Welcome back to Axios Indianapolis' "30 Over 30," a series celebrating the icons that have shaped our city for 30 years or more.

No matter how old you get, it's hard to not feel like a kid again when stepping through the front gates of the Indianapolis Zoo.

Why it matters: In the nearly four decades since its debut, the downtown zoo has blossomed into a beloved venue for Hoosier family fun, an economic engine for the Circle City and a worldwide leader in global conservation.

• And while it may be turning 38 today, leaders say it still has room to grow.

Flashback: The Indianapolis Zoo's grand opening in the summer of '88 made it the first attraction in what would become White River State Park.

• A parachutist delivered the scissors for the ribbon cutting, and a crowd of 7,000 gathered for the big moment.
• The zoo's design was built around the bioclimatic concept, grouping animals by environment — deserts, plains, forests and waterways — a cageless approach considered ahead of its time.

By the numbers: Home to more than 1,500 animals representing hundreds of species and nearly 47,000 plant specimens across 64 acres of indoor and outdoor habitats, it draws more than 1 million visitors each year.

Zoom in: Saving animals is as central to the zoo's identity as housing them.

• The zoo's Indianapolis Prize has become something similar to a Nobel Prize for international wildlife conservation, awarding $250,000 biennially to leading conservationists worldwide.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: I'm always smiling ear-to-ear by the end of a trip to the zoo and it was no different during a visit earlier this month.

• I hand-fed Hugo some lettuce in Kangaroo Crossing, dodged macaws as they flew through the pavilion for a show, and spent way too much time taking pictures of penguins.

What's next

City-County councilors are facing resistance as they pitch raising the wheel tax to fund road improvements.

Why it matters: The city needs a plan to raise $50 million in new road funding next year to secure a matching grant from the state, but residents who spoke at the first public hearing Tuesday largely opposed the proposal.

• "You're going to kill us," said Jody Beach, a small business owner on the south side with a fleet of vehicles.

Driving the news: The next public comment opportunity is tonight at the public works committee meeting, 5:30pm at the Pike Township Government Center, 5665 Lafayette Road.

State of play: Tuesday was the first time for the public to weigh in on a plan to raise the county vehicle excise surtax and wheel tax starting next year.

• It was also the first opportunity for councilors on the administration and finance committee to share their thoughts on the tax hike being sponsored by a dozen of their colleagues and spearheaded by Councilor Andy Nielsen.
• "If we don't do something about this … 10 to 20 years from now, I think we will realize we made a generational mistake," Councilor Nick Roberts said.

What they're saying: Residents who spoke on Tuesday were largely against the tax increase, raising concerns about the already untenable cost of living.

• One 81-year-old resident said she's worried higher registration fees, coupled with other rising expenses, will mean she'll have to go back to work.

The other side: Several Republicans said they'd like to see more cuts to the city budget before raising the annual registration fee on local residents.

What's next

🏗️ The Fishers District is getting a $169 million expansion that includes a new fieldhouse and headquarters for the Indy Ignite volleyball team, apartments, townhomes and the JD Finish Line headquarters. (IBJ)

🎡 The Indiana State Fair added more acts to its Free Stage lineup, including Fleetwood Mac tribute band TUSK, Grand Funk Railroad, Josiah Queen and Trace Adkins. (WRTV)

⚖️ Nikkita R. Oliver, a social justice attorney and organizer, will serve as the next executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana. Oliver will take the helm of the organization that often takes up left-leaning causes and often challenges state laws on "culture war" issues on Sept. 1. (IndyStar)

Soccer's most-watched event on Earth starts today!

Why it matters: For one glorious month, fans around the world stop to watch the same thing. Add in Lionel Messi's likely last dance and a tournament playing out in your backyard, and even the most casual fan has reason to tune in.

By the numbers: The 2026 World Cup runs June 11 to July 19 across 16 host cities in the U.S., Mexico and Canada.

• 48 teams (up from 32).
• 104 matches over 39 days.
• Three host countries, a first for the men's tournament.

The favorites: Spain, France and England headline the sportsbooks, with five-time winner Brazil and reigning champ Argentina right behind. Norway is the buzzy dark horse, finally back on the World Cup stage after a 28-year absence with Erling Haaland, one of the most lethal strikers on the planet, leading the line.

State of play: The U.S. Men's National Team drew a manageable Group D with Paraguay, Australia and Turkey, opening June 12 in Los Angeles. Argentine coach Mauricio Pochettino, who took over in 2024, runs the show.

• BetMGM gives the U.S. roughly a 2.4% chance of winning the trophy. Hosts have won it before, just not recently.

Keep reading

As the World Cup kicks off, Central Indiana has no shortage of bars, outdoor plazas and arenas turning every match into a community moment.

Here are nine places to catch the action:

⚽️ Chatham Tap: The Mass Ave, Butler and Fishers locations of Indy's most iconic soccer bar promise "you will never watch alone" all tournament long.

• Click here for hours for each location.

🏟️ Fishers Event Center: Hosting free, all-ages outdoor watch parties for all three U.S. group stage matches.

• June 12 (USA vs. Paraguay at 9pm), June 19 (USA vs. Australia at 3pm) and June 25 (USA vs. Turkey at 10pm).
• No tickets or registration required. Parking is free and lawn chairs are welcome.

📺 Tom's Watch Bar: With more than 100 screens, VIP-reserved seating, and private party bookings, Tom's aims to be the downtown anchor for the entire tournament.

🍗 Ale Emporium: The Castleton location is showing every match (and serving amazing wings) through the July 19 final.

• Games there kicked off May 31 with the U.S. pre-tournament friendly.

Five more places for party people