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Scoop: Pence says Jan. 6 defendants shouldn't get access to public dollars

The former vice president has a new book on conservatism coming out next month.

Politics & Policy

Former Vice President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Pence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/pence-jfk-courage-award-jan-6-trump" data-vars-content-id="1885e1c0-3d5b-46e4-807d-19a895ce0b69" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Pence says Jan. 6 defendants shouldn&#x27;t get access to public dollars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/05/pence-jfk-courage-award-jan-6-trump" target="_self">Mike Pence</a> — once targeted by rioters during the Jan. 6 Capitol attack — says people who assaulted police officers that day should not receive taxpayer compensation under President Trump&#x27;s IRS settlement.The big picture: Pence has been praised for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resisting pressure" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/06/pence-says-trumps-lawyers-asked-him-to-reject-votes-outright" data-vars-content-id="1885e1c0-3d5b-46e4-807d-19a895ce0b69" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Pence says Jan. 6 defendants shouldn&#x27;t get access to public dollars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/08/06/pence-says-trumps-lawyers-asked-him-to-reject-votes-outright" target="_self">resisting pressure</a> from Trump and allies to overturn or delay certification of former President <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Biden&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" data-vars-content-id="1885e1c0-3d5b-46e4-807d-19a895ce0b69" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Pence says Jan. 6 defendants shouldn&#x27;t get access to public dollars" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/joe-biden" target="_self">Biden&#x27;s</a> 2020 election victory.

LIV Golf's uncertain future in Central Indiana

The next edition of LIV Golf Indianapolis could be the very last as potential bankruptcy looms.

News

The next edition of LIV Golf Indianapolis could be the very last.Why it matters: The challenger golf brand&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Westfield debut last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/14/liv-golf-indianapolis-2025-championship-chatham-hills" data-vars-content-id="ecc076e4-ad06-4953-811e-102f60191a4a" data-vars-headline="LIV Golf&#x27;s uncertain future in Central Indiana" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/14/liv-golf-indianapolis-2025-championship-chatham-hills" target="_self">Westfield debut last summer</a> was a big win for local tourism, setting attendance records for the league.

The good, bad and ugly of the 2026 Indianapolis 500

The highs, lows and everything in between from the 110th running.

Sports

The 110th running of the Indianapolis 500 had it all — joy, sorrow and the closest finish in race history.Driving the news: Felix Rosenqvist overtook David Malukas on the backstretch after a chaotic restart to finish the race with one final green flag lap.

Indianapolis Public Schools senior heading to Columbia University

Karol Redondo-Ponce plans to become an OB/GYN and use her bilingual skills.

When Karol Redondo-Ponce graduates from Shortridge High School Thursday, she&#x27;ll become the first person in her family to graduate high school.Why it matters: The daughter of Honduran immigrants who did not complete middle school, Redondo-Ponce will also become the first in her family to attend college when she starts at Columbia University this fall.<ul><li>She&#x27;s doing so backed by one of the nation&#x27;s most prestigious awards, the Gates Scholarship, which covers the full cost of a four-year college education for top Pell-eligible minority seniors.</li></ul>

Drivers to watch for the 2026 Indianapolis 500

Not sure who to root for? Here are four good bets.

You don&#x27;t have to be an IndyCar expert to enjoy the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/01/month-of-may-indianapolis-500-festival-parade" data-vars-content-id="852a939c-266f-4712-919b-8382f48aec34" data-vars-headline="Drivers to watch for the 2026 Indianapolis 500" 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">Indianapolis 500</a>.The big picture: 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.

How to fake it: A newbie's guide to the 2026 Indianapolis 500

The lingo, storylines and everything you need to know about the Indy 500.

When <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drivers start their engines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/05/22/drivers-to-watch-2026-indianapolis-500" data-vars-content-id="494de0f0-5812-4674-9a5f-89d4d6461a1c" data-vars-headline="How to fake it: A newbie&#x27;s guide to the 2026 Indianapolis 500" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/05/22/drivers-to-watch-2026-indianapolis-500" target="_self">drivers start their engines</a> for the Indianapolis 500 on Sunday, racing terms will be thrown around fast and furious.Here&#x27;s your guide to the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend

IndyCar has switched up the qualifying process for 2026.

We&#x27;ve got the need for speed. Lucky for us, it&#x27;s Fast Friday.The big picture: It&#x27;s qualifying weekend for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/01/month-of-may-indianapolis-500-festival-parade" data-vars-content-id="f63cbbdf-0191-4409-9a13-4fd4707e808d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend" 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">Indianapolis 500</a>.<ul><li>Today is the final — and fastest — practice before the field of 33 is set.</li><li>Cars get a turbocharger boost to reach the speeds they&#x27;ll run during qualifying.</li></ul>Vibe check: Quals are a lower-key way to get a taste of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.<ul><li>You get all the speed — we&#x27;re talking 230-plus miles per hour — without the race day crowd.</li></ul>How it works: Don&#x27;t skip this — it&#x27;s different this year!<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qualifying begins" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/event-info/schedule/friday-may-16-fast-friday-2025" data-vars-content-id="f63cbbdf-0191-4409-9a13-4fd4707e808d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/event-info/schedule/friday-may-16-fast-friday-2025" target="_blank">Qualifying begins</a> at 11am Saturday, and by 6pm spots 15-33 will be set.</li><li>Drivers who qualified in the top 15 on Saturday will be back on track Sunday to secure their starting position.</li><li>On Sunday, cars ranked 1-9 are automatically advanced to the Top 12, while those in 10th-15th spots will have to compete for those last three spots.</li><li>The fastest three move on; the slowest three get spots 13-15 on race day.</li><li>Then, the Top 12 qualifiers will advance as last year, with those finishing 7-12 claiming those spots and the fastest six advancing to the Firestone Fast Six later in the day to determine positions 1-6.</li></ul>Yes, but: The forecast doesn&#x27;t look great.<ul><li>Chances of rain start early Saturday morning and continue through Sunday. </li></ul>The intrigue: Defending champ Alex Palou has turned some of the fastest laps in practice so far, but he&#x27;s not the only driver looking hot going into the weekend. <ul><li>Hometown hero Conor Daly won the day Wednesday with a 228 mph lap — and &quot;we weren&#x27;t even flat on that lap,&quot; Daly said.</li><li>Two-time runner-up Pato O&#x27;Ward and 2016 Indy 500 winner Alexander Rossi have also looked strong.</li></ul>If you go: Fast Friday, the final day of practice before qualifying, starts at noon and the qualification draw starts at 6:15pm.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Qualifying runs start" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/event-info/schedule/friday-may-16-fast-friday-2025" data-vars-content-id="f63cbbdf-0191-4409-9a13-4fd4707e808d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/event-info/schedule/friday-may-16-fast-friday-2025" target="_blank">Qualifying runs start</a> at 11am Saturday and 4:05pm Sunday.</li><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/tickets-non-race-day" data-vars-content-id="f63cbbdf-0191-4409-9a13-4fd4707e808d" data-vars-headline="Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismotorspeedway.com/events/indy500/buy-tickets/tickets-non-race-day" target="_blank">Tickets</a> start at $25 for Fast Friday and $30 for quals.</li></ul>

Indiana Fever open big 2026 season at home

The most watched team in women's basketball hits the court Saturday afternoon.

The most watched team in women&#x27;s basketball tips off Saturday as the WNBA starts a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic 30th regular season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.wnba.com/news/10-things-to-look-forward-to-2026" data-vars-content-id="ebc3e75f-517c-4d90-a7a8-dc6585093b3e" data-vars-headline="Indiana Fever open big 2026 season at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wnba.com/news/10-things-to-look-forward-to-2026" target="_blank">historic 30th regular season</a>.Why it matters: A healthy roster and rising expectations make <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2026 a huge year" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/kelsey-mitchell-supermax-deal-sets-the-tone-for-2026-fever" data-vars-content-id="ebc3e75f-517c-4d90-a7a8-dc6585093b3e" data-vars-headline="Indiana Fever open big 2026 season at home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/15/kelsey-mitchell-supermax-deal-sets-the-tone-for-2026-fever" target="_self">2026 a huge year</a> for the Indiana Fever.

Sonsio Grand Prix brings IndyCar racing back to IMS

Alex Palou is looking to make it a four-peat.

The roar of engines returns to Speedway Friday for Sonsio Grand Prix weekend.Why it matters: The Grand Prix is when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="May" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/05/01/guide-month-may-activities-indy-mini-marathon-indianapolis-500" data-vars-content-id="8234c97e-ac55-4ea8-a6bc-304b4ff94481" data-vars-headline="Sonsio Grand Prix brings IndyCar racing back to IMS" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/05/01/guide-month-may-activities-indy-mini-marathon-indianapolis-500" target="_self">May</a> really kicks into high gear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.<ul><li>The 85-lap race runs through the 14 turns of the 2.439-mile road course at IMS, bringing drivers and excitement to the track — two weeks before the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.</li></ul>

Indy Ignite ready for MLV Championship run

The Ignite enter the 2026 MLV Championship as the league's best team, but they still need the trophy to prove it.

The Indy Ignite enter the 2026 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Major League Volleyball Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;pf=1&amp;ai=DChsSEwj24O7Dw6WUAxV8i8IIHWpVMhoYACICCAEQABoCamY&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvlrqzhEv2W1o2-qCUB38rApv1yKVCItRoUGl4eBNKgQSSWuejEYkSRoCbREQAvD_BwE&amp;cid=CAASZuRodZAEc3JYvvQe6gV-oNucg87sn8RCTOD-AmwPzsTJE1aCQw-fOFXz7scZSG1f0VyZ1kCg7uTtfxmBH3zxsFB1LzfcvJeMsdAi5SHR8oCJZmyIj-86Kcldvf9yyi_G4rI72Y02qQ&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_1_cu8JkSGuKlQVPQAU0k_Rp6JkSw&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl=https://provolleyball.com/championship-central-2026?utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Dmlv_google_search-brand_evergreen_pro_brand_all_all_national%26utm_term%3Dmajor%2520league%2520volleyball%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D23630343302%26gbraid%3D0AAAABC7IyR7OitKu9J_y1OWRRATkamUj2%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvlrqzhEv2W1o2-qCUB38rApv1yKVCItRoUGl4eBNKgQSSWuejEYkSRoCbREQAvD_BwE&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDheXDw6WUAxUxiysGHcysIiIQ0Qx6BAgYEAE" data-vars-content-id="3a1b7b10-7f92-45d5-b531-159d6f44f53c" data-vars-headline="Indy Ignite ready for MLV Championship run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.google.com/aclk?sa=L&amp;pf=1&amp;ai=DChsSEwj24O7Dw6WUAxV8i8IIHWpVMhoYACICCAEQABoCamY&amp;co=1&amp;ase=2&amp;gclid=CjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvlrqzhEv2W1o2-qCUB38rApv1yKVCItRoUGl4eBNKgQSSWuejEYkSRoCbREQAvD_BwE&amp;cid=CAASZuRodZAEc3JYvvQe6gV-oNucg87sn8RCTOD-AmwPzsTJE1aCQw-fOFXz7scZSG1f0VyZ1kCg7uTtfxmBH3zxsFB1LzfcvJeMsdAi5SHR8oCJZmyIj-86Kcldvf9yyi_G4rI72Y02qQ&amp;cce=2&amp;category=acrcp_v1_32&amp;sig=AOD64_1_cu8JkSGuKlQVPQAU0k_Rp6JkSw&amp;q&amp;nis=4&amp;adurl=https://provolleyball.com/championship-central-2026?utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dcpc%26utm_campaign%3Dmlv_google_search-brand_evergreen_pro_brand_all_all_national%26utm_term%3Dmajor%2520league%2520volleyball%26gad_source%3D1%26gad_campaignid%3D23630343302%26gbraid%3D0AAAABC7IyR7OitKu9J_y1OWRRATkamUj2%26gclid%3DCjwKCAjwzevPBhBaEiwAplAxvlrqzhEv2W1o2-qCUB38rApv1yKVCItRoUGl4eBNKgQSSWuejEYkSRoCbREQAvD_BwE&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjDheXDw6WUAxUxiysGHcysIiIQ0Qx6BAgYEAE" target="_blank">Major League Volleyball Championship</a> tonight as the league&#x27;s undisputed best team.Why it matters: Despite their regular season dominance, the Ignite are eager to shake off the disappointment of last season&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="second-place postseason performance" data-vars-click-url="https://provolleyball.com/news/2025/05/one-in-a-million-valkyries-take-home-2025-pvf-championship" data-vars-content-id="3a1b7b10-7f92-45d5-b531-159d6f44f53c" data-vars-headline="Indy Ignite ready for MLV Championship run" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://provolleyball.com/news/2025/05/one-in-a-million-valkyries-take-home-2025-pvf-championship" target="_blank">second-place postseason performance</a> to bring a title home in year two.

Your guide to all the Month of May activities in Indianapolis

It's more than a race day — it's a whole month of checkered fun.

Start your engines, Indy. The Month of May is here!Why it matters: Over the next three weeks, Indianapolis will put on a series of events leading up to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis 500" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/indianapolis-500" data-vars-content-id="4d4fc11e-462f-4a59-bbc6-16c33a644921" data-vars-headline="Your guide to all the Month of May activities in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/indianapolis-500" target="_self">Indianapolis 500</a>, when as many as 350,000 people will descend on the city for the Greatest Spectacle in Racing.

30 Over 30: Victory Field home to more than baseball

The ballpark has grown from a downtown anchor into a cornerstone of Indy's identity.

Editor&#x27;s note: Welcome to Axios Indianapolis&#x27; &quot;30 Over 30,&quot; a series celebrating the icons that have shaped our city for 30 years or more.Victory Field has done more than host baseball games. It has served as a Circle City cornerstone since the summer of 96.Why it matters: The past three decades have seen the ballpark evolve from a $20 million downtown anchor into one of the longest-standing symbols of Indianapolis&#x27; storied sports identity.

Kelsey Mitchell supermax deal sets the tone for 2026 Fever

Indiana is leading a new era of WNBA compensation in pursuit of another postseason.

The Indiana Fever are paying the price to stay competitive as the battle to attract top talent now includes the allure of million-dollar deals.Why it matters: As they work to maintain their position as a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="playoff-caliber team" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/26/2025-wnba-playoffs-fever-aces" data-vars-content-id="adb8a529-b762-4241-9acd-221f40a51245" data-vars-headline="Kelsey Mitchell supermax deal sets the tone for 2026 Fever" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/26/2025-wnba-playoffs-fever-aces" target="_self">playoff-caliber team</a>, Indiana is leading a new era of WNBA compensation.

Sports 🏅

The good, bad and ugly of the 2026 Indianapolis 500

Drivers to watch for the 2026 Indianapolis 500

How to fake it: A newbie's guide to the 2026 Indianapolis 500

Your guide to Indianapolis 500 qualifying weekend

Indiana Fever open big 2026 season at home