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Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears

Indiana lawmakers moved legislation Thursday to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.

Sports

Indiana lawmakers say they have reached a tentative deal with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" target="_self">Chicago Bears</a> to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.Why it matters: It would be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" target="_self">historic move</a> — for both the Bears and Northwest Indiana.

Indianapolis Clowns set to return this spring

The team that walked so that Banana Ball could run is making a big comeback.

News

The Indianapolis Clowns are back, and they&#x27;re bringing baseball history with them.Why it matters: The Banana Ball-backed revival of one of the most storied names in American sports will introduce a new generation of fans to the trailblazing blend of baseball and entertainment that blossomed in the Circle City.

Axios Indianapolis poll: Are the Bears really leaving Illinois?

The Bears are coming to Indiana! Or ... are they? Zoom in: Whether or not the tentative deal Indiana lawmakers say they have for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new Bears stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="76944e5d-aa02-4168-b4cb-16ced16d6d0d" data-vars-headline="Axios Indianapolis poll: Are the Bears really leaving Illinois?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">new Bears stadium</a> in Hammond is real depends on who you ask.<ul><li>We want to ask you!</li></ul>

YMCA financial concerns go beyond Ransburg location

It's the third location in the city that's closed since the pandemic.

When the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis closes the Ransburg location at the end of March, it will be the third location closed since the pandemic.Why it matters: A spokesperson for the YMCA told Axios that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Ransburg is closing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.change.org/p/save-the-ransburg-ymca" data-vars-content-id="e0754805-95bd-477e-93a9-70020eea0cf7" data-vars-headline="YMCA financial concerns go beyond Ransburg location" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.change.org/p/save-the-ransburg-ymca" target="_blank">Ransburg is closing</a> due to &quot;financial challenges specific to that center&quot; but an Axios Indianapolis analysis of available financial data raises more questions about the long-term financial sustainability of the organization.

New Indy bank on a mission to make a difference

Generations Community Bank hopes to become the state's first Minority Depository Institution.

Generations Community Bank is on track to become the state&#x27;s first startup bank since 2008, and Indiana&#x27;s first-ever Minority Depository Institution (MDI), early next year.Why it matters: At the heart of the effort is a desire to address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="financial inequality" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/trump-tariffs-big-beautiful-bill-wealth-gap" data-vars-content-id="be432158-5baf-47b6-8c03-0aa3d073e4cf" data-vars-headline="New Indy bank on a mission to make a difference" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/22/trump-tariffs-big-beautiful-bill-wealth-gap" target="_self">financial inequality</a> by giving <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="traditionally underserved and disproportionately underbanked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/unbanked-americans" data-vars-content-id="be432158-5baf-47b6-8c03-0aa3d073e4cf" data-vars-headline="New Indy bank on a mission to make a difference" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/unbanked-americans" target="_self">traditionally underserved and disproportionately underbanked</a> Hoosiers of color a safe place to do business.

How to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Indianapolis

Skip the big box Black Friday deals and stuff these local savings into your stocking.

Not into battling the masses for big box discounts on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Friday" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/black-friday-deals-2025-early-sales" data-vars-content-id="1c29512e-9863-4776-85a9-6d708af32fa0" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/07/black-friday-deals-2025-early-sales" target="_self">Black Friday</a>? Then consider scouring Circle City shops to secure some serious savings on Small Business Saturday.Flashback: Founded by American Express in 2010 to support entrepreneurs struggling during the economic recession, Small Business Saturday has been officially cosponsored by the U.S. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Small Business Administration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sba.gov/es/node/8843" data-vars-content-id="1c29512e-9863-4776-85a9-6d708af32fa0" data-vars-headline="How to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sba.gov/es/node/8843" target="_blank">Small Business Administration</a> since 2011.

Mahjong mania is fueling community, business in central Indiana

Meet at Mahj opened a studio and boutique in Zionsville two months ago, but is already moving into a larger space.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mahjong" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/28/mahjong-teacher-lesson" data-vars-content-id="c9ae44d3-963c-4d2e-a3c7-89a64014bedf" data-vars-headline="Mahjong mania is fueling community, business in central Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/28/mahjong-teacher-lesson" target="_self">Mahjong</a> is having a moment — it&#x27;s finding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new fans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/23/where-to-play-mahjong-in-charlotte" data-vars-content-id="c9ae44d3-963c-4d2e-a3c7-89a64014bedf" data-vars-headline="Mahjong mania is fueling community, business in central Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/07/23/where-to-play-mahjong-in-charlotte" target="_self">new fans</a> and fueling a boom in lessons, clubs and community events.The big picture: The centuries-old Chinese tile game where players draw, discard and strategize toward a winning hand has long been a cherished <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pastime" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-asian-game-of-mahjong-which-creates-order-out-of-chaos-is-trending-in-the-west-180986021/" data-vars-content-id="c9ae44d3-963c-4d2e-a3c7-89a64014bedf" data-vars-headline="Mahjong mania is fueling community, business in central Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/the-asian-game-of-mahjong-which-creates-order-out-of-chaos-is-trending-in-the-west-180986021/" target="_blank">pastime</a> — first among Asian families and later embraced by Jewish communities.

Downtown Indy's empty offices

As the Indianapolis metro celebrates an office vacancy win, progress downtown is trending in the opposite direction.

As the Indianapolis metro celebrates another office vacancy win, progress downtown is trending in the opposite direction.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vacancy rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/01/28/metro-indys-office-vacancy-rate-rises" data-vars-content-id="7fbc2784-248c-458e-957d-55baf6dc8782" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy&#x27;s empty offices" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/01/28/metro-indys-office-vacancy-rate-rises" target="_self">vacancy rates</a> are a sign that conditions post-COVID haven&#x27;t returned to &quot;normal&quot; in the heart of the city.

Indiana will pay your boss to pay you more

The new Power Up Indiana program sounds a lot like the old workforce development program.

Gov. Mike Braun announced a new workforce training program Tuesday, designed to help Hoosiers earn more money.Why it matters: Indiana&#x27;s unemployment rate of 3.6% as of last month is lower than the national average and considered &quot;full employment,&quot; meaning most Hoosiers who want a job have one, so the state is focusing on helping Hoosiers move into higher-paying jobs by funding trainings.

Indy's Signia hotel, convention center expansion reach new heights

The skyline reshaping project is ahead of schedule and already making an impact.

<figure><img alt="Hotel expansion work" height="450" id="b7266c25-7501-472b-9cb3-7c3766e9634f" src="https://images.axios.com/4XLthut6FJL_slVUKHXN60X3jzk=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/05/21/1747859334452.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Downtown is getting another building in its skyline. GIF: Courtesy of Visit Indy</figcaption></figure>Construction crews are ahead of schedule on downtown&#x27;s Indiana Convention Center expansion, the state&#x27;s first Signia by Hilton hotel and another Georgia Street remix.Why it matters: Even before completion, city leaders say, the development has helped the region&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="surging hospitality and tourism industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/06/indianapolis-tourism-record-year" data-vars-content-id="e9e5852d-4752-4438-b0f2-5b3ea2d8b48e" data-vars-headline="Indy&#x27;s Signia hotel, convention center expansion reach new heights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/06/indianapolis-tourism-record-year" target="_self">surging hospitality and tourism industry</a> secure <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new events" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/07/indiana-convention-center-expansion-gen-con-tourism" data-vars-content-id="e9e5852d-4752-4438-b0f2-5b3ea2d8b48e" data-vars-headline="Indy&#x27;s Signia hotel, convention center expansion reach new heights" 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">new events</a> while providing momentum to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="post-pandemic initiative" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indy.gov/activity/mayor-hogsetts-downtown-resiliency" data-vars-content-id="e9e5852d-4752-4438-b0f2-5b3ea2d8b48e" data-vars-headline="Indy&#x27;s Signia hotel, convention center expansion reach new heights" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indy.gov/activity/mayor-hogsetts-downtown-resiliency" target="_blank">post-pandemic initiative</a> aimed at strengthening Indianapolis&#x27; urban core.

Lilly investing $250 million in research at Purdue

It's one of the largest such agreements in the country.

Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly will invest $250 million in an eight-year research partnership with Purdue University.Why it matters: There&#x27;s a lot of uncertainty around federal research funding at the moment, so landing what could be the largest-ever agreement of its kind between private industry and a university is a big deal.

The big concerns of small businesses

As Indiana celebrates Small Business Week, the confidence of entrepreneurs is waning.

As Indiana celebrates <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Small Business Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/IndianaEDC/photos/small-business-week-in-indiana-is-the-perfect-time-to-honor-the-contributions-of/1106991824795616/?_rdr" data-vars-content-id="0e48f482-93ee-4ed3-a4f7-27a56d7294d5" data-vars-headline="The big concerns of small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/IndianaEDC/photos/small-business-week-in-indiana-is-the-perfect-time-to-honor-the-contributions-of/1106991824795616/?_rdr" target="_blank">Small Business Week</a>, the confidence of entrepreneurs across the nation is waning.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="formation and growth rates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/11/new-business-applications-indiana" data-vars-content-id="0e48f482-93ee-4ed3-a4f7-27a56d7294d5" data-vars-headline="The big concerns of small businesses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/11/new-business-applications-indiana" target="_self">formation and growth rates</a> of small businesses are strong indicators of overall economic sentiment in an area, meaning owner attitudes can cast a large shadow.

Indy hosts craft beer convention amid difficulty in industry

Industry leaders say changing attitudes and tariff uncertainty are far from a perfect brew.

The Craft Brewers Conference arrives at the Indiana Convention Center at a critical moment for the nation&#x27;s brewing business.Why it matters: The once-thriving industry struggled in 2024, posting its third consecutive year with negative growth, a trend driven by market saturation and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shifts in alcohol consumption" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/05/dry-january-na-beer-sales" data-vars-content-id="21c619e5-414c-414e-a359-d6b92eb7733f" data-vars-headline="Indy hosts craft beer convention amid difficulty in industry" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/05/dry-january-na-beer-sales" target="_self">shifts in alcohol consumption</a>, particularly among younger drinkers.

The battle behind Indy's Black business boom

Despite annual gains, the disparity between Indy's Black population and its Black-owned businesses remains vast.

As the number of new business filings climbs in Marion County, our count of Black entrepreneurs is also on the rise.Why it matters: Despite <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="annual gains" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/02/28/black-owned-business-growth-yelp" data-vars-content-id="3199611b-9c7f-4f87-9568-29181c8d9352" data-vars-headline="The battle behind Indy&#x27;s Black business boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/02/28/black-owned-business-growth-yelp" target="_self">annual gains</a> that outpace the national average, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="access and capital challenges" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/14/business-gap-diversity" data-vars-content-id="3199611b-9c7f-4f87-9568-29181c8d9352" data-vars-headline="The battle behind Indy&#x27;s Black business boom" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/14/business-gap-diversity" target="_self">access and capital challenges</a> have kept these companies from putting a dent in the disparity between Indy&#x27;s Black population and its tally of Black-owned businesses.

Axios Chicago

Anti-union language clouds Indiana's bid for a Chicago Bears stadium

Chicago

First look: Gary pitches three sites for Bears stadium

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Huntsville

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Business 🏦

Anti-union language clouds Indiana's bid for a Chicago Bears stadium

First look: Gary pitches three sites for Bears stadium

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New Indy bank on a mission to make a difference

How to celebrate Small Business Saturday in Indianapolis