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Nexstar-Tegna deal raises stakes for Indy TV news

To make the largest local broadcast company in the country, local news markets are getting smaller.

News

A massive broadcast merger with sweeping implications for Indianapolis returns to court Tuesday just days after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a separate acquisition rocked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2026/04/02/wrtv-staff-laid-off-while-producing-evening-news/89438256007/" data-vars-content-id="bfc674ca-d9fa-4e95-a7b7-0282f748aabb" data-vars-headline="Nexstar-Tegna deal raises stakes for Indy TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2026/04/02/wrtv-staff-laid-off-while-producing-evening-news/89438256007/" target="_blank">a separate acquisition rocked</a> one of the city&#x27;s major newsrooms.Why it matters: Indy residents could soon rely on just two companies—Nexstar-Tegna and Circle City Broadcasting — for most local TV news, raising concerns about competition and editorial independence.

City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting

Gibson has been out front in support of the Metrobloks data center in Martindale-Brightwood.

City-County Council Ron Gibson said he stands by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his support for a data center" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45046635.115/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL25ld3NsZXR0ZXJzL2F4aW9zLWluZGlhbmFwb2xpcy1jODcyYjE2My04NGZhLTRjNjItYmM3MC04YWY5ODViNTdhZDAuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2luZGlhbmFwb2xpcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/638e43b32f2230f266011b44Bfc576180" data-vars-content-id="988593e0-1c88-405f-900c-fbdf736fc634" data-vars-headline="City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45046635.115/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL25ld3NsZXR0ZXJzL2F4aW9zLWluZGlhbmFwb2xpcy1jODcyYjE2My04NGZhLTRjNjItYmM3MC04YWY5ODViNTdhZDAuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2luZGlhbmFwb2xpcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/638e43b32f2230f266011b44Bfc576180" target="_self">his support for a data center</a> in the historic Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, despite what he calls a &quot;targeted attack&quot; on his home Monday morning.Why it matters: Opposition to data center projects throughout Marion County has been widespread and staunch, but this is the first time it has turned violent.

Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains

The pandemic triggered a shift in how people work. But some parts of our metro are bucking the trend.

Companies in downtown Indianapolis and other major U.S. cities don&#x27;t require as much office space these days.Why it matters: The pandemic triggered a fundamental shift in how people work. But some parts of our metro are bucking the trend.The latest: National vacancy rates hit a record high in the first three months of the year, per data Moody&#x27;s shared exclusively with Axios.By the numbers: 21% of the office space across 79 markets in the U.S., mostly cities, was vacant in the first quarter — up from 17% in 2020.<ul><li>Even after a strong push by employers for employees to return to the office, workers spend about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a quarter" data-vars-click-url="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFHCOVIDMATQUESTION" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFHCOVIDMATQUESTION" target="_blank">a quarter</a> of their workdays away from the office — compared to 7% in January 2020.</li></ul>Zoom in: After adding 244,000 square feet of occupancy to close out 2025, Indianapolis&#x27; central business district lost 203,000 square feet in the first three months of 2026, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per JLL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/market-dynamics/indianapolis-office" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/market-dynamics/indianapolis-office" target="_blank">per JLL</a>.<ul><li>Most of that loss came from IU Health vacating its office space at Landmark Center as services are consolidated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the new medical campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/24/iu-health-downtown-hospital-construction" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/24/iu-health-downtown-hospital-construction" target="_self">the new medical campus</a> being built along 16th Street.</li></ul>Yes, but: The Indy suburbs had a very different quarter, posting occupancy growth of 357,000 square feet, per JLL.<ul><li>That&#x27;s more than the suburbs added in all of 2025 and marks the strongest single-quarter of growth since 2018.</li><li>Carmel&#x27;s growth came about when Republic Airways moved from Indy&#x27;s northwest side to a $200 million corporate headquarters along North Meridian Street. </li><li>In Keystone, growth centered on multiple tenants taking occupancy of at least 10,000 square feet in office parks including Lakefront at Keystone, Keystone at the Crossing and Woodland Center.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Mike Cagna, senior research manager for JLL, said downtown should see gains soon as the city&#x27;s embrace of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office conversions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/06/downtown-indianapolis-empty-offices-vacancy-rate" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/06/downtown-indianapolis-empty-offices-vacancy-rate" target="_self">office conversions</a> continues. <ul><li>&quot;This quarter, work began to convert the top seven floors of Capital Center South Tower into a Moxy Hotel by Marriott. Later this year, Circle Tower will undergo a similar conversion to an AC by Marriott,&quot; he said in a statement. </li><li>&quot;These two conversions will remove nearly 200,000 square feet of vacant office space from the market.&quot;</li></ul>State of play: Although the return-to-office trend was real, plenty of people still work remotely or on hybrid schedules.<ul><li>That means office spaces have shrunk — continuing a pre-pandemic shift in which employers leaned toward collaborative workspaces, with fewer cubicles and personal offices, Moody&#x27;s says.</li></ul>Follow the money: The slowing labor market and questions over how the AI transition will shake out are also holding back demand for offices.

Indiana researchers study the potential of AI-powered health care

AI and robotics could make medical care safer, faster and more accessible. But not without obstacles.

A new Indianapolis-based center is bringing together top researchers to test whether AI and robotics can transform medical care.Why it matters: AI-powered care could make medicine safer, faster and more accessible — but only if researchers can solve major technical, ethical and cost challenges.

Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push

Conservative state leaders are changing their strategy on politics in schools to promote Turning Point groups.

Several years ago, Indiana&#x27;s GOP leadership was focused on removing political ideology from the state&#x27;s schools, but it backs a partnership with the conservative Turning Point USA.The big picture: Earlier this month, Indiana became the eighth state to partner with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Turning Point USA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" data-vars-content-id="75d42808-358c-4e44-80d0-a82c305d16a8" data-vars-headline="Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" target="_self">Turning Point USA</a>, endorsing its Club America initiative.

Business school a key part of Purdue's Indy strategy

The goal is to eventually offer all business school programs at the Indy campus.

Purdue&#x27;s Indianapolis expansion continues to grow, this time with a new business program planned for launch in the fall.The big picture: The school&#x27;s online Master of Business and Technology (MBT) program will launch a new option — an in-person experience that will allow online students to network and collaborate.

IU admissions program bringing in more Indianapolis students

Qualifying students are automatically accepted.

Thousands of Marion County students have been accepted to IU&#x27;s Indianapolis campus through its expanded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seamless admissions" data-vars-click-url="https://indianapolis.iu.edu/admissions/apply/seamless-admissions-program.html?_gl=1*533cpf*_gcl_au*MTQ2NDMwOTY0MC4xNzc0MDExMzY0*_ga*NzYxNDg5MDQ3LjE3NzQwMTEzNjQ.*_ga_61CH0D2DQW*czE3NzQwMTEzNjMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQwMTEzNjMkajYwJGwwJGgw" data-vars-content-id="f6829061-57af-4e61-a71d-fac63dd58c3e" data-vars-headline="IU admissions program bringing in more Indianapolis students" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianapolis.iu.edu/admissions/apply/seamless-admissions-program.html?_gl=1*533cpf*_gcl_au*MTQ2NDMwOTY0MC4xNzc0MDExMzY0*_ga*NzYxNDg5MDQ3LjE3NzQwMTEzNjQ.*_ga_61CH0D2DQW*czE3NzQwMTEzNjMkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzQwMTEzNjMkajYwJGwwJGgw" target="_blank">seamless admissions</a> program.Why it matters: The program aims to pave the way to college for underrepresented populations, key to upward mobility and achieving the state&#x27;s workforce goals.<ul><li>&quot;Seamless admissions is about removing unnecessary barriers and making college feel attainable,&quot; Jordan Stevenson, vice chancellor for enrollment management at IU Indianapolis, said. &quot;When students receive an admission offer, it changes how they see themselves and their future.&quot;</li></ul>

Report: Hoosier boys and young men falling behind

A lack of educational attainment is leaving young men adrift.

Hoosier men — you all right? A new study says maybe not.Why it matters: For starters, they&#x27;re half of the state&#x27;s population and their health, well-being and educational attainment affect all of us.

Indianapolis Public Schools planning budget cuts

The district is looking at a multimillion-dollar budget gap.

Indianapolis Public Schools is bracing for a difficult financial future.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s largest district appears to be facing another difficult period, which could threaten efforts to stabilize decreasing enrollment.

Barring foreign students could raise tuition at Indiana schools, report warns

A legislative report warns that a new bill would jeopardize Indiana's goal to keep tuition flat.

Indiana&#x27;s public colleges and universities may no longer admit students from &quot;adversarial&quot; countries to some STEM programs without reviewing each student for security concerns or foreign influence.Why it matters: More restrictions on international student enrollment could strain the budgets of colleges and universities, which also saw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state funding cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/23/indiana-statehouse-budget-cigarette-tax-higher-ed-cuts-public-health-funding" data-vars-content-id="0aee9304-59cf-487a-af45-bc36a36b69b0" data-vars-headline="Barring foreign students could raise tuition at Indiana schools, report warns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/23/indiana-statehouse-budget-cigarette-tax-higher-ed-cuts-public-health-funding" target="_self">state funding cuts</a> last year.

Indiana schools are getting letter grades again

After months of delay, a new accountability system was adopted Wednesday.

Indiana has a new grading system — not for students, but for schools.Why it matters: Accountability rules adopted unanimously by the State Board of Education on Wednesday mark the return of A-F letter grades for schools after nearly a decade.

Technical issue cancels SAT for hundreds of students

At least two districts had to cancel their planned testing Tuesday.

Education

A technical issue postponed the SAT administration for hundreds of Hoosier students Tuesday.Why it matters: Every high school junior is required to take the SAT and many use the scores to both complete part of the state&#x27;s high school graduation requirements and apply to college.

What's next for IPS after new governance bill passed

The bill to remake education in Indianapolis has been sent to the governor.

Legislation to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reshape education in Indianapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/18/ilea-ips-education-reform-recommendations-new-governing-body-transportation" data-vars-content-id="c9757d5d-52de-49c8-bc24-a55fe10642ae" data-vars-headline="What&#x27;s next for IPS after new governance bill passed" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/18/ilea-ips-education-reform-recommendations-new-governing-body-transportation" target="_self">reshape education in Indianapolis</a> has passed and been sent to Gov. Mike Braun, who is expected to sign it.Why it matters: Change is coming quickly to Indianapolis Public Schools and the charter schools that operate within its boundaries.

"Low-earning" college degrees on the chopping block

The language in Senate Bill 199 mirrors a provision in the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Degree programs that don&#x27;t lead to high-paying jobs could be eliminated under a bill passed by the Indiana House Tuesday.Why it matters: The provision in Senate Bill 199 continues <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislative efforts to exert more control" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/25/indiana-republicans-public-universities-erode-tenure-shared-governance" data-vars-content-id="35f2c5ec-311e-4ced-861c-ec852e486784" data-vars-headline="&quot;Low-earning&quot; college degrees on the chopping block" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/25/indiana-republicans-public-universities-erode-tenure-shared-governance" target="_self">legislative efforts to exert more control</a> over the state&#x27;s public colleges and universities.

Education 📚

Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push

Business school a key part of Purdue's Indy strategy

IU admissions program bringing in more Indianapolis students

Report: Hoosier boys and young men falling behind

Indianapolis Public Schools planning budget cuts