Indiana Week in Review

NIPSCO faces lawsuit after power outages. Indiana is part of a historic multi-state settlement with Meta. Greg Ballard presents a new voter guide. Andy Zay reaches settlement with Governor Braun after being fired from utility commission.

Communities clean up after devastating floods. Chris Garten solidifies GOP support in his bid to succeed Rodric Bray as Senate President pro tem. Indiana spends nearly $500 million on vouchers after dropping income or education requirements.

I-READ scores improve five years in a row. A recount in District 23 changes the GOP primary winner from incumbent Spencer Deery to Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver. The Chicago Bears say their sole focus is on a move to Hammond, Indiana.

Governor Braun extends the gas tax holiday into September, citing the war in Ukraine, Canadian wildfires, and the conflict in Iran as creating a new supply emergency. Former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission head Andy Zay is fired after allegations of professional misconduct. Senator Chris Garten announces plans to run for the role of Senate President Pro Tem in November.

Around 7,000 Haitians in Indiana lose their Temporary Protection Status (TPS) visas, wiping out an estimated $30 million in state and local taxes. Paula Copenhaver’s effort to subpoena “cross over” voters during the republican primary ends at the Indiana Recount Commission. Conservative group Save Heritage Indiana to host a mass deportation rally in Fishers featuring Greg Bovino.

Families call for more childcare vouchers as 35,000 individuals remain on the wait list. Officials downplay President Trump’s election security concerns ahead of November’s vote. Federal officials sign an agreement to bring sports to underserved youth.

Governor Braun announces and end to race and gender-based contract preferences begun in 1983. Indiana ends fiscal year 2026 with a surplus of $1.86 billion, an increase of 175% over last year. Representative J.D. Prescott holds a series of town halls to promote a plan to replace property taxes with a 7% service charge. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Robin Winston, Republican Mike O’Brien, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Lindsey Erdody of Free Press Indiana News to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Indiana sees the highest percentage of children to lose Medicaid coverage in the nation. A state utility watchdog petitions AES Indiana to reconsider a $71 million rate hike, arguing the IURC did not consider affordability. Democrats are running for 97 out of 100 statehouse races in the midterm elections, the highest rate in decades.

Immigrants react to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming birthright citizenship for all children born on U.S. soil. Governor Mike Braun seeks to reimburse local governments for lost gas tax revenue, which would normally be used to repair or build roads. Communities across Indiana consider regulations or outright bans on data centers.

Governor Braun removes utility regulatory chairman after commission approves a $71 million rate hike. Indiana joins artificial intelligence program to detect Medicaid fraud. Diego Morales loses at the Republican convention as Max Engling wins nomination for Secretary of State. The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation approves property tax referendum for schools.

Indiana merges federal education funds originally separated for English learning and teacher education. Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard closes in on the signature threshold needed to stand for Secretary of State in the midterm elections. Todd Rokita joins a lawsuit aiming to restrict the use of abortion drug Mifepristone, claiming a risk to the water supply.

Hundreds of immigrants purged from voter rolls under a new Indiana registration and citizenship verification law. Experts predict a huge spike in school referendums on bellows state-wide in November amid tax cuts. Lawmakers and faith leaders gather at the statehouse in support of religious freedom after Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith declared his hate for Islam on a podcast.

The Chicago Bears announce Hammond, Indiana as their new home and the site of a new NFL stadium. Governor Braun defends his decision to name June “Nuclear Family Month” amid backlash from single parents and the LGBTQ+ community. Braun extends the gas tax pause further amid ongoing fuel price surges while stressing the cost.

Secretary of State Diego Morales pushes back against allegations of wrongdoing while in office. Governor Mike Braun calls for further property tax relief in the next legislative session. Ball State University to pay Suzanne Swierc $225,000 to settle a lawsuit stemming from her firing over Charlie Kirk comments.

Todd Rokita changes position in the Secretary of State race, no longer endorsing incumbent Diego Morales and instead calling on him to end his reelection campaign. Paula Copenhaver seeks to subpoena voters in District 23 over allegations that Democrats voted in the Republican primary. Rokita seeks to undo orders by local judges to change a person’s gender on their birth certificate.

Delays in transferring inmates from county jails to prison are straining resources and leaving some jails over capacity. The primary race between incumbent State Senator Spencer Deery and Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver may come down to a single vote. Indiana foster youth will now be entitled to survivor benefits from parents who have passed away.

Trump-backed candidates defeat most redistricting-opposed incumbents in GOP primaries. Eli Lilly unveils a further $4.5 billion investment in the LEAP District, bringing total investments in the state to over $20 billion since 2020. Governor Braun extends the gas sales tax pause for another 30 days, and includes a new pause to the state gas tax to save Hoosiers around $0.59 per gallon.

Indiana’s May 5 primaries to test Trump’s sway over GOP voters. Cannabis use on the rise among Hoosiers despite strict state laws, though Governor Braun has signaled a willingness to revisit state policy in the future. Indianapolis becomes one of five hubs to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) nation-wide.

Indiana cracks down on commercial drivers licenses for noncitizens and targets their employers. Governor Braun endorses primary challengers for senators who opposed redistricting, but endorses House lawmakers who voted against it. Jennifer Dorfmeyer is named Director of the Department of Child Services, having served in an interim capacity since January.

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. The FSSA could end Medicaid drug reimbursement for qualified health centers.

Governor Braun aligns with TPUSA on the formation of conservative, Christian-aligned school clubs. The syringe-exchange extension becomes law. Maureen Braun says funding is on track to sustain Indiana’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Governor Braun reflects on the 2026 legislative session. Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins the race for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent. The Indiana State Treasurer raises questions about the BlackRock buyout of AES Indiana.

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. Lawmakers create a Stadium Finance Authority to help secure a possible new home for the Chicago Bears. A Cambodian man dies in ICE custody at the Miami Correctional Facility.

The disappearance and death of Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee prompts changes to the Amber Alert system. Indiana’s May 5th primary election field is set as the deadline to file passes. Hoosiers can no longer change their gender on driver’s licenses.

A bill to align state and local law enforcement with federal immigration policy. Students walk out to protest ICE, while the state and their schools respond. A long-time member of the statehouse GOP leaves the party and will not seek reelection.

The National Guard can make arrests in certain cases. A new bill may expand these powers.

New abortion restrictions target in-state and out-of-state providers and add reporting requirements. Indiana students join national walkouts to protest the Trump Administration. Lawmakers take up efforts to dissolve or combine some township governments.

Gov. Braun gives his second State of the State address, focusing this year on affordability concerns. A proposed bill to ban social media for teenagers. The first hearing of a bill to deregulate zoning restrictions in order to reduce the cost of homes.

Lawmakers return to Indy for part 2 of the 2026 session after defeating redistricting proposals in December. High school students achieve a record-setting 92% graduation rate, the highest on record. A bill to extend syringe exchange programs.

We look ahead at some of the biggest themes emerging in 2026. Lawmakers will attempt to tackle a childcare availability crisis, lukewarm economic forecasts, and the 2026 Secretary of State candidates build their warchests.

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.

Governor Braun names three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. Recommended changes to IPS and charter school collaboration. Candidates begin to announce their intent to run- or retire- ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.

The redistricting push fails in Indiana. Students may have to lock up their cellphones.

GOP redistricting map passed by committee. A new state policy to allow infants at work.

A look back at immigration policy changes in 2025. A push from Attorney General Todd Rokita to go after undocumented workers and the so-called “Speedway Slammer” collaboration between the DOC and ICE.

Organization Day offers a peek at the 2026 legislative session. Indiana University considers adopting guidelines for free expression on campus. A Whitestown man is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of a woman who came to the wrong house.

National conservative interest groups launch pro-redistricting campaign in Indiana. Local leaders gather to draw attention to funding shortfalls as a result of property tax relief legislation. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stops in Fort Wayne.

Uncertainty for the 570,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP. Todd Rokita sues Indianapolis Public Schools for refusing access to ICE agents without a warrant. Nearly 4% of third grade students must repeat the year after failing to pass a reading test.

Governor Braun calls a special session to redraw congressional maps in favor of Republicans. A freeze on new childcare vouchers will be in place for at least one year. The Lieutenant Governor campaigns door-to-door against an Avon school referendum.

Data centers generate opposition across the state. Competing political rallies draw thousands of Hoosiers. Purdue researchers explore Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance.

The shutdown threatens food programs. U.S. border czar Tom Homan visits the statehouse and praises local law enforcement. Indiana University announces the end of all print editions of its student newspaper on the same day it fires its Director of Student Media.

V.P. Vance returns to Indiana in a renewed push for redistricting. Governor Braun blamed Democrats for Fox Sports personality Mark Sanchez’s attack in Indianapolis, then deleted his comments once the analyst was charged. The results of the IEDC audit.

The impact of the federal shutdown on Indiana’s 24,000 federal employees. Health care premiums through the ACA may double if extended credits are not approved. Purdue University cancels their GEAR UP program aimed at low-income students.

A Ball State professor sues for wrongful termination on first amendment grounds after being ousted over a post critical of Charlie Kirk. A proposed solution to data center rate hikes. Governor Braun to release the results of an audit on the IEDC.

Pete Buttigieg speaks at a rally against redistricting. Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith proposes a pause on the state sales tax amid soaring utility bills. The Indiana Department of Corrections receives $16 million to convert the Miami facility for ICE use.