Politics & Policy

Flock, ICE and police accountability concerns dominate IMPD budget hearing

IMPD chief presents 11.5% budget increase amid calls for accountability

Chief Tanya Terry presented a roughly $400 million 2027 budget request for the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department — an 11.5% increase from 2026 that would fund 1,743 sworn officers and pay for 360 vacancies’ overtime and recruitment. The proposal and planned Flock camera safeguards face protester demands for accountability.

IURC to Investigate NIPSCO Over Lengthy Outages in NW Indiana

The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission has launched a formal investigation of Northern Indiana Public Service Company after severe Aug. storms that left more than 370,000 northwest Indiana customers without power. IURC Chairman Anthony Swinger confirmed the review, which Gov. Mike Braun had urged following the outages.

Carmel Clay Schools seeks near-78% referendum rate increase to recoup $15M a year lost to state changes

Carmel Clay Schools will ask voters in November to approve an eight-year referendum that would raise its combined operating and safety tax rate from about 24¢ to a maximum of 42.74¢ per $100 assessed value, a phased increase district leaders say is needed after state policy cuts reduced local funding.

Ballard’s Lincoln Party bid could reduce signature burdens for Indiana independent candidates, altering campaign costs

Former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard is running for Indiana secretary of state under a new Lincoln Party label to ease access for independent candidates. If Ballard reaches 2% of the vote in November, the party’s nominees would appear on general-election ballots for four years; 10% would trigger primary-nominating status.

Indiana Toll Road $300M sits unused as toll hikes proceed and Bears stadium choice remains unresolved

The Indiana Finance Authority approved an April 14, 2026, lease amendment that placed $300 million into an IFA trust as part of a $700 million payment package; the deal permits biannual toll increases and another rate rise is scheduled for Dec. 31 while the Chicago Bears have not finalized stadium plans.

Rep. Spartz seeks details on $2B VA plan, questions IU Health role in Fishers clinic

U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz asked the VA for a breakdown of how roughly $2 billion in federally approved funding will be spent on modernizing the Roudebush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis and a new Fishers clinic, and she questioned the selection of IU Health for the Fishers project. She requested a response by Oct. 8.

Letter: Don’t cancel school on election days

Racial slur, obscene graffiti found outside Anderson councilman’s home

Tamie Dixon-Tatum reported the N-word and obscene drawings painted in an oil-based substance on the street near her father’s Anderson home; she says campaign signs have recently disappeared from her father’s yard and business and other locations. Anderson police are investigating as a hate crime and seeking security footage.

Braun: Tax filing deadline for some Hoosiers extended after August's storms

Indiana voting rules let people experiencing homelessness register, with implications for Marion County voter services and BMV ahead of Oct. 5 deadline

Mirror Indy explains how people without a permanent address can register to vote in Indiana for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election, including required ID, where to send paper forms in Marion County and the Oct. 5 registration deadline.

What’s the Lincoln Party? Ballard’s secretary of state run could expand Indiana ballot access

Indiana employers, election offices alerted as voter registration deadline for Nov. 3, 2026 falls Oct. 5

Indiana’s voter registration cutoff for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election is Oct. 5, 2026; online, mail and in-person registrations must be completed 29 days before Election Day.

Indy is locked into funding hundreds of police positions it can’t fill

Mirror Indy reports the city is required by a 2016 agreement with the police union to fund 1,743 Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers through at least 2028, even though IMPD has been unable to hire enough officers; the department says overtime funded from that budget preserves service levels.

Pro Football Hall of Fame changes selection process

Pendleton woman accused of $359K childcare fund scam

Federal prosecutors say a Pendleton woman used falsified attendance and food claims to obtain about $359,083.60 from federal child‑care programs tied to three Indianapolis centers, and she also faces individual tax charges. Court filings say she has agreed to plead guilty but has not yet formally entered a plea.

Former Indianapolis daycare operator federally charged with wire fraud, failing to file income tax return

Cuban officials blast new US sanctions targeting power grid, Castro family

Proposed Treasury rule could put Indiana private colleges’ tax-exempt status at risk

A Treasury Department proposal would make private schools and colleges ineligible for tax-exempt status if they give race-targeted aid, with the rule slated to take effect after May 2027 and an estimated 18,000 institutions potentially affected.

Colts name five captains ahead of Indianapolis home opener, setting leadership for Week 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium

Coach Shane Steichen announced five player-elected captains as the Colts head into the 2026-2027 season; selections include veterans and a newly elevated defensive signal-caller. The team opens at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sept. 13.

Indiana ends routine ambulance diversion for crowded emergency departments

Indiana’s September policy change limits ambulance diversion to disasters or critical infrastructure failures, according to state health officials.

Westfield short-term rental complaints spotlight limits on local regulation and potential impacts on housing and tax revenue

A Westfield resident says a nearby large short-term rental is causing noise, parking and trespassing problems, but city officials say state law limits local restrictions. Mayor Scott Willis says the city can enforce traffic and noise rules but broader limits on rentals are constrained by state action.

Indiana gas tax suspension extended for another 30 days - wfyi.org

Zionsville approves $12.6M sewer contract with Indianapolis firm, shifting local infrastructure spending

Zionsville approved a roughly $12.6 million public‑private agreement with Indianapolis‑based Bowen Engineering to oversee a series of sewer system upgrades. Financing will include more than $7 million in bonds and town cash, officials said.