Indiana Week in Review
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Democrats, Republicans and insiders debate politics, the Indiana Statehouse and more.
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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.
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 preview of the 2026 legislative short session. Indiana University considers adopting new guidelines for free expression on campuses. A Whitestown man is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of María Florinda Ríos Pérez De Velásquez, a member of a cleaning crew who came to the wrong house. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, 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.
National conservative interest groups launch campaigns in Indiana to push for redistricting. Local leaders gather to bring awareness to funding shortfalls faced by communities after property tax reform slashes budgets. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stops in Fort Wayne to speak to government contractors, one of many cabinet members to visit the state this year. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, 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.
Uncertainty for the 570,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP as the government shutdown continues. Attorney General Todd Rokita sues Indianapolis Public Schools over a policy 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. A further 7,000 students failed but secured an exemption. New host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Chris Mitchen, Political Strategist Elise Shrock, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Governor Braun calls a special session to redraw congressional maps in favor of Republicans, though it remains unclear if the GOP can muster the votes. A freeze on new childcare vouchers will be in place for at least one year with 31,000 children on the waitlist for low-income, working families. The Lieutenant Governor campaigns door-to-door against an Avon school referendum. Interim host Jon Schwantes is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Jill Sheridan of WFYI Public Media to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Data centers generate opposition across the state. Competing political rallies, No Kings and Turning Point USA, draw thousands of Hoosiers. Researchers at Purdue aim to solve the mystery of Amelia Earhart’s 1937 disappearance. Interim host Jon Schwantes is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Lara Beck, Jill Sheridan of WFYI News, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
The federal shutdown threatens food programs, and states must use their own or simply let programs lapse. U.S. border czar Tom Homan visits the statehouse and praises partnerships between ICE and local law enforcement. Indiana University announces the end of all print editions of its student newspaper on the same day the university fires its Director of Student Media. Interim host Jon Schwantes is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jill Sheridan of WFYI News to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
V.P. Vance returns to Indiana in a renewed push for Republican-favored redistricting. Governor Braun posts- then deletes- comments on social media blaming Indianapolis Democrats for crime in the city following Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez’s alleged attack. A long anticipated IEDC audit is released detailing various conflicts of interest and a lack of oversight. Interim host Jon Schwantes 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 impact of the federal shutdown on Indiana’s 24,000 federal employees, most of whom work in law enforcement, transportation security, and veterans affairs. Health insurance costs for Hoosiers is set to nearly double without extended premium tax credits unless congress intervenes. Purdue University abruptly cancels their GEAR UP program aimed at low-income students. Interim host Jon Schwantes is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, political strategist Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jill Sheridan of WFYI to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
A Ball State professor sues for wrongful termination on first amendment grounds after being fired over a private Facebook post calling Charlie Kirk’s death “a tragedy”, but also highlighting “violence, fear, and hatred he sowed”. NIPSCO proposes a solution to protect customers from data center rate hikes. Governor Braun to release the results of an audit of the IEDC. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, 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.
Former South Bend Mayor and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg joins hundreds of Hoosiers at the Indiana Statehouse to rally against redistricting. Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith calls for a moratorium 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. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Indiana seeks a waiver to women and minority contracts rules requiring some federal highway funds to be paid to small businesses owned by “disadvantaged” people. Secretary of Public Safety Jennifer-Ruth Green resigns amid an ethics investigation for misuse of state resources and workplace misconduct. A new statewide campaign to encourage independent candidates for public office. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Joey Fox, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Governor Braun appoints Abby Gray to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. The FSSA cuts voucher reimbursement rates for child care and development to address a $225 million funding gap. Secretary of State Diego Morales is hosting a series of public meetings to discuss moving all municipal elections to mid-term or presidential election years. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Political Strategist Elise Shrock, Whitney Downard of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Indiana Republicans visit the White House amid pressure from the Trump Administration on redistricting to eliminate Democratic seats. Education Secretary Katie Jenner to take on the duties of the Commissioner for Higher Education in addition to her current role. The U.S. Department of Justice requests Indiana’s voter information. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
New Medicaid waiver limits threaten significant service cuts to those with disabilities. Indiana Lawmakers cut public funding from $100 million to just $40 million, leading health care leaders to issue a warning that the loss will impact health care costs and outcomes. Governor Braun has taken 11 helicopter rides home in 8 months, costing taxpayers $24,000. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Indiana State Representative Craig Haggard announces he will run for U.S. Congress, challenging incumbent Jim Baird. The pass rate for third grade reading exam scores jumps a statewide average of 5%, rebounding to the highest levels since before the pandemic. Indiana University President Pamela Whitten faces allegations of plagiarism in her doctoral dissertation. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lindsay Haake, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Vice President J.D. Vance meets with Governor Braun and GOP legislators to push for midterm redistricting. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security, Indiana Department of Correction, and the Indiana National Guard agree to assist ICE with deportations and immigration enforcement in the state, though Governor Braun says the focus will be on those with criminal backgrounds. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Whitley Yates, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss some of this week’s top stories.
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 but doesn’t have state budget support. Indiana revamping how it grades schools quality. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lara Beck, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Electric bills rise across the state by an average of $28 per month more than last year. High school graduates who go on to attend college in Indiana fell to a record low of 52%. A report by the Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future lays out steps the state should take to re-evaluate how legal services are provided and address a shortage of attorneys in Indiana. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
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