Indiana Week in Review

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.

Indiana seeks a waiver to women and minority contracts rules. Secretary of Public Safety Jennifer-Ruth Green resigns amid an ethics investigation. A new statewide campaign to encourage independent candidates for public office.

Governor Braun appoints Abby Gray to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The FSSA cuts voucher reimbursement rates for child care. Public meetings to discuss moving all municipal elections to presidential or mid-term elections.

Indiana Republicans visit the White House amid a pressure campaign on redistricting. Education Secretary Katie Jenner to oversee colleges and universities. The US Department of Justice sends a letter requesting access to sensitive voter information.

Disability service cuts under new Medicaid waiver changes. Health care leaders express concern in the face of major public funding cuts. Governor Braun’s trips home via helicopter cost taxpayers $24,000.

Indiana GOP Representative Craig Haggard to run for U.S. Congress. Third grade reading scores rebound to the highest since before the pandemic. Indiana University President Pamela Whitten faces allegations of plagiarism in her doctoral dissertation.

Vice President J.D. Vance meets with Republican legislators to push for midterm redistricting. Indiana agencies agree to assist ICE with immigration enforcement. Google makes a power transfer deal with I&M over a new data center in Fort Wayne.

EPA wants to undo its finding that climate change harms people. Executive order seeks to remove people experiencing homelessness from public places. Governor supports READI economic development grants. Indiana revamping how it grades schools.