Indianapolis City-County Council elects Maggie Lewis as president
Lewis, who previously served as council president from 2012 through 2017, succeeds Vop Osili, who announced his decision to step down from leadership in early December.
Politics & Government
Articles
Trump made many tariff threats in 2025, but some never materialized
Some of Trump’s unrealized threats reflect a broader approach from a president with a track record of using sky-high levies to pressure other countries into new trade deals.
Gov. Mike Braun reinstates workforce development board previously dissolved by Legislature
The Governor’s Office said Tuesday that the new board will act as “a central coordinating body to align employers, education and training providers, and state agencies around measurable workforce outcomes.”
2025 Year in Review: New property tax law forces tough decisions in cities
Motivated by rising property tax bills caused in part by rising home prices, Gov. Mike Braun and the Republican-majority Legislature last spring upended the funding structure for local government and forced tough budgeting decisions in cities and towns.
2025 Year in Review: Gov. Mike Braun launches audit of IEDC and related organizations
The investigation, which Braun labeled a “forensic audit,” launched in May and continued through the summer, leaving work by Elevate and other organizations in limbo and raising questions about whether the state would continue to invest in fledgling companies
2025 Year in Review: Revenue shortfall strains budget
The final budget boosted the tax on cigarettes by $2 per pack, with similar hikes on other forms of tobacco. Those tax increases were expected to generate $850 million over the two-year budget cycle.
2025 Year in Review: Fallout from accusations against Hogsett adviser continue to plague administration
More than 18 months after accusations surfaced in the media that Joe Hogsett’s former chief of staff and campaign manager had sexually harassed three women, the fallout continues for the Indianapolis Democratic mayor and his administration.
Vocal redistricting supporter removed as chair of Indiana Senate Judiciary Committee
Sen. Cyndi Carrasco, an Indianapolis Republican and general counsel for the University of Indianapolis, was appointed as the new chair.
Over one year, Medicaid paid more than $207M for dead people. A new law could help fix that.
Since 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services’ inspector general has conducted 18 audits on a selection of state programs.
Trump administration moves to overhaul how H-1B visas are granted, ending lottery system
The change follows a series of actions by the Trump administration aimed at reshaping a visa program that critics say has become a pipeline for overseas workers willing to work for lower pay but supporters say drives innovation.
Wage garnishment for defaulted student loans to resume early next year
There were about 5.3 million borrowers who had not made a payment on their federal student loans for at least 360 days as of June 30.
Fishers real estate agent becomes latest candidate in open Indiana Senate race
District 31, which includes parts of Hamilton and Marion counties, is currently held by Sen. Kyle Walker, R-Lawrence, who announced earlier this month that he will not seek a second term.
UPDATE: Democrats announce plans to elect Maggie Lewis, John Barth as new council leaders
Lewis previously served as president from 2012 to 2017. The council—which Democrats control 19-6—will make the decision official at the Jan. 5 council meeting.
Forrest Lucas posthumously honored with 2025 Sachem Award
Lucas, who died in August at age 83, is the 20th Sachem Award honoree and the first chosen by Braun.
A fair, a UFC fight, a prayer event: Trump’s plans for nation’s 250th
The celebration will begin on New Year’s Eve. The Washington Monument will be lit with “festive birthday lights to honor the start of this historic anniversary year,” Trump said.
Why investing in a Trump Account could complicate your taxes
Under the terms of the One Big Beautiful Bill law that created it, the federal government will seed each Trump Account with $1,000 for every U.S. citizen born from 2025 through 2028.
Government’s historic role as trusted information source is under threat
The issue arose again Thursday when the Labor Department announced a surprisingly low inflation figure of 2.7% for November. Economists immediately noted quirks that could have artificially lowered the rate.
Editorial: Braun should take steps to repair relationship with GOP lawmakers
Maybe the governor is simply trying to stay in Trump’s good graces.
Letters: Lawmakers should show more civics leadership
As some legislators have pointed out, healthy democracy requires hearing and representing the views of all citizens as difficult choices are made.
Indy Chamber brings on council policy chief to lead local government affairs
Greg Stowers is moving from his job as the City-County Council’s chief administrative officer and policy director to a new position with the Indy Chamber. In a question-and-answer session with IBJ, he discusses his new role.