Nathan Gotsch: Beware assuming anything in Indiana politics
Establishment candidates in this era must work twice as hard.
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UPDATE: Bears zero in on Hammond site as committee prepares to vote on new stadium language
The moves come with just more than a week left in Indiana’s legislative session and as Illinois lawmakers consider legislation meant to keep the NFL team in that state.
Indiana House OKs youth social media bill, college degree cuts
The measure directs state officials to scrutinize and potentially eliminate certain low-wage college degree programs offered at Indiana’s public institutions.
Environmental deregulation bill narrowly passes House committee
The bill’s author said it would would eliminate “unnecessary” mandates and “needless” reporting or paperwork requirements.
New casino location remains in flux as gambling legislation starts moving in Senate
The bill now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee, which could consider changes that include narrowing where a casino could be located.
Rental ordinances in Fishers, Carmel come under threat from state lawmakers
Language buried in a bill about local finances would override ordinances in Carmel and Fishers and prevent other local governments from restricting or banning rental properties.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
Indy Chamber endorses controversial Decatur Township data center proposal
The business organization said it supports “the responsible development of data centers” across central Indiana.
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.