Indiana Week in Review

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 saw just 61% turnout. Indiana communities are set to decide on school referendums.

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 large corporations or data centers incentivizes businesses to move into an area.

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 judges more leeway to deny bail when a defendant poses a risk to public safety.

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.

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 patient abuse and death, as well as complaints, lawsuits, and inspections.

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 sign a new voter bill of rights, including same-day registration and open primaries.

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.

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 holiday into October, with a further 30 day extension possible.

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...

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.