Indianapolis, IN
Colts Among Worst in NFL Power Rankings
The Indianapolis Colts are in a unique position having a young and talented roster but must make the playoffs and compete for the AFC South championship. For the postseason, it’s been since 2020 that Indy has made it; as for the division, the Colts have embarrassed themselves with a drought since 2014.
The Colts have tried to dispel this narrative by acquiring impact players like Charvarius Ward, Camryn Bynum, and an explosive threat in Khalil Herbert. However, this doesn’t stop Pro Football Focus from putting Indy at an ugly 26th in power rankings after free agency.
Here’s what Mason Cameron had to say, starting with losing Ryan Kelly and Will Fries to free agency, followed by breaking down Ward and Bynum: “Free agency was a mixed bag for the Colts. They lost two key starters on the interior offensive line, Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, as well as stalwart defensive lineman Dayo Odeyingbo. On the other hand, they landed two of the top-ranked coverage defenders in Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward.”
The Colts lost Ryan Kelly and Will Fries, undoubtedly unwanted but necessary for the Colts to get Ward and Bynum, who were more important. However, 26th is a bit harsh for the Colts. Yes, 8-9 isn’t a sexy record, but the Colts are more talented than that rank, especially after their free agency spending spree.
Cameron concluded by talking about the quarterback duel between Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson, stating: “The bigger storyline comes in the quarterback room, where Indianapolis acquired Daniel Jones. He is expected to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting job. While the team still hopes Richardson can develop into a franchise quarterback, having a contingency plan in place is a prudent move.”
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This quarterback situation might be why the Colts are ranked so low. Regardless of who starts (Jones or Richardson), there’s no forecast given how each has struggled. Jones has been turnover machine and Richardson didn’t eclipse 50 percent pass completion in 2024 on 264 attempts.
Jones is looking for a fresh start with competition he has a fair chance at winning against and working alongside a QB guru like Shane Steichen. The New York Giants didn’t give Jones much in his tenure outside of Saquon Barkley in the backfield, and the Colts’ roster is already more talented, especially the wide receiver room.
The Colts will want to smash rankings like this, but they must prove it. Steichen and Richardson can’t fall apart, or the studs will probably be torn down on this experiment that Chris Ballard believes in. Too much is on the line for further gaffes and losing records to flourish.
There’s still time to add more lower/mid-tier talent for what the Colts have available to spend in free agency, plus there’s the NFL draft on April 24th where Indy can solidify positions of the future while nailing down areas of need.
When layers are peeled back, it’s about Richardson beating out Jones or the Colts achieving a playoff spot. Given the circumstances around Indianapolis, it will be an offseason and regular season of the highest importance. The pressure is on to succeed in the Circle City and must happen this year.
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Indianapolis, IN
That trail you walk downtown? It’s generated $3 billion for Indianapolis, study finds
See the 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting ceremon
Highlights: Indiana Ave. and 10th Street Cultural Trail Expansion ribbon cutting on Indiana Ave. on Thursday, June 20, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Since its creation, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail in the heart of Circle City has drawn millions of residents and visitors to its distinctive paved path. But according to a new report, the trail isn’t just beneficial for those looking to get out on an urban stroll or bike ride — it’s a driver for the city’s economy and quality of life.
The report, “Indianapolis Cultural Trail: A Legacy of Gene and Marilyn Glick at 20: Connecting People, Places, and Possibility,” was based on analysis by James Lima Planning + Development, a group of real estate, planning and economic development advisors. Here’s what to know about the report.
How has the Cultural Trail affected the city’s growth, development?
According to the report from 2026, the 10-mile trail has generated $3 billion in assessed property value around its path — money that supports the city and its governmental services.
The population along the trail has grown five times the city average and retail space near the trail has increased 39%, the report shows. Nearby food and beverage sales are almost twice the average per square foot in Indianapolis.
Additionally, the report shows, undeveloped land along the trail has the potential to add $1.4 billion of value in the near future. Since an initial study in 2015, the trail’s economic impact has grown from $1 billion to $3 billion.
“For nearly 20 years, the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has helped transform Downtown Indianapolis into a more vibrant, connected and economically competitive city,” Mayor Joe Hogsett said in a June 3 news release. “It is more than a trail. It is a nationally recognized public asset that drives investment, supports local businesses, connects neighborhoods and improves quality of life for the people who live, work, play and stay in our city.”
According to the report, over 1 million people use the trail each year, and almost half of downtown Indianapolis residents live within a three-minute walk of the path.
What other features does the Cultural Trail offer?
Users of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail aren’t limited to walking — the Pacers Bikeshare program, operated by the trail, has 57 bike stations throughout the city that are accessible 24/7.
The trail also features nearly six acres of plants and greenspace, offering locals and visitors an urban getaway. City planners from across the world have visited the trail to study its design, according to the report.
What is the future of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail?
Focus on the Indianapolis Cultural Trail has shifted from construction and maintenance to long-term operations and expanded resources for the public.
Kären Haley, executive director of the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, Inc. — the trail’s nonprofit — said it has grown into the “crown jewel” of the city with the growth and development it has created over two decades.
“The Cultural Trail is driving billions in investment and making surrounding neighborhoods thriving destinations,” she said in a June 3 news release. “As we enter the next phase for the Trail, we look forward to building upon our initial 20 years of impact.”
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
ICYMI: Top 5 IndyStar business stories in May 2026
A busy month at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway reignited debates about hotels and the downtown heliport. Plus, Eli Lilly celebrated 150 years.
May came and went, and with it, we saw the closest Indianapolis 500 finish in history, the 150th anniversary of Eli Lilly and a contested primary election day.
There’s also been some movement in retail news ahead of the summer shopping season. On the north side, a new women’s clothing store opened while a piercing studio set up shop in Speedway. Meanwhile, an indoor children’s play place opened on the near north side.
Read on for four spots that recently opened and one in Broad Ripple that said farewell.
Openings
Monkee’s
8659 River Crossing Blvd., monkeesofindianapolis.com, opened in March
Monkee’s of Indianapolis, a high-end women’s clothing store, opened recently on the north side in the Shops at River Crossing near the Fashion Mall. The brand Monkee’s started in the South three decades ago and has since grown to nearly 70 locations. In Indianapolis, Missy Llewellyn and Whitney Schmitt started the franchise to bring the clothing brand to the Circle City.
The Nest Play Cafe
515 E 22nd St Suite 101, indynestplaycafe.com, opened early May
The Nest Play Cafe opened at the corner of Central Avenue and 22nd Street, offering an indoor space for parents and caregivers to bring their children to play. Caregivers can book 90-minute play sessions for $15 per child over the age of one. Tickets for additional siblings run $10. The cafe sells coffee and snacks, too.
Open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday 8 a.m. to noon. Closed Tuesdays.
Forget Me Not Piercing Studio
5324 W. 16th St., jessflowerspiercings.square.site, opened May 27
A new piercing studio opened in Speedway at the end of May just days after the Indianapolis 500. Forget Me Not Piercing offers traditional lobe, helix and conch piercings along with nostril and septum piercings. Artist Jess Flowers opened the one-woman shop on 16th Street.
Open Sunday and Thursday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Black Orchid Barbers Fountain Square
1201 Prospect St. Suite 100, blackorchidbarbers.com, opened in May
Black Orchid, a local barbershop known for its sharp haircuts with a side of humor, opened its Fountain Square spot, marking the company’s seventh brick-and-mortar location. Walk-ins are welcome but Black Orchid recommends grabbing a time slot online for your preferred service.
Open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Closures
Vitality IV Bar
6302 Guilford Ave., vitalityivbar.com
An IV-wellness spot in Broad Ripple shut its doors last month. Vitality IV Bar was located next to the Thieves cocktail lounge, formerly the Broad Ripple Starbucks location, before it went out of business.
Vitality IV still operates an Indianapolis-area location on Mass Ave downtown at 749 Massachusetts Ave where customers can book a variety of infusions with vitamins.
See a store opening or closing near you? Contact IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey at alysa.guffey@indystar.com.
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