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Tariff refunds put businesses on the spot

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Trump alum helps Israel mount AI influence campaign

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Cities get creative as costs bite

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Justice Department joins xAI challenge to Colorado AI law

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Google's $40B Anthropic move is Big Tech's latest huge AI bet

HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again.

HI-FI Annex is bringing the noise to Fountain Square with an encore season as plans to move indoors develop.

News

After what was supposed to be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="farewell tour in 2025" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" data-vars-content-id="761fdcdb-22e0-4a52-aa09-2eec78b3470e" data-vars-headline="HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/02/28/live-music-venues-concerts-indianapolis" target="_self">farewell tour in 2025</a>, HI-FI Annex is bringing the noise to Fountain Square with an encore outdoor season featuring more than 70 shows.Why it matters: What started as a pandemic-era solution for local live music <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="has blossomed" data-vars-click-url="https://hifiindy.com/2025/12/26/2025-hi-lights-what-you-missed-and-whats-coming-next/" data-vars-content-id="761fdcdb-22e0-4a52-aa09-2eec78b3470e" data-vars-headline="HI-FI Annex kicks off its final outdoor season. Again." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://hifiindy.com/2025/12/26/2025-hi-lights-what-you-missed-and-whats-coming-next/" target="_blank">has blossomed</a> into one of Indy&#x27;s most beloved music venues over the past six years.

Inside the "scrappy" effort to build Indy's City-County Archives

The archives are just two years old, with a 150-year backlog of information.

The City-County Building has a secret. Lots of them, actually.Why it matters: Inside courtrooms abandoned when the Criminal Justice Campus opened in 2022 sits a trove of Indianapolis history — 150 years of records, maps and photographs.

Indianapolis' air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide

Marion County failed every single pollution test conducted in the American Lung Association's annual State of the Air report.

Marion County is one of just 20 counties that failed every pollution test in the American Lung Association&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of the Air Report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" data-vars-content-id="8350ff5a-b365-4d02-b0e5-3b9110c64e38" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lung.org/research/sota" target="_blank">State of the Air Report</a>, released this morning.Why it matters: The county is home to hundreds of thousands of Hoosiers who face <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="an elevated risk" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings/people-at-risk" data-vars-content-id="8350ff5a-b365-4d02-b0e5-3b9110c64e38" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis&#x27; air quality gets failing grades as pollution worsens nationwide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lung.org/research/sota/key-findings/people-at-risk" target="_blank">an elevated risk</a> of health conditions linked to air pollution, ranging from wheezing and coughing to premature death.

Arsenal Tech robotics team making history at World Championship

It's the first IPS high school team to make it to the world championship.

An Arsenal Technical High School robotics team is competing at the world championships for the first time.Why it matters: Tech&#x27;s X team is the first IPS high school team to reach the VEX Robotics World Championship.

Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push

Conservative state leaders are changing their strategy on politics in schools to promote Turning Point groups.

Several years ago, Indiana&#x27;s GOP leadership was focused on removing political ideology from the state&#x27;s schools, but it backs a partnership with the conservative Turning Point USA.The big picture: Earlier this month, Indiana became the eighth state to partner with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Turning Point USA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" data-vars-content-id="75d42808-358c-4e44-80d0-a82c305d16a8" data-vars-headline="Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" target="_self">Turning Point USA</a>, endorsing its Club America initiative.

Sen. Todd Young leading latest effort to address national debt

Economists say Americans need to be concerned about the debt.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) is leading an effort to address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s fiscal imbalance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/washington-ignores-americas-fiscal-cliff" data-vars-content-id="700a9bb8-dc3c-441d-8783-e39a01b4f5d5" data-vars-headline="Sen. Todd Young leading latest effort to address national debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/washington-ignores-americas-fiscal-cliff" target="_self">America&#x27;s fiscal imbalance</a> and sounding the alarm about the danger of the ballooning national debt.The big picture: The national debt is nearly $40 trillion, more than $113,000 for every person in the country.<ul><li>The federal government is expected to spend more than $1 trillion on interest this year, Young told Axios.</li></ul>

The gap between renting and owning in Indy

Due to high prices and mortgage rates, Indy renters paid far less per month than homeowners in 2024.

Owning a home is 34% more expensive in Indianapolis than renting, mirroring a national trend playing out across all 100 of the largest U.S. metro areas, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LendingTree analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lendingtree.com/home/mortgage/comparing-rent-vs-owning-a-home-in-nations-largest-metros/" target="_blank">LendingTree analysis</a>.Why it matters: Despite Indianapolis being named 2026&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most buyer-friendly metro by Zillow" data-vars-click-url="https://www.zillow.com/news/indianapolis-leads-zillows-list-of-the-best-markets-to-buy-a-home-in-2026/" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.zillow.com/news/indianapolis-leads-zillows-list-of-the-best-markets-to-buy-a-home-in-2026/" target="_blank">most buyer-friendly metro by Zillow</a> and one of the National Association of Realtors <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="top 10 homebuying hot spots" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" data-vars-content-id="ccb9b7c1-4597-498b-baa1-0fc14d5e5913" data-vars-headline="The gap between renting and owning in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtors-unveils-top-10-homebuying-hot-spots-for-2026" target="_blank">top 10 homebuying hot spots</a>, high home prices and mortgage rates could keep some hopeful homeowners left out of our increasingly competitive market.

Huntsville

Eli Lilly makes Alabama history with $6B Huntsville plant

Eli Lilly plans to start work next year on a facility that will produce orforglipron, officials announced Tuesday in Huntsville.

Eli Lilly chose Huntsville for its newest manufacturing plant — a $6 billion project and the largest single-site investment in Alabama history.Why it matters: The project aims to transform Huntsville, and the state, into a world leader in biopharma manufacturing.

Kelsey Mitchell supermax deal sets the tone for 2026 Fever

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

Sports

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.

Pacers in prime draft lottery position following painful season

The Pacers' road back to title contention runs through next month's NBA Draft Lottery.

The Pacers&#x27; plummet to the bottom of the NBA gives them a strong shot at pairing a top prospect with a healthy Tyrese Haliburton next season.Why it matters: With many of the pieces that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="took them to the NBA Finals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/03/nba-finals-2025-pacers-thunder" data-vars-content-id="9858c7cf-dda5-4864-8b3d-f4556cc1a28e" data-vars-headline="Pacers in prime draft lottery position following painful season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/06/03/nba-finals-2025-pacers-thunder" target="_self">took them to the NBA Finals</a> less than a year ago still in place, a lucky draft lottery roll could quickly put the Pacers back on top.

Early voting guide: What to know about Indiana state delegates

This obscure position has some important duties.

Election

At the bottom of your <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="primary ballot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" data-vars-content-id="3e59cd48-c424-40cd-aa2a-de9a87a914c2" data-vars-headline="Early voting guide: What to know about Indiana state delegates" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/13/early-voting-guide-central-indiana-congressional-races" target="_self">primary ballot</a> is an obscure position — state delegate.Why it matters: These are your local representatives to each party&#x27;s state convention. <ul><li>They&#x27;ll vote along with the party&#x27;s platform on the candidates for secretary of state, treasurer and comptroller, shaping the future of Indiana politics and policy.</li></ul>

Early voting guide: Marion County races

Local races often have the biggest impact on daily life.

Marion County voters will decide several key races during the primary election. Why it matters: In Democratic-dominated Indianapolis, the primary will likely decide who holds key offices — especially sheriff and clerk.

Your weekend plans: TrailMixer Festival, Arbor Day, 65th annual home show and more

Celebrate the last weekend of April with a good time in the Circle City.

Things to Do

It&#x27;s the last weekend of April, and Indy&#x27;s events calendar is full of ways to close out the month with a good time in the Circle City.🏠 Take part in the longest continuously run show house in the country during the 65th annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="St. Margaret&#x27;s Hospital Guild Decorators&#x27; Show House and Gardens" data-vars-click-url="https://showhouseindy.org/" data-vars-content-id="c9084716-ab40-4a31-919b-192bb2c552df" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: TrailMixer Festival, Arbor Day, 65th annual home show and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://showhouseindy.org/" target="_blank">St. Margaret&#x27;s Hospital Guild Decorators&#x27; Show House and Gardens</a>.

Indy Health District market administers the medicine of homegrown food

A push to help Indianapolis residents live longer is back for another season of fresh produce and tangible solutions.

A push to help <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis residents live longer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/04/what-indianapolis-residents-need-to-live-longer" data-vars-content-id="cb907eb8-83d9-420d-bc3d-526fd7ad14f6" data-vars-headline="Indy Health District market administers the medicine of homegrown food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/04/what-indianapolis-residents-need-to-live-longer" target="_self">Indianapolis residents live longer</a> is bringing fresh produce, free health screenings and community resources to five north side neighborhoods.Why it matters: Residents within the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indy Health District&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/17/indy-health-district-near-northside" data-vars-content-id="cb907eb8-83d9-420d-bc3d-526fd7ad14f6" data-vars-headline="Indy Health District market administers the medicine of homegrown food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/09/17/indy-health-district-near-northside" target="_self">Indy Health District&#x27;s</a> (IHD) 1,500-acre footprint are on track to die more than a decade earlier than people living just miles away.

An evening with Indy 500 champ Alex Palou, planet's "hottest driver"

The dominant driver gave fans a peek inside his mind while dropping off his winning ride at the IMS Museum.

<figure><img alt="Defending Indy 500 champ Alex Palou and IMS Museum president Michael Good unveiling Palou&#x27;s winning ride Tuesday night. " height="450" id="113546e3-e603-4706-92a8-4a0ea9ab8f7b" src="https://images.axios.com/ygPzN3Q62kGkX6XTyf9YV7ISs7s=/2026/04/22/1776869984110.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Defending Indy 500 champ Alex Palou and IMS Museum president Michael Good unveiling Palou&#x27;s winning ride Tuesday night. GIF: Justin L. Mack/Axios</figcaption></figure>Reigning Indianapolis 500 champ Alex Palou spent Tuesday night taking fans through every turn in his improbable journey from a rope-tethered go-kart in Spain to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="victory lane" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/13/alex-palou-indy-500-grand-prix" data-vars-content-id="7df2df44-b114-4ac7-8484-8384e44695b2" data-vars-headline="An evening with Indy 500 champ Alex Palou, planet&#x27;s &quot;hottest driver&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/13/alex-palou-indy-500-grand-prix" target="_self">victory lane</a>.Why it matters: The intimate evening inside the renovated <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/23/5-cool-things-inside-ims-museum" data-vars-content-id="7df2df44-b114-4ac7-8484-8384e44695b2" data-vars-headline="An evening with Indy 500 champ Alex Palou, planet&#x27;s &quot;hottest driver&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/05/23/5-cool-things-inside-ims-museum" target="_self">Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum</a> provided a rare peek into the mind of the most dominant driver in the game as he chases back-to-back wins.

Earth Day events around Indianapolis

There are plenty of ways to show the planet some much needed love around Indianapolis.

Earth Day is Wednesday, and Indianapolis is marking it with plenty of ways to show the planet some love.Why it matters: Events give residents an opportunity to have a positive impact on the environment as air quality throughout the region worsens.

City considering earlier summer curfew hours

The curfew would be two hours earlier from May to September for kids under 18.

Indianapolis kids will likely have a stricter curfew this summer.Why it matters: A citywide curfew proposal is part of a larger effort to address the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ongoing youth violence problem" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/25/indianapolis-launches-youth-violence-reduction-initiative" data-vars-content-id="4a4d6f9e-50a3-48b5-93a4-e2eef7f1cb2a" data-vars-headline="City considering earlier summer curfew hours" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/25/indianapolis-launches-youth-violence-reduction-initiative" target="_self">ongoing youth violence problem</a>.

Indiana, Eli Lilly to partner to bring nuclear power to the state

Nuclear is seen as key to AI energy needs, but it's years away from large-scale viability.

Indiana is banking its energy future on nuclear power, and the state&#x27;s most influential company is joining the effort.Why it matters: As a round-the-clock, no-emissions energy source, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nuclear power is seen as critical" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/nuclear-reactor-plants-new-build-ai?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=editorial&amp;utm_medium=owned_social&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawROFn1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF4Qk5ueDhpNFJOQ0treEV0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg4KhfyxbAIUlsJjitGelGMPjsv776jQnqoCpjrcCNrc43qXvU5LXYOXtYcT_aem_kAW53KdKg1xz5iXdtE1XkA" data-vars-content-id="99df580d-4370-4e1f-9081-e6224ef87fbd" data-vars-headline="Indiana, Eli Lilly to partner to bring nuclear power to the state" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/31/nuclear-reactor-plants-new-build-ai?utm_source=facebook&amp;utm_campaign=editorial&amp;utm_medium=owned_social&amp;fbclid=IwY2xjawROFn1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETF4Qk5ueDhpNFJOQ0treEV0c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHg4KhfyxbAIUlsJjitGelGMPjsv776jQnqoCpjrcCNrc43qXvU5LXYOXtYcT_aem_kAW53KdKg1xz5iXdtE1XkA" target="_self">nuclear power is seen as critical</a> to meeting AI data centers&#x27; massive electricity needs.

7 Hoosier movies to catch during Indy Film Fest 2026

One of the biggest annual celebrations for Circle City cinephiles returns for its 23rd year.

The Indy Film Fest returns Wednesday with more than 70 films, including a strong slate of Indiana-made projects.Why it matters: The volunteer-run celebration <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="is expanding" data-vars-click-url="https://indyfilmfest.org/2026/03/04/indy-film-fest-returns-for-the-23rd-year-from-april-22-26-expands-to-two-windsor-park-venues/" data-vars-content-id="baa1b9c3-51b6-4465-8e7d-a4e7b78cdb4e" data-vars-headline="7 Hoosier movies to catch during Indy Film Fest 2026" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyfilmfest.org/2026/03/04/indy-film-fest-returns-for-the-23rd-year-from-april-22-26-expands-to-two-windsor-park-venues/" target="_blank">is expanding</a> in its 23rd year to accommodate more programming in one of the city&#x27;s fastest-growing arts districts.The festival runs Wednesday through Sunday at two Windsor Park venues.

Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations

Record Store Day is back and shops throughout Indianapolis are turning up the volume.

Record Store Day returns Saturday and shops throughout Indianapolis are turning up the volume with live music, giveaways and discounts.🎵 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Luna Music" data-vars-click-url="https://www.lunamusic.net/" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.lunamusic.net/" target="_blank">Luna Music</a> opens its doors at 8am with special releases, hot dogs from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Weiner Dreams" data-vars-click-url="http://www.weinerdreams.com/" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://www.weinerdreams.com/" target="_blank">Weiner Dreams</a> and beer from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Circle" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackcirclebrewing.com/loom" data-vars-content-id="fd0b8f85-39f1-44d8-b775-3704556f9a8a" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Record Store Day, Earth Day and World Voice Day celebrations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackcirclebrewing.com/loom" target="_blank">Black Circle</a>.

Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis

30th anniversary of the nationwide celebration is underway.

It&#x27;s the 30th anniversary of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Poetry Month" data-vars-click-url="https://poets.org/national-poetry-month-30th-anniversary" data-vars-content-id="2c218d77-7ee0-4dd6-a34a-22da8e03cc29" data-vars-headline="Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poets.org/national-poetry-month-30th-anniversary" target="_blank">National Poetry Month</a>, and Indianapolis is full of opportunities to both observe and take part in the celebration.The big picture: Established by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Academy of American Poets" data-vars-click-url="https://poets.org/" data-vars-content-id="2c218d77-7ee0-4dd6-a34a-22da8e03cc29" data-vars-headline="Four ways to celebrate National Poetry Month in Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://poets.org/" target="_blank">Academy of American Poets</a> in 1996, National Poetry Month recognizes poets&#x27; role in our culture and delivers the message that poetry matters.

Your weekend plans: Opera Center Music Fest, Jurassic Quest, Indiana Bridal Show and more

Enjoy two afternoons of free live music, dance classes and theater in Meridian-Kessler.

Enjoy two afternoons of free live music, dance classes and hands-on arts experiences in Indy&#x27;s historic Meridian-Kessler neighborhood.Driving the news: The all-ages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Basile Opera Center Music Fest" data-vars-click-url="https://indianapolisopera.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F38196" data-vars-content-id="4fc2b69c-c930-4dc9-90da-98607e3efb76" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: Opera Center Music Fest, Jurassic Quest, Indiana Bridal Show and more" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indianapolisopera.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events?path=%2Fportal%2Fevents%2F38196" target="_blank">Basile Opera Center Music Fest</a> goes down this weekend with a slate of Family Day events from 12-4pm Saturday, and a performance showcase from 2-5pm Sunday.

Art & Soul returns for year 30

Indy Arts Council's largest public program is back for another celebration of Black art.

Indy Arts Council&#x27;s largest public program is back for another celebration of Black creativity.Why it matters: For the past 30 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Art &amp; Soul" data-vars-click-url="https://indyarts.org/programs/art-soul/" data-vars-content-id="f7363c01-836c-4772-943c-c2e11e23adb6" data-vars-headline="Art &amp; Soul returns for year 30" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://indyarts.org/programs/art-soul/" target="_blank">Art &amp; Soul</a> has given local creators of color the opportunity to share their talent with the entire city.

Your weekend plans: 13 ways to celebrate Easter in Indy

The Indianapolis area is full of ways to celebrate from brunch specials to Easter Bunny hang sessions.

Easter weekend is here, and the Indianapolis area is full of ways to celebrate, from brunch specials to Easter Bunny hang sessions.📷 Get a photo with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Easter Bunny at Castleton Square Mall" data-vars-click-url="https://whereisbunny.com/mall/1351?utm_campaign=hp-castleton-square-mall&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=website-simon" data-vars-content-id="2aa548af-4676-4841-8129-fbccb9e1d1ed" data-vars-headline="Your weekend plans: 13 ways to celebrate Easter in Indy" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://whereisbunny.com/mall/1351?utm_campaign=hp-castleton-square-mall&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_source=website-simon" target="_blank">Easter Bunny at Castleton Square Mall</a>, 11am-7pm Friday and 10am-9pm Saturday.

Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide

The Michelin Guide will rate Indianapolis restaurants for the first time in 2027.

Food and Drink

Michelin, the famed restaurant guide, is adding Indianapolis for the first time.Why it matters: A Michelin star could elevate the Circle City&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="underrated food scene" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolismonthly.com/food-and-drinks/indiana-nabs-seven-james-beard-nominations/" target="_blank">underrated food scene</a> and draw <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more national attention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" data-vars-content-id="2a6726c2-51b1-4103-981c-10c2ce7bd1c2" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis joins Michelin restaurant guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foodandwine.com/travel/best-food-cities" target="_blank">more national attention</a>.

Recess is Indianapolis' first matcha cafe

There&#x27;s a cool new cafe in town and coffee isn&#x27;t (really) on the menu.Driving the brews: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Recess" data-vars-click-url="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" data-vars-content-id="2e1f8411-17ff-42d5-8d49-f083383548e2" data-vars-headline="Recess is Indianapolis&#x27; first matcha cafe" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://recess.love/?srsltid=AfmBOorTrJ4wZtMfE9yp6psq6fAmkLsKy2MlFkY0ryCPgwcFwsKXG_rm" target="_blank">Recess</a>, Indy&#x27;s first matcha cafe, opened in January.

James Beard semifinalist Macizo makes food worth seeking out

Macizo is hidden in a strip mall on Indianapolis' northwest side.

I went to one of Indy&#x27;s best new restaurants for dinner last week and had the dining room virtually to myself.Why it matters: It can only mean that not enough people know about the delicious Mexican and Peruvian food being served up in a strip mall on the city&#x27;s northwest side.

Culinary Dropout's surprising salad ingredient

Culinary Dropout's butternut squash salad is just about perfect.

One of the best parts of writing this regular feature is the push to try new places.Driving the news: It&#x27;s been just over a year since Fox Restaurants opened neighboring eateries in Nora Plaza with two different concepts.<ul><li>There&#x27;s Flower Child, the health food spot, and Culinary Dropout is the cool one.</li></ul>

New Italian restaurant Monti is at home in hip Fountain Square

Delicious and a good value, Monti is a welcome addition.

The newest Italian restaurant in Fountain Square opened last month in the space vacated by Wine Market &amp; Table in 2023.<ul><li>Named for the Monti district in Rome, the small, focused menu features seasonal dishes and Italian farmhouse cuisine.</li></ul>

Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz

Montgomerys will open later this year in the former Barista Parlor space.

The team behind downtown&#x27;s favorite taco shop is expanding its footprint at the Stutz.Driving the news: Montgomerys will serve &quot;craft sandwiches and signature beverages&quot; when it opens later this year in the spot vacated last summer by coffee shop <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Barista Parlor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.ibj.com/articles/barista-parlor-coffee-shop-chain-closes-its-indianapolis-location" target="_blank">Barista Parlor</a>.<ul><li>Esteban Rosas and Gabriel Sañudo opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Julieta Taco Shop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2024/04/22/julietas-broccolini-taco" target="_self">Julieta Taco Shop</a> as part of the Stutz redevelopment in 2023.</li><li>For their next venture, Rosas and Sañudo will be joined by fellow Milktooth alums chef Bryan Enas and bar manager Adrian Caldera.</li></ul>Between the lines: Don&#x27;t expect a burger version of the tiny, walk-up taqueria.<ul><li>The 2,600 square-foot space is roughly three times the size of Julieta.</li><li>Previous pop-up menus featured elevated, fast-food inspired sandwiches alongside fusion flavors from a variety of cuisines, like bulgogi meatloaf, a pho dip and chicken parmesan.</li></ul>Yes, and: While Julieta patrons need to go to Turner&#x27;s Bar next door for something harder than a soft drink, Montgomerys has applied for a beer and wine permit.What&#x27;s next: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Montgomerys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" data-vars-content-id="7dda0f25-b06c-4d23-9cb9-5d34d8796a3c" data-vars-headline="Team behind Julieta opening new restaurant at the Stutz" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/montgomerys_indy/" target="_blank">Montgomerys</a> will hold its next pop-up at Julieta March 16 with a limited menu of fried chicken sandwiches, burgers and craft sodas.

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