Indiana Week in Review

WFYI Public Media · wfyi.org

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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Episodes 300

Utility provider NIPSCO under fire
2d ago · 26:45
NIPSCO faces lawsuit after power outages. Indiana is part of a historic multi-state settlement with Meta. Greg Ballard presents a new voter guide. Andy Zay reaches settlement with Governor Braun after being fired from utility commission.
Communities Clean Up After Devastating Floods
9d ago · 26:46
Communities clean up after devastating floods. Chris Garten solidifies GOP support in his bid to succeed Rodric Bray as Senate President pro tem. Indiana spends nearly $500 million on vouchers after dropping income or education requirements.
I-READ Scores Improve Five Years in a Row
16d ago · 26:46
I-READ scores improve five years in a row. A recount in District 23 changes the GOP primary winner from incumbent Spencer Deery to Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver. The Chicago Bears say their sole focus is on a move to Hammond, Indiana.
The Gas Tax Holiday Extended into September
23d ago · 26:46
Governor Braun extends the gas tax holiday into September, citing the war in Ukraine, Canadian wildfires, and the conflict in Iran as creating a new supply emergency. Former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission head Andy Zay is fired after allegations of professional misconduct. Senator Chris Garten announces plans to run for the role of Senate President Pro Tem in November.
Haitians Lose Temporary Protection Status
29d ago · 26:46
Around 7,000 Haitians in Indiana lose their Temporary Protection Status (TPS) visas, wiping out an estimated $30 million in state and local taxes. Paula Copenhaver’s effort to subpoena “cross over” voters during the republican primary ends at the Indiana Recount Commission. Conservative group Save Heritage Indiana to host a mass deportation rally in Fishers featuring Greg Bovino.
Families Call for More Childcare Vouchers
1mo ago · 26:46
Families call for more childcare vouchers as 35,000 individuals remain on the wait list. Officials downplay President Trump’s election security concerns ahead of November’s vote. Federal officials sign an agreement to bring sports to underserved youth.
Race and Gender-Based Contract Practice Ends
1mo ago · 26:46
Governor Braun announces and end to race and gender-based contract preferences begun in 1983. Indiana ends fiscal year 2026 with a surplus of $1.86 billion, an increase of 175% over last year. Representative J.D. Prescott holds a series of town halls to promote a plan to replace property taxes with a 7% service charge. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Robin Winston, Republican Mike O’Brien, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Lindsey Erdody of Free Press Indiana News to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.
Indiana Children Lose Medicaid at High Rates
1mo ago · 26:46
Indiana sees the highest percentage of children to lose Medicaid coverage in the nation. A state utility watchdog petitions AES Indiana to reconsider a $71 million rate hike, arguing the IURC did not consider affordability. Democrats are running for 97 out of 100 statehouse races in the midterm elections, the highest rate in decades.
Reactions to the Birthright Citizenship Case
1mo ago · 26:46
Immigrants react to the U.S. Supreme Court ruling affirming birthright citizenship for all children born on U.S. soil. Governor Mike Braun seeks to reimburse local governments for lost gas tax revenue, which would normally be used to repair or build roads. Communities across Indiana consider regulations or outright bans on data centers.
Shake up at the Utility Commission
2mo ago · 26:44
Governor Braun removes utility regulatory chairman after commission approves a $71 million rate hike. Indiana joins artificial intelligence program to detect Medicaid fraud. Diego Morales loses at the Republican convention as Max Engling wins nomination for Secretary of State. The Indianapolis Public Education Corporation approves property tax referendum for schools.
Indiana Merges Federal Education Funds
2mo ago · 26:46
Indiana merges federal education funds originally separated for English learning and teacher education. Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard closes in on the signature threshold needed to stand for Secretary of State in the midterm elections. Todd Rokita joins a lawsuit aiming to restrict the use of abortion drug Mifepristone, claiming a risk to the water supply.
Immigrants Removed from Voter Rolls
2mo ago · 26:46
Hundreds of immigrants purged from voter rolls under a new Indiana registration and citizenship verification law. Experts predict a huge spike in school referendums on bellows state-wide in November amid tax cuts. Lawmakers and faith leaders gather at the statehouse in support of religious freedom after Lieutenant Governor Micah Beckwith declared his hate for Islam on a podcast.
The Bears are Moving to Indiana
2mo ago · 26:46
The Chicago Bears announce Hammond, Indiana as their new home and the site of a new NFL stadium. Governor Braun defends his decision to name June “Nuclear Family Month” amid backlash from single parents and the LGBTQ+ community. Braun extends the gas tax pause further amid ongoing fuel price surges while stressing the cost.
Braun Pushes for More Property Tax Relief
3mo ago · 26:46
Secretary of State Diego Morales pushes back against allegations of wrongdoing while in office. Governor Mike Braun calls for further property tax relief in the next legislative session. Ball State University to pay Suzanne Swierc $225,000 to settle a lawsuit stemming from her firing over Charlie Kirk comments.
Todd Rokita Pulls Diego Morales Endorsement
3mo ago · 26:46
Todd Rokita changes position in the Secretary of State race, no longer endorsing incumbent Diego Morales and instead calling on him to end his reelection campaign. Paula Copenhaver seeks to subpoena voters in District 23 over allegations that Democrats voted in the Republican primary. Rokita seeks to undo orders by local judges to change a person’s gender on their birth certificate.
Inmates Left Waiting For Prison Transports
3mo ago · 26:46
Delays in transferring inmates from county jails to prison are straining resources and leaving some jails over capacity. The primary race between incumbent State Senator Spencer Deery and Trump-backed Paula Copenhaver may come down to a single vote. Indiana foster youth will now be entitled to survivor benefits from parents who have passed away.
Trump Picks Oust Most Incumbents in Primaries
3mo ago · 26:46
Trump-backed candidates defeat most redistricting-opposed incumbents in GOP primaries. Eli Lilly unveils a further $4.5 billion investment in the LEAP District, bringing total investments in the state to over $20 billion since 2020. Governor Braun extends the gas sales tax pause for another 30 days, and includes a new pause to the state gas tax to save Hoosiers around $0.59 per gallon.
Primaries to Test Trump’s Sway Over GOP Voters
4mo ago · 26:46
Indiana’s May 5 primaries to test Trump’s sway over GOP voters. Cannabis use on the rise among Hoosiers despite strict state laws, though Governor Braun has signaled a willingness to revisit state policy in the future. Indianapolis becomes one of five hubs to administer the Supplemental Nutrition Assistant Program (SNAP) nation-wide.
Indiana Cracks Down on CDLs for Noncitizens
4mo ago · 26:46
Indiana cracks down on commercial drivers licenses for noncitizens and targets their employers. Governor Braun endorses primary challengers for senators who opposed redistricting, but endorses House lawmakers who voted against it. Jennifer Dorfmeyer is named Director of the Department of Child Services, having served in an interim capacity since January.
Braun Seeks $200 Million for Child Care
4mo ago · 26:46
Governor Braun seeks $200 million in child care vouchers, the money will go towards vouchers for around 14,000 children. A federal judge overturns Indiana’s ban on student IDs as a valid form of identification in voting, with the state vowing to appeal the ruling. The IEDC announces it will spend $60 million to bring Israeli tech startups to Indiana. April 17, 2026
Governor Braun Suspends the Gas Tax
4mo ago · 26:46
Governor Mike Braun suspends Indiana’s 7% Gas Tax for at least 30 days over soaring costs. Indianapolis City-County Councilor Ron Gibson’s home shot at, seemingly over an upcoming vote on the Martindale-Brightwood Data Center. Another ICE detainee dies at the Miami Correctional Facility, prompting calls from Congressman André Carson to end use of the facility for immigration. April 10, 2026
Gas Prices Cross the $4 Mark
4mo ago · 26:46
Gas prices cross the $4 per gallon mark, boosted by the Iran War, spring break travel, and a move from winter fuel mixes to more expensive summer fuel. Over 500 college degree programs are consolidated, suspending, or cut under a new state law. The controversial Martindale-Brightwood data center is approved by the Metropolitan Development Commission in a 6-2 vote. April 3, 2026
Mitch Daniels Supports Primaried Senators
5mo ago · 26:46
Former Governor Mitch Daniels throws his support behind incumbent GOP state senators who were primaried after their votes against redistricting. The IURC holds a hearing with utilities over rates. Indiana lags behind the nation in primary care coverage.
A $1Billion Investment in Bioscience Growth
5mo ago · 26:46
Governor Braun commits $1 billion to bioscience sector growth, aiming to create 100,000 jobs over 10 years. Indiana ranked worst of all states for foreclosure filing rates. The FSSA could end Medicaid drug reimbursement for qualified health centers.
Braun Aligns With TPUSA on School Clubs
5mo ago · 26:46
Governor Braun aligns with TPUSA on the formation of conservative, Christian-aligned school clubs. The syringe-exchange extension becomes law. Maureen Braun says funding is on track to sustain Indiana’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library.