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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.

Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide

The Michelin Guide will rate Indianapolis restaurants for the first time in 2027.

Food and Drink

Michelin, the famed restaurant guide, is adding Indianapolis for the first time.Why it matters: A Michelin star could elevate the Circle City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="underrated food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" target="_blank">underrated food scene</a> and draw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" target="_blank">more national attention</a>.

Recess is Indianapolis' first matcha cafe

There&#x27;s a cool new cafe in town and coffee isn&#x27;t (really) on the menu.Driving the brews: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Recess" data-vars-click-url="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" data-vars-content-id="2e1f8411-17ff-42d5-8d49-f083383548e2" data-vars-headline="Recess is Indianapolis&#x27; first matcha cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" target="_blank">Recess</a>, Indy&#x27;s first matcha cafe, opened in January.

James Beard semifinalist Macizo makes food worth seeking out

Macizo is hidden in a strip mall on Indianapolis' northwest side.

I went to one of Indy&#x27;s best new restaurants for dinner last week and had the dining room virtually to myself.Why it matters: It can only mean that not enough people know about the delicious Mexican and Peruvian food being served up in a strip mall on the city&#x27;s northwest side.

Culinary Dropout's surprising salad ingredient

Culinary Dropout's butternut squash salad is just about perfect.

One of the best parts of writing this regular feature is the push to try new places.Driving the news: It&#x27;s been just over a year since Fox Restaurants opened neighboring eateries in Nora Plaza with two different concepts.<ul><li>There&#x27;s Flower Child, the health food spot, and Culinary Dropout is the cool one.</li></ul>

New Italian restaurant Monti is at home in hip Fountain Square

Delicious and a good value, Monti is a welcome addition.

The newest Italian restaurant in Fountain Square opened last month in the space vacated by Wine Market &amp; Table in 2023.<ul><li>Named for the Monti district in Rome, the small, focused menu features seasonal dishes and Italian farmhouse cuisine.</li></ul>

Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz

Montgomerys will open later this year in the former Barista Parlor space.

The team behind downtown&#x27;s favorite taco shop is expanding its footprint at the Stutz.Driving the news: Montgomerys will serve &quot;craft sandwiches and signature beverages&quot; when it opens later this year in the spot vacated last summer by coffee shop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barista Parlor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" target="_blank">Barista Parlor</a>.<ul><li>Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julieta Taco Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" target="_self">Julieta Taco Shop</a> as part of the Stutz redevelopment in 2023.</li><li>For their next venture, Rosas and Sañudo will be joined by fellow Milktooth alums chef Bryan Enas and bar manager Adrian Caldera.</li></ul>Between the lines: Don&#x27;t expect a burger version of the tiny, walk-up taqueria.<ul><li>The 2,600 square-foot space is roughly three times the size of Julieta.</li><li>Previous pop-up menus featured elevated, fast-food inspired sandwiches alongside fusion flavors from a variety of cuisines, like bulgogi meatloaf, a pho dip and chicken parmesan.</li></ul>Yes, and: While Julieta patrons need to go to Turner&#x27;s Bar next door for something harder than a soft drink, Montgomerys has applied for a beer and wine permit.What&#x27;s next: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Montgomerys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" target="_blank">Montgomerys</a> will hold its next pop-up at Julieta March 16 with a limited menu of fried chicken sandwiches, burgers and craft sodas.

Getting centered with 3CHI's newest Delta-9 seltzer

3CHI's newest flavor is fast-acting and high impact.

With a statewide THC ban <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shelved for another legislative session" data-vars-click-url="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/last-minute-attempt-to-revive-hemp-drug-ban-fails-in-final-hours/" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianacapitalchronicle.com/briefs/last-minute-attempt-to-revive-hemp-drug-ban-fails-in-final-hours/" target="_blank">shelved for another legislative session</a>, let&#x27;s take a look at one more buzzy cannabis seltzer brewed here in Central Indiana.The big picture: If legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Baird (R-Ind.) <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="to delay it by two years" data-vars-click-url="https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2520" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://baird.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=2520" target="_blank">to delay it by two years</a> is unsuccessful, looming federal restrictions could remove intoxicating hemp products like these from store shelves — and dismantle <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="our state&#x27;s growing hemp industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/11/25/indiana-thc-ban" data-vars-content-id="3893b64f-98f3-473d-b3a1-7b7d94894b71" data-vars-headline="Getting centered with 3CHI&#x27;s newest Delta-9 seltzer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/11/25/indiana-thc-ban" target="_self">our state&#x27;s growing hemp industry</a> — by November.

Getting a taste of "MasterChef" champ Kelsey Murphy's Fishers Test Kitchen takeover

The Fishers resident and celebrity chef is serving elevated game-day goodies inside Sun King Fishers.

&quot;MasterChef&quot; winner Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s remix of Fishers Test Kitchen is nearly complete.Why it matters: From the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indy 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/26/indy-500-best-concession-food" data-vars-content-id="38a82f04-d9c2-499e-a345-ead7cf68948e" data-vars-headline="Getting a taste of &quot;MasterChef&quot; champ Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s Fishers Test Kitchen takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/26/indy-500-best-concession-food" target="_self">Indy 500</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Lucas Oil Stadium" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/05/colts-fans-week-1-football" data-vars-content-id="38a82f04-d9c2-499e-a345-ead7cf68948e" data-vars-headline="Getting a taste of &quot;MasterChef&quot; champ Kelsey Murphy&#x27;s Fishers Test Kitchen takeover" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/05/colts-fans-week-1-football" target="_self">Lucas Oil Stadium</a>, Murphy&#x27;s elevated takes on game day comfort food have developed a loyal local following.

Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium

The cauliflower bites are a perfect wing substitute, complete with plenty of spicy sauce.

Indiana may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a football state now" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="8e39f6e4-1fa4-4c27-bb77-3d62b486c80b" data-vars-headline="Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium" 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">a football state now</a>, but <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="March Madness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/18/2026-indiana-college-basketball-cheat-sheet" data-vars-content-id="8e39f6e4-1fa4-4c27-bb77-3d62b486c80b" data-vars-headline="Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/18/2026-indiana-college-basketball-cheat-sheet" target="_self">March Madness</a> is still the best time of the year IMO and there&#x27;s no better place to catch all the action than a TV-laden sports bar.Why it matters: We&#x27;re just a couple weeks away from conference tournament action.

This Lent, go beyond the fish fry with these Indy meals

Seven more interesting ways to abstain from meat this Lenten season.

Lent began this week, which means it&#x27;s officially fish fry season.The big picture: During the 40 days of Lent, observers abstain from meat on Fridays.

Food and Drink 🍽

Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide

Recess is Indianapolis' first matcha cafe

James Beard semifinalist Macizo makes food worth seeking out

Culinary Dropout's surprising salad ingredient

New Italian restaurant Monti is at home in hip Fountain Square