Cost of living

• Median family income: $54,600
• City’s population: 738,907
• Estimated cost to buy a home: $134,722 (prices have increased 140.6%)
• Average cost of a gallon of gasoline in Indiana: $0.716

Cultural highlights

• The local pork industry boomed when McDonald’s brought back the McRib.
• Celine Dion performed “My Heart Will Go On” at her concert at Market Square Arena before it closed in October 1999.
• Meanwhile, Phish and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers graced the stage just two days apart at Ruoff Music Center — ahem, Deer Creek.
• The Indianapolis Museum of Art announced its new campus master plan, which included the creation of the 100-acre Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park. It’s still a local favorite oasis — just ask “The Fault in Our Stars.”

Sports stuff

• Gainbridge Fieldhouse opened (as Conseco Fieldhouse) and became the home of the Pacers.
• Kenny Bräck became the first Swedish driver to win the Indy 500, with an estimated 250,000 fans in attendance.
• The Colts executed a massive turnaround season, going from three wins and 13 losses in the 1998 season to 13 wins and three losses in 1999.

• FoodCon 11 | Friday, Aug. 2 | 6-9 p.m. | Harrison Center, 1505 N. Delaware St., Indianapolis | Free | Get the 411 on edible bugs, beekeeping, cooking on your car engine, aquaponics, and many more unique food topics.

• Forest Bathing | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 10 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 N. Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $55-$65 | Reconnect through the restorative practice of forest bathing.
• Marc Rotman Stained Glass Demonstration | Saturday, Aug. 3 | 10-11 a.m. | Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Library, 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville | Free | Learn about the art of creating a stained glass masterpiece.
• Weekend with Bluey | Saturday, Aug. 3-Sunday, Aug. 4 | Times vary | Victory Field, 501 W. Maryland St., Indianapolis | $13-$32 | Kids can meet Bluey, Bingo, and the family as Indy’s minor league team faces the Toledo Mud Hens.

• Music Bingo | Sunday, Aug. 4 | 2-4 p.m. | Punch Bowl Social, 120 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis | Free | Test your music knowledge + sing along for a chance to win prizes.
• Bush | Sunday, Aug. 4 | 6 p.m. | Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis | $49+ | “Comedown” and see the rockers as they perform their “Loaded: The Greatest Hits Tour.”

• Hoosier Riverwatch Workshop | Monday, Aug. 5 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Zionsville Nature Center, 250 N. 5th St., Zionsville | Free | Discover hands-on methods for testing water quality.

• State Fair Night Photography | Tuesday, Aug. 6 | 7-10 p.m. | Indiana State Fair Midway, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $39 | Learn how to capture the lights of the midway at night.

• Cooling off at the River Crossing Splash Pad
• Answering the call of the wild at Treetop Outpost
• And getting a bird’s eye view with tethered balloon rides

• The extreme heat is behind us — for the weekend, at least. Expect temps in the mid-80s today + tomorrow with possible rain and thunderstorms this evening into tomorrow morning. Clearer skies are predicted for the rest of the weekend, but temps could hit the high 80s Sunday. (WTHR)

• Opening day at the Indiana State Fair, but the schedule is looking slightly different. English rockers Foghat will be the opening act on the Hoosier Lottery Free Stage tonight, replacing the originally scheduled act Three Dog Night. The fair runs through Sunday, Aug. 18 — make plans before going. (WTHR)

• A new roundabout in Indianapolis’ north side is now open to vehicular traffic, but construction is ongoing. The $1.3 million project near East 79th Street and Dean Road will also include pedestrian paths and a stormwater detention system. It’s expected to be completed in summer of 2025. (WTHR)

• Get ready to flip out. A new California Burger has opened at 2831 E. 38th St. in Meadows, the brand’s third location in Indianapolis. The Indiana-founded restaurant is known for its homemade burgers, fried sides, and ice cream blends.

• Kitchen Social — a popular tavern-style restaurant based out of Columbus, OH — plans to open its first Indiana location in Fishers in late 2026. The eatery will open in The Union at Fishers District, a forthcoming mixed-use development that’s expected to break ground next year. (IBJ)

• Three seasonal Spirit Halloween stores have been announced in Indianapolis so far, though they don’t start opening until later this month. Scared you won’t find the costume you need? At least 10 additional stores are preparing to pop up in Indiana soon. (IndyStar)

• $77 million. That’s how much money Gen Con is expected to bring into Indianapolis this week. The sold-out tabletop gaming conference is contracted to stay in Indy through 2030. If you didn’t score a badge this time, you can still get a taste of the fun with food and drink deals. (WTHR)

• The Indianapolis Symphonic Choir has announced its 87th season lineup aimed at showcasing the diversity of choral music. Shows begin with a 100th anniversary performance of “Rhapsody in Blue” on Friday, Oct. 11, and end in June 2025. Tickets will be available starting Monday, Aug. 26.

• Cheer on Indianapolis-based Olympian Allie Wilson today when she runs in the women’s 800m at 1:45 p.m. ET. Follow the 2024 Paris Olympics and keep up with other local athletes via WTHR or Peacock. Today’s events include swimming, volleyball, and BMX racing.

• Is there reason to be concerned about Indiana Basketball’s recruiting this year? Go beyond the scoreboard for the biggest stories on the Indiana Hoosiers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

Spotlight on Che Chori