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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.

Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium

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

Food and Drink

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.

Taste testing the menu and atmosphere at Carmel's Thai Prime

The former Wahlburger's location gets a posh makeover in the Proscenium.

Thai Prime has arrived to serve up modern takes on traditional cultural cuisine in Carmel&#x27;s Proscenium.Why it matters: Interest in the future of the former Wahlburger&#x27;s has been high <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="since the sudden closure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/02/wahlburgers-carmel-pacific-rim-new-restaurant" data-vars-content-id="c46fc4b0-75f6-4646-b9d4-9b15e14afba5" data-vars-headline="Taste testing the menu and atmosphere at Carmel&#x27;s Thai Prime" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/02/wahlburgers-carmel-pacific-rim-new-restaurant" target="_self">since the sudden closure</a> of the state&#x27;s only location in June 2024.

Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral

The Modern Mule from Floral is a crisp and tasty munchie-machine.

This week&#x27;s brew is a Gas City creation perfect for Hoosiers looking to turn &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dry January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/01/14/dry-january-non-alcoholic-cocktails-8th-day-distillery" data-vars-content-id="c8a36061-e383-4d0b-a2b6-0cb38b35f525" data-vars-headline="Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/01/14/dry-january-non-alcoholic-cocktails-8th-day-distillery" target="_self">Dry January</a>&quot; into &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="High January" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/business/cannabis-thc-alcoholic-beverages.html" data-vars-content-id="c8a36061-e383-4d0b-a2b6-0cb38b35f525" data-vars-headline="Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/25/business/cannabis-thc-alcoholic-beverages.html" target="_blank">High January</a>.&quot;The big picture: The ability to legally purchase THC-infused brews <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is under threat thanks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/11/25/indiana-thc-ban" data-vars-content-id="c8a36061-e383-4d0b-a2b6-0cb38b35f525" data-vars-headline="Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral" 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">is under threat thanks</a> to a federal <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="spending bill" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/government-shutdown-bill-thc-hemp-products" data-vars-content-id="c8a36061-e383-4d0b-a2b6-0cb38b35f525" data-vars-headline="Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/12/government-shutdown-bill-thc-hemp-products" target="_self">spending bill</a> including a provision that would pull the products from shelves by November.

A dozen new restaurants to try during Devour Indy

Devour Indy starts today, serving up meal deals at nearly 200 area restaurants.Why it matters: With special menus and prices, it&#x27;s a great chance to try something new.

Vicious Biscuit begins Indiana expansion in Fishers

A fast-casual breakfast chain with big Indiana plans and even bigger biscuits opens in HamCo.

A fast-growing, fast-casual breakfast chain with big Central Indiana expansion plans and even bigger biscuits is celebrating the arrival of its first location in the Hoosier state.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Vicious Biscuit" data-vars-click-url="https://viciousbiscuit.com/" data-vars-content-id="a3e457ed-c9e1-4c8a-b780-0342f6eb1636" data-vars-headline="Vicious Biscuit begins Indiana expansion in Fishers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://viciousbiscuit.com/" target="_blank">Vicious Biscuit</a> made its debut in Fishers to close out 2025 and will host an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="official grand opening celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/events/2896933880497310/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22groups_highlight_units%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" data-vars-content-id="a3e457ed-c9e1-4c8a-b780-0342f6eb1636" data-vars-headline="Vicious Biscuit begins Indiana expansion in Fishers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/2896933880497310/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22surface%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22groups_highlight_units%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D" target="_blank">official grand opening celebration</a> on Jan. 24.

New cafe and taproom combo coming to Speedway

A new collab between two Indiana beverage brewers will bring a fresh coffee and beer concept this spring.

A new collab between two Indiana beverage brewers will bring a fresh coffee and beer concept to Speedway just in time for Indianapolis&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="favorite month of the year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/01/month-of-may-indianapolis-500-festival-parade" data-vars-content-id="98dec74e-d916-4259-a4b6-6b8ab52d1d28" data-vars-headline="New cafe and taproom combo coming to Speedway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/01/month-of-may-indianapolis-500-festival-parade" target="_self">favorite month of the year</a>.Why it matters: Speedway City Garage, targeting an April debut, will combine <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Founders Grounds Coffee Company" data-vars-click-url="https://foundersgrounds.com/" data-vars-content-id="98dec74e-d916-4259-a4b6-6b8ab52d1d28" data-vars-headline="New cafe and taproom combo coming to Speedway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://foundersgrounds.com/" target="_blank">Founders Grounds Coffee Company</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pax Verum Brewing Company" data-vars-click-url="https://www.paxverum.com/" data-vars-content-id="98dec74e-d916-4259-a4b6-6b8ab52d1d28" data-vars-headline="New cafe and taproom combo coming to Speedway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.paxverum.com/" target="_blank">Pax Verum Brewing Company</a> under one roof.

Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants

Veganuary gets more popular — and easier to stick to — each year.

I&#x27;m starting the year with a little reset in the form of Veganuary.Driving the news: Taking a break from animal products for the month is hardly a new concept — <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="#veganuary" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=%23veganuary" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=%23veganuary" target="_blank">#veganuary</a> makes a robust appearance on social media feeds each year.<ul><li>The expanding popularity of plant-based eating means it&#x27;s easier than ever to do, even if you&#x27;re just dabbling, and you don&#x27;t have to give up going out.</li></ul>Zoom in: If you want to give it a try, here are a few of my favorite local spots for a vegan bite.🍕 It&#x27;s a lovely thing that my favorite pizza place already has a vegan option. Make that two, actually! <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="King Dough" data-vars-click-url="https://kingdoughpizzas.com/order/king-dough-indianapolis-452-north-highland-avenue" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://kingdoughpizzas.com/order/king-dough-indianapolis-452-north-highland-avenue" target="_blank">King Dough</a> has vegan cheese, vegan sausage and the veggie-loaded &quot;vegan pile&quot; with optional cashew ricotta.🍳 Cafe Patachou is known for its omelets, but the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vegan crepe" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/01/patachous-new-restaurant-vegan" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/01/patachous-new-restaurant-vegan" target="_self">vegan crepe</a> is a hidden gem on the menu.🍔 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="10th Street Diner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.doordash.com/store/10th-street-diner-indianapolis-30833110/41627347/?event_type=autocomplete&amp;pickup=false" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.doordash.com/store/10th-street-diner-indianapolis-30833110/41627347/?event_type=autocomplete&amp;pickup=false" target="_blank">10th Street Diner</a> is comfort food at its finest and all vegan. Wings, burgers, sandwiches … you name it.🥪 State fairgoers may be familiar with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Leaf Vegan" data-vars-click-url="https://blackleafvegan.com/indianapolis-9-on-canal-black-leaf-vegan-food-menu" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blackleafvegan.com/indianapolis-9-on-canal-black-leaf-vegan-food-menu" target="_blank">Black Leaf Vegan</a>, which brings meat-free brats and cheesesteaks to the masses.<ul><li>At its downtown restaurant, you can find similarly indulgent fare — plus mac and cheese!</li></ul>🧀 Grilled cheese craving? No problem. Head to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Top Out Cafe" data-vars-click-url="https://topoutcafe.com/indianapolis-upstairs-of-north-mass-boulder-top-out-cafe-food-menu" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://topoutcafe.com/indianapolis-upstairs-of-north-mass-boulder-top-out-cafe-food-menu" target="_blank">Top Out Cafe</a> at North Mass Boulder, where the vegan grilled cheese is made with vegan cheddar, walnut parmesan, rosemary focaccia bread and sriracha aioli.<ul><li>Top Out has a lovely vegan-friendly menu of salads, smoothie bowls and more.</li></ul>🥖 The gander at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Goose the Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.goosethemarket.com/menu" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.goosethemarket.com/menu" target="_blank">Goose the Market</a> is not a delicious vegan sandwich, it&#x27;s a delicious sandwich that just happens to be vegan.🌮 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="La Margarita&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://order.toasttab.com/online/lamargindy" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://order.toasttab.com/online/lamargindy" target="_blank">La Margarita&#x27;s</a> seitan options and vegan queso means you can continue to indulge in tacos, burritos or even nachos, made with dairy-free cheese.🍣 Sushi isn&#x27;t off the menu either. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Blue Sushi Sake Grill" data-vars-click-url="https://bluesushisakegrill.com/" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bluesushisakegrill.com/" target="_blank">Blue Sushi Sake Grill</a> has <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an extensive menu of vegan rolls" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/07/17/meatless-monday-vegan-sushi-blue-sushi-sake-grill" data-vars-content-id="b62a9f29-4010-4801-b4db-1c12d044f818" data-vars-headline="Veganuary easy at these Indianapolis restaurants" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/07/17/meatless-monday-vegan-sushi-blue-sushi-sake-grill" target="_self">an extensive menu of vegan rolls</a>, featuring things like &quot;plant-based tuna,&quot; &quot;vegan smoked salmon,&quot; and &quot;bbq eggplant eel tempura.&quot;

Meatless Monday: Axios Indy's holiday party at Matador

The tapas restaurant opened earlier this year.

The Axios Indianapolis team went north for our holiday dinner for a delicious, shareable feast.Where we went: Matador, Carmel&#x27;s Spanish-inspired tapas restaurant that opened earlier this year in the spot formerly occupied by Tre on Main.<ul><li>Anyone who remembers the downtown spot Barcelona Tapas (RIP) as fondly as I do will find something to love.</li></ul>

Mansion Society is a westside hidden gem

It opened in 2021 in the former admin building of the Central State Hospital.

The Axios Indy team had a westside retreat recently and started our day in the cozy confines of the Mansion Society coffee shop.Driving the brews: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Mansion Society" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/people/Mansion-Society/100077035583441/" data-vars-content-id="2150c93f-a983-4776-8963-cf5c43813965" data-vars-headline="Mansion Society is a westside hidden gem" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Mansion-Society/100077035583441/" target="_blank">The Mansion Society</a> opened in late 2021 in an apartment building converted from the administration building of the former Central State Hospital, an infamous psychiatric hospital that operated for nearly 150 years before it closed in 1994.

Food and Drink 🍽

Satisfy your wing craving at Ale Emporium

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

Taste testing the menu and atmosphere at Carmel's Thai Prime

Ending Dry January on a high note with Floral

A dozen new restaurants to try during Devour Indy