New Indiana task force aims to boost state’s role in U.S. drone development
The new “Indiana Initiative for Drone Dominance Task Force” will coordinate work across government, universities and private industry.
Casey Smith, Indiana Capital Chronicle
Articles
Beyond redistricting: Indiana’s special session to tackle tax update, too
Indiana lawmakers could use the upcoming special session not only to draw new legislative maps but also to head off what tax experts call impending “chaos” for taxpayers and businesses.
Despite Braun move, Senate leader’s office says ‘votes still aren’t there for redistricting’
The statement repeats the same evaluation last week from Rodric Bray’s office as the White House stepped up its pressure campaign on Indiana lawmakers, particularly Republican senators.
‘Harder to keep teachers’: Indiana fiscal policy panel weighs salary gaps, educator shortage
State data showed modest wage gains for teachers, but education advocates warned that Indiana’s pay still ranks near the bottom nationally.
Federal shutdown could hurt government services like WIC, SNAP in Indiana
States like Indiana must use their own dollars to keep funds flowing to families or let it lapse, a move that could cut benefits for tens of thousands of Hoosiers.
Indiana Supreme Court dismisses latest disciplinary case against AG Todd Rokita
The high court granted a joint request from Rokita and the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Commission to dismiss the case as moot, saying the two sides had resolved their dispute.
Indiana lawmakers revisit ‘cable pollution’ complaints as locals press for state oversight
“Cable pollution,” or dormant, abandoned and low-hanging utility lines left behind by telecommunications companies, can pose safety risks and financial burdens for local governments, local leaders say.
VP Vance to visit Indiana again to meet with Senate GOP amid redistricting standoff
Vice President JD Vance’s second visit to Indianapolis comes as state GOP legislators continue to weigh a special session for mid-cycle redistricting—a move that has split some members of the party.
No new incentive dollars for Indiana colleges, but performance tracking continues
But under Indiana’s latest budget, no new outcome-based dollars will be distributed until at least the next budget cycle.
Indiana’s public universities report fall enrollment gains
But international student enrollment dropped more than 14% at Indiana and Purdue universities—the state’s two largest public university systems.
Indiana sees modest gains in clean-energy jobs, stronger growth in EV sector, report says
Though the overall growth was modest, clean-vehicle employment remains one of the stronger performing subsectors in Indiana.
Panel hears warnings on rising Indiana prison population, local corrections funding shortfalls
Indiana lawmakers heard stark warnings that the state’s prison population is again nearing capacity while funding for local alternatives is shrinking.
Governor expands cabinet roles—but how far can dual office holding go in Indiana?
Gov. Mike Braun maintains that consolidating leadership will streamline state government and save taxpayer dollars. But when can one person legally hold two government offices at once?
Braun threatens licenses of teachers who ‘celebrate’ political violence online
Free speech advocates quickly raised concerns that the governor’s threat risks trampling constitutional protections and chilling lawful speech.
Budget panel OKs $15.8M for upgrades at immigration detention site
New details on the state’s contract with ICE show Indiana could make millions of dollars on the detention-site deal.
Indiana governor floats November special session on redistricting
Gov. Mike Braun gave his clearest signal yet in support of mid-cycle redistricting in Indiana.
Indiana DOC to begin jail payments to counties
The Indiana Department of Correction will begin sending payments to dozens of counties on Monday to cover costs for housing state prisoners, ending months of delays.
Indiana inspector general accuses ex-cabinet secretary of ghost employment, misuse of state property
It’s now up to the State Ethics Commission to decide whether Jennifer-Ruth Green violated state law—and what sanctions, if any, to impose.
State Ethics Commission meets privately as scrutiny builds around former cabinet secretary
Commissioners declined to say if probable cause was affirmed in the pending ethics case involving Jennifer-Ruth Green, the former secretary of public safety.
Indiana University again ranks among nation’s worst for free speech, report says
In contrast, Purdue University placed second overall. DePauw University also ranked in the top 20 nationally.