Central Indiana is the fastest-growing part of the Hoosier state, but new residents are opting to flock to the 'burbs instead of the Circle City, per an Axios analysis of the latest census data.

Why it matters: As Americans once again settle down following a shifting of the population spurred by the pandemic, there are major economic implications for cities experiencing growth or decline.

• A swelling population means more economic activity, increased tax revenue, a larger workforce and a general boost to an area's desirability.
• Those who relocated during the pandemic also disproportionately had high incomes, meaning the hit to local economies was larger than migration numbers alone would imply.

By the numbers: Marion County continued to grow, with 2.4% more people in 2019-2023 than in 2014-2018.

• But neighboring counties saw more significant increases, with Boone County experiencing the largest population growth rate in Indiana over the past five years (+13.2%).
• Hamilton (13%), Hendricks (11.5%), Hancock (11.1%) and Johnson (8.2%) counties round out the state's top five.

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Indianapolis Public Schools may be able to avoid state lawmakers dissolving it — if the district is willing to share local property tax dollars with area charter schools.

State of play: Lawmakers have insinuated that compromise is what it would take to shut down House Bill 1136, legislation that would dissolve IPS and four other districts in which more than half of students who live in the districts attend charter schools.

• One of the bill's co-authors, Rep. Jeff Thompson, R-Ellington, the chair of the powerful House Ways and Means committee, told Axios it was "fair" to say the bill was an effort to encourage IPS to share more property tax dollars — something the district has opposed.

House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers, shared a similar sentiment with reporters Wednesday.

• "My biggest issue is that the district shares … local property tax dollars to support these students," he said. "If you're student-centered, you want to make sure that the public charter schools that are in your district, in which the majority of the kids in the district go, would receive some local property tax money to support their operations and their transportation."

Yes, but: It wasn't long ago that IPS was being applauded for working with charter schools, partnering with them through their Innovation Network and allowing charter operators to take over management of some of the district's existing schools.

• Now, it seems that the Indiana General Assembly may use that partnership to force the district's hand to share property tax dollars beyond what it has already agreed to share with Innovation Network charters.

The other side: IPS issued a statement opposing HB 1136 "or any bill this legislative session that threatens local authority and community control of public schools."

Go deeper

👷 Demolition is underway this week at the former downtown jail, which has been slated for redevelopment.

🏛️ The Indiana General Assembly certified Indiana's gubernatorial election results yesterday. Gov.-elect Mike Braun's inauguration is Monday. (WLWT)

📵 A new bill authored by Republican Sen. Mike Bohacek would prohibit Hoosiers ages 16 and under from creating social media accounts without parental permission. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

🏫 Multiple Indy area school corporations — including Noblesville, Westfield, Brownsburg and New Palestine — said student information was exposed as part of a national data breach. (CBS4)

🎶 Carmel Music Center will close at the end of next month after 38 years in business. (FOX59)

📷 INDOT speeding cameras have been activated at the Clear Path construction project near I-495/I-69 interchange. (WTHR)

Indianapolis' newest professional sports team is ready to break this week's cold snap by bringing the heat to Fishers Event Center.

Why it matters: The Indy Ignite will start their inaugural season this weekend as the latest addition to the Pro Volleyball Federation, an eight-team women's indoor volleyball league entering its second year.

Zoom in: The first Ignite game will see them host the Orlando Valkyries at 7pm Saturday in front of a sold-out crowd inside the new 7,500-seat venue.

• The team is led by players like Carly Skjodt, a former Carmel High School star who helped the team win a state title in 2014; and Sydney Hilley who led Wisconsin to an NCAA title in 2021 and the Omaha Supernovas to the inaugural Pro Volleyball Federation Championship title.
• The head coach is George Padjen who helped lead Concordia University to nine NCAA championships as assistant coach.

State of play: The Ignite season ends May 3 and will feature 28 matches in eight cities, including 14 at home.

If you go: Even with the sellout, there are standing room only tickets available for $30.

How to watch: WRTV or the Pro Volleyball Federation YouTube channel.

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From pro wrestling to professional glass blowing, Indy's weekend events calendar is packed with interesting ways to pass the time.

🎵 Scream the lyrics to "Sweet Caroline" as Don Farrell and the Terry Woods Orchestra present "The Life and Music of Neil Diamond" at Feinstein's at Hotel Carmichael, 7:30pm Friday.

• Tickets start at $45.

🚶 Get in some steps and some Swedish meatballs during the IKEA Scavenger Hunt and indoor walk presented by We Walk Indy, 10:30am Saturday.

🥛 Blow your own drinking glass during a session hosted by Glass Arts Indiana at 1125 Brookside Ave., 1:30pm Saturday.

• Tickets start at $90.

🤼 See Naptown All Pro Wrestling's first event of 2025 when "NAP It's UP" hits Upland FSQ Brewery, 2pm Sunday.

• Tickets start at $30.

More weekend picks