Indiana Week in Review

Jim Banks prepares to enter the U.S. Senate. Micah Beckwith criticizes Senator Todd Young and Senator-elect Jim Banks over reports the pair cast ballots to elect John Thune as Senate Majority Leader. Pamela Whitten faces criticism over her handling of Israel-Palestine protests at Indiana University, which also resulted in an overwhelming vote of no-confidence from IU faculty. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Whitley Yates, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A review of this week’s election results. Republicans see major gains, with Donald Trump taking the White House, Jim Banks elected to the U.S. Senate, Mike Braun succeeds Eric Holcomb as Governor, and Todd Rokita retains his position as Indiana Attorney General. Host Brandon Smith 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.

Democrat Valerie McCray and Libertarian Andrew Horning face off in a debate for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat. A legislative study committee makes recommendations to tackle rising health care costs. Kelley School of Business projects optimism for 2025, but warns Trump’s proposed tariffs could ignite a global trade war that would harm Indiana’s economy. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Elise Shrock, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Gubernatorial candidates Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick and Donald Rainwater debate for the last time before the election. More than half of the Indiana Supreme Court is on the ballot as voters decide whether to keep them on the bench. Multiple felonies of a former Clark County Sheriff prompt proposal of a new ethics reform legislation in order to show more transparency. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Attorney General candidates Todd Rokita and Destiny Wells face off in a contentious debate. Mike Braun urges that the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission reject the conversion of an AES power plant from coal-fired to natural gas. Secretary of State Diego Morales and Todd Rokita question the citizenship of over half a million registered voters about three weeks before Election Day. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Lindsay Haake, Republican Chris Mitchem, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Mike Braun unveils his public safety plan, including increased criminal penalties and mental health access. Jennifer McCormick’s abortion proposal includes changes to the state ban and medical records privacy protections. Indiana officials refuse to disclose cost of new execution drug as the state seeks to carry out the death penalty for the first time in 15 years. Host Brandon Smith is joined by democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Mike Braun, Jennifer McCormick, and Donald Rainwater face off in a gubernatorial debate. Mike Braun’s campaign releases an attack ad against democrat Jennifer McCormick using a doctored image in violation of state law. The Indiana Behavioral Health Commission releases a new report calling for improved funding for services and addressing employment shortfalls. Host Brandon Smith is joined by democrat Elise Shrock, 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.

Senator Mike Braun proposes expansions to healthcare legislation targeting prior authorizations and regulations. Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jennifer McCormick releases an economic development strategy focused on local input and small business support. Indiana loses over $4 billion per year due to affordable child care. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, 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.

Two recent polls show vastly different results for statewide races- with Democrats either tying in races for governor and attorney general, or being defeated by Republicans by a large margin. A lawsuit accuses healthcare providers and hospitals of mass Medicaid fraud costing the state millions. Republican gubernatorial candidate Mike Braun releases an education plan. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Republican Chris Mitchem, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly and Leslie Bonilla Muñiz of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

A county judge rules against abortion care providers seeking to expand access to abortion in Indiana. Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump square off in their first- and possibly only- debate ahead of the November election. Jennifer McCormick unveils a plan to gradually roll out legalized cannabis, focusing on medical use before recreational use. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O’Brien, Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana, and Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.