Chicago Bears, Data Centers, and Northwest Indiana's Economic Boom

Northwest Indiana generates more than $47 billion annually, and the region is drawing national attention from the NFL, Big Tech, and AI infrastructure developers alike. IBJ Media President Mitch Frazier joins the show with takeaways from the Innovate Indiana event at Valparaiso University, where nearly 350 business and community leaders gathered to discuss the region's momentum. Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott weighs in on the bipartisan push to land the Chicago Bears and the broader case for Indiana's business climate. The episode also covers the Marion County wheel tax debate, a $100 flat fee on all vehicles that passed the Indianapolis City-County Council 14-10 but faces a potential veto from Mayor Joe Hogsett. The city's annual infrastructure spending deficit ranges from $635 million to $1 billion. Also featured: Evonik's $100 million investment to modernize its Lafayette pharmaceutical ingredients facility, Riverside Manufacturing's new Fort Wayne headquarters, a $21 million mixed-use development in Clarksville, and Bosse Field's $2.1 million turf upgrade in Evansville. Indianapolis startup Fitasy, based in the 16 Tech Innovation District, is making waves with its 3D-printed custom footwear after partnering with USA Diving for its international debut in Bolzano, Italy. Plus, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology's Design Clinic connects students with industry partners on real-world engineering challenges.