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 Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 2024. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 to run $300 million over budget. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Lindsay Haake, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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-stage companies for the IEDC. Guest host Lauren Chapman is joined by Democrat Elise Shrock, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Kaitlin Lange of the Indianapolis Star to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 with a $3 billion natural gas plant. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lara Beck, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 student IDs in voting. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 rollout expected by the end of 2026. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 University Board of Trustees. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Karen Tallian, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

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 budget shortfall. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.