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Indianapolis' Signia Hotel hits the home stretch 

Indianapolis is two months away from celebrating the skyline-reshaping project's first guest stays.

News

Indianapolis is two months away from celebrating the 38-story Signia Hilton Indianapolis&#x27; grand opening.Why it matters: The city&#x27;s soon-to-be tallest hotel anchors a plan to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attract larger conventions and more visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/22/indianapolis-tourism-nfl-combine-ncaa-final-four" data-vars-content-id="d92383ff-95c2-4a63-ad8d-cc7c20e87e5d" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; Signia Hotel hits the home stretch " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/01/22/indianapolis-tourism-nfl-combine-ncaa-final-four" target="_self">attract larger conventions and more visitors</a> as the Mile Square undergoes a major transformation.

1-minute voter guide: Indiana's 5th Congressional District

The race could be closer than in previous elections.

In a state where congressional races are usually decided in the primary, Indiana&#x27;s 5th Congressional District may be the one to watch this November.The big picture: While the district was redrawn after the 2020 census to be safer for Republicans, an unpredictable incumbent and an experienced challenger are making things interesting.

Answers imminent in Purdue's search for Amelia Earhart plane

After a year-long wait, A Purdue-backed search for Amelia Earhart's missing plane is underway.

After a year-long wait, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Purdue-backed search" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/07/11/purdue-find-amelia-earhart-plane" data-vars-content-id="1941f38f-031b-4508-afc4-cb53c3e38f0d" data-vars-headline="Answers imminent in Purdue&#x27;s search for Amelia Earhart plane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/07/11/purdue-find-amelia-earhart-plane" target="_self">Purdue-backed search</a> for Amelia Earhart&#x27;s missing plane is underway.Why it matters: If the team preparing to comb a Nikumaroro Island lagoon is successful, one of aviation&#x27;s biggest questions could be answered before Halloween.

1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state

A quick primer on the race to lead Indiana's election office.

Hoosier voters will select a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="secretary of state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/27/indiana-secretary-of-state-candidates-meet-first-debate" data-vars-content-id="394e0932-3ba4-4272-8157-728b05f89eb9" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/27/indiana-secretary-of-state-candidates-meet-first-debate" target="_self">secretary of state</a> in a close race <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="between four candidates" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indiana-secretary-of-state-race-is-taking-shape-2026-bayh-engling" data-vars-content-id="394e0932-3ba4-4272-8157-728b05f89eb9" data-vars-headline="1-minute voter guide: Indiana secretary of state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indiana-secretary-of-state-race-is-taking-shape-2026-bayh-engling" target="_self">between four candidates</a>. Why it matters: The high-profile race is top of the ticket in next month&#x27;s election, and the winner will be charged with ensuring the state&#x27;s elections are fair, open and secure.

IPS plans to renegotiate charter agreements

The district says it wants to renegotiate for higher service fees.

Education

Indianapolis Public Schools is looking to close its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="multimillion-dollar budget gap" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indianapolis-public-schools-facing-20-million-deficit-referendum" data-vars-content-id="06691b0d-0c49-42ee-bb0e-3fdafbb97f54" data-vars-headline="IPS plans to renegotiate charter agreements" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/24/indianapolis-public-schools-facing-20-million-deficit-referendum" target="_self">multimillion-dollar budget gap</a> by squeezing cash from its charter partners.Why it matters: The decision to terminate agreements with schools in the IPS Innovation Network and renegotiate terms is a stunning about-face for a district previously lauded for its collaboration with charter schools.<ul><li>It also puts services at dozens of schools in limbo.</li></ul>

Indianapolis' most historic high school has a new leader

The new leader of the historic high school wants to build on its high achievement.

Eric Sinclair is in his first year as Shortridge&#x27;s principal and the responsibility of leading Indianapolis Public Schools&#x27; flagship high school is not lost on him.Why it matters: Shortridge, the state&#x27;s oldest free public high school, has a long history of success and a new leader who wants to restore that reputation.

Notre Dame tops Indiana schools for performance and value

Changes to the rankings put much greater emphasis on the return on investment for college.

The University of Notre Dame is still Indiana&#x27;s best university — and its best value, according to U.S. News &amp; World Report&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026-27 Best Colleges rankings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" data-vars-content-id="790ca795-499a-489b-b475-37d890b8e478" data-vars-headline="Notre Dame tops Indiana schools for performance and value" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges?src=usn_pr" target="_blank">2026-27 Best Colleges rankings</a> released Tuesday. Why it matters: Changes to the influential annual rankings seek to answer a question on the minds of many American families — is college worth it?

Indianapolis Public Schools withdraws from Enroll Indy

For a decade, parents could apply to any area public school in one place, but that won't be the case anymore.

Indianapolis Public Schools has withdrawn from Enroll Indy, a shared enrollment system that it and area charter schools have used for the last decade.Why it matters: The split will be a major change for families — creating extra work for those who want to apply to both district and charter schools — less than two months before next school year&#x27;s enrollment window opens.

Indianapolis school saw huge gains when it changed how it taught reading

Ernie Pyle School 90 changed how it taught reading and saw the biggest gains in IPS.

The first half of the day for Ernie Pyle School 90&#x27;s third graders is all about one thing. Reading.Why it matters: A new approach to reading instruction adopted last year resulted in a 30-point improvement on the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="IREAD exam" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/11/indiana-iread-third-grade-reading-rates-ilearn-sat" data-vars-content-id="efdae2dd-fa04-4094-a6c3-93d67f5fac28" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis school saw huge gains when it changed how it taught reading" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/08/11/indiana-iread-third-grade-reading-rates-ilearn-sat" target="_self">IREAD exam</a> — the biggest single-year gain in Indianapolis Public Schools.

Mental health program brings concert, connection to IU Bloomington

Future Friends aims to address the loneliness epidemic on college campuses.

A two-day mental health program coming to Indiana University suggests students think of each other not as strangers or even classmates, but as &quot;future friends.&quot;Why it matters: Future Friends was created to tackle the loneliness plaguing young people.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="loneliness epidemic" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/07/24/how-indianapolis-is-fighting-americas-loneliness-epidemic" data-vars-content-id="9e08124e-cdee-473e-bc17-c39c3cbc66b0" data-vars-headline="Mental health program brings concert, connection to IU Bloomington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/07/24/how-indianapolis-is-fighting-americas-loneliness-epidemic" target="_self">loneliness epidemic</a> is linked to an estimated 100 deaths every hour, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="according to the World Health Organization" data-vars-click-url="https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death" data-vars-content-id="9e08124e-cdee-473e-bc17-c39c3cbc66b0" data-vars-headline="Mental health program brings concert, connection to IU Bloomington" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.who.int/news/item/30-06-2025-social-connection-linked-to-improved-heath-and-reduced-risk-of-early-death" target="_blank">according to the World Health Organization</a>, and impacts young people more acutely than other age groups. According to the WHO, strong social connections can lead to better health and a longer life.</li></ul>

Charter school's post-graduation program could be model for success

The chair of IPEC says post-graduation outcomes should be considered in school success.

One of Indianapolis&#x27; oldest charter schools could serve as a model for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the new accountability system" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/27/whats-next-for-ips-after-new-governance-bill-passed" data-vars-content-id="6a74e539-3986-40ca-8719-9361c6f0183f" data-vars-headline="Charter school&#x27;s post-graduation program could be model for success" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/27/whats-next-for-ips-after-new-governance-bill-passed" target="_self">the new accountability system</a> that will govern Indianapolis Public Schools and other surrounding charter schools.Why it matters: The stakes are high. State law requires a path to closure for underperforming and underutilized schools.

Indiana's third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight

Years of investment in literacy are paying off for Hoosier third graders.

Indiana&#x27;s literacy rates for nearly every student population have surpassed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pre-pandemic levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/13/indiana-third-grade-reading-proficiency-iread-test-pandemic-rebound" data-vars-content-id="429e49d8-c821-49f2-a846-130c69d9b31c" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/13/indiana-third-grade-reading-proficiency-iread-test-pandemic-rebound" target="_self">pre-pandemic levels</a> for the first time.Why it matters: The pandemic exacerbated the state&#x27;s literacy crisis, and it has taken years of hard work and investment to dig out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the crater COVID-19 created" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/08/17/indiana-third-grade-reading-scores" data-vars-content-id="429e49d8-c821-49f2-a846-130c69d9b31c" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/08/17/indiana-third-grade-reading-scores" target="_self">the crater COVID-19 created</a> in the state&#x27;s third-grade reading rates.

Braun welcomes feedback on new child care center rules

Providers raised concerns about decreased educational requirements for teachers.

Gov. Mike Braun signaled this week that he&#x27;s open to revising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft child care regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/12/proposed-child-care-rules-would-move-indiana-backward-advocates-say" data-vars-content-id="25443908-a6d6-40b0-a46d-b122056a9557" data-vars-headline="Braun welcomes feedback on new child care center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/12/proposed-child-care-rules-would-move-indiana-backward-advocates-say" target="_self">draft child care regulations</a> after pushback from providers.Why it matters: Providers across the state say proposed rules that lower educational standards for early childhood teachers will hurt the industry and the kids it serves.

Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit

Without the referendum, IPS would be facing more than $60 million in cuts.

At this point, a $20 million deficit is the best-case scenario for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" data-vars-content-id="68d54575-c923-4169-8786-c801b6d7a85c" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" target="_self">Indianapolis Public Schools</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s if Center Township voters approve a referendum in November that would increase local property taxes by $8.71 a month over the current rate (for a $150,000 home), according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="documents presented this week." data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolispubliceducationcorporation.com/_files/ugd/526b6d_1049f33230684c68a7f8b3823b2145f2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="68d54575-c923-4169-8786-c801b6d7a85c" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolispubliceducationcorporation.com/_files/ugd/526b6d_1049f33230684c68a7f8b3823b2145f2.pdf" target="_blank">documents presented this week.</a>

Education 📚

IPS plans to renegotiate charter agreements

Indianapolis' most historic high school has a new leader

Notre Dame tops Indiana schools for performance and value

Indianapolis Public Schools withdraws from Enroll Indy

Indianapolis school saw huge gains when it changed how it taught reading