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Nexstar-Tegna deal raises stakes for Indy TV news

To make the largest local broadcast company in the country, local news markets are getting smaller.

News

A massive broadcast merger with sweeping implications for Indianapolis returns to court Tuesday just days after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a separate acquisition rocked" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2026/04/02/wrtv-staff-laid-off-while-producing-evening-news/89438256007/" data-vars-content-id="bfc674ca-d9fa-4e95-a7b7-0282f748aabb" data-vars-headline="Nexstar-Tegna deal raises stakes for Indy TV news" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/news/2026/04/02/wrtv-staff-laid-off-while-producing-evening-news/89438256007/" target="_blank">a separate acquisition rocked</a> one of the city&#x27;s major newsrooms.Why it matters: Indy residents could soon rely on just two companies—Nexstar-Tegna and Circle City Broadcasting — for most local TV news, raising concerns about competition and editorial independence.

City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting

Gibson has been out front in support of the Metrobloks data center in Martindale-Brightwood.

City-County Council Ron Gibson said he stands by <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his support for a data center" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/45046635.115/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL25ld3NsZXR0ZXJzL2F4aW9zLWluZGlhbmFwb2xpcy1jODcyYjE2My04NGZhLTRjNjItYmM3MC04YWY5ODViNTdhZDAuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2luZGlhbmFwb2xpcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/638e43b32f2230f266011b44Bfc576180" data-vars-content-id="988593e0-1c88-405f-900c-fbdf736fc634" data-vars-headline="City-County Councilor Ron Gibson stands by data center after shooting" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/45046635.115/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL25ld3NsZXR0ZXJzL2F4aW9zLWluZGlhbmFwb2xpcy1jODcyYjE2My04NGZhLTRjNjItYmM3MC04YWY5ODViNTdhZDAuaHRtbD91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249bmV3c2xldHRlcl9heGlvc2xvY2FsX2luZGlhbmFwb2xpcyZzdHJlYW09dG9w/638e43b32f2230f266011b44Bfc576180" target="_self">his support for a data center</a> in the historic Martindale-Brightwood neighborhood, despite what he calls a &quot;targeted attack&quot; on his home Monday morning.Why it matters: Opposition to data center projects throughout Marion County has been widespread and staunch, but this is the first time it has turned violent.

Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains

The pandemic triggered a shift in how people work. But some parts of our metro are bucking the trend.

Companies in downtown Indianapolis and other major U.S. cities don&#x27;t require as much office space these days.Why it matters: The pandemic triggered a fundamental shift in how people work. But some parts of our metro are bucking the trend.The latest: National vacancy rates hit a record high in the first three months of the year, per data Moody&#x27;s shared exclusively with Axios.By the numbers: 21% of the office space across 79 markets in the U.S., mostly cities, was vacant in the first quarter — up from 17% in 2020.<ul><li>Even after a strong push by employers for employees to return to the office, workers spend about <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a quarter" data-vars-click-url="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFHCOVIDMATQUESTION" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fred.stlouisfed.org/series/WFHCOVIDMATQUESTION" target="_blank">a quarter</a> of their workdays away from the office — compared to 7% in January 2020.</li></ul>Zoom in: After adding 244,000 square feet of occupancy to close out 2025, Indianapolis&#x27; central business district lost 203,000 square feet in the first three months of 2026, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per JLL" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/market-dynamics/indianapolis-office" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/market-dynamics/indianapolis-office" target="_blank">per JLL</a>.<ul><li>Most of that loss came from IU Health vacating its office space at Landmark Center as services are consolidated to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the new medical campus" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/24/iu-health-downtown-hospital-construction" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/06/24/iu-health-downtown-hospital-construction" target="_self">the new medical campus</a> being built along 16th Street.</li></ul>Yes, but: The Indy suburbs had a very different quarter, posting occupancy growth of 357,000 square feet, per JLL.<ul><li>That&#x27;s more than the suburbs added in all of 2025 and marks the strongest single-quarter of growth since 2018.</li><li>Carmel&#x27;s growth came about when Republic Airways moved from Indy&#x27;s northwest side to a $200 million corporate headquarters along North Meridian Street. </li><li>In Keystone, growth centered on multiple tenants taking occupancy of at least 10,000 square feet in office parks including Lakefront at Keystone, Keystone at the Crossing and Woodland Center.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Mike Cagna, senior research manager for JLL, said downtown should see gains soon as the city&#x27;s embrace of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="office conversions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/06/downtown-indianapolis-empty-offices-vacancy-rate" data-vars-content-id="44b9851e-f0bd-4f32-af90-dba06e8bf571" data-vars-headline="Downtown Indy office vacancies climb as suburbs post record occupancy gains" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/10/06/downtown-indianapolis-empty-offices-vacancy-rate" target="_self">office conversions</a> continues. <ul><li>&quot;This quarter, work began to convert the top seven floors of Capital Center South Tower into a Moxy Hotel by Marriott. Later this year, Circle Tower will undergo a similar conversion to an AC by Marriott,&quot; he said in a statement. </li><li>&quot;These two conversions will remove nearly 200,000 square feet of vacant office space from the market.&quot;</li></ul>State of play: Although the return-to-office trend was real, plenty of people still work remotely or on hybrid schedules.<ul><li>That means office spaces have shrunk — continuing a pre-pandemic shift in which employers leaned toward collaborative workspaces, with fewer cubicles and personal offices, Moody&#x27;s says.</li></ul>Follow the money: The slowing labor market and questions over how the AI transition will shake out are also holding back demand for offices.

Indiana researchers study the potential of AI-powered health care

AI and robotics could make medical care safer, faster and more accessible. But not without obstacles.

A new Indianapolis-based center is bringing together top researchers to test whether AI and robotics can transform medical care.Why it matters: AI-powered care could make medicine safer, faster and more accessible — but only if researchers can solve major technical, ethical and cost challenges.

Look inside the Indiana Fever's new practice facility

Wait until you see the off-court amenities.

Sports

The Indiana Fever will be training in style. The latest: The team released new renderings Thursday, offering a first look at the $78 million, 108,000-square-foot, three-story facility.

Your complete guide to the 2026 Final Four and more in Indianapolis

Indy's biggest basketball weekend of 2026 tips off Thursday night.

Indianapolis&#x27; biggest basketball weekend of 2026 tips off Thursday.Why it matters: Tens of thousands of fans are expected to participate in programming centered around several different tournaments.

Indy police prepare to protect homecourt during NCAA Final Four

Tens of thousands of college basketball fans will be kicking it in Indy next week.

Expect a significant police presence and multiple downtown road detours when the 2026 NCAA Men&#x27;s Final Four arrives in Indianapolis next week.Why it matters: More than 70,000 people are expected to take part in the college basketball extravaganza each day it&#x27;s in town, meaning an increased chance of interactions among attendees that could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalate to violence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE5S3gvEe-4" data-vars-content-id="267c9b07-f4f5-4ddc-aad3-aa875bcff3b2" data-vars-headline="Indy police prepare to protect homecourt during NCAA Final Four" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mE5S3gvEe-4" target="_blank">escalate to violence</a>.

What to know about the Indianapolis Indians in 2026

Indianapolis baseball is back with new looks, new leadership and a milestone season at Victory Field.

One of downtown&#x27;s most beloved warm-weather attractions is back with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="a milestone 30th season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/indianapolis-indians-unveil-30th-anniversary-season-at-victory-field/ar-AA1XoHF9" data-vars-content-id="1465d7b0-83a7-41ab-8d67-317e4bb11fb6" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Indianapolis Indians in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/indianapolis-indians-unveil-30th-anniversary-season-at-victory-field/ar-AA1XoHF9" target="_blank">a milestone 30th season</a> at Victory Field, a new look and a fresh wave of big-league prospects.Why it matters: The Indianapolis Indians begin their 124th season at home after a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strong 2025 campaign" data-vars-click-url="https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/news/indianapolis-indians-set-victory-field-record-with-50-home-wins-in-2025" data-vars-content-id="1465d7b0-83a7-41ab-8d67-317e4bb11fb6" data-vars-headline="What to know about the Indianapolis Indians in 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.milb.com/indianapolis/news/indianapolis-indians-set-victory-field-record-with-50-home-wins-in-2025" target="_blank">strong 2025 campaign</a> that ended with them at the top of their division.

Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness

Two Indiana teams enter the fray for March Madness 2026.

The brackets for the 2026 NCAA men&#x27;s and women&#x27;s tournaments are ready for tip-off.Why it matters: March Madness is major across the nation, but it&#x27;s an even bigger deal in our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="basketball-loving state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/20/indiana-ncaa-march-madness-basketball-workers-watch-the-most" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/03/20/indiana-ncaa-march-madness-basketball-workers-watch-the-most" target="_self">basketball-loving state</a>.<ul><li>Indianapolis is also the final stop for men&#x27;s madness. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Final Four takes place" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/event/2026-ncaa-mens-final-four/" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lucasoilstadium.com/event/2026-ncaa-mens-final-four/" target="_blank">The Final Four takes place</a> April 4 and 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium.</li></ul>Zoom in: Purdue University was once again the only <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s team invited" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/mml-official-bracket/2026-03-15/2026-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket-schedule-march-madness" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/mml-official-bracket/2026-03-15/2026-ncaa-tournament-printable-bracket-schedule-march-madness" target="_blank">men&#x27;s team invited</a> to the tournament.<ul><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Ten Champions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217484/purdue-trips-no-3-michigan-win-big-ten-tournament-title" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/48217484/purdue-trips-no-3-michigan-win-big-ten-tournament-title" target="_blank">Big Ten Champions</a> locked down a No. 2 seed and will open their tournament <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="against No. 15 seed Queens Friday at 7:35pm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856519/queens-purdue" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856519/queens-purdue" target="_blank">against No. 15 seed Queens Friday at 7:35pm</a>.</li><li>Notre Dame will represent the Hoosier State in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-15/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-women/article/2026-03-15/2026-march-madness-womens-ncaa-tournament-schedule-dates-times" target="_blank">women&#x27;s tournament</a> as a No. 6 seed.</li><li>The Irish will start tournament play at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2pm Saturday against No. 11 Fairfield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856517/fairfield-notre-dame" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/game/_/gameId/401856517/fairfield-notre-dame" target="_blank">2pm Saturday against No. 11 Fairfield</a>. </li></ul>The intrigue: IU men&#x27;s team missed the NCAA tournament for the third straight year <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="and are declining spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-mens-basketball-officially-misses-ncaa-tournament-will-decline-other-postseason-opportunities/" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thedailyhoosier.com/iu-mens-basketball-officially-misses-ncaa-tournament-will-decline-other-postseason-opportunities/" target="_blank">and are declining spots</a> in all other postseason tourneys. What&#x27;s next: Axios Indianapolis wants to have a bracket battle!<ul><li>Year after year, hundreds of thousands of fans try to craft the perfect bracket.</li><li>Nailing it <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="highly unlikely" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/15/ncaa-tournament-perfect-bracket-odds" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/03/15/ncaa-tournament-perfect-bracket-odds" target="_self">highly unlikely</a>, but the chances of having lots of fun in the process are sky high. </li></ul>How it works: Sign up for our Axios Indianapolis group on ESPN and enter a bracket for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2026/group?id=216f21d4-dabb-42ca-bfe4-a83cbe80bc6a&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2026/group?id=216f21d4-dabb-42ca-bfe4-a83cbe80bc6a&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" target="_blank">men&#x27;s</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2026/group?id=77f297ad-9375-41cf-96eb-f55e65805ab4&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2026/group?id=77f297ad-9375-41cf-96eb-f55e65805ab4&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" target="_blank">women&#x27;s</a> side or both! Once the tournament ends, we&#x27;ll see who had the most accurate predictions and select a winner from each group.<ul><li>The password is &quot;Axios&quot; if it asks for one.</li><li>The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="men&#x27;s bracket locks" data-vars-click-url="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2026/group?id=216f21d4-dabb-42ca-bfe4-a83cbe80bc6a&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-2026/group?id=216f21d4-dabb-42ca-bfe4-a83cbe80bc6a&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" target="_blank">men&#x27;s bracket locks</a> at 12:15pm Thursday, and the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="women&#x27;s bracket locks" data-vars-click-url="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2026/group?id=77f297ad-9375-41cf-96eb-f55e65805ab4&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" data-vars-content-id="efe548f9-800c-42a7-960e-d4ba2cf51404" data-vars-headline="Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://fantasy.espn.com/games/tournament-challenge-bracket-women-2026/group?id=77f297ad-9375-41cf-96eb-f55e65805ab4&amp;joinKey=d3e28535-c74c-3ee2-9182-aeb3cf837e98&amp;joining=true" target="_blank">women&#x27;s bracket locks</a> at 11:30am Friday.</li></ul>The bottom line: The stakes for our bracket contest are low, so just follow your heart when making your picks!<ul><li>Once you&#x27;re done, let us know how you selected your winners. Personal allegiance? Favorite mascot? Asking AI to do it for you? Spill your secrets.</li></ul>

After the Bears, here's what else Indiana could take from Illinois

The White Sox? A new red panda? We'll take 'em.

Indiana clearly has an eye on Illinois.The big picture: First, we came for its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="downstate Republican counties" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/01/14/indiana-annexing-illinois-counties" data-vars-content-id="3bb15e84-74dd-4f35-8444-9e4281f23efe" data-vars-headline="After the Bears, here&#x27;s what else Indiana could take from Illinois" 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/indiana-annexing-illinois-counties" target="_self">downstate Republican counties</a>.<ul><li>Then, it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="3bb15e84-74dd-4f35-8444-9e4281f23efe" data-vars-headline="After the Bears, here&#x27;s what else Indiana could take from 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">the Chicago Bears</a>.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next? We asked Axios Chicago&#x27;s Justin Kaufmann that very question — and had a little fun imagining what Indiana could try to swipe next.

2026 Big Ten women's tournament begins in Indianapolis

Some of the nation's top women's college basketball players are back in Indianapolis this week to battle for the Big Ten title.

Some of the nation&#x27;s top women&#x27;s college basketball players are back in Indianapolis this week to battle for the Big Ten title.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Big Ten Women&#x27;s Basketball Tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/59494/" data-vars-content-id="c59c39b1-7882-44ee-b0af-810097014660" data-vars-headline="2026 Big Ten women&#x27;s tournament begins in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bigten.org/wbb/article/59494/" target="_blank">Big Ten Women&#x27;s Basketball Tournament</a> is our first taste of madness as Indianapolis prepares to become college hoops headquarters over the next four weeks.

The NFL Combine returns to Indianapolis

Athletes from around the country are in town to prove they're NFL-ready.

As talk of a new NFL stadium <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="heats up in Northwest Indiana" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="0832ab32-a1be-4be5-8fed-b049f388e416" data-vars-headline="The NFL Combine returns to Indianapolis" 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">heats up in Northwest Indiana</a>, hundreds of NFL hopefuls are warming up in Indianapolis.Why it matters: More than just a place for players to impress pro scouts, the NFL Scouting Combine has been an annual downtown Indy tradition <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="for nearly four decades" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/26/nfl-combine-history" data-vars-content-id="0832ab32-a1be-4be5-8fed-b049f388e416" data-vars-headline="The NFL Combine returns to Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/26/nfl-combine-history" target="_self">for nearly four decades</a>.

Hoosier Olympian Nick Goepper's big risk

Goepper said he could either play it safe and podium, or go for gold.

Hoosier Olympic skier Nick Goepper&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic Milano Cortina comeback" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/06/hoosier-olympian-winter-games-milano-cortina-nick-goepper" data-vars-content-id="39038c6b-69c6-4216-b8db-f1be233d7f61" data-vars-headline="Hoosier Olympian Nick Goepper&#x27;s big risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/06/hoosier-olympian-winter-games-milano-cortina-nick-goepper" target="_self">historic Milano Cortina comeback</a> ended Friday with a final run crash that landed him just outside the podium.Why it matters: Goepper is getting up and moving forward without regret, saying <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the wipeout" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/nick-goepper-suffers-heart-stopping-fall-freeski-halfpipe-olympics-rcna259973" data-vars-content-id="39038c6b-69c6-4216-b8db-f1be233d7f61" data-vars-headline="Hoosier Olympian Nick Goepper&#x27;s big risk" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nbcnews.com/sports/olympics/nick-goepper-suffers-heart-stopping-fall-freeski-halfpipe-olympics-rcna259973" target="_blank">the wipeout</a> was the result of him not wanting to settle for a fourth consecutive medal.

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>

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