👋 We're in Minneapolis

Happy Monday! We hope you had the best weekend ever.

⛈️Today's weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms with a high near 78.

👋 Programming note: We're retreating with our Axios Local colleagues right now for a few days of collaboration, brainstorming and fellowship.

• Today, you'll hear from two of them on why our commitment to help revive local journalism is so important.

🎂 Happy birthday to our Axios Indianapolis members Brandon Herget and Kara Kavensky!

Today's newsletter is 879 words — a 3.5-minute read. Edited by Lindsey Erdody.

The loss of local news has an insidious effect on democracy.

Why it matters: The trend is "contributing to polarization, decrease in voting and government accountability," the nonprofit American Journalism Project found through an analysis of independent research.

Yes, but: Groups like the Knight Foundation see reasons for hope as newer journalism outlets take hold — some of which are increasingly being funded by philanthropy.

State of play: A declining share of adults are following the news closely, and traditional media audiences for newspapers, TV and radio are shrinking, according to a recent Pew Research Center study.

• Digital devices are now the most common way Americans get news.

By the numbers: Nearly 90% of adults say they often or sometimes get news from a smartphone, computer or tablet, per Pew.

• That's compared to around 65% for television, 42% for radio and 25% for print publications.

Stunning stat: Almost a third of all U.S. newspapers have shuttered since 2005, according to the Medill Local News Initiative at Northwestern University.

• Roughly 6,000 newspapers are left in the U.S., down from 8,891 in 2005.

Threat level: Most communities that lose a local newspaper don't get a replacement, even online.

• More than 200 counties in the U.S. now have zero news outlets, per Medill's report.

What they're saying: Having a reporter monitor city hall, police or local businesses serves the public good by promoting civic engagement and helping communities make better decisions, according to Knight.

What we're watching: Axios' growth to 30 local markets in the last four years — with more on the way — is just one example of new investments in local journalism across the country.

• A collection of more than two dozen philanthropic groups, including Knight, pledged more than $500 million last year to a new initiative that has committed to support local journalism across the country.

The bottom line: Support local news.

• Our Axios Local membership program is just one way to do so.

👋 Hi there! Holly Moore, executive editor for Axios Local, here.

This week, 115 Axios employees from 30 cities across the U.S. are meeting in Minneapolis for our annual Local team retreat, including your newsletter authors.

Why it matters: Getting together allows us to share best practices, setting the foundation for our continued growth as we aim to prove that our model for local news is sustainable nationwide.

Between the lines: Axios Local launched four years ago, with 13 reporters covering five cities. We don't intend to waste our head start.

• With a newsroom that stretches from Seattle to Miami, in-person time is incredibly valuable.
• This week allows us to peel away from Zoom meetings and other distractions and focus on how our product best serves you.

What's next: Watch for more Axios Local cities in 2025.

The bottom line: Thank you for allowing us the time and space to do this.

• As a subscriber, you are part of the vanguard of our local news revolution, and we couldn't do it without you.

If you have feedback on your newsletter or want to brag on your reporting team, feel free to reach out at any time: Holly.Moore@Axios.com.

🏈 The Indianapolis Colts won their first game of the 2024 NFL season by beating the Chicago Bears 21-16 in Lucas Oil Stadium.

• Running back Jonathan Taylor led the way for the offense with 110 yards and two touchdowns. (NFL)

🏀 The Indiana Fever lost their 2024 WNBA playoff opener, falling 93-69 to the Connecticut Sun. The next game in the best-of-three series is Wednesday night in Connecticut. (WNBA)

🚗 The City-County Council will consider a proposal to introduce a new set of penalties related to "street takeovers" and other illegal street activity at tonight's meeting. (WRTV)

The challenge: Cracked bricks, uneven floors, and sticking doors are signs of serious foundation damage.

The solution: Indiana Foundation Service specializes in identifying and fixing these issues before they worsen.

Don't wait — book a free inspection to restore your home's safety today.

Become an Axios Indianapolis member and fuel our mission to make readers smarter and faster on the news unfolding here.

Why it's important: The generosity of our members supports our newsroom as we work on the daily newsletter.

What's in it for you: Insider notes from the local reporters and other perks.

Thank you for trusting us.

👋 Hi, it's Arika!

I finally checked out a restaurant that's been on my list for years.

Where to go: Twenty Tap — the SoBro pub specializing in an extensive beer list and a menu packed with vegetarian dishes.

What to order: The vegan banh mi ($14) — a sub sandwich stuffed with tofu coated in a sweet chili sauce, pickled veggies, fresh herbs and jalapeños and topped with a vegan aioli.

• It's saucy and spicy and sharp from the pickled toppings — deliciously, finger-lickingly messy.
• It comes with a side — get the craggy, seasoned fries.
• If you're looking for a starter, the vegan buffalo wings ($12) — tempura battered cauliflower — are a solid choice. For something a little lighter (i.e., not deep-fried), try the harissa Brussels sprouts ($13).

Pro tip: Happy hour lasts until 6pm and features a $5 Bavarian-style soft pretzel and $5 pints on all drafts.

If you go

👋 It's Arika again!

I'm fresh off a little Sunday funday checking out Indy's newest wine bar (a few short blocks from my home 👀).

Driving the news: Solely Wine celebrated its grand opening this weekend.

The vibe: Comfy and super cute — full of house plants, bright colors, patterns and communal seating areas.

• The staff are knowledgeable and excited to talk wine, walking customers through their many options, the differences between them and their flavor profiles.

💭 My thought bubble: A wine flight is a great way to try out varietals that are new to you and find something fun to take home.

Go deeper

The challenge: Musty smells, wet walls and mold point to a basement in need of repair.

The solution: Indiana Foundation Service can help keep your basement dry. Protect your home from water damage before it leads to bigger problems.

Schedule a free inspection.

Our picks:

✈️ Arika is excited to compare top-ranking Indianapolis and Minneapolis airports.

🤩 Justin is stoked to meet the rest of his Axios Local fam in the Twin Cities.

🙌 Lindsey is excited to see Minneapolis (beyond just the airport) for the first time!