, it's unclear how much time veteran sports reporter Scott Agness will spend in Gainbridge this summer.

Why it matters: The Indiana Fever's decision to revoke credentials from Indy's longest-running Fever beat writer raises questions about press access.

Driving the news: Agness said he had lost access to all Fever games and events in a Tuesday update on his Fieldhouse Files Substack.

He wrote that he was told it was due to "the spread of inaccurate and unsubstantiated information" in reference to a May 20 report about Caitlin Clark sitting out the team's win over the Portland Fire to rest her back.

As of Friday, the Substack post had garnered more than 2 million views on X, national coverage, and scores of users clashing in the comments.

Between the lines: Agness told Axios the team took issue with his tweeting that Clark's absence was part of a strategic management plan — a piece of information he said was shared with him by a trusted league source but not verified with the organization.

Head coach Stephanie White said in pregame comments that Clark was healthy and the team was not "managing anything," with the decision meant to give her more time to return from lingering back issues.

Agness wrote that his goal was to provide clarity around Clark's status and let concerned fans know she wasn't dealing with any new injuries after missing all but 13 games last season. 

The other side: A Fever spokesperson declined to comment to ESPN on the specifics of the team's situation with Agness, adding the decision was not reflective of a broader media policy. 

The Fever and the WNBA have not responded to Axios' requests for comment.

Zoom out: The Professional Basketball Writers Association issued a statement Wednesday in support of Agness.

"The PBWA objects in the strongest possible terms to any reporter losing access for the act of reporting," the statement read. "Any effort to prevent reporters from doing the work of informing the public reflects poorly on any team and league which attempts to do so, and runs contrary to the best interests of all involved, most of all the public."

What's next: Agness, who has covered the Fever since 2013 and has a connection to Gainbridge Fieldhouse dating back to his days as a ball boy in the mid-aughts when it was Conseco, is still on the beat.

The last word: "This is what I think about when I wake up. This is what I think about when I go to bed," Agness told Axios. "I hope there is a resolution. But I see no reason why I should let this get in my way and keep me from doing the job that I have done for the last decade plus."

Revoked Indiana Fever credentials raise questions about press access

Independent reporter Scott Agness of the Fieldhouse Files has lost team access.

Illustration of a question mark that is textured like a basketball. 

Despite being known as the man behind the Fieldhouse Files, it&#x27;s unclear how much time veteran sports reporter Scott Agness will spend in Gainbridge this summer.Why it matters: The Indiana Fever&#x27;s decision to revoke credentials from Indy&#x27;s longest-running Fever beat writer <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raises questions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/pacers/comments/1tv388g/scott_agness_says_he_has_had_his_credentialed/" data-vars-content-id="50cbd76f-0b73-44be-822a-5ce86afad486" data-vars-headline="Revoked Indiana Fever credentials raise questions about press access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/pacers/comments/1tv388g/scott_agness_says_he_has_had_his_credentialed/" target="_blank">raises questions</a> about press access.

News

Sports

The ongoing reclamation of Richard G. Lugar Plaza after years of hardship is ramping up this summer with programming designed to bring buzz back to Indy's newest park.

Why it matters: Unlike changes that aim to make Indianapolis a more attractive tourist destination, Lugar Plaza's revitalization is focused on creating a better experience for denizens who depend on downtown daily.

Driving the news: Since mid-May, the free Spring Into Lugar events have brought food trucks, games and live music to the plaza just outside the Indianapolis City-County Building from 11am-1pm every Tuesday-Thursday and other special occasions.

Downtown Indy Alliance, in partnership with Big Car Collaborative and Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is presenting the new lunchtime activities alongside the returning Spark on the Circle as part of its summer 2026 offerings.

Flashback: Named in honor of the man who served as Indianapolis mayor from 1968 to 1976 before spending 36 years representing Indiana as a U.S. senator, Lugar Plaza opened to fanfare in 2018 in the heart of a dense and active downtown.

Yes, but: The pandemic and the office space exodus that came with it hit the plaza hard.

Underuse gave way to a new reputation as a loitering spot where drug use and crime were common, due to public safety incidents like a mass overdose in the plaza that sent six people to the hospital in February.

State of play: Later that month, Lugar Plaza was officially designated as a city park, bringing clearer rules on hours, alcohol and behavior — along with increased police patrols and enforcement.

Sunny urban plaza with tall glass towers, green trees, and a white canopy. People sit at tables while police officers walk in the foreground.

IMPD officers keep an eye on Lugar Plaza during a new Spring Into Lugar event. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios

Zoom in: Local leaders are keeping frustrations from downtown residents and workers in mind as they work to rehab the space, Downtown Indy Alliance president and CEO Taylor Schaffer told Axios.

"In 2018, 2019, it was their favorite place to go have lunch. And then, with the pandemic and some of the challenges that occurred in and around that plaza, it just didn't feel welcoming. It didn't feel safe," she said.

That feeling is part of why Spring Into Lugar launched a few weeks earlier than Spark and other downtown programming.

"We wanted to be able to wrap our arms around that as quickly as possible to provide that amenity for workers to breathe life into that space that really is so beautiful," she said. "And do it with an eye toward active management."

The latest: During this week's three-day slate of programming, the downtown lunch crowd provided the bulk of the foot traffic.

Chess games broke out on provided boards while office workers moved their badges to the side to play cornhole during food truck Tuesday.

Passers-by stopped in for impromptu games of giant Jenga and Connect Four on Wednesday.

Local musician Hey Judy Liu played covers and original songs, providing Thursday's promised live music.

A female guitarist sings into a microphone on an outdoor stage under a purple canopy, with guitar, music stand, and gear on the platform in front of a modern glass building.

Hey Judy Liu sings on a stage set up outside the Indianapolis City-County Council Building entrance during Spring Into Lugar on Thursday. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios

Plus: The music returned to Lugar Thursday night for an Indiana Fever pregame party called Game Day Beats presented by HOT 100.9.

If you go: Don't expect a gathering that screams downtown block party.

From a glance, the crowds that trickle in and out between the CCB and IndyGo's Julia M. Carson Transit Center across the street may look like just another day in the plaza.

Schaffer and others know this is the first step in what could be a long journey for Lugar Plaza, and there are already plans to keep the momentum going when summer ends.

"Take that first step, and then build with each month," she said. "See what's working. See what people are responding to ... I think allows us to be really creative."

Large blue sign reads "Lugar Plaza is OPEN" with yellow shapes; behind it, an open plaza with a white pergola, green trees, and scattered blue tables and chairs with people sitting.

A view of the plaza. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios

Breathing new life into Lugar Plaza

An effort to shift the energy around the troubled downtown space is ramping up this summer.

Outdoor stage under a purple canopy; a female guitarist sings into a mic while a diverse audience sits at colorful chairs around tables, with trees and city buildings in the background.

Local musician Hey Judy Liu plays while people have lunch and play cornhole in Lugar Plaza Thursday afternoon. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios

The ongoing reclamation of Richard G. Lugar Plaza <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="after years of hardship" data-vars-click-url="https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/city-reclaiming-lugar-plaza-for-lunchtime-crowds/" data-vars-content-id="adf1c878-afa9-4b8d-a35b-b0c1874e2c14" data-vars-headline="Breathing new life into Lugar Plaza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/city-reclaiming-lugar-plaza-for-lunchtime-crowds/" target="_blank">after years of hardship</a> is ramping up this summer with programming designed to bring buzz back to Indy&#x27;s newest park.Why it matters: Unlike changes that aim to make Indianapolis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a more attractive tourist destination" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/07/indiana-convention-center-expansion-gen-con-tourism" data-vars-content-id="adf1c878-afa9-4b8d-a35b-b0c1874e2c14" data-vars-headline="Breathing new life into Lugar Plaza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/07/indiana-convention-center-expansion-gen-con-tourism" target="_self">a more attractive tourist destination</a>, Lugar Plaza&#x27;s revitalization is focused on creating a better experience for denizens <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="who depend on downtown daily" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/30/state-of-downtown-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="adf1c878-afa9-4b8d-a35b-b0c1874e2c14" data-vars-headline="Breathing new life into Lugar Plaza" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/30/state-of-downtown-indianapolis" target="_self">who depend on downtown daily</a>.

Development

From singing mermaids to Declaration of Independence-stealing movie stars, the 2026 Indiana Comic Convention lineup covers a lot more than just capes and cowls.

Why it matters: The three-day event is one of the Indiana Convention Center's biggest annual attractions, and this year's bash is expected to draw more than 30,000 fans.

Between the lines: "Comic" is on the marquee, but the convention this weekend celebrates the stars of film, television, music, comedy, gaming and more.

Plus: Local enthusiasts who dream of breaking into the industry can level up via interactive workshops focused on things like fantasy writing, content creation and making cosplays.

Here are five Indiana Comic Con highlights for convention returnees and first-timers.

The intrigue: One of Hollywood's most recognizable (and memeable) movie stars will be in attendance Saturday and Sunday on the heels of his warmly received turn as a live-action webslinger in Amazon's "Spider-Noir" series.

The intrigue: The OG voice of Ariel in Disney's "The Little Mermaid" will keep a full schedule, giving fans 10 opportunities to meet and chat about her career across all three days of the show.

The intrigue: Also known as "The Demon," the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame bassist and co-lead singer of Kiss will hang out on Celebrity Row and offer photo ops on Saturday and Sunday.

🎒 Hang out in detention with Anthony Michael Hall

The intrigue: One of John Hughes' favorite collaborators will bring the nostalgia with insight about his roles in movies like "Sixteen Candles," "The Breakfast Club" and "Weird Science."

The intrigue: There's no telling what might happen when pro wrestling icon and former Indy 500 Snake Pit host Ric Flair starts swapping stories on the convention floor.

If you go: Indiana Comic Con runs Friday through Sunday at the Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave.

The show is open 11am-10pm Friday, 9am-10pm Saturday, and 9am-5pm Sunday.

Daily passes for Friday and Sunday start at $35, and a daily pass for Saturday begins at $49. Three-day general admission is $68.

Celebrity photo ops and other special events have individual pricing that can be found here.

Icons headline Indiana Comic Con 2026 lineup

From singing mermaids to Declaration of Independence-stealing movie stars, the 2026 Indiana Comic Con has it all.

Nicolas Cage and Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," are among this year's celebrity guests. Photos: Kristina Bumphrey/Getty Images and Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images

From singing mermaids to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Declaration of Independence-stealing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStGVHBNRXo" data-vars-content-id="b15f22a1-5a6e-4b66-b20d-d26ef36f0ffb" data-vars-headline="Icons headline Indiana Comic Con 2026 lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fStGVHBNRXo" target="_blank">Declaration of Independence-stealing</a> movie stars, the 2026 Indiana Comic Convention lineup covers a lot more than just capes and cowls.Why it matters: The three-day event is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana Convention Center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/07/indiana-convention-center-expansion-gen-con-tourism" data-vars-content-id="b15f22a1-5a6e-4b66-b20d-d26ef36f0ffb" data-vars-headline="Icons headline Indiana Comic Con 2026 lineup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/07/indiana-convention-center-expansion-gen-con-tourism" target="_self">Indiana Convention Center</a>&#x27;s biggest annual attractions, and this year&#x27;s bash is expected to draw more than 30,000 fans.

Things to Do

Even with May in the rearview, Indy isn't done racing.

Zoom in: The "greatest spectacle in rubber duck racing" returns to the Broad Ripple Canal when the annual Broad Ripple Duck Race gets quackin' Saturday morning.

Before the race, participating humans can do some racing of their own during a 5K and fun run through Broad Ripple Village.

Yes, but: Forget the moisture-wicking shirts. Instead, attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest duck gear.

Plus: Free children's activities will happen from 9am-1pm on the Rainbow Bridge, overlooking the Broad Ripple Canal on Guilford Avenue.

If you go: The 5K and festival starts at 9am. The duck race starts at 12:30pm.

5K and fun run registration is $35 for adults and $20 for kids 15 and under.

Prices go up to $40 for adults and $25 for kids on Saturday.

🎉 Kick off Block Party season with live music, food and games during a free bash Eiteljorg Museum, 3-7pm Friday.

🌈 Celebrate the art of Indy-based LGBTQ+ creators during the opening reception of the free Pride & Joy community art show, 6-8pm Friday at The Athenaeum's Christel DeHaan ArtSpace.

🎵 Hear beautiful harmonies in Riverside Park when the Indianapolis Men's Chorus presents the free Pride on the Lawn show, 7pm Friday.

🎬 Experience an evening of storytelling and inspiration with actress Jenifer Lewis at the historic Walker Theatre, 7pm Friday.

🎭 Help the Gregory Hancock Dance Theatre close its season with a presentation of "Antony and Cleopatra" at The Tarkington in Carmel, 7pm Friday and 5pm Saturday.

🛍️ Shop till you drop at the annual Woodruff Place Flea Market, 8am-5pm Saturday and 10am-5pm Sunday.

✊🏿 Celebrate Juneteenth early at the Children's Museum of Indianapolis during the free Juneteenth Jamboree event, 10am-5pm Saturday.

🌳 Join the Indianapolis Bonsai Club as it showcases its specimens at Garfield Park Conservatory and Gardens, 10am-5pm Saturday and 1-5pm Sunday.

Tickets are $7 per person and $15 per family.

🚘 Hit the hydraulics and bounce over to the Indianapolis Lowrider Supershow at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, 11am-6pm Saturday.

🥃 Head to Fortville for the annual Mash Bash at Moon Drops Distillery, noon Saturday.

🍷 Try some award-winning wines and enjoy live music when Groovin' in the Garden returns for a 22nd season at Easley Winery, 2pm Saturday.

🍻 Blend beer and history Saturday at the annual History on Tap event at Conner Prairie.

$75 early admission starts at 4pm; $60 general admission starts at 5pm.

🏀 See Indiana's top high school basketball players face their Kentucky counterparts during an All-Star doubleheader at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 5pm Saturday.

🤫 Go to a secret stand-up comedy show with a mystery headliner when Helium Comedy Club presents Stand Up Confidential, 7 and 9:30pm Saturday.

Your weekend plans: Broad Ripple Duck Race, Pride Month, secret stand-up and more

The "greatest spectacle in rubber duck racing" returns to the Broad Ripple Canal.

Photo: Creative Touch Imaging/Getty Images

Even with May in the rearview, Indy isn&#x27;t done racing.Zoom in: The &quot;greatest spectacle in rubber duck racing&quot; returns to the Broad Ripple Canal when the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broad Ripple Duck Race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.broadrippleindy.org/broad-ripple-duck-race/" data-vars-content-id="d72e148d-0b99-4f20-a6c2-a51bd6aa545f" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Broad Ripple Duck Race, Pride Month, secret stand-up and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.broadrippleindy.org/broad-ripple-duck-race/" target="_blank">Broad Ripple Duck Race</a> gets quackin&#x27; Saturday morning.

Meet Kyng Rhodes, a prolific Indy visual artist on the rise who will add two more major accomplishments to his resume this month.

The inspo: A member of the Eighteen Art Collective formed amid pandemic-era protests, Rhodes says the essence of his work is "bold and captivating colors" that reflect the emotions that inspire him as he creates.

His pieces often include spiritual undercurrents that invite viewers to take a journey of self-discovery and introspection.

Zoom in: Since helping craft the Black Lives Matter mural on historic Indiana Avenue in summer 2020, Rhodes has taken part in two dozen different exhibitions, including every edition of GANGGANG's BUTTER Fine Art Fair.

He's also created pieces for Indy's turn hosting the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials, the arrival of the WWE Royal Rumble and honoring the history of the Indiana Pacers.

What he's making now: Fans who have followed his work will have the chance to chat with him about his process Friday night at Gallery 924 during the opening of his next solo exhibition.

Called "Let There Be Light," the exhibition runs through July 23 and draws on the concept of "divine light" as a recurring symbol.

The opening reception runs from 6-9pm Friday.

Plus: On June 11 at 6pm, Newfields will celebrate the opening of "The Source," a community exhibition in the museum's Waller Gallery organized and curated by Rhodes.

Check him out: On his website or Instagram.

Meet The Maker: Kyng Rhodes

Meet a prolific Indy visual artist with a growing list of accomplishments.

Gallery scene with people viewing colorful art: left a portrait of a boy in overalls against blue and yellow; center a smiling man in a black shirt with a badge; others watch, with more murals in the back.

Artist Kyng Rhodes speaks to attendees during the 2024 BUTTER Fine Art Fair. Photo: Justin L. Mack/Axios

Meet Kyng Rhodes, a prolific Indy visual artist on the rise who will add two more major accomplishments to his resume this month.The inspo: A member of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eighteen Art Collective" data-vars-click-url="https://www.18artcollective.com/artcollectivellc" data-vars-content-id="d788b42d-edc1-44b3-a165-017c0377d739" data-vars-headline="Meet The Maker: Kyng Rhodes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.18artcollective.com/artcollectivellc" target="_blank">Eighteen Art Collective</a> formed amid pandemic-era protests, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rhodes says" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kyngrhodes.com/about" data-vars-content-id="d788b42d-edc1-44b3-a165-017c0377d739" data-vars-headline="Meet The Maker: Kyng Rhodes" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kyngrhodes.com/about" target="_blank">Rhodes says</a> the essence of his work is &quot;bold and captivating colors&quot; that reflect the emotions that inspire him as he creates.

Justin L. Mack

Featured stories

Revoked Indiana Fever credentials raise questions about press access

Breathing new life into Lugar Plaza

Your weekend plans: Broad Ripple Duck Race, Pride Month, secret stand-up and more

Meet The Maker: Kyng Rhodes

Icons headline Indiana Comic Con 2026 lineup