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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.

News

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.

'Burb Bites: Westfield's plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments

Westfield's massive Ironstone development narrowly survived a city council vote.

This week&#x27;s news from around the region includes a huge housing development in Westfield, a prestigious tennis facility in Noblesville and a local woman set to make a splash on reality TV.🏘️ The Westfield City Council narrowly approved Ironstone, a 765-acre development that will bring more than 1,700 single-family homes and townhouses and 250 apartments to the city&#x27;s far north side.<ul><li>It&#x27;s one of the largest residential projects in Westfield&#x27;s history, and the 4-3 vote signals a growing rift between city leaders and some residents over how fast the city should grow.</li><li>The project is located on the north and south sides of 206th Street where it intersects Horton and Six Points roads, and will be built over 10 to 15 years.</li><li>Mayor Scott Willis said infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements and a new fire department, must be finished before the first house is built.</li></ul>💑 Despite a Carmel man having <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his &quot;Bachelorette&quot; debut called off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2026/03/19/former-purdue-basketball-player-among-this-seasons-bachelorette-cast/89086783007/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2026/03/19/former-purdue-basketball-player-among-this-seasons-bachelorette-cast/89086783007/" target="_blank">his &quot;Bachelorette&quot; debut called off</a> earlier this month, another HamCo native is getting a shot at love on the small screen.<ul><li>26-year-old Delaney Kluger of Noblesville is part of the cast of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love Overboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hulu.com/series/love-overboard-3efa9bfe-6a96-4820-828c-d34dd94dd761" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hulu.com/series/love-overboard-3efa9bfe-6a96-4820-828c-d34dd94dd761" target="_blank">Love Overboard</a>,&quot; Hulu&#x27;s new yacht-based dating competition that premiered last week.</li><li>The show is described as &quot;Bachelor in Paradise&quot; meets &quot;Love Island.&quot;</li><li>In her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="official show bio" data-vars-click-url="https://press.hulu.com/bios/delaney-26/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.hulu.com/bios/delaney-26/" target="_blank">official show bio</a>, Kluger says she was raised in chaos and moved to New York at 16 to pursue fashion after struggling to fit in in her hometown.</li></ul>🎾 Also in Noblesville, Serena Williams&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former tennis coach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/story/_/id/13616431/us-open-how-serena-williams-found-new-level-success-coach-patrick-mouratoglou" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/story/_/id/13616431/us-open-how-serena-williams-found-new-level-success-coach-patrick-mouratoglou" target="_blank">former tennis coach</a> has plans to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open a training facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/43" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/43" target="_blank">open a training facility</a> near the Innovation Mile corridor.<ul><li>Founded by Patrick Mouratoglou, the Mouratoglou Tennis Center is being proposed for 14469 Olio Road at the Deer Creek Business Park.</li><li>The facility would feature six indoor tennis courts, eight padel courts and four indoor futsal pitches, offering private lessons and seasonal camps</li><li>If approved, construction is expected to begin in May with a soft opening in August, a full opening in September and the academy program launching in October. A public hearing is scheduled for April 20 before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noblesville Plan Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202026-250" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202026-250" target="_blank">Noblesville Plan Commission</a>.</li></ul>🏨 Hospitality startup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Veloce Hotels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.velocehotels.com/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.velocehotels.com/" target="_blank">Veloce Hotels</a> is raising funds to bring its vision for a slate of luxury motorsports-themed hotels to central Indiana, starting with a $189 million project in Carmel.<ul><li>With $1.1 million already in hand, the company is opening a $5.5 million seed round to acquire potential development sites in Carmel and Westfield along the U.S. 31 corridor.</li><li>In addition to a flagship hotel in Carmel, Veloce wants to build a $135 million hotel near Grand Park Sports Campus.</li></ul>🍦 Just in time for spring, Graeter&#x27;s Ice Cream has opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its second Fishers location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/Graeters/photos/grand-opening-our-second-location-in-fishers-indiana-is-now-open-8699-e-106th-st/1324118126415885/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/Graeters/photos/grand-opening-our-second-location-in-fishers-indiana-is-now-open-8699-e-106th-st/1324118126415885/" target="_blank">its second Fishers location</a>.<ul><li>The new shop is off 106th Street near Lantern Road, and was chosen for its proximity to the Fishers Event Center.</li></ul>

Indy's population grows as nationwide immigration plummets

Our metro area grew by over 22,000 people from 2024 to 2025, double the national growth average.

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, but the Indianapolis metro is doing its best to buck the trend. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Census data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44942673.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDI2LzIwMjUtcG9wZXN0LW1ldHJvLW1pY3JvLWNvdW50aWVzLmh0bWw_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Ba4298c06" data-vars-content-id="b0bf96af-0129-4584-a260-488a31b9ae82" data-vars-headline="Indy&#x27;s population grows as nationwide immigration plummets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44942673.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDI2LzIwMjUtcG9wZXN0LW1ldHJvLW1pY3JvLWNvdW50aWVzLmh0bWw_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Ba4298c06" target="_self">New Census data</a> offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

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>

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.

Sports

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>

Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears

Indiana lawmakers moved legislation Thursday to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.

Indiana lawmakers say they have reached a tentative deal with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago Bears" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/26/bears-caleb-williams-playoffs-eagles-49ers-packers-johnson" target="_self">Chicago Bears</a> to build an NFL stadium in Hammond.Why it matters: It would be a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="historic move" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" data-vars-content-id="7d283857-00aa-4577-9c73-20ad14395df0" data-vars-headline="Indiana reaches deal to try to steal Chicago Bears" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/02/13/illinois-indiana-bears-stadium-pritzker-braun-hammond-arlington" target="_self">historic move</a> — for both the Bears and Northwest Indiana.

Catch up with this 2026 Indiana college hoops cheat sheet

March Madness is just around the corner, and Indiana basketball programs are making their final push before Selection Sunday.

College hoops madness is just around the corner.Why it matters: Selection Sunday is less than a month away, meaning every game is high stakes for Division I basketball programs looking to maintain or improve their position before tourney tip-off.State of play: Indiana&#x27;s college basketball landscape includes ever-present <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="powerhouses looking to finally win it all" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2026/02/16/march-madness-projections-purdue-basketball-michigan-ncaa-tournament-when-is-selection-sunday/88701706007/" data-vars-content-id="3175d002-0eea-4163-ac05-1c72b490e91c" data-vars-headline="Catch up with this 2026 Indiana college hoops cheat sheet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/college/purdue/2026/02/16/march-madness-projections-purdue-basketball-michigan-ncaa-tournament-when-is-selection-sunday/88701706007/" target="_blank">powerhouses looking to finally win it all</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="on-paper underdogs hoping their long shot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.si.com/college/indiana/basketball/indiana-hoosiers-ncaa-tournament-projections-selection-sunday-a-month-away" data-vars-content-id="3175d002-0eea-4163-ac05-1c72b490e91c" data-vars-headline="Catch up with this 2026 Indiana college hoops cheat sheet" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.si.com/college/indiana/basketball/indiana-hoosiers-ncaa-tournament-projections-selection-sunday-a-month-away" target="_blank">on-paper underdogs hoping their long shot</a> is nothing but net.

Sports 🏅

Indy police prepare to protect homecourt during NCAA Final Four

What to know about the Indianapolis Indians in 2026

Purdue men, Notre Dame women ready for March Madness

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

2026 Big Ten women's tournament begins in Indianapolis