Abdul-Hakim Shabazz: Political discourse in Indiana has devolved into noise
And when conversation breaks down, so does the trust needed to solve problems.
Politics & Government
Articles
Jennifer Wagner Chartier: Holcomb, Donnelly show path to political progress
We must be able to vociferously disagree and still see each other’s intrinsic value.
David Keating: Provocative speech can provide teachable moments
Public officials should reconsider their actions that both fan the flames of hate and pose a risk to free speech.
Stevie Pactor: All should be free to participate in market of ideas
The First Amendment protects a public employee’s ability to participate in this dialogue.
Todd Rokita: Educators should be accountable for disruptive speech
Courts consistently support the government’s authority to discipline employees when their speech impairs operations.
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.
Senators struggle to find way forward as government shutdown enters 9th day
Pressure is growing on congressional leaders to reach a deal as rank-and-file lawmakers become anxious about the lack of progress on ending the shutdown.
New poll reports majority of Hoosiers oppose redistricting
Another poll concluded that most Hoosiers oppose a GOP effort to redraw congressional maps ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Federal government shutdown grinds into Week 2 as tempers flare at Capitol
Clusters of lawmakers, Republicans and Democrats, are meeting privately, searching for ways out of the impasse, which hinges on striking a deal for preserving health care subsidies.
Michigan creates extra marijuana tax to fund governor’s plan to ‘fix the damn roads’
The Michigan Senate Fiscal Agency predicted a 14.4% decline in marijuana sales because of the tax.
Trump administration says back pay not certain for federal workers in shutdown
The move by the Republican administration was widely seen as a strong-arm tactic—a way to pressure lawmakers to reopen the government, now in the seventh day of a shutdown.
Trump open to extending or changing US-Mexico-Canada trade deal
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with President Trump at the White House on Tuesday to discuss tariffs.
Pay freeze for Carmel mayor considered as city grapples with budget challenges
The Carmel City Council on Monday night heard an introduction of an ordinance that would hold salaries in place for the city’s mayor, judge and city clerk. Council members discussed if whether they, too, should forego a cost-of-living increase.
Bob Ross paintings to be auctioned to support public TV stations after federal funding cuts
Seasons 2 through 31 of the Ross’ beloved show, “The Joy of Painting,” were filmed and produced at WIPB-TV studios in Muncie, Indiana.
‘Nobody’s happy’: City-County Council passes $1.7B budget for 2026 amid concerns
After a lengthy discussion, the full council voted 17-8 in favor of the budget’s passage Monday evening. All six Republicans and two Democrats voted against it.
Senate returns with no shutdown deal in sight
Senators on Monday defeated two proposals to end the government shutdown on its sixth day.
UPDATE: Democrat Beau Bayh launches run for Indiana secretary of state
Bayh, 29, follows in the footsteps of his father, Evan Bayh, who served Indiana in multiple offices for more than 20 years—including Secretary of State.
Republicans, Democrats at impasse as government shutdown enters 6th day
The House is not expected to be in session this week, focusing attention on the Senate to take the lead on any deal in the Republican-led Congress.
Trump administration resumes student loan forgiveness
Even as the Education Department reopens loan forgiveness, the ongoing government shutdown could slow the agency’s ability to process discharges quickly.
Trump plans aid package for soybean farmers while seeking trade deal with China
U.S. farmers are worried that time is quickly running out to reach a deal in time to sell any of this year’s crop to their biggest customer.