Indiana Week in Review

Non-enforcement election monitors from the Department of Justice head for Marion and Lake counties to observe ADA and language-assistance compliance in Tuesday’s election. A new margin-of-error poll has Republican incumbent Victoria Spartz slightly leading Democrat J.D. Ford in the District 5 congressional race. Judge Jennifer Harrison rejects Greg Ballard’s lawsuit to force the Indiana Election Commission to meet.

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, 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.