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.

The House GOP passes a new redistricting map through committee with a goal of diluting Democratic votes. Governor Mike Braun launches a pilot program to allow some state employees to bring infants 4 weeks to 6 months old into the office. Todd Rokita and Diego Morales announce 21 noncitizens have cast ballots in Indiana elections, and a further 165 registered to vote. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by political strategist 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.

A look back at immigration policy changes in 2025. A push from Attorney General Todd Rokita to go after undocumented workers and the so-called “Speedway Slammer” collaboration between the DOC and ICE.

Organization Day offers a preview of the 2026 legislative short session. Indiana University considers adopting new guidelines for free expression on campuses. A Whitestown man is charged with voluntary manslaughter in the death of María Florinda Ríos Pérez De Velásquez, a member of a cleaning crew who came to the wrong house. Host Jill Sheridan 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.

National conservative interest groups launch campaigns in Indiana to push for redistricting. Local leaders gather to bring awareness to funding shortfalls faced by communities after property tax reform slashes budgets. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stops in Fort Wayne to speak to government contractors, one of many cabinet members to visit the state this year. Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Mike O’Brien, Democrat Ann DeLaney, Niki Kelly of the Indiana Capital Chronicle, and Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.

Uncertainty for the 570,000 Hoosiers who rely on SNAP as the government shutdown continues. Attorney General Todd Rokita sues Indianapolis Public Schools over a policy refusing access to ICE agents without a warrant. Nearly 4% of third grade students must repeat the year after failing to pass a reading test. A further 7,000 students failed but secured an exemption. New host Jill Sheridan is joined by Republican Chris Mitchen, Political Strategist Elise Shrock, Oseye Boyd of Mirror Indy, and Laura Merrifield Wilson of the University of Indianapolis to debate and discuss this week’s top stories.