Illinois governor says Bears’ Indiana gambit is real — and talks are moving
Gov. JB Pritzker said there is “a lot of discussion, a lot of ongoing conversation with the Bears” to try to keep the team playing in Illinois.
Politics
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Why Dr. Oz wants you to retire later
Getting the average American to work one year longer by starting earlier or retiring later would generate about $3 trillion for the economy, said the administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
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Indy Chamber endorses controversial Decatur Township data center proposal
The business organization said it supports “the responsible development of data centers” across central Indiana.
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Vop Osili announces run for Indianapolis mayor
Osili becomes the first Democrat to launch a mayoral bid in what could be a crowded race to succeed Mayor Joe Hogsett, who said during his 2023 campaign that his third term would also be his final.
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Hoosier Survey finds support for legalizing marijuana, making health care more affordable
The survey asked 600 Indiana residents about a wide variety of topics, including what they thought about Indiana as a place to live, taxes, tariffs, redistricting and data centers.
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Articles
Trump’s calls to ‘nationalize’ elections have state, local election officials bracing for tumult
Several Democratic election officials, and some Republicans, have spoken out. Placing voting under control of the federal government would represent a fundamental violation of the Constitution, they note.
Trump sees a hot economy as midterm elections approach
President Donald Trump said at a recent Cabinet meeting that the economy could hit growth “numbers that have never been hit before.”
Speedway town official files to challenge Ryan Mears in Marion County prosecutor race
Philip Foust, a Republican, worked in the Prosecutor’s Office from 2015 to 2021 and saw “how dramatically it has drifted from its core mission,” he said in a press release announcing his candidacy.
Indiana House speaker to sponsor Bears stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun said observers should start watching the Bears’ public responses to Indiana’s actions to get an idea “where this is headed.”
Fundraising picks up for Indiana congressional races
Democratic former Sen. Evan Bayh is still sitting on a big pile of campaign cash (which potentially could go toward his son Beau Bayh’s run for secretary of state).
State tax cut for overtime, tips clears Senate; House sends other tax breaks to Braun
The Senate plan is expected to reduce state tax revenue by about $250 million and apply to 2026 income on tax returns filed in 2027.
Immigration enforcement bill clears Indiana Senate amid national ICE controversy
The vote comes as immigration enforcement—particularly actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE—has sparked protests, clashes with law enforcement and heightened political tensions in several states, especially in Minnesota.
UPDATE: Key lawmaker wants Bears commitment before finalizing stadium bill
Gov. Mike Braun told IBJ on Thursday that he hopes more concrete developments regarding the Chicago Bears’ potential move to northwest Indiana could come “within 10 days or a couple weeks.”
Legislative committee sends amended Bears stadium bill to full Senate
The vote came after little discussion and no testimony—no one from the public signed up to talk about the bill.
Indiana Senate advances bell-to-bell school cellphone limits despite bipartisan concerns
Under current state law, students are prohibited from using phones during instructional time, but they can use them during lunch and passing periods.
Streamlined process or steamrolling local control? Housing permit bill advances to House floor.
Indiana lawmakers are considering legislation to lower houses costs by removing restrictions from the permitting process. Local governments worry the measure takes decision-making power away.
Vop Osili sets vision for mayoral run: ‘Always thinking about what’s next and what’s best’ for Indy
Here are several key takeaways from IBJ’s 45-minute conversation with the mayoral candidate.
Prominent law firm registers as Bears’ lobbyist at Indiana Statehouse
An application for Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP was completed Wednesday with the Indiana Lobby Registration Commission, indicating the firm will represent CBFC Development LLC, an affiliate company for the NFL franchise.
State Sen. Andrea Hunley, possible 2027 Indy mayoral candidate, won’t seek reelection
“Our city needs bold leadership to be a world class destination for people to work, play, study, and stay,” the Indianapolis Democrat said in a Friday news release. “I am not going anywhere.”
Indiana hemp drug ban clears first hurdle
The legislation matches a federal measure some advocates predict will “decimate” the industry—then sets out regulations for what’s left.
Update: Indiana’s Braun among governors seeking to solve AI-driven power questions
The mid-Atlantic grid operated by PJM encompasses all or parts of 13 states, including Indiana.
UPDATE: Bears say GOP stadium legislation is ‘significant milestone’ in talks to move team
Language introduced in the Indiana Senate on Thursday would create a stadium authority authorized to acquire land, finance capital improvements and enter into leases with private entities, including NFL teams.
Senators launch a cross-party effort to end stock trading by lawmakers
Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York and Republican Sen. Ashley Moody of Florida on Thursday plan to introduce legislation that would bar lawmakers and their immediate family members from trading or owning individual stocks.
Gov. Mike Braun’s second State of the State stresses affordability issues
The governor also celebrated data center development, but he said tech companies should pay for 100% of their power needs.