Indianapolis

A picture of the Indianapolis skyline with the letters IND

blue

Axios Indianapolis Partners

Indianapolis Alerts

Alert

Get smarter, faster on what matters in Indianapolis with Justin L. Mack and Arika Herron.

Axios Indianapolis

Standard

A daily look at the most significant and interesting stories affecting Indianapolis.

Axios Indianapolis Thought Bubble

Thought Bubble

Indianapolis Members

Membership

Axios Indianapolis poll: Are the Bears really leaving Illinois?

Sports

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>

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.

Deadly semi-truck crashes inspire legislation

The last-minute change was adopted Monday by the Senate.

State and federal officials from Indiana are taking a closer look at the trucking industry after several high-profile deadly crashes involving drivers in the United States illegally.Why it matters: It&#x27;s the latest move from Indiana lawmakers to align state policies and priorities more closely with those of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="b1564481-eea2-485e-93a6-5fd3f89439a7" data-vars-headline="Deadly semi-truck crashes inspire legislation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">Trump</a> administration, whose broader goal is to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="push undocumented immigrants" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/16/ice-raids-white-collar-immigration" data-vars-content-id="b1564481-eea2-485e-93a6-5fd3f89439a7" data-vars-headline="Deadly semi-truck crashes inspire legislation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/16/ice-raids-white-collar-immigration" target="_self">push undocumented immigrants</a> out of the American workforce and to remove <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="non-proficient English speakers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/10/truck-drivers-license-trump-english-language-requirement" data-vars-content-id="b1564481-eea2-485e-93a6-5fd3f89439a7" data-vars-headline="Deadly semi-truck crashes inspire legislation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/10/truck-drivers-license-trump-english-language-requirement" target="_self">non-proficient English speakers</a> from the road.

Indy road-funding changes moving through Statehouse

Just when you thought Indy might come through the session unscathed, road-funding changes appear.

It&#x27;s the final week of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="legislative session" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/17/low-earning-college-degrees-cut" data-vars-content-id="6eefd639-d411-4c60-ba85-c7c57699c6b9" data-vars-headline="Indy road-funding changes moving through Statehouse" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/17/low-earning-college-degrees-cut" target="_self">legislative session</a>, when bills move fast and change even faster.The big picture: Several legislative proposals are still moving that could have major implications for Indianapolis, including Senate Bill 179, a transportation bill that would change the rules for how the city can access additional road funding.

Indiana gets $207M from rural health fund

It's slightly more than the national average.

Indiana received nearly $207 million from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rural health fund" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/rural-health-providers-fund-left-out" data-vars-content-id="d2e01076-9793-4082-9368-4a8395ad5a7c" data-vars-headline="Indiana gets $207M from rural health fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/03/rural-health-providers-fund-left-out" target="_self">rural health fund</a> created by Republican&#x27;s megabill this summer.Why it matters: The fund aims to help rural hospitals and providers adjust to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Medicaid cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/health-care-policy/2025/05/12/house-gop-reconciliation-medicaid-funding" data-vars-content-id="d2e01076-9793-4082-9368-4a8395ad5a7c" data-vars-headline="Indiana gets $207M from rural health fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/health-care-policy/2025/05/12/house-gop-reconciliation-medicaid-funding" target="_self">Medicaid cuts</a> also included in the GOP bill, but some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hoosier providers Axios spoke with" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/14/indiana-rural-hospitals-one-big-beautiful-bill" data-vars-content-id="d2e01076-9793-4082-9368-4a8395ad5a7c" data-vars-headline="Indiana gets $207M from rural health fund" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/14/indiana-rural-hospitals-one-big-beautiful-bill" target="_self">Hoosier providers Axios spoke with</a> said the allotment won&#x27;t cover the cuts hospitals will see.

"Super flu" causing a spike in Indiana flu cases

An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses are slamming the country.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Flu cases" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" data-vars-content-id="fc58ffd9-6289-4094-9beb-e0258a161929" data-vars-headline="&quot;Super flu&quot; causing a spike in Indiana flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2025/12/16/flu-cases-rising-in-dallas-fort-worth" target="_self">Flu cases</a> are rising in Indiana this winter, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called super flu.Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses, such as the &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="norovirus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" data-vars-content-id="fc58ffd9-6289-4094-9beb-e0258a161929" data-vars-headline="&quot;Super flu&quot; causing a spike in Indiana flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/24/norovirus-winter-vomiting-bug-variant-symptoms" target="_self">norovirus</a>,&quot; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="COVID" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" data-vars-content-id="fc58ffd9-6289-4094-9beb-e0258a161929" data-vars-headline="&quot;Super flu&quot; causing a spike in Indiana flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/health/coronavirus" target="_self">COVID</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="whooping cough" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" data-vars-content-id="fc58ffd9-6289-4094-9beb-e0258a161929" data-vars-headline="&quot;Super flu&quot; causing a spike in Indiana flu cases" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/28/whooping-cough-pertussis-symptoms-cases-november-kentucky" target="_self">whooping cough</a>, are slamming the country.

Lung cancer rates high among Hoosiers

A new American Lung Association report says the Hoosier State has the sixth-highest lung cancer rate in the U.S.

Indiana has one of the highest lung cancer rates in the country, per a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42448797.18/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubHVuZy5vcmcvcmVzZWFyY2gvc3RhdGUtb2YtbHVuZy1jYW5jZXI_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Cff5cc92d" data-vars-content-id="cd90d592-c6e0-4b14-ac46-1d483b34e697" data-vars-headline="Lung cancer rates high among Hoosiers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42448797.18/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubHVuZy5vcmcvcmVzZWFyY2gvc3RhdGUtb2YtbHVuZy1jYW5jZXI_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Cff5cc92d" target="_self">report</a> from the American Lung Association.Why it matters: Nearly 227,000 people nationwide will be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="diagnosed with lung cancer" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/42448797.18/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDEvMTYvbHVuZy1jYW5jZXItZGlhZ25vc2VzLWluLWFtZXJpY2FuLXdvbWVuLW91dHBhY2UtbWVuLWZvci1maXJzdC10aW1lP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0B57f1d320" data-vars-content-id="cd90d592-c6e0-4b14-ac46-1d483b34e697" data-vars-headline="Lung cancer rates high among Hoosiers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/42448797.18/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjUvMDEvMTYvbHVuZy1jYW5jZXItZGlhZ25vc2VzLWluLWFtZXJpY2FuLXdvbWVuLW91dHBhY2UtbWVuLWZvci1maXJzdC10aW1lP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0B57f1d320" target="_self">diagnosed with lung cancer</a> this year.<ul><li>It is still the leading cause of cancer deaths — but the five-year survival rate has increased to almost 30%, the group finds, up from 18% about a decade ago.</li></ul>

IU, Lilly team up to study weight loss drugs in the workplace

The first-of-its-kind study will examine GLP-1s impact on productivity and health care costs.

Researchers from the Fairbanks School of Public Health at IU Indianapolis have launched a study of obesity management medications, commonly called GLP-1s, on both health and workplace outcomes.Why it matters: Obesity is tied to several health problems, including diabetes, heart disease and more — chronic issues that affect individual well-being and productivity at work.<ul><li>Studies have also linked obesity to hundreds of billions of dollars in increased annual medical costs.</li></ul>

Indiana's rural hospitals can't afford "One Big Beautiful Bill"

Hospitals say that even with the $50 billion rural health fund, they won't be made whole.

States next year will begin tapping the $50 billion rural health fund created by President Trump&#x27;s &quot;One Big Beautiful Bill,&quot; but questions have already arisen about how the funds will be allocated — and how much they will benefit rural providers.Why it matters: The fund aims to help rural hospitals and providers adjust to sweeping changes in how Medicaid is financed, including limits on provider taxes and state-directed payments, but some providers are saying it won&#x27;t be enough.<ul><li>The $50 billion sum also is about one-third of the roughly $155 billion in estimated cuts, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per a KFF analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-might-federal-medicaid-cuts-in-the-senate-passed-reconciliation-bill-affect-rural-areas/" data-vars-content-id="bdacacd8-05ba-4d6d-b6dd-362138ef83cc" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s rural hospitals can&#x27;t afford &quot;One Big Beautiful Bill&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kff.org/policy-watch/how-might-federal-medicaid-cuts-in-the-senate-passed-reconciliation-bill-affect-rural-areas/" target="_blank">per a KFF analysis</a>, to federal Medicaid spending in rural areas, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="where many hospitals are already operating in the red" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/rural-hospitals-us-financial-problems" data-vars-content-id="bdacacd8-05ba-4d6d-b6dd-362138ef83cc" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s rural hospitals can&#x27;t afford &quot;One Big Beautiful Bill&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/05/07/rural-hospitals-us-financial-problems" target="_self">where many hospitals are already operating in the red</a>.</li></ul>

Hoosiers turn in later, sleep less than most

Apple Watch data shows Indiana's average bedtime is 11:44pm, and sleep falls short of the national norm.

Culture

Our state bird might be the Cardinal, but it turns out the average Hoosier is a night owl. Why it matters: Most people aren&#x27;t getting the recommended <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="seven to nine hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep" data-vars-content-id="7dbb2891-6d78-48d0-bc0b-867a6252c323" data-vars-headline="Hoosiers turn in later, sleep less than most" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/how-much-sleep" target="_blank">seven to nine hours</a> of sleep per night, which impacts mood and health.

Why Big Ten football needs your blood this season

A blood donation competition that blends school spirit with saving lives aims to address an ongoing shortage.

The Big Ten Conference is out for blood this college football season.The big picture: A blood donation competition that blends school spirit with saving lives aims to address a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="generational shortage" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" data-vars-content-id="8d2aca79-a3d7-4726-9a3f-538901514942" data-vars-headline="Why Big Ten football needs your blood this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/10/red-cross-blood-shortage" target="_self">generational shortage</a> that has left the majority of community blood centers in the Midwest, including Indiana, with a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="supply" data-vars-click-url="https://americasblood.org/for-donors/americas-blood-supply/regional-blood-supply/" data-vars-content-id="8d2aca79-a3d7-4726-9a3f-538901514942" data-vars-headline="Why Big Ten football needs your blood this season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://americasblood.org/for-donors/americas-blood-supply/regional-blood-supply/" target="_blank">supply</a> of less than three days.

The cost of giving birth in Indiana

A new study finds that C-sections cost slightly more in the Hoosier state

If you&#x27;re giving birth in Indiana, you can expect to see a total in-network cost of around $14,800 for a vaginal delivery and $19,900 for a C-section, per data from FAIR Health.The big picture: Those numbers put the cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="giving birth" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/25/giving-birth-costs-state" data-vars-content-id="2e0bbd57-461d-4f09-a288-4dbe4d2de31d" data-vars-headline="The cost of giving birth in Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/25/giving-birth-costs-state" target="_self">giving birth</a> in the Hoosier about in line with the national average.

Indianapolis hospitals rank among state's best

The annual U.S. News & World Report analysis highlights the strengths of our local medical facilities.

Health

Three Indianapolis-area hospitals rank among the best in the state, according to a new U.S. News &amp; World Report analysis.The big picture: The annual list, released Tuesday, evaluates more than 4,400 hospitals nationwide across 15 adult specialties and 22 procedures and conditions to determine the best of the best.

What opioid use disorder costs Indiana

Opioid abuse is as much an economic problem as a public health crisis.

Opioid abuse is as much an economic problem as a public health crisis, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="comprehensive analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/opioid-use-disorder-costs" data-vars-content-id="bb0fd232-baa8-4662-8b8b-360459193de4" data-vars-headline="What opioid use disorder costs Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/20/opioid-use-disorder-costs" target="_self">comprehensive analysis</a> provided first to Axios that shows Indiana spends more than $670,000 on each such case.Why it matters: The cost burden falls <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unevenly" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/39967110.112/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMjgvY2hhcnRlZC1tZWRpY2FsLWNsYWltcy1yZWxhdGVkLXRvLW9waW9pZC1kZXBlbmRlbmNlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/677d14e33dd238439d08deaaB2d7ae786" data-vars-content-id="bb0fd232-baa8-4662-8b8b-360459193de4" data-vars-headline="What opioid use disorder costs Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/39967110.112/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tLzIwMjMvMDkvMjgvY2hhcnRlZC1tZWRpY2FsLWNsYWltcy1yZWxhdGVkLXRvLW9waW9pZC1kZXBlbmRlbmNlP3V0bV9zb3VyY2U9bmV3c2xldHRlciZ1dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9jYW1wYWlnbj1zZW5kdG9fbG9jYWxuZXdzbGV0dGVydGVzdCZzdHJlYW09dG9w/677d14e33dd238439d08deaaB2d7ae786" target="_self">unevenly</a> across the country, with states in a belt stretching through Appalachia to New England typically having bigger caseloads and a higher cost per case.

Health 🩺

Indiana gets $207M from rural health fund

"Super flu" causing a spike in Indiana flu cases

Eli Lilly makes Alabama history with $6B Huntsville plant

Lung cancer rates high among Hoosiers

IU, Lilly team up to study weight loss drugs in the workplace