Indiana agencies outline spending cuts in pursuit of 5% reserve
A grim May revenue forecast prompted lawmakers to cut most agency appropriations by 5% in the latest biennial budget—and authorize the State Budget Agency to withhold another 5%.
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VP Vance meets with Indiana GOP leadership on redistricting while Democrats protest effort
Vice President JD Vance spent several hours in the Hoosier State on Thursday to meet with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and other leaders about the possibility of creating more GOP seats with redrawn congressional boundaries.
State agency plans aggressive new budget method to control growing Medicaid costs
Over the course of a decade, Indiana’s per-enrollee costs for certain Medicaid recipients are expected to surge by 43% and 72% for lower-income and elderly Hoosiers, respectively.
JD Vance heads to Indiana to push redistricting, but legalities remain unclear
An Indiana House Democrat called defeating mid-cycle redistricting “a knife fight for democracy.”
First day of school in Indianapolis showcases evolution of student transportation
A new state-mandated group, the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance, is tasked with addressing an unequal environment in which IPS offers transportation, but not all charter schools can afford to.
Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Chris Lowery to step down
Lowery cited a recent health scare and a desire to pursue personal and professional writing projects for the decision.
Federal judge dismisses professors’ lawsuit against IU, Purdue over new intellectual diversity law
The law states that faculty are required to teach scholarly works “from a variety of political or ideological frameworks” within their purview of instruction.
A Republican long considered conservative stalwart is facing challenge from the right
Texts accusing “Liberal Liz” Brown of betraying her conservative values have been flying in northeast Indiana—funded by a “social welfare” nonprofit that no one knows about or isn’t willing to divulge.
Education Department to release billions in remaining withheld grant money
President Donald Trump’s administration had withheld $6 billion in funding on July 1 as part of a review to ensure spending aligned with the White House’s priorities.
Indiana higher ed board updates degree review process after hundreds of programs cut, merged
Nearly all of the eliminated degree programs had zero enrollment, officials said.
Indiana LG’s office closures buck return-to-office order
Staff were allowed to work from home several times despite Gov. Mike Braun’s order requiring full-time office returns.
Trump order pushes forcible hospitalization of homeless people
The impact of President Trump’s executive order remains unclear because states set laws and handle the process of involuntary commitments.
Indiana energy leaders push for ‘nuclear renaissance’ at Tuesday forum
IBJ Media’s Nuclear Energy Forum, held Tuesday, brought together about 270 attendees for a half-day of discussions on the potential benefits—and hurdles—of nuclear energy.
Indiana BMV unveils new ‘blackout’ license plates
The new plate option could generate millions in additional revenue for the agency.
Inside Indiana’s ‘best-kept secret:’ historical markers
The Indiana State Historical Marker Program began in 1946, with the first marker placed in December of that year highlighting the Indiana State Capitol.
Indiana lawmaker proposes state takeover of Mile Square
Under State Sen. Michael Young’s proposal, a governor’s appointee, a state-appointed board and the Indiana Attorney General would tackle policy and prosecution in downtown Indianapolis.
Indiana education officials to ask for federal funding as lump sum with fewer requirements
The money would be available to more schools to use with fewer rules about where the money would go.
Gov. Braun says state could intervene in Indy law enforcement after downtown violence
The Republican governor’s statements came on the heels of a string of shootings involving youth in the city’s core, including one on July 5 that killed two minors, and just before Indianapolis hosts WNBA All-Star Weekend.
Lt. Gov. Beckwith among supporters of lawsuit filed against Indiana GOP leadership
The complaint alleges that party leadership repeatedly silenced delegates, bypassed convention procedures, and rewrote internal rules without consent.
Analysis: Latest Indiana budget drops spending 7%—with cuts ‘telling’
The $54.6 billion budget, approved in May, spends 3% more than its 2023 predecessor. But the state’s spending power has sunk 5% since then.