Indiana Week in Review
by WFYI Public Media
Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. Join host Brandon Smith and political experts as they dive into the debates shaping Indiana. You'll get policy updates on policy, the state legislature and more, from the left, right and middle of the aisle.
Episodes
-
Communities Push Back on Data Centers
Communities push back against data centers in the form of moratoriums, pauses, or other regulations as questions over pollution, jobs, and affordability swirl. A record 82% of Hoosiers say they plan to vote- or already have voted- in the midterm elections, a potential record increase after 2024…
more -
Controversy Around a Death Row Execution
Controversy around an impending death row execution as Indiana seeks pentobarbital, the same drug used in Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike. State lawmakers debate how to fund childcare going into 2027 with some calling for further deregulation. A report questions if tax breaks for...
-
Secretary of State Candidates Face Off
Secretary of State Candidates Ballard, Bayh, Engling, and Shillings face off to debate voter fraud and noncitizen voting. A look at Indiana’s voluntary intoxication and consent laws in light of the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University. Voters to decide on a consitutional amendment giving...
-
Officials Highlight Economic Achievements
The IEDC highlights economic achievements, with 69 companies moving businesses to the state. Hamilton County approves residents to vote at any location in 2027. Calls for Secretary of State candidates to promise to stay out of politics if elected.
-
IMPD Reckons With Flock Camera Abuses
Indiana readies for Medicaid work requirements to kick in starting in October, though officials acknowledge that many details have not yet been finalized. Five IMPD officers face charges of misuse of Flock camera access. WFYI investigates NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals, which faces accusations of...
-
The EPA Hands Over Coal Ash Regulations
The EPA hands over control of coal ash regulations in Indiana to state leaders, with Indiana leading the nation in coal ash dumpsites. A $240 million tax break for an Indianapolis data center after the company plans to invest more than $4 billion. Indiana Secretary of State candidates urged to…
more -
Loans for Flood-Stricken Communities
A new loan program for communities facing millions in flood damage as they await relief dollars. Incumbent Senator Deery wins the District 23 primary after a state Supreme Court hearing. RFRA comes up in abortion arguments at the Indiana Supreme Court.
-
A Rash of ICE Arrests in Indianapolis
U.S. Congressman André Carson opens a congressional inquiry into a rash of ICE activity and arrests throughout Indianapolis. The city of Fort Wayne votes to terminate contracts with Flock and take all cameras offline amid concerns about misuse and data storage. Governor Braun extends the gas tax...
-
Utility provider NIPSCO under fire
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
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
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.
-
The Gas Tax Holiday Extended into September
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...
-
Haitians Lose Temporary Protection Status
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…
more -
Families Call for More Childcare Vouchers
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.
-
Race and Gender-Based Contract Practice Ends
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…
more -
Indiana Children Lose Medicaid at High Rates
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...
-
Reactions to the Birthright Citizenship Case
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...
-
Shake up at the Utility Commission
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...
-
Indiana Merges Federal Education Funds
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…
more -
Immigrants Removed from Voter Rolls
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…
more -
The Bears are Moving to Indiana
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…
more -
Braun Pushes for More Property Tax Relief
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...
-
Todd Rokita Pulls Diego Morales Endorsement
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…
more -
Inmates Left Waiting For Prison Transports
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...
-
Trump Picks Oust Most Incumbents in Primaries
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...
-
Primaries to Test Trump’s Sway Over GOP Voters
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...
-
Indiana Cracks Down on CDLs for Noncitizens
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...
-
Braun Seeks $200 Million for Child Care
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...
-
Governor Braun Suspends the Gas Tax
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…
more -
Gas Prices Cross the $4 Mark
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…
more -
Mitch Daniels Supports Primaried Senators
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.
-
A $1Billion Investment in Bioscience Growth
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.
-
Braun Aligns With TPUSA on School Clubs
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 Session
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.
-
SNAP and Medicaid bill heads to Governor
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 the Bail System on the Ballot
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.
-
Hailey Buzbee’s Death Sparks Change
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.
-
State Police to Enforce Federal Policy
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.
-
National Guard May Expand Policing Powers
The National Guard can make arrests in certain cases. A new bill may expand these powers.
-
Abortion Restrictions Target Providers
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.
-
Braun Gives His Second State of the State
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 for Part 2 of Session
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.
-
A Look Ahead at Indiana in 2026
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
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.
-
Gov. Braun Names New Members to the IURC
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.
-
GOP Redistricting Push Fails in Indiana
The redistricting push fails in Indiana. Students may have to lock up their cellphones.
-
GOP Redistricting Map Passed by Committee
GOP redistricting map passed by committee. A new state policy to allow infants at work.
-
A Look Back at Immigration Policy
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.
-
A Peek at the 2026 Legislative Session
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.
-
Outside Groups Push for Redistricting
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.
About this show
Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. Join host Brandon Smith and political experts as they dive into the debates shaping Indiana. You'll get policy updates on policy, the state legislature and more, from the left, right and middle of the aisle.
Hosted by
WFYI Public Media
Categories