Prospects for 14th Indiana casino remain an unsure hand
As the dust settles on House Enrolled Act 1038, questions are beginning to emerge about the next steps for turning legislation into a new casino in northeast Indiana.
State Government
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State abandons White River State Park expansion, citing budget concerns
The proposed $65 million expansion was slated to encompass 15 acres bordered by Elanco Animal Health’s new headquarters to the west and the White River to the east.
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Lawmakers eye road spending review as big southern Indiana plans face opposition
A provision added to the northwest Indiana stadium bill would require State Budget Committee review of any highway project with a price tag of at least $250 million.
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‘Once-in-a-generation opportunity’: Hammond mayor ready for Bears stadium
The Bears are prepared to invest about $2 billion for the stadium project in Hammond, according to Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston, R-Fishers.
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UPDATE: Amended bill paves way for potential Chicago Bears stadium in Hammond
As amended Thursday, Senate Bill 27 creates a financial framework for the construction of a new stadium and puts to rest speculation as to where that stadium might be built.
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Articles
Former state Sen. Jim Merritt’s book examines if state is ready for another pandemic
Former state Sen. Jim Merritt has a new book out titled “Lessons Learned: Are We Ready for the Next Pandemic? History Says No.” detailing Indiana’s response to the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Tolling proposal gains opponents as Braun says only ‘if it makes sense’
The state released its bid to toll Interstate 70 this month after a public records request by the Capital Chronicle. The east-west route would be widened to six lanes, border to border.
New Indiana law updates Ivy Tech governance, doubles down on workforce mission
The updates also come as state officials continue to scrutinize college degree offerings and push for learners to earn high-value credentials, as early as high school.
Judge orders 3 counties to hold absentee ballots in Indiana Senate primary
Clay County Circuit Court Judge David Thomas issued an order Wednesday directing clerks to “immediately cease” sending absentee ballots involving the Republican Senate District 38 race.
Latest federal payment to state for ICE detainees more than triples
Indiana has a two-year agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold up to 1,000 detainees at a time in a previously unused wing of the Miami Correctional Facility near Peru.
New state law prevents city from fining violators of utility reporting ordinance
Under a new state law, Indianapolis will not be allowed to fine building owners for failing to report utility data as part of a sustainability-focused initiative.
Republican primary ads launch in support of Trump’s call for redistricting revenge
The first wave of broadcast and digital advertising attacks have landed against Republican state senators who voted against the Indiana congressional redistricting.
Indiana retailers, shoppers say new SNAP restrictions ‘a pain’
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative — serves more than a half-million low-income Indiana residents.
Lawmakers, private sector make progress on efforts to lower the cost of child care
HEA 1177 expands the tax credits available to businesses that help employees with the cost of child care. SEA 4 allows but does not require FSSA to use dollars from the Financial Responsibility and Opportunity Growth fund on child care vouchers.
More than 500 advocates gather to push elected officials on homelessness, immigration
The group described Thursday’s event as “a public action.”
Braun signs bills for data center payments, IEDC tax credits, rental caps
Under the new laws, data centers will have to pay local governments a portion of the tax cuts they receive and Carmel and Fishers will have to end caps on rental properties.
Ballard to run under ‘Lincoln Party’ name in his independent bid for Indiana secretary of state
Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard said using the “Lincoln Party” label is part of an effort that could eventually establish a new political party in the state.
Few Hoosiers using Indiana Secretary of State’s free vehicle report program despite $500K cost
New information from the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office shows that only 2,150 vehicle history reports were requested between July 2025 and February 2026.
Indiana officials increasing ties to conservative group Turning Point USA
Secretary of State Diego Morales said his office had started a voter registration partnership with Turning Point’s Club America high school organization. Meanwhile, Gov. Mike Braun plans a “significant announcement” with Turning Point leaders.
State plan would charge $15.60 in tolls to drive I-70 across state
The Braun administration told federal officials it would use the revenue to widen the interstate to six lanes from the Illinois to the Ohio state lines.
Braun doubles down on efforts to address ‘imbalanced relationship’ between utilities, ratepayers
Gov. Mike Braun also discussed whether the state will suspend its gas tax as oil prices soar in the wake of U.S. military action in Iran.
2026 legislative recap: What passed and what didn’t
Efforts to attract the Bears across the Illinois border received widespread, bipartisan support. But other items lawmakers tackled were contentious.
Governor signs bills on immigration, homelessness and dozens more
Four dozen bills became law Thursday after nabbing Gov. Mike Braun’s signature. Another round of bills is expected to hit his desk soon.
Indiana legislators failed to regulate THC. Businesses say there’s a middle ground.
Many business leaders say they are OK with regulation, particularly to keep drinks out of the hands of those younger than 21. But they don’t want to see THC products banned altogether.