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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>

These are the drivers to watch at the 2024 Indianapolis 500

McLaughlin is the favorite, but there are others to keep an eye on.

Indy 500

You don&#x27;t have to be an IndyCar expert to enjoy the Indianapolis 500.<ul><li>Here&#x27;s a casual fan&#x27;s guide to some of the sport&#x27;s biggest names and those to watch during Sunday&#x27;s race.</li></ul>

Everything you need to know about Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 weekend

The race is Sunday, but the party is all weekend.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Indy 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" data-vars-content-id="f6d705af-3bbc-47b4-869c-695112d0f950" data-vars-headline="Everything you need to know about Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" target="_self">The Indy 500</a> may be a single-day event, but the party is a full weekend affair.Why it matters: The 108th running is expected to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="attract more than 330,000 people" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/17/indy-500-doug-boles-blackouts-new-fans" data-vars-content-id="f6d705af-3bbc-47b4-869c-695112d0f950" data-vars-headline="Everything you need to know about Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/17/indy-500-doug-boles-blackouts-new-fans" target="_self">attract more than 330,000 people</a>, meaning that wading into that sea of fans without planning ahead could ruin race day.

Your 2024 Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit playlist

Excision headlines the EDM concert lineup.

Sunday isn&#x27;t just <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="race day at IMS" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" data-vars-content-id="15eae71f-2a80-423a-afcf-c19e0f7d7af5" data-vars-headline="Your 2024 Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit playlist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" target="_self">race day at IMS</a>. It&#x27;s also EDM day.What&#x27;s happening: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Snake Pit concert" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/snakepit" data-vars-content-id="15eae71f-2a80-423a-afcf-c19e0f7d7af5" data-vars-headline="Your 2024 Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit playlist" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/snakepit" target="_blank">The Snake Pit concert</a> is back, and the DJs leading the bass drops this year have amassed hundreds of millions of streams.

Everything you need to know about the 2024 500 Festival Parade

Thousands will line downtown streets Saturday.

The day before the race, head downtown to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="see all 33 Indy 500 drivers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" data-vars-content-id="daea5490-b4d3-436c-b35f-f3826cbd0d85" data-vars-headline="Everything you need to know about the 2024 500 Festival Parade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/24/drivers-to-watch-108th-indy-500-mclaughlin-newgarden-penske" target="_self">see all 33 Indy 500 drivers</a> take part in the annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="500 Festival Parade" data-vars-click-url="https://500festival.com/parade/" data-vars-content-id="daea5490-b4d3-436c-b35f-f3826cbd0d85" data-vars-headline="Everything you need to know about the 2024 500 Festival Parade" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://500festival.com/parade/" target="_blank">500 Festival Parade</a>.Why it matters: Everyone loves a parade!

Carb Day means one thing: Indy 500 weekend starts now

If you're feeling "bad to the bone" there's only one place to be.

Things to Do

If you&#x27;re feeling &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bad to the Bone" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyhJ69mD7xI" data-vars-content-id="9dc280f5-b1a6-4087-ab39-fb35352758f3" data-vars-headline="Carb Day means one thing: Indy 500 weekend starts now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyhJ69mD7xI" target="_blank">Bad to the Bone</a>&quot; and got &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="No Particular Place To Go" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZ86RA1B3A" data-vars-content-id="9dc280f5-b1a6-4087-ab39-fb35352758f3" data-vars-headline="Carb Day means one thing: Indy 500 weekend starts now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UEZ86RA1B3A" target="_blank">No Particular Place To Go</a>&quot; tomorrow, Carb Day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway is the place to be.Why it matters: Carb Day marks the start of Memorial Day weekend at IMS, and signifies the true home stretch on the way to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/17/indy-500-doug-boles-blackouts-new-fans" data-vars-content-id="9dc280f5-b1a6-4087-ab39-fb35352758f3" data-vars-headline="Carb Day means one thing: Indy 500 weekend starts now" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/05/17/indy-500-doug-boles-blackouts-new-fans" target="_self">Indianapolis 500</a>.

Catch up on all the INDYCAR action with new show

The second season of the docuseries is airing now.

The Indianapolis 500 may be <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Greatest Spectacle in Racing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/01/guide-indianapolis-500-may" data-vars-content-id="af8659a4-8364-4357-aa34-857143b6c993" data-vars-headline="Catch up on all the INDYCAR action with new show" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/05/01/guide-indianapolis-500-may" target="_self">the Greatest Spectacle in Racing</a>, but it&#x27;s just one of 18 races that are part of the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.Driving the news (literally): The CW show &quot;100 Days to Indy&quot; follows teams and key drivers through the season in the lead-up to the Indy 500.<ul><li>The next episode airs Friday night.</li></ul>

Meatless Monday does IMS

Food and Drink

According to my smartwatch, I walked approximately 20,000 steps around Indianapolis Motor Speedway to scope out all the best meat-free food options so you can save your cooler space for more important things, like beer.First things first: There are not a ton of vegetarian options aside from sides and snacks.

Doug Boles on blackouts, new fans and why May is better in Indianapolis

The IMS president says the 2024 Indianapolis 500 already feels like an all-timer.

If you see Doug Boles <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="smiling ear to ear" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/IndyChamber/status/1790439481494962291" data-vars-content-id="665a33bd-1b8b-4dc2-8d5a-6f9bf7666869" data-vars-headline="Doug Boles on blackouts, new fans and why May is better in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/IndyChamber/status/1790439481494962291" target="_blank">smiling ear to ear</a> while <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out and about this month" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/jdouglas4/status/1790370851365224527" data-vars-content-id="665a33bd-1b8b-4dc2-8d5a-6f9bf7666869" data-vars-headline="Doug Boles on blackouts, new fans and why May is better in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/jdouglas4/status/1790370851365224527" target="_blank">out and about this month</a>, the IMS president says it&#x27;s because the 2024 Indianapolis 500 already feels like an all-timer.Why it matters: It&#x27;s selling like one, too — reserve ticket sales are up between 15,000 and 16,000 seats when compared to this time last year.

Race terms for new Indy 500 fans

Here are a few race terms to get familiar with so you can talk shop like a pro.

With ticket sales going strong, a good chunk of the more than 330,000 people expected to attend this year&#x27;s Indianapolis 500 could be first-timers.Why it matters: Even for repeat visitors to the track, understanding the on-track action can feel impossible amid the roaring engines and cheering fans.

Daredevil Brewing hits Mach Ten in Speedway

This triple IPA variant of Daredevil's beloved Lift Off IPA is one worth trying.

I celebrated May in Indianapolis with an anniversary brew that left me in the dust.Driving the brews: While taking in the energy around Indianapolis Motor Speedway after last weekend&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sonsio Grand Prix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/photos/2024/05/11/sonsio-grand-prix-saturday-may-11-2024" data-vars-content-id="ffc19100-b58a-4a1a-b9aa-7b1a51beaf6f" data-vars-headline="Daredevil Brewing hits Mach Ten in Speedway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/news-multimedia/photos/2024/05/11/sonsio-grand-prix-saturday-may-11-2024" target="_blank">Sonsio Grand Prix</a>, I stopped at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Daredevil Brewing&#x27;s Speedway Taproom" data-vars-click-url="https://daredevilbeer.com/taproom/" data-vars-content-id="ffc19100-b58a-4a1a-b9aa-7b1a51beaf6f" data-vars-headline="Daredevil Brewing hits Mach Ten in Speedway" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://daredevilbeer.com/taproom/" target="_blank">Daredevil Brewing&#x27;s Speedway Taproom</a>.

Indy 500

Pics to go: 12 decades of Indy 500 race cars

These are the drivers to watch at the 2024 Indianapolis 500

Everything you need to know about Indianapolis Motor Speedway during Indy 500 weekend

Your 2024 Indianapolis 500 Snake Pit playlist

Everything you need to know about the 2024 500 Festival Parade