Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis 500 preview: Josef Newgarden returns a different driver

Published

2 years ago

May 25, 2024

Indianapolis 500 preview: Josef Newgarden returns a different driver

INDIANAPOLIS — A social media post designed to introduce drivers in the Indianapolis 500 to the general public put Josef Newgarden in an awkward light when the reigning race winner was asked a simple question.

“Which IndyCar driver would you take on a road trip?” asked the questionnaire.

“Solo” Newgarden responded.

An odd answer for a driver who a year ago was practically inseparable from Scott McLaughlin, his Team Penske teammate. The “Bus Bros.” had a media company, a YouTube show and merchandise. They appeared to be the best of friends and McLaughlin celebrated Newgarden when the Tennessean finally broke through to win his first Indianapolis 500.

Twelve months later, the Bus Bros. are no more, the friendship apparently unraveled after Newgarden went solo and unfollowed everyone on social media — including his wife — in a bid to rebuild his love of racing.

Winning the Indy 500 wasn’t as fulfilling as he had expected; for the two-time IndyCar Series champion, racing had become a grind of too many failures and not enough successes.

Insulated but re-energized when he returned for this season, Newgarden scored an emphatic victory in the opening race in St. Petersburg, Florida. Six weeks later, IndyCar discovered illegal push-to-pass software on the three Team Penske cars and threw out both Newgarden’s win and McLaughlin’s third-place finish.

Newgarden returns to the speedway for Sunday’s race as the defending Indy 500 winner but caught in a cheating scandal that has damaged his pristine reputation and that of Team Penske. A deeply embarrassed Roger Penske suspended four team members, including team President Tim Cindric, Newgarden’s strategist.

If the drama is distracting Newgarden, he’s not let on.

He qualified third to complete Team Penske’s first front row lockout in Indy 500 qualifying since 1988. McLaughlin won the pole and Will Power qualified second.

Asked how different this year has felt from last season, when Newgarden won in his 12th try, he felt nothing much has changed.

“Feels really similar to me in a lot of ways. I feel a lot of respect for this facility and this race, this track,” Newgarden said before turning the topic to how good his Chevrolet was a year ago. “We were fortunate enough as a team, as a group, where it just fell into place for us. We had a great car. … it was our day.

“I feel the same in that regard. I think I’ve got another great race car,” he continued. “I had sort of let go of the fact that I was ever going to win this race. It’s such a tough race to win, I think you had to be comfortable with that. I think that rings true for a second. I’m happy to be here, happy to have a shot.”

PADDOCK UNREST

There remains dissatisfaction about the scandal, particularly from teams who simply don’t believe the Team Penske explanations as to how Newgarden, his engineers and McLaughlin found nothing to be amiss when their horsepower boosts worked when they should not have. IndyCar said Penske drivers had manipulated the push-to-pass software system on their cars; Penske and Cindric called it a miscommunication and breakdown in process.

Zak Brown, head of Arrow McLaren Racing, said the Penske punishments were too light; he called Cindric’s presence at Penske’s sports car win at Laguna Seca two weeks ago while under suspension “a bad look.”

There is skepticism that Cindric won’t be involved in some form in the race. IndyCar set no parameters on what the suspended team members can or can’t do, leaving the discipline to Penske to dole out. Penske owns not only the race team, but IndyCar itself, Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indy 500.

“Do I think Tim Cindric is engaged during the Month of May? Yes. In what way, I don’t know the rules they set out, I don’t know that,” Brown said. “But do I believe that Tim Cindric is sitting on his couch, turning on the race and watching it as 5 of 6 million other people are? No.”

Newgarden can win a $440,000 bonus from trophy-maker BorgWarner if he becomes the first driver to win back-to-back Indy 500s since the award was established in 1995. It’s been claimed only once — by Helio Castroneves after 2001 and 2002 victories — and only five drivers in 107 runnings have won “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing” in consecutive years.

Newgarden is the race favorite, followed by McLaughlin and Kyle Larson, according to BetMGM Sportsbook.

The odds made McLaughlin a little nervous and same for Larson, who couldn’t understand why anyone would “waste their money betting on me.”

Said McLaughlin: “My first Indy 500, I was headed out to driver intros and some guy screamed at me he’d bet $20,000 on me to win. And all I could think was ‘Why?’”

LARSON EFFECT

This year’s race has NASCAR star Kyle Larson in the field as he attempts to become the fifth driver in history to complete “The Double” and race in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day.

The 2021 Cup Series champion is the first driver to attempt the 1,100 miles of racing since Kurt Busch in 2014. Weather is not in his favor with the Indy forecast calling for rain on Sunday.

Larson qualified fifth for his debut Indy 500 and a year’s worth of prep has gone into his joint effort between Arrow McLaren Racing and Hendrick Motorsports. Rick Hendrick, his boss, now seems to be having second thoughts about pulling Larson from Indy to get him to Charlotte Motor Speedway in time for the evening’s NASCAR race.

“At this point, just hoping the weather cooperates to get all 1,100-miles in. It’s been something I’ve looked forward to for close to two years,” Larson said. “It doesn’t look too promising for Indy on Sunday, but I think for me, where I sit, if it’s going to rain, I hope it rains all day. That way it can just get pushed to Monday or something. We can get (NASCAR) in on Sunday night and then come here Monday.”

McLaren boss Zak Brown said the decision would be solely for Hendrick to make.

CHEVROLET vs. HONDA

Chevrolet clearly had the speed benefit in qualifying when the engine maker claimed the first eight spots in qualifying. But Honda showed it can hold its own in race trim, which means there is no obvious favorite for Sunday.

“I think Chevrolet has a little bit of a power advantage right now, but you never know once the race starts,” said Chip Ganassi, who failed to qualify any of his five Honda-powered cars inside the top 12. “I’ll take a handling car any day over horsepower.”

BROWN’S OWN DOUBLE

Brown has his own eye on the weather and a plane ticket on hold for Saturday to take him to the Monaco Grand Prix if it appears the Indianapolis 500 will be rained out.

He would then attempt his own version of “The Double” and watch his F1 drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri on Sunday in Monaco, then return to Indianapolis for the 500 on Monday. If he decides to stay in Indianapolis but the 500 is rained out, Brown said he’d travel to North Carolina to cheer on Larson in the Coca-Cola 600.

“I just hope it’s not a rain delay,” Brown said. “I hope it’s either a washout, chucking down rain and we’re not racing Sunday and leave, go to Charlotte, and come back. That’s the delay I want.”

Indianapolis 500

When: 9 a.m. PT Sunday (green flag scheduled for 9:45 a.m.)

Where: Indianapolis Motor Speedway

TV: NBC Ch. 4

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Indianapolis, IN

Discount Movie Days Around Indianapolis 2026

Published

2 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Press Room

Discount Movie Days Around Indianapolis 2026

Movie nights add up fast, especially with kids in tow. The good news? Several theater chains (and one local indie favorite) offer weekly discount days on tickets, often with extra savings on snacks if you’re in their free loyalty programs. Here are the best recurring deals to know around Indianapolis, plus local theater addresses so you can pick the closest one.

Related Article: Looking for more budget-friendly outings? 90 Fun Activities for $5 or Less in Indianapolis

Quick list: weekly discount movie deals

Emagine: $5 Ticket Tuesdays (Emagine Rewards members)
Regal: Regal Value Days (discounted tickets + popcorn deal for Regal Crown Club members)
Flix Brewhouse Carmel: $5.55 Wednesdays (2D shows)
AMC: 50% off tickets Tuesdays and Wednesdays (AMC Stubs members)
Living Room Theaters Indianapolis: “7 at 7” (select indie films at 7 PM for $7)

Emagine: $5 Ticket Tuesdays

Best for: Families who can commit to Tuesdays and don’t mind joining a free rewards program.

The deal is straightforward: $5 tickets on Tuesdays for Emagine Rewards members. Keep in mind that premium formats and 3D may have an upcharge, special events are excluded, and Emagine lists specific blackout dates.

Indianapolis-area Emagine location

Emagine Noblesville
13825 Norell Rd, Noblesville, IN 46060

See Emagine $5 Ticket Tuesdays details

Regal: Regal Value Days

Best for: Families who already go to Regal and want a consistent discount day.

Regal’s Value Days typically run on Tuesdays and offer discounted tickets (pricing varies by location). Regal Crown Club members may also see an extra-value Tuesday popcorn deal. Value Days may not be available on holidays, and some titles or special events may be excluded, so it’s worth double-checking showtimes and pricing for your preferred theater before you go.

Indianapolis-area Regal theaters

Regal UA Galaxy – Indianapolis
8105 E 96th St, Indianapolis, IN 46256
Regal Greenwood
461 Greenwood Park South Dr, Greenwood, IN 46142
Regal Village Park
2222 E 146th St, Carmel, IN 46033
Regal Noblesville
10075 Town & Country Blvd, Noblesville, IN 46060
Regal Shiloh Crossing
10400 E US 36, Ste 800, Avon, IN 46123

See Regal Value Days details

Flix Brewhouse Carmel: $5.55 Wednesdays

Best for: A dinner-and-a-movie midweek treat, especially if you’re on the north side.

Flix Brewhouse offers $5.55 tickets for every 2D show on Wednesdays. The discount isn’t valid during holiday weeks, for films premiering on Wednesday, or for Flix Picks shows, so check the listing before you head out.

Indianapolis-area Flix Brewhouse location

Flix Brewhouse Carmel
2206 E 116th St, Carmel, IN 46032

See Flix $5.55 Wednesday details

flix theater in carmel indiana

AMC: 50% off tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Best for: Families who like flexibility (two discount days) and already use AMC Stubs.

AMC Stubs members get half-price tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The all-day discount is calculated as 50% off the adult evening base ticket price. There’s also a limit of 10 tickets per show date.

Be aware that the discount does not apply to convenience fees, premium format upcharges, special events, or taxes. Bonus: AMC also advertises 50% off small combos (in-theater purchase only) on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for Stubs members.

Indianapolis-area AMC theaters

AMC Indianapolis 17
4325 S Meridian St, Indianapolis, IN 46217
AMC Castleton Square 14
6020 E 82nd St, Indianapolis, IN 46250
AMC Traders Point 12
5920 W 86th St, Indianapolis, IN 46278
AMC Washington Square 12
10280 E Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46229
AMC Perry Crossing 18
380 Cinema Blvd, Plainfield, IN 46168

See AMC discount days details

$3 AMC

Living Room Theaters Indianapolis: “7 at 7”

Best for: Parents who want a date-night vibe or older teens who love independent films.

Living Room Theaters offers early screenings of select independent films every week at 7 PM for $7. It’s not available for every title, so check the week’s “7 at 7” film before you go.

Indianapolis location

Living Room Theaters (Bottleworks District)
745 E 9th St, Ste 810, Indianapolis, IN 46202

See Living Room Theaters “7 at 7” details

Tips to actually get the discount (and avoid surprises)

Join the free loyalty program first. Many discount days require membership (Emagine Rewards, AMC Stubs, Regal Crown Club).
Expect upcharges for premium formats like IMAX, Dolby, and 3D, even on discount days.
Watch for exclusions like holiday weeks, special events, or select titles.
Buy directly from the theater when possible. Third-party ticket sites may not apply discounts and can add fees.

Pro parent move: build a cheap movie day routine

Pair a discount day with an earlier showtime to keep costs down.
Skip premium formats if you’re aiming for the lowest total.
Consider sharing one popcorn among younger kids (and check theater policies on outside drinks).
If you want more of an “experience,” Flix and Living Room feel like a treat while still saving on tickets.

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Indianapolis, IN

Braun makes championship wager with Florida governor

Published

14 hours ago

January 18, 2026

Press Room

Braun makes championship wager with Florida governor

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – On the football field, it’s Hoosiers vs. Hurricanes. In the governor’s office, it’s pork vs. crabs.

Gov. Mike Braun challenged Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to a “friendly wager” ahead of the College Football Playoff National Championship.

The top-seeded, undefeated Indiana Hoosiers have the chance to win the University’s first ever national championship in football when they face the Miami Hurricanes on Monday.

“Hey DeSantis,” Braun wrote on social media. “If IU loses, I’ll send you some pork from Fischer Farms, which is in my neck of the woods in Dubois County, plus some pies from the famous Wick’s Pies, including a sugar cream pie (an Indiana favorite).”

“Pork and pie for bragging rights. You in?”

Hey @GovRonDeSantis, how about a friendly wager on the national championship?
If IU loses, I’ll send you some pork from @FischerFarmsIN, which is in my neck of the woods in Dubois County, plus some pies from the famous @WicksPies, including a sugar cream pie (an Indiana…
— Governor Mike Braun (@GovBraun) January 16, 2026

A few hours later, the Florida governor accepted the challenge.

“I am happy to oblige,” DeSantis replied. “If Indiana wins, I’ll send stone crabs and key lime pie from Joe’s Stone Crab. I will just drop them off in Naples or Marco Island since that’s basically Indiana south this time of year.”

Mike — I am happy to oblige and am impressed with IU’s turnaround (thanks in part to a Miami kid at QB).
But I am all-in for The U.
If Indiana wins, I’ll send stone crabs and key lime pie from @joesstonecrab.
I will just drop them off in Naples or Marco Island since that’s… https://t.co/cRWktTGvrc
— Ron DeSantis (@RonDeSantis) January 17, 2026

Pork is a popular betting chip in the Braun administration. Pork from Smoking Goose was put on the line in a wager with the Oklahoma governor ahead of the 2025 NBA Finals.

Saturday, Braun posted photos with a signed football from Indiana head coach, writing “Hey Coach Cignetti, thanks for the signed ball! I’ll see you in Miami! Let’s go Indiana Football!”

IU and Miami are scheduled to kick off at 7:50 p.m. on Monday at Hard Rock Stadium.

Curt Cignetti’s message to IU fans ahead of national championship

Why Fernando Mendoza’s high school coach knew the QB would be great

IU fans experiencing the ‘ultimate dream’ this week in Miami

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Indianapolis, IN

Indianapolis bars brace for crowds of Hoosiers ahead of Monday’s IU game

Published

1 day ago

January 18, 2026

Press Room

Indianapolis bars brace for crowds of Hoosiers ahead of Monday’s IU game

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Bars across Indianapolis are getting ready for a busy Monday night as Hoosier fans plan to head out for IU watch parties. Local bars say they are staffing up and ready to roll out the specials for IU fans.

“This is history for Indiana and IU,” IU fan, Jody Kofer said. “We are so excited to do this as one, as a community.”

The Tap, a bar located off of Delaware Street says they are ready to welcome in the Hoosier crowd. The manager, Sarah Gorman, says they are expecting to have one of their busiest days of the year on Monday.

“The past couple of games have just been absolutely crazy,” Gorman said. “I think this Monday is probably going to top it all.”

Kyle Miller, a server at The Tap, has been working there for about two years. He says big game days are always his favorite to work.

“It’s hard to walk in here, every table is full, everyone is cheering, and it’s just fun and gets crazy,” Miller said. “As much as you are not on the field or in the bleachers, you’re there, you are.”

Another local bar, Tie-Breakers, has only been open for about two months. The bar is located on Mass Ave. The owner, Wayne Raber, says they are expecting standing room only for the game.

“We are getting all the staff ready for a big day and an IU win,” Raber said. “We pretty much feel like this is an IU bar. The last games were packed, so we are looking forward to the excitement again.”

A server at Tie-Breakers, Jayce Nielsen, says working during recent IU games has felt like a maze trying to weave through the crowds while carrying hot plates of food.

“Coming out with three or four plates, you just got to try and get through a bunch of people, but it’s fun,” Nielsen said. “When the Hoosiers score, it is like an earthquake in here.”

Both The Tap and Tie-Breakers are bringing special deals for the crowds on Monday, but those aren’t the only bars rolling out deals for the game. Below you can find a list of Indianapolis bars that are hosting “watch parties,” where you can enjoy some good food, drinks, and a great seat for the big game.

Indianapolis Area Options

Tie-Breakers – 339 Massachusetts Ave

The Tap – 306 N Delaware St

The Hangar – $40 ticketed event at 501 Madison Ave. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tom’s Watch Bar – 140 S. Illinois St.

Ralston’s Drafthouse – 635 Massachusetts Ave.

Liter House: Free ticketed event with capped attendance at 5301 Winthrop Ave. from 6-10 p.m.

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