Indiana Week In Review

Governor Braun seeks $200 million in child care vouchers, the money will go towards vouchers for around 14,000 children. A federal judge overturns Indiana’s ban on student IDs as a valid form of identification in voting, with the state vowing to appeal the ruling. The IEDC announces it will spend $60 million to bring Israeli tech startups to Indiana. April 17, 2026

Governor Mike Braun suspends Indiana’s 7% Gas Tax for at least 30 days over soaring costs. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson’s home shot at, seemingly over an upcoming vote on the Martindale-Brightwood Data Center. Another ICE detainee dies at the Miami Correctional Facility, prompting calls from Congressman André Carson to end use of the facility for immigration. April 10, 2026

Gas prices cross the $4 per gallon mark, boosted by the Iran War, spring break travel, and a move from winter fuel mixes to more expensive summer fuel. Over 500 college degree programs are consolidated, suspending, or cut under a new state law. The controversial Martindale-Brightwood data center is approved by the Metropolitan Development Commission in a 6-2 vote. April 3, 2026

Former Governor Mitch Daniels throws his support behind incumbent GOP state senators who were primaried after their votes against redistricting. The IURC holds a hearing with utilities over rates. Indiana lags behind the nation in primary care coverage.

Governor Braun commits $1 billion to bioscience sector growth, aiming to create 100,000 jobs over 10 years. Indiana ranked worst of all states for foreclosure filing rates, with Indianapolis and Evansville among the top 5 of cities with the highest rates. The FSSA could end Medicaid drug reimbursement for qualified health centers state-wide. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by political strategist Elise Shrock, Republican Chris Mitchem, Samantha Horton of WFYI, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Governor Braun aligns with TPUSA on the formation of Christian-aligned school clubs, saying he is merely ensuring conservative students have freedom of speech. Indiana’s syringe-exchange program is extended by default after the Governor refuses to either sign or veto the legislation. Maureen Braun says funding is on track to sustain Indiana’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Robin Winston, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss some of this week’s top stories.

Governor Mike Braun reflects on the 2026 legislative session after a rocky start with December’s redistricting vote. Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins the race for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, facing up against Diego Morales and Beau Bayh. The State Treasurer raises questions about the sale of AES Indiana to BlackRock and the Qatar Investment Authority. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Laura Beck, Republican Whitley Yates, Caroline Beck of WFYI, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

SB1, a bill tightening eligibility for Medicaid and SNAP heads to the Governor. Lawmakers call for an investigation into rising utility costs. Late amendments to a bill dealing with commercial drivers licenses would mandate English proficiency tests.

Changes to Indiana’s bail system will be on the ballot in November, as lawmakers seek to broaden a judge’s authority to deny bail. Lawmakers create a Stadium Finance Authority to help secure a possible new home for the Chicago Bears. Cambodian national Lorth Sim dies in ICE custody at the Miami Correctional Facility. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Political Analyst Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The disappearance and death of Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee prompts changes to the Amber Alert system, as lawmakers consider further measures to limit teen social media use. Indiana’s May 5 primary election field is set as the deadline to file for candidacy passes. New BMV rules take effect barring Hoosiers from changing their gender on driver’s licenses. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terri Austin, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chapel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill to force state and local law enforcement to comply with federal immigration efforts passes out of committee. Hoosier students join nationwide walkouts to protest ICE, with the Indiana Department of Education and GOP lawmakers condemning the students. A long-time member of the Indiana GOP leaves his party and will run as an independent candidate for mayor of New Albany. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terri Austin, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Ben Thorp of WFYI to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill would allow Indiana National Guard military police to make arrests and conduct searches when activated by the governor. Hospitals raise the alarm around funding. The Indiana Hospital Association released a new report on Tuesday, warning that many of the state’s hospitals are financially vulnerable. New legislation would define gender, sex, and more. January 30, 2026

New abortion restrictions target in-state and out-of-state providers and add reporting requirements for doctors. Indiana students join national walkouts to protest the Trump Administration’s first full year in power. Lawmakers once again take up efforts to dissolve or combine some smaller township governments. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Robin Winston, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss some of this week’s top stories.

Governor Braun gives his second State of the State address, focusing this year on affordability issues ranging from utilities to the cost of housing. A ban on teenager social media use drums up large support from school leaders. Republicans push a bill to deregulate zoning in order to reduce the costs of new homes. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Political Strategist Elise Shrock, Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Lawmakers return to Indianapolis for the remainder of the 2026 legislative session after voting down redistricting in a special early-session vote in December. High school students achieve a nearly 92% graduation rate in 2025, the highest on record. A proposal to extend Indiana’s syringe exchange programs for another decade receives a committee hearing this week. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terry Austin, Republican Whitley Yates, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this year’s top stories.

Lawmakers will attempt to tackle a childcare availability crisis. Lukewarm economic forecasts as an affordability crisis escalates. 2026 Secretary of State candidates Diego Morales, Beau Bayh, and Blythe Potter build their warchests.  Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss some of the biggest themes emerging in 2026.

A look back at 2025 in Indiana politics. Governor Braun makes significant changes to state agencies, data centers become a major issue for Hoosiers, and state immigration reform to support federal efforts. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss some of this year’s major topics.

Governor Braun names three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. A taskforce recommends changes to Indianapolis Public Schools as well as closer collaboration with charter schools. Candidates begin to announce their intent to run- or retire- ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The GOP redistricting push fails in Indiana after suffering a sound defeat in the state Senate. A new proposal to force students to lock up their phones for the entire school day. Federal vaccine advisors vote on a controversial measure to scale back guidance surrounding the hepatitis vaccine for newborns. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

The House GOP passes a new redistricting map through committee with a goal of diluting Democratic votes. Governor Mike Braun launches a pilot program to allow some state employees to bring infants 4 weeks to 6 months old into the office. Todd Rokita and Diego Morales announce 21 noncitizens have cast ballots in Indiana elections, and a further 165 registered to vote. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by political strategist Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.