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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.

Casino relocation bill narrowly passes Indiana Senate

While Indy had been considered, it's likely to land in Fort Wayne.

A new casino appears headed to northeast Indiana, not Indianapolis.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House Bill 1038" data-vars-click-url="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1038/details" data-vars-content-id="d8532582-308a-4827-acef-2dd22650f8e6" data-vars-headline="Casino relocation bill narrowly passes Indiana Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1038/details" target="_blank">House Bill 1038</a> narrowly passed the Senate Tuesday, clearing the way for the license of the Rising Sun casino to move to northeast Indiana.<ul><li>The unusually tight 26-22 vote reflected disagreement over where the casino should land.</li></ul>

Old News: The Dillinger Gang's deadly bank heist

John Dillinger and his gang's Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934.

History

This week 92 years ago, Indianapolis&#x27; most notorious native son made <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="headlines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ludington-daily-news-john-dillinger/9506680/" target="_blank">headlines</a> for leading a deadly bank robbery near the state line.Driving the (old) news: John Dillinger and his gang&#x27;s Midwestern crime spree hit Lake County on Jan. 15, 1934 when they hit a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="First National Bank branch in East Chicago" data-vars-click-url="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" data-vars-content-id="fa454b5c-5485-4fb6-8a1a-04d85d5e8d36" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Dillinger Gang&#x27;s deadly bank heist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.preserveindiana.com/pixpages/eastchicago/eastchicagobank.htm" target="_blank">First National Bank branch in East Chicago</a>.

Old News: Indiana becomes a state

Today, the Hoosier state turns 209 years young.

Happy Indiana Statehood Day!Why it matters: It&#x27;s the Hoosier State&#x27;s 209th birthday — Dec. 11 marks the day Indiana became the 19th state to join the Union in 1816. <ul><li>Break out the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="sugar cream pie" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/why-is-sugar-cream-pie-so-popular-in-indiana" data-vars-content-id="cd23ccbc-c716-4bda-90aa-2c3965ba48ff" data-vars-headline="Old News: Indiana becomes a state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wfyi.org/news/articles/why-is-sugar-cream-pie-so-popular-in-indiana" target="_blank">sugar cream pie</a>.</li></ul>

A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis

People got their first shot at land ownership in Indianapolis 204 years ago today.

On this day 204 years ago, Indianapolis was buzzing as people gathered for an opportunity to buy land in the new state capital, according to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana Historical Bureau" data-vars-click-url="https://www.in.gov/history/files/tiharch-jun96.pdf" data-vars-content-id="f361542a-449c-4316-a146-bc97e8623331" data-vars-headline="A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.in.gov/history/files/tiharch-jun96.pdf" target="_blank">Indiana Historical Bureau</a>.<ul><li>The start of land sales here continued a big year for Indianapolis&#x27; establishment — 1821 began with the appointment of three commissioners to lay out the town and an agent to oversee the sale of lots.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christopher Harrison" data-vars-click-url="https://www.johnhaycenter.org/index.php/our-history/people-of-history/indianas-1st-lt-governor-lived-on-the-salem-square" data-vars-content-id="f361542a-449c-4316-a146-bc97e8623331" data-vars-headline="A look at the first land sales in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.johnhaycenter.org/index.php/our-history/people-of-history/indianas-1st-lt-governor-lived-on-the-salem-square" target="_blank">Christopher Harrison</a>, James W. Jones and Samuel P. Booker were chosen as the commissioners and ordered to meet in April 1821 to get to work.</li></ul>

A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good

This week, we travel back to the Indiana State Fair setting up shop on East 38th Street in 1892.

While the Indiana State Fair has become the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ultimate summer staple" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/26/indiana-state-fair-attendance-rises&#x27;" data-vars-content-id="7d9d4e08-3223-4ff7-9105-8f73abc497de" data-vars-headline="A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/26/indiana-state-fair-attendance-rises&#x27;" target="_self">ultimate summer staple</a>, the event moved to its iconic spot at 1202 E. 38th St. just in time to usher in autumn 133 years ago.Driving the (old) news: The state fair was held at its current location <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for the first time" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159457132628416&amp;set=a.112125948415" data-vars-content-id="7d9d4e08-3223-4ff7-9105-8f73abc497de" data-vars-headline="A look at when the Indiana State Fair moved to Indy for good" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10159457132628416&amp;set=a.112125948415" target="_blank">for the first time</a> on Sept. 19, 1892 when the Indiana State Fairgrounds &amp; Event Center opened to the public.

Old News: Crown Hill National Cemetery opens

On this day 159 years ago, Crown Hill National was established in Indy as the state's first national cemetery.

On this day 159 years ago, Crown Hill National Cemetery was established in Indianapolis as the state&#x27;s first national cemetery.Why it matters: The 1.4 acres of land set aside for Civil War internments and purchased by the federal government for $5,000 in 1866 has become a final resting place for thousands of veterans.

Indianapolis' most endangered landmark

Traders Point Covered Bridge is a rare survivor from a previous era.

Indiana Landmarks&#x27; latest list of the state&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most endangered landmarks" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered/" data-vars-content-id="2ec8e801-2948-4de2-849e-36d843faf443" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; most endangered landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered/" target="_blank">most endangered landmarks</a> includes an Indianapolis covered bridge that has staved off demolition and degradation for 145 years.Why it matters: The organization says <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Traders Point Covered Bridge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/endangered-property/traders-point-covered-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="2ec8e801-2948-4de2-849e-36d843faf443" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; most endangered landmark" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianalandmarks.org/endangered-property/traders-point-covered-bridge/" target="_blank">Traders Point Covered Bridge</a> and the nine other structures in need of saving are architectural treasures that tell our state&#x27;s story.

Old News: The sinking of the USS Indianapolis

Eighty years ago today, the USS Indianapolis went down in 12 minutes after being struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine.

Eighty years ago today, the USS Indianapolis went down in 12 minutes after being struck by two torpedoes from a Japanese submarine.Why it matters: The attack on the cruiser, which was named in honor of our city, just after it delivered components used for the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima remains one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Navy&#x27;s worst at-sea disasters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4251122/worst-navy-disaster-at-sea-led-to-safety-changes/" data-vars-content-id="99699e35-75c4-4693-a516-23093bf7067b" data-vars-headline="Old News: The sinking of the USS Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/4251122/worst-navy-disaster-at-sea-led-to-safety-changes/" target="_blank">Navy&#x27;s worst at-sea disasters</a>.

Purdue's plan to find Amelia Earhart's plane

A research team is readying for a fall expedition to bring the adventurer's long-lost aircraft home.

<figure><img alt="Amelia Earhart and her plane" height="450" id="4ece62b0-d1f4-4395-b696-e78d3d6bdb01" src="https://images.axios.com/cDZfqjjO8f7mKOVuBPVh1z4sxxA=/filters:no_upscale()/2025/07/10/1752164016147.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>GIF: Courtesy of Purdue University Libraries/Purdue Research Foundation</figcaption></figure>A research team supported by Purdue University is spending its summer preparing for a fall expedition to bring Amelia Earhart&#x27;s long-lost aircraft home.Why it matters: The disappearance of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="iconic Boilermaker" data-vars-click-url="https://stories.purdue.edu/amelia-earhart-aviator-legend-boilermaker/" data-vars-content-id="725478fc-3437-498a-a4dc-79bc4b657f09" data-vars-headline="Purdue&#x27;s plan to find Amelia Earhart&#x27;s plane" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://stories.purdue.edu/amelia-earhart-aviator-legend-boilermaker/" target="_blank">iconic Boilermaker</a> and her plane, the Electra, on July 2, 1937, remains one of the aviation world&#x27;s most captivating mysteries.

Old News: The legacy and protection of the Indiana Dunes

Becoming the 61st national park in the U.S. was a long road with conversation at the forefront.

Heading north on I-65 to the southern shores of Lake Michigan for a day at Indiana Dunes National Park has become a popular way for Indy residents to spend some fun in the sun each summer.Yes, but: Becoming the 61st national park in the U.S. was a long road with conversation at the forefront.

Old News: The Indiana Fever overcame the odds to win it all

The Pacers are chasing their title, but Indy knows about being at the top of the pro basketball world.

As the Pacers pursue the franchise&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first NBA championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/13/fun-ways-indiana-pacers-celebrate-community-2025-finals" data-vars-content-id="75d1a4b3-57e1-4c60-88e5-c04c61b2e9c2" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Indiana Fever overcame the odds to win it all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/13/fun-ways-indiana-pacers-celebrate-community-2025-finals" target="_self">first NBA championship</a>, let&#x27;s reminisce about the last time Indianapolis sat atop the professional basketball world.Driving the (old) news: The Indiana Fever entered the WNBA&#x27;s 2012 postseason in second place after putting together a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="22-12 regular season record" data-vars-click-url="https://fever.wnba.com/news/recapping-the-fevers-2012-championship-run-the-regular-season" data-vars-content-id="75d1a4b3-57e1-4c60-88e5-c04c61b2e9c2" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Indiana Fever overcame the odds to win it all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fever.wnba.com/news/recapping-the-fevers-2012-championship-run-the-regular-season" target="_blank">22-12 regular season record</a> behind the efforts of stars like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tamika Catchings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/04/help-pick-tamika-catchings-new-mural" data-vars-content-id="75d1a4b3-57e1-4c60-88e5-c04c61b2e9c2" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Indiana Fever overcame the odds to win it all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/04/04/help-pick-tamika-catchings-new-mural" target="_self">Tamika Catchings</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Katie Douglas" data-vars-click-url="https://hoopshall.com/inductees/katie-douglas/" data-vars-content-id="75d1a4b3-57e1-4c60-88e5-c04c61b2e9c2" data-vars-headline="Old News: The Indiana Fever overcame the odds to win it all" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hoopshall.com/inductees/katie-douglas/" target="_blank">Katie Douglas</a>.