Hoosier Democrats, Republicans and insiders talk candidly about issues, the Indiana Statehouse and everything in between on Indiana Week In Review from WFYI Public Media. Join host Brandon Smith and political experts as they dive into the debates shaping Indiana. You'll get policy updates on policy, the state legislature and more, from the left, right and middle of the aisle.
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Indiana Legislature Podcasts
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Electric Bills Rise By Nearly $30 Per Month
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Electric bills rise across the state by an average of $28 per month more than last year. High school graduates who go on to attend college in Indiana fell to a record low of 52%. A report by the Commission on Indiana’s Legal Future lays out steps the state should take to re-evaluate how legal services are provided and address a shortage of attorney…
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A Look Back At the 2025 State Budget Session
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A look back at the 2025 State budget session. From Governor Mike Braun’s initial proposal to an unprecedented revenue forecast showing a $2.4 billion downturn. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republicans Mike O’Brien and Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debat…
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Faith Leaders Protest the Federal Tax Bill
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Faith leaders protest federal tax and spending cuts, holding a symbolic funeral for those they say are “marked for death”. The Trump administration withholds nearly $7 billion in education grant funds, including $107 million for Indiana. The Braun administration releases their DEI elimination report to note steps agencies have taken to comply with …
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A Look Back at the Property Tax Reform Debate
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A special episode looking back at the property tax reform debate in the 2025 legislative session. Governor Mike Braun threatens to invoke his veto powers and a Statehouse rally calling for lawmakers to make substantial changes to the property tax system.By [email protected] (WFYI Public Media)
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Hundreds of College Degree Programs at Risk
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Around 200 BA, MA, and PhD programs at Indiana University may be cut under new state laws targeting higher education. Advocates for clean energy tax credits release an ad aimed at Senator Todd Young. Budget cuts at the Indiana School for the Deaf are becoming a “crisis” according to advocates, with over a dozen staff already laid off. Host Brandon …
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Ball State freezes tuition and fees for two years, but raises room and board costs. Diego Morales is defiant in the face of bipartisan questions over spending decisions in the Secretary of State’s office. Indiana’s infant mortality rate hits a “historic low” for the state since record-keeping began in 1900, with 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births in …
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Mayor Joe Hogsett Resisting Calls to Resign
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Indiana slashes available pre-k enrollment numbers to less than half of the current enrollment. Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett resists calls to resign over late-night texts to women connected to a sexual harassment and assault investigation against his former chief of staff. Concerns about managed care for those over 60 as Medicaid costs expected t…
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Mike Braun Fires Three Elected IU Trustees
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Governor Braun fires three elected IU trustees, despite previously saying he would allow them to serve out the remainder of their terms. The Indiana Department of Education unveils the first draft of a new A-F school grading system. Braun freezes an initial $25 million allocation for the nonprofit Elevate Ventures, who was set to invest in growth-s…
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President Trump approves the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel for $14.9 billion. Secretary of State Diego Morales investigated over footage used in a campaign launch video. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins defended the Trump administration’s planned 15% cut to the VA during a visit to Indianapolis’ Roudebush Vete…
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Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Passes in the House
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The U.S. House approves major cuts to SNAP that may leave over half a million Hoosiers without access to some or all of their current benefits. House-approved federal Medicaid work reporting requirements may render Indiana’s new reporting requirements redundant. Advocates split on a proposal to close down a Duke Energy coal plant and replace it wit…
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The IEDC sells off two properties purchased for the controversial LEAP district at a loss. Indiana AG Todd Rokita threatens to sue the University of Notre Dame over DEI efforts he says violate a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Two voter and civic advocacy groups join with an Indiana University student to sue the state over the recently-passed ban on stu…
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A Bill Targeting Non-profit Hospital Systems
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A bill threatening the non-profit status of several hospital systems over the cost of care, though the impact on healthcare costs is unclear. Governor Braun signs an anti-DEI bill into law that critics say twists the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion into something they are not. Lawmakers revive the A-to-F school ranking system with rollo…
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Governor Braun Reflects on the 2025 Session
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Governor Mike Braun reflects on the 2025 legislative session and calls his first 100 days in office a “wonderful opening act”. Micah Beckwith praises the Three-Fifths Compromise as a “great move”, drawing backlash from various groups as well as the Governor himself. A last-minute addition to the budget bill gives Braun full control of the Indiana U…
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Taxes and Cuts in the Indiana State Budget
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A $2 cigarette tax and cuts to both public health and higher education in the Indiana state budget. Governor Braun launches a forensic audit of the IEDC after allegations of ethics violations and self-dealing by staffers. An energy bill offering tax incentives to coal plants and small nuclear reactors heads to Braun’s desk amid questions over the b…
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State Revenue Forecasts project a $2.4 billion loss in revenue, the worst forecast since the Great Recession. Governor Mike Braun unveils significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that includes removing candy and soft drinks and limiting eligibility. The property tax overhaul is signed in to law, giving most Hoosiers a cr…
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The House GOP passes a major property tax overhaul with most counties expected to see more money than in previous years. The Senate GOP budget proposal does not expand the voucher program, lowers income eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund, and increases the amount held in reserves. A House Committee scales back controversial measure…
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Partisan School Board Election Bill Advances
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A bill to force school board candidates to declare a political party is narrowly approved in the House. A bill aimed at ending the statute of limitations for rape and child molestation is gutted by a House committee. Secretary of State Diego Morales continues to refuse to answer questions around the funding for a 10-day India trip. Host Brandon Smi…
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A Possible Primary Challenge for Sen. Young
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Former State Senator Carlin Yoder mulls a primary challenge to Senator Todd Young in the 2028 elections. House Democrats unveil a series of property tax reform amendments to support schools and provide relief for homeowners. A House committee approves a bill to ban student IDs as valid identification at polling places. Host Brandon Smith is joined …
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Governor Mike Braun joins hundreds who gathered at the statehouse to rally for significant property tax relief. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is named the new Indiana Democratic Party chair, replacing outgoing chairman Mike Schmuhl. Federal Democratic Senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer help advance a continuing budget resolution ami…
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Proposals for a major property tax system overhaul to completely change how property taxes are calculated. An education campaign on the role of pharmacy benefits managers in lowering the costs of prescription medication. A proposal to raise teacher minimum pay to $45,000 a year raises questions as to how schools would afford the move under current …
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LEAP District Spending Approaches $1 Billion
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Spending on the controversial LEAP district nears $1 billion, with only Eli Lilly so far committed to the site. The Senate approves a study committee to look at relocating Indiana’s lowest performing casino from the southeast corner to one of three more profitable regions. A proposal to introduce consumer protections against medical debt collection…
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The Midpoint of the Legislative Session |
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The midpoint of the 2025 legislative session. The Indiana Senate approves a bill to ban DEI initiatives in state government and local schools. The House advances a ban on transgender women in college sports. The Senate approves a bill that would require school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation. IPBS Digital Editor Lauren Cha…
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The House GOP advances their budget proposal with new money for DCS and the Department of Corrections but no new tax cuts. A controversial immigration bill passes the House. Under the bill, the attorney general would have the power to go after businesses that employ undocumented immigrants. Governor Braun threatens to veto major property tax reform…
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The property tax reform bill sees a major overhaul in a Senate committee, focusing savings on older Hoosiers and disabled veterans. A committee approves major changes to the Healthy Indiana Plan, reintroducing work requirements and an enrollment cap. Medicaid legislation expands contraceptive access but limits the scope of birth control methods off…
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More disciplinary charges filed against Attorney General Todd Rokita over statements made to the Indiana Supreme Court. Governor Braun calls on local leaders to prove their claims that his property tax proposal would harm their budgets and cut public safety dollars. A controversial education bill to promote “fostering a national identity” receives …
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A major expansion of the gambling industry would fully legalize online gambling and lottery. Proposed legislation would move municipal elections to presidential election years, but critics say that may bury local candidates. Governor Mike Braun directs all state law enforcement agencies to comply with Trump’s deportation efforts, though state law a…
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Gov. Braun Orders Abortion Report Release
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Governor Braun orders the Indiana Department of Health to resume releasing individual terminated pregnancy reports, as it did before the near-total ban took effect. A Senate bill aimed at extending individual income tax cuts contingent on state revenue secures nearly unanimous committee approval. A proposal to slash unemployment insurance benefits …
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Governor Mike Braun unveiled a state budget proposal that provides nearly 700 million dollars in tax relief. He also signed a series of executive orders this week that begin to remake the administrative side of state government. Also this week, the Indiana House GOP’s 2025 legislative priorities, unveiled this week, hope to build on previous initia…
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A major Medicaid overhaul, including moving over 180,000 Hoosiers to a waitlist and adding work requirements for many Medicaid participants. Statehouse Democrats lay out their 2025 session priorities, including healthcare, housing and public education. State officials call for an end to funding for Indiana University over connections to the Kinsey …
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A look back at the legacy of Governor Eric Holcomb. State legislative leaders call for local communities to take action on key issues before coming to the Statehouse. Just three initiatives under the public health funding program generated nearly $100 million in savings for Indiana by preventing injuries and premature deaths. Host Brandon Smith is …
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A look back at 2024. A historic presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrats Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. The fight for Indiana’s open governor seat. An unusual campaign ends with Micah Beckwith edging out Julie McGuire, Mike Braun’s hand-picked lieutenant governor candidate. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, …
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Indiana Senate Democrats oust Greg Taylor from his leadership role amid mounting sexual harassment allegations. Lawmakers are cautiously optimistic after a modest revenue forecast is released. Indiana’s billion-dollar Medicaid forecasting error leads to frustration and calls for a new Medicaid forecast vendor. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democr…
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New high school diploma requirements approved after months of revisions. Indiana re-implements a wait list for two of its child care voucher programs after an increase in participants by over 30,000 children in two years. A report shows Secretary of State Diego Morales’ office has spent about $4 million in less than two years on no-bid IT contracts…
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Mike Braun’s 2025 gubernatorial agenda, which features proposals for property tax relief and several changes to the health care system. Randy Head steps down as the Indiana GOP chair. The Indiana Charter Innovation Center aims to secure property tax funds for charter schools, a move opposed by the Indiana State Teacher’s Association and traditional…
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A look back at the Governor’s race between Republican- and eventual winner- Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick, and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republicans Mike O’Brien and Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital …
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Senate Democratic Leader Greg Taylor faces sexual harassment allegations from three women. A state task force makes their recommendations on changes to Indiana tax law targeting property taxes, but cautions that any changes will not be felt until 2026. A committee tasked with making legislative recommendations on Medicaid once again released a repo…
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Jim Banks prepares to enter the U.S. Senate. Micah Beckwith criticizes Senator Todd Young and Senator-elect Jim Banks over reports the pair cast ballots to elect John Thune as Senate Majority Leader. Pamela Whitten faces criticism over her handling of Israel-Palestine protests at Indiana University, which also resulted in an overwhelming vote of no…
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A review of this week’s election results. Republicans see major gains, with Donald Trump taking the White House, Jim Banks elected to the U.S. Senate, Mike Braun succeeds Eric Holcomb as Governor, and Todd Rokita retains his position as Indiana Attorney General. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kel…
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Democrat Valerie McCray and Libertarian Andrew Horning face off in a debate for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat. A legislative study committee makes recommendations to tackle rising health care costs. Kelley School of Business projects optimism for 2025, but warns Trump’s proposed tariffs could ignite a global trade war that would harm Indiana’s ec…
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Gubernatorial candidates Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick and Donald Rainwater debate for the last time before the election. More than half of the Indiana Supreme Court is on the ballot as voters decide whether to keep them on the bench. Multiple felonies of a former Clark County Sheriff prompt proposal of a new ethics reform legislation in order to …
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Attorney General candidates Todd Rokita and Destiny Wells face off in a contentious debate. Mike Braun urges that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reject the conversion of an AES power plant from coal-fired to natural gas. Secretary of State Diego Morales and Todd Rokita question the citizenship of over half a million registered voters abo…
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Mike Braun unveils his public safety plan, including increased criminal penalties and mental health access. Jennifer McCormick’s abortion proposal includes changes to the state ban and medical records privacy protections. Indiana officials refuse to disclose cost of new execution drug as the state seeks to carry out the death penalty for the first …
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Gubernatorial Hopefuls Face Off in Debates
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Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick, and Donald Rainwater face off in a gubernatorial debate. Mike Braun’s campaign releases an attack ad against democrat Jennifer McCormick using a doctored image in violation of state law. The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission releases a new report calling for improved funding for services and addressing employment …
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Senator Mike Braun proposes expansions to healthcare legislation targeting prior authorizations and regulations. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick releases an economic development strategy focused on local input and small business support. Indiana loses over $4 billion per year due to affordable child care. Host Brandon Smith is…
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Two recent polls show vastly different results for statewide races- with Democrats either tying in races for governor and attorney general, or being defeated by Republicans by a large margin. A lawsuit accuses healthcare providers and hospitals of mass Medicaid fraud costing the state millions. Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun releases…
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A county judge rules against abortion care providers seeking to expand access to abortion in Indiana. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump square off in their first- and possibly only- debate ahead of the November election. Jennifer McCormick unveils a plan to gradually roll out legalized cannabis, focusing on medical use …
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Governor Holcomb visits Ukraine to bolster ties and sign a memorandum of understanding with a Ukrainian province. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick proposes ethics reforms that would place limits on lobbyists and create new sexual harassment reporting systems. Vaccination rates for toddlers falls for the first time since before …
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate- and former State Superintendent of Public Instruction- Jennifer McCormick unveils her education plan. Local governments face nearly $2 billion annually in road maintenance costs over the next 10 years. Former Clark County Sheriff Jamey Noel pleads guilty to 27 felonies related to his time as sheriff and in runnin…
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An Improvement in 3rd Grade Reading Scores
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IREAD-3 scores show some improvement, but still fall well below pre-pandemic levels. A federal judge dismisses a lawsuit to Senate Enrolled Act 202, which requires university faculty to teach opposing political viewpoints or risk losing tenure. The Indiana Chamber of Commerce calls for a new water planning team amid continued uncertainty over the L…
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Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick unveils her tax relief proposal. The Indiana Department of Education releases a new draft of its high school diploma overhaul. Lieutenant Governor candidates Republican Micah Beckwith, Democrat Terry Goodin, and Libertarian Tonya Hudson debate at the Indiana State Fair. Host Brandon Smith is joi…
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