Indy 500 buzz: The Indianapolis 500 is back in full swing, and the “front row” advantage is getting fresh attention as race-day positioning again becomes a make-or-break storyline for teams and drivers. IndyCar tech: IndyCar extended its title deal with NTT and is rolling out a new in-app AI feature, “Up To Speed,” aimed at giving fans real-time race insights. Indiana environment politics: Indiana DNR bobcat hunting is still drawing fire, with an editorial arguing the proposed quota jump and expanded trapping methods lack scientific justification. Local sustainability: Two Chesterton High students helped shape Porter’s Environmental Sustainability Commission work, including Earth Day trash pickup and an outdoor lighting ordinance push. Water infrastructure: Bluffton got a positive update on federal funding for its Indiana Street water tower replacement, a reliability and safety upgrade for the city’s drinking water system. Summer access gap: A new survey says nearly a quarter-million Indiana children who want summer programs can’t get them, with cost the biggest barrier.