Indiana Sports Growth, Election Fallout and Lilac Blonde

Indiana sports are delivering another record year, with a state bid fund helping generate more than $1 billion in economic impact since 2023 and women's volleyball emerging as the next opportunity for growth. Indiana Sports Corp. President Patrick Talty talks with Gerry Dick about the Indy Showcase, a new women's college volleyball event coming to Indianapolis next August, the investment behind the city's push to become a women's sports capital, and efforts to secure major events as competition intensifies among cities seeking the same opportunities. IBJ editor and assistant publisher Lesley Weidenbener examines Democratic gains in statewide and suburban races, the loss of the Republican House supermajority, and voters' rejection of northeast Indiana casino proposals, while the program also covers an economic forecast that puts Indiana ahead of national growth in 2027, driven by life sciences investment and higher-paying jobs. Also featured: Holy Cross College researchers investigate lead dust beneath church stained glass windows and potential risks to children; new medical training and research facilities, energy manufacturing projects and college arenas take shape across the state; and Lilac Blonde founders Abby and Andrew Vitale explain how their women's footwear and clothing business surpassed $10 million in total sales while using artificial intelligence to guide inventory decisions and support continued expansion.