The disappearance and death of Fishers teenager Hailey Buzbee prompts changes to the Amber Alert system, as lawmakers consider further measures to limit teen social media use. Indiana’s May 5 primary election field is set as the deadline to file for candidacy passes. New BMV rules take effect barring Hoosiers from changing their gender on driver’s licenses. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terri Austin, Republican Whitley Yates, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chapel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill to force state and local law enforcement to comply with federal immigration efforts passes out of committee. Hoosier students join nationwide walkouts to protest ICE, with the Indiana Department of Education and GOP lawmakers condemning the students. A long-time member of the Indiana GOP leaves his party and will run as an independent candidate for mayor of New Albany. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terri Austin, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Ben Thorp of WFYI to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A bill would allow Indiana National Guard military police to make arrests and conduct searches when activated by the governor. Hospitals raise the alarm around funding. The Indiana Hospital Association released a new report on Tuesday, warning that many of the state’s hospitals are financially vulnerable. New legislation would define gender, sex, and more. January 30, 2026

New abortion restrictions target in-state and out-of-state providers and add reporting requirements for doctors. Indiana students join national walkouts to protest the Trump Administration’s first full year in power. Lawmakers once again take up efforts to dissolve or combine some smaller township governments. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Robin Winston, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss some of this week’s top stories.

Governor Braun gives his second State of the State address, focusing this year on affordability issues ranging from utilities to the cost of housing. A ban on teenager social media use drums up large support from school leaders. Republicans push a bill to deregulate zoning in order to reduce the costs of new homes. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Political Strategist Elise Shrock, Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Lawmakers return to Indianapolis for the remainder of the 2026 legislative session after voting down redistricting in a special early-session vote in December. High school students achieve a nearly 92% graduation rate in 2025, the highest on record. A proposal to extend Indiana’s syringe exchange programs for another decade receives a committee hearing this week. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Terry Austin, Republican Whitley Yates, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this year’s top stories.

Lawmakers will attempt to tackle a childcare availability crisis. Lukewarm economic forecasts as an affordability crisis escalates. 2026 Secretary of State candidates Diego Morales, Beau Bayh, and Blythe Potter build their warchests.  Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss some of the biggest themes emerging in 2026.

A look back at 2025 in Indiana politics. Governor Braun makes significant changes to state agencies, data centers become a major issue for Hoosiers, and state immigration reform to support federal efforts. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy to debate and discuss some of this year’s major topics.

Governor Braun names three new members to the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission. A taskforce recommends changes to Indianapolis Public Schools as well as closer collaboration with charter schools. Candidates begin to announce their intent to run- or retire- ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, 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.

The GOP redistricting push fails in Indiana after suffering a sound defeat in the state Senate. A new proposal to force students to lock up their phones for the entire school day. Federal vaccine advisors vote on a controversial measure to scale back guidance surrounding the hepatitis vaccine for newborns. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, 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.