Politics & Policy

Braun extends Indiana gas-tax holiday through Oct. 6, aiming to relieve pump costs for Hoosiers

Gov. Mike Braun extended the state gas tax holiday for 30 days, suspending Indiana’s gasoline use and excise taxes through Oct. 6. The governor said the pause is intended to ease household costs and will be reviewed again in 30 days.

Indiana keeps pump prices among nation’s lowest by tapping reserves to extend gas tax break

Gov. Mike Braun and legislative leaders agreed to use state reserve funds to continue suspending Indiana’s gas taxes through early October, the governor said, keeping consumer relief in place while officials say road funding will be preserved.

Braun extends 30-day gas tax pause through Oct. 6, pledges reserves to keep INDOT projects funded

Governor Mike Braun extended the suspension of Indiana's Gasoline Usage and Gasoline Excise taxes through Oct. 6 for all 92 counties and said he will tap state reserves so highway projects and local units are not cut. He will reevaluate the pause in 30 days.

Indiana BMV’s planned mobile driver’s license could alter how banks, bars and others verify customer age and ID

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles will offer an optional mobile driver’s license app that lets Hoosiers verify age or identity using phone biometrics without replacing physical cards. The BMV says the option should be ready within 18 months, but it currently has no vendor or cost estimate.

Zionsville budget would tap $1.6M of $40M reserves, end soft hiring freeze to add firefighters and staff

Mayor John Stehr’s proposed 2026 budget would draw on reserves to cover temporary deficits tied to tax changes and resume hiring, including six firefighters in 2027. The Town Council will have a first reading of the plan on Sept. 21.

Indianapolis teachers union opposes IPEC-backed $95M school tax plan as IPS still faces $20M in cuts

A proposed IPEC-backed referendum would raise about $95 million annually for Indianapolis public schools, with roughly half directed to Indianapolis Public Schools and the rest to about 60 charter schools. The Indianapolis Education Association opposes the measure because IPS officials say the district would still need roughly $20 million in additional cuts even if the measure passes.

Indiana wins IBI Ag’s North American HQ, bringing farm-focused biotech management and trials to state

Israeli ag-biotech IBI Ag will locate its North American headquarters in Indiana, the first corporate partner under the Iron Nation–Indiana initiative, the governor announced. The HQ will coordinate U.S. field trials, regulatory work and partnerships as the company advances AI-driven bioinsecticides toward commercial release.

Governor Braun-led IEDC roundup: August 'jobs and wages wins'—includes Rolls‑Royce $1B completion and other Central Indiana announcements

IU Bloomington named top public Indiana institution for contribution to public good

IU grad student Joshua Stockton enters Bloomington Council District 6 race, proposes zoning and business-focused agenda

Indiana University graduate student Joshua Stockton announced a campaign for Bloomington City Council District 6, emphasizing housing affordability, infrastructure and partnering with local businesses. He seeks the Democratic nomination and cannot formally file until Jan. 6, 2027.

Noblesville Uptown Cafe's service policy and public image at issue after manager named in protective-order petition

A customer has filed for a protective order against the manager of Uptown Cafe in downtown Noblesville after a dispute that went viral on social media. The episode has prompted local legal action and public attention for the restaurant.

Surplus eyed to cover road losses

Indiana approves $1M to jumpstart Fort Wayne 122nd Fighter Wing modernization amid F-35 basing bid

The State Budget Committee approved $1 million to help the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne compete to host F‑35A aircraft. Lawmakers were told the money will fund final design work for a squadron operations building and a comprehensive area development plan.

Indiana Humanities takes over National History Day, preserving program for 5,000+ Indiana students after Historical Society cuts

Indiana Humanities will serve as Indiana’s affiliate for the National History Day student competition after the Indiana Historical Society ended its longtime sponsorship and cut 11 positions. The program reaches more than 5,000 Indiana students annually; organizers say details for the 2026-27 season will be released later.

Utility investment analysts ding Indiana amid ‘political intervention,’ potential profit cuts

Wolfe Research and Jefferies told clients in Aug. 10 reports that Indiana’s regulatory environment has become riskier for investor-owned utilities following Gov. Mike Braun’s Aug. 3 removal of commissioner Andy Zay and ongoing regulator reviews of allowed profits, prompting warnings that investor confidence has fallen.

Indiana prison population climbs as local corrections programs face funding cuts

Indiana’s adult prison population reached about 26,640—roughly 2,300 more than summer 2024—while Community Corrections and Justice Reinvestment grant funding is projected to fall about 27% from $72.5 million in 2025 to $52.9 million in 2027, officials told a legislative study committee. Corrections and local leaders warned those trends could raise state and county incarceration costs and strain alternatives to prison.

Indiana to receive at least $300M in settlement with Meta

Indiana will receive a guaranteed $296 million—and as much as $419 million—under a proposed $17.1 billion nationwide settlement with Meta resolving claims over harms to youth. The agreement, filed by Attorney General Todd Rokita, requires new Instagram and Facebook safety features and awaits federal court approval.

Indiana says licensing waits halved; governor touts faster entry to jobs for Hoosiers

The state reported average professional licensing processing time fell from about 11.8 days in January 2025 to 5.9 days in July 2026, the governor’s office said, and officials highlighted sharp reductions across health care and other professions while withholding application counts.

State paying $625K to settle lawsuit over Braun firing utility commission member

The state will pay $625,000 to settle a lawsuit from former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member Andy Zay over his removal by Gov. Mike Braun, with no admission of wrongdoing. The IURC sets rates for electricity and other utilities, and the dispute arose after a contentious AES Indiana rate decision.

Hoosier Lottery to send about $350M surplus to state, aiding pensions and lowering vehicle excise tax

Preliminary, unaudited results show nearly $1.7 billion in Hoosier Lottery sales for fiscal 2026 and an estimated almost $350 million surplus to be transferred to state coffers, up from $341 million a year earlier but below pandemic highs.

GOP senators back Chris Garten to lead Indiana Senate; will steer committee picks and 2027 budget planning

Senate Republican caucus unanimously endorsed Sen. Chris Garten to replace Rodric Bray as president pro tem, naming him to lead the caucus’ campaign operation and planning for the 2027 legislative session. The full Senate must vote on the leadership change after the November election on Organization Day.

Indiana shifts $130.45M to restore June road funding for INDOT and local governments

The State Board of Finance approved three transfers totaling $130.45 million from the State Highway Fund’s existing balance to replace road revenue lost in June during Gov. Mike Braun’s gasoline tax suspension. After distributions, $72.17 million will return to the State Highway Fund for INDOT and about $58.3 million will go to counties, cities and towns.

Former senator used campaign funds for gifts at state utility agency, Braun alleges

Black Legislative Caucus warns of potential lawsuit from governor’s executive order

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus say Gov. Mike Braun overstepped by issuing an executive order that removes race- and sex-based preferences from the state Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Program, and they are preparing to probe legal and economic impacts while urging affected businesses to come forward.