Project Next Media

Indiana Stories

(quotes from linked articles in italics)

* How social media played part in 1/3 of youth gun homicides in Indianapolis

* Over several months, reporters from Axios Indianapolis and Chalkbeat Indiana reviewed hundreds of pages of court documents and interviewed key stakeholders to better understand what is driving youth gun violence in the city.

* Since 2020, nearly 200 kids have been shot and killed in Indianapolis.

* Since 2018, over one-third of the gun homicides involving Indianapolis youth for which prosecutors have brought charges have involved social media use, according to Marion County court documents.

* Platforms like Instagram can expose vulnerable youth to a false reality where violence is typical, students and experts say.

* It can also amplify pre-existing drama between students before an audience of their peers both during and outside of school hours.

* And investigators say it can make communication between teenagers meeting up to trade a gun or buy [drugs] instantaneous and discreet.

* There are effective strategies to combat the youth violence problem that social media is exacerbating… however, they often come with a fairly significant upfront investment that communities may not always want to make — despite cost-effectiveness studies that show a positive return

* Research has shown that school-based social-emotional learning can be effective in improving student well-being and reducing violence.

* Yes, but: Indiana has moved away from social-emotional learning in schools.

* "Teachers should focus on academic rigor, math, science, reading, and writing, technical skills, instead of this emotional regulation, empathy, and et cetera," Sen. Gary Byrne (R-Byrneville) said of the rationale for the legislative change at the time.

* Another possible solution: School counselors. Studies conducted in school settings have found that cognitive behavioral therapy-based anger management interventions are effective.

* Reality check: Indiana has just one counselor for every 351 students, higher than the recommended ratio of 1-to-250.

* Ratios for other school-based mental health care providers are even worse, with 2,700 students assigned to a school psychologist and 1,829 students assigned to a social worker, according to Indiana University.

* For years, gun safety advocates have tried — and failed — to pass safe storage legislation to limit youth access to firearms. Bills to establish criminal penalties for gun owners who fail to secure firearms that get used by children — and to incentivize storage through tax credits for gun safes, locks and similar devices — haven't even received a hearing at the Indiana General Assembly in recent years.

* Ratepayer advocate recommends denying AES increase

* The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor on Wednesday recommended that state regulators deny AES Indiana’s request for a $193 million base rate increase — instead proposing a $21 million reduction in current rates.

* The agency’s conclusions come after a three-month legal and technical review of testimony and exhibits in the pending case, which is before the powerful Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

* Freshly appointed Counselor Abby Gray said AES “has not demonstrated sufficient evidence” for a hike, noting that the utility filed its ask less than 14 months after nabbing approval in a previous rate case.

* Waiver requests from diversity requirements

* The Indiana Department of Transportation wants the federal government to waive its requirements on federally assisted contracts for women and minority-owned businesses.

* The state said it's the first to request a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

* The DBE program requires 10 percent of federal highway construction funds to be paid out to small businesses owned by "socially and economically disadvantaged" people.

* Virtual school finds new partner

* The online schools that partner with a small, rural Indiana district targeted for closure by lawmakers have found a new district partner.

* The Indiana Digital Learning School and the Indiana Digital Alternative School will add Beech Grove City Schools as their second district partner while the Union School Corporation continues a legal battle against the state and Gov. Mike Braun to stop the forced closure of the district in 2027.

* The provision to close Union schools was added last minute to a sweeping property tax reform bill during the 2025 session.

* If Union Schools loses its legal fight, it will close its brick and mortar campuses that serve around 292 students as of 2025. But it’s been unclear until now what would happen to the 7,500 or so students statewide who take classes through the two online schools, which are operated by the for-profit company Stride/K12 in partnership with the district.

* Background on Stride

* Tony Bennett, the former Indiana schools superintendent, is now president of schools at Stride. In 2013, Bennett resigned as Florida’s top K-12 official in connection with questions about how he handled an Indiana charter school’s rating on the state’s accountability system.

* During the 2023 budget session—the last time Indiana lawmakers attempted to raise funding for virtual students—Indiana Capital Chronicle reported that Indiana House Speaker Todd Huston consulted for Stride.

* Huston also previously served as Tony Bennett’s chief of staff when he was Indiana’s state superintendent.

* One possibility is that they will transfer to Beech Grove, said Liz Slinger, executive director for the two virtual schools.

* But for now, the company’s contract with Union is active and it will continue to serve those students, Slinger said. New virtual students from around the state will be enrolled in Beech Grove schools for the foreseeable future, unless they express a preference for Union.

* Indiana Public Safety Secretary Jennifer-Ruth Green resigns

* Jennifer-Ruth Green has stepped down as Indiana’s Secretary of Public Safety, Gov. Mike Braun announced Saturday, marking the first major shakeup in his cabinet since taking office.

* Braun said Indiana State Police Superintendent Anthony Scott will take on an expanded role as the new secretary of public safety.

* “Many thanks to Governor Braun for the honor of serving as Indiana’s inaugural Secretary of Public Safety. I’m honored to have worked alongside so many great leaders around the state,” she said. “Secretary Scott will do an amazing job in this position, and I look forward to watching his successes. I’m off to military duty — always a privilege to wear the uniform, and I’m excited for the future.”

* The military service Green referenced is not a deployment but routine National Guard duty, expected to last only a week or two.

* Green has been a rising figure in state Republican politics since her 2022 run for U.S. Congress in Indiana’s 1st District, where she mounted a competitive challenge to Democratic Rep. Frank Mrvan.

* Despite losing that race, Green came within 5 percentage points in a traditionally Democratic stronghold.

* Tim Edson, who served as Green’s consultant on her 2022 congressional race, told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that Green “is seriously weighing another run for Congress in northwest Indiana and Republican leaders in Indiana and nationally are encouraging her to enter the race.”

* Oh, so she left to run for Congress again, right? Not so fast!

* A remediation agreement signed in July shows Jennifer-Ruth Green was already the subject of an inspector general investigation into alleged misuse of state resources and workplace misconduct before her sudden resignation as Indiana’s public safety secretary last week.

* The document, obtained by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, shows Gov. Mike Braun’s office agreed to allow her to remain in her position “pending the results of the Office of Inspector General investigation with appropriate safeguards in place to prevent additional ethics violations, including additional ethics training.”

* The governor’s office confirmed Indiana’s inspector general made a confidential referral of …

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Today we’re joined by State Representative Carey Hamilton, who serves District 87 on Indy’s northside and is the Democratic Caucus Chair in the Indiana House. First elected in 2016, she sits on Utilities, Energy & Telecommunications, Roads & Transportation, and Ethics, and she founded the bipartisan Legislative Trails Caucus.

This year she authored a bipartisan bill—HEA 1289—expanding workforce development for returning citizens. Before the Statehouse, Carey led statewide environmental and recycling initiatives and later worked in climate-tech.

Find out what it's like working in this statehouse, how she was able to get bi-partisan laws passed with this group, and how more of us can work together to save our communities.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Indiana Stories

(quotes from linked articles in italics)

* Fever star Caitlin Clark ruled out for rest of WNBA season

* Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 WNBA season due to injury, she announced on social media Thursday night.

* Clark, the 2024 No. 1 pick, had been limited to 13 games this season and hadn't appeared since July 15 when she suffered a right groin injury in the final minute of the Fever's win over the Connecticut Sun.

* "I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season," Clark posted. "I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn't a big enough word to describe how I am feeling."

* Clark has also missed time this season with left quad and left groin injuries. ESPN also confirmed that she suffered a bone bruise in her left ankle during a workout in August that she had to rehab concurrently with her groin.

* Mapmaking F**kery

* Potential map shows 9 heavily Republican congressional districts

* A map of possible congressional districts obtained by News 8 on Tuesday showed a scenario under which Indiana could be left with nine Republican-controlled U.S. House seats.

* Two sources familiar with the discussions said the map has been circulating among Indiana Republican Party insiders for at least a week, though there have not been any formal discussions surrounding them. The sources, who asked not to be identified to discuss internal matters, said several versions of the maps exist. Some give Indiana Republicans an 8-1 advantage in the House while others would provide a 9-0 advantage. The sources said the maps are purely hypothetical and no formal discussions have taken place. They said the maps came from allies of the Trump administration in Washington, not Indiana Republicans.

* The map obtained by News 8 would redraw Indiana’s nine U.S. House districts in a manner that would give Republicans a double-digit edge in all of them. Notably, Marion County would be split among the 6th, 7th and 8th districts, with Democrat Andre Carson facing a district that stretches into deep red southeastern Indiana.

* Indiana Gov. Mike Braun appointed five members to a commission that will examine how Indiana could redraw its state lines to include nearly a third of neighboring Illinois' counties. (Peoria Journal Star)

* What is the Indiana Illinois Boundary Adjustment Commission?

* The commission was created as a result of the passing of House Bill 1008 in May with a goal of examining how Indiana could accept counties seceding from Illinois.

* The bill says the commission must include six members from Indiana and five from Illinois "appointed under Illinois law." But only six members (the number of Indiana appointments) are required for the commission to conduct any business.

* Thirty-three Illinois counties have previously voted to explore the idea of secession, according to NBC5 Chicago.

* It's important to note, however, that some of the Illinois secession movement leaders have indicated the purpose of their separation votes was not to join Indiana. Many counties instead passed such referendums to study the possibility of secession, spurred on by a feeling of being underrepresented in their government.

* Trump’s ICE Gestapo Comes to Indiana

* Indiana National Guard to provide administrative support to ICE in September

* Indiana National Guard troops will mobilize to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement with transportation and logistics across the state beginning mid-September, a spokesperson for Gov. Mike Braun confirmed.

* Around 50 Hoosier guardsmen will help ICE officials with tasks such as answering phones, biometric collection, tracking expenses, entering data and maintaining vehicles. They will not engage in law enforcement functions or make arrests, the spokesperson said.

* Plans to have guardsmen assist ICE is the latest evidence that Indiana is preparing to become a linchpin of Trump's mass deportation efforts. The state is making 1,000 beds in the Miami Correctional Facility available for immigrant detainees awaiting deportation, and Trump plans to use Camp Atterbury to hold detainees as well.

* Indiana already has one of the largest detention centers in the Midwest in Brazil's Clay County Jail, which has moved more than 3,000 people through its facility since Trump took office.

* Indy Democrats clash with sheriff over holding ICE detainees in the jail

* A routine budget hearing this week turned into a rebuke of Marion County Sheriff Kerry Forestal, who faced calls from residents and some members of the City-County Council to stop housing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees in the local jail.

* Some Democrats on the committee went so far as to say they wouldn’t vote to approve the sheriff’s annual budget unless he ended an agreement with the federal government to house ICE detainees, which currently leads to a payment of $75 per day for each detainee.

* Forestal, a Democrat who’s in his last term, faced more than an hour of questioning and public comment. He told councilors that he is upholding the law… point[ing] to Gov. Mike Braun’s executive order on immigration and a letter from Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who threatened to sue local sheriffs who don’t cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The attorney general has filed lawsuits against the sheriffs in Monroe and St. Joseph counties.

* Democratic councilors Carlos Perkins, Brienne Delaney, Frank Mascari, Dan Boots, and Crista Carlino pressed Forestal to end cooperation with ICE. Republican councilors largely praised the sheriff.

* Displeased with the two major parties?

* A new initiative — Independent Indiana — launched Tuesday to help spotlight and provide resources to Hoosiers who are running, and winning, as independents.

* The idea began when Executive Director Nathan Gotsch, himself a 2022 independent candidate for Congress, dug into election results across the state.

* “In 2023 and 2024, 244 independent candidates qualified for partisan races,” Gotsch said in a news release. “More than half of them — 52% — won. Those results point to something real happening in Indiana politics.”

* Independents aren’t just running for local offices. More are aiming higher, from countywide seats to the state legislature and even Congress. Nearly a third of independents who lost in 2023-2024 still received 30-49% of the vote.

* To get on the ballot, candidates must collect petition signatures from registered voters equal to 2% of the most recent secretary of state vote in their district. For a statewide race, that means nearly 37,000 signatures — closer to 50,000 in practice once rejections are factored in. With paid circulators charging at least $15 per valid signature, ballot access for a statewide independent candidate can cost more than $700,000.

* Rokita, Morales, or Both?

* Indiana AG Todd Rokita leads 22-state initiative in support of removing DEI from federal contracting requirements

* This week, 21 attorneys general added their signatures to a letter penned by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita to express support for eliminating DEI requirements for federal contractors.

* Earlier this year, the Department of Labor proposed rescinding affirmative action requirements for companies that work with the federal government—something the attorneys general said the DOL should do quickly.

* “The federal government has no right to mandate affirmative action plans that prioritize ideology over merit,” a statement from Attorney General Rokita read in part. “These regulations promote unlawful discrimination, undermine true equal opportunity and needlessly burden employers. Federal contractors should hire based on skill and experience, not political agendas.”

* “It’s another manipulation of what DEI is really about,” State Rep. [Earl] Harris [Jr (D-East Chicago)] said. “DEI is about merit and that’s what employers want. They want to hire the best, so why would we make it so that it makes it harder for them to get access to the best?”

* In his le…

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Welcoming and introducing Ethan Sweetland-May to the Indiana political scene. He's got something to say. Tim Peck interviews Ethan to find out why he is jumping in this state senate race. Ethan has some pretty powerful reasons for joining the good fight.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Indiana Stories

(quotes from linked articles in italics)

* Around the Corn (Quick Headlines)

* Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek pleads guilty to a misdemeanor drunken driving charge

* Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, admitted to operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .15 or more, a Class A misdemeanor, according to the agreement obtained by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

* The state senator was initially charged with three counts: operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of .15 or more, a Class A misdemeanor; operating a vehicle while intoxicated in a manner that endangered a person, also a Class A misdemeanor; and operating a vehicle while intoxicated, a Class C misdemeanor.

* The deal calls for Bohacek to pay $110.50 in fines, $189.50 in court costs, and $200 for countermeasure fees. He was also ordered to complete a substance abuse evaluation and participate in therapy.

* Indiana Supreme Court finalizes Oct. 10 execution date for Roy Lee Ward

* The Indiana Supreme Court denied death row inmate Roy Lee Ward’s latest appeal on Wednesday and officially set his execution for Oct. 10.

* In its ruling, the court rejected arguments that the state’s lethal injection process poses a constitutional risk and said Ward had not met the legal burden to reopen his case.

* Indiana DOC shifts course, plans to keep Michigan City prison open beyond 2027

* There's been an abrupt leadership change atop the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, the agency charged with enforcing civil rights law and investigating discrimination complaints in the workplace, housing and other areas of civil life.

* José Evans, a former Republican Indianapolis city-county councilor who took the helm in March, resigned Aug. 22 after five months on the job. The same day, Gov. Mike Braun appointed J. Philip Clay, a Republican real estate investor who ran unsuccessfully for a Statehouse seat last year, to replace Evans.

* The circumstances surrounding the switch up are unclear. Two former employees and contractors of the agency spoke during a public commission meeting in May about a work environment under Evans characterized by "aggressive behavior" and a "climate of intimidation." Both told the commission board that the state's human resources department was aware of multiple complaints. A third person painted a similar picture to IndyStar.

* Indy leaders vote down youth curfew fines for parents, as some push for more accountability

* Earlier this month, the City-County Council approved a new 120-day curfew for youth in Indianapolis.

* The curfew makes guidelines more strict for when teens under the age of 17 can be outside unsupervised.

* Under Proposal 245, parents of curfew violators would receive tiered consequences:

* a. Receive a written notice for a child’s first offense.

* b. Be subject to a fine of $500 for a second offense.

* c. Be subject to a fine of $1500 for a third or subsequent offense.

* The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee voted down the proposal at a meeting on Wednesday.

* Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder says council members sent the wrong message with their decision.

* Snyder says harsher punishments are needed to prevent further death and violence.

* Loogootee PrideFest Is a Go

* A United States District Court has ruled that the City of Loogootee’s decision to block a pride festival at the town’s Public Square was unconstitutional, according to court documents.

* The ACLU filed a lawsuit on behalf of PrideFest sponsors against the City of Loogootee in the Summer of 2024.

* The court also ordered that the City of Loogootee shall allow the PrideFest to take place this September in 2025.

* Slate Auto opening Warsaw factory

* Slate Auto held an open house at the Warsaw factory earlier this week, where demolition work was still very much in evidence. Despite the somewhat bare-bones background, the mood among local officials was celebratory. When the printing plant closed in 2023, it wiped out 525 jobs. Once the new factory is up to full speed, more than 2,000 jobs will pour in, along with a $400 million investment on the part of Slate.

* Still, Slate Auto is forging ahead. As befits its new EV-on-a-budget business model, the company has been refurbishing a former printing plant in Warsaw, Indiana, to produce the Blank Slate pickup along with other variants on the same platform. As for how one might expect to squeeze an entire auto assembly line into a former printing plant, that’s the Slate penny-pinching model in action.

* Stripped down to the bare essentials, the new EV only requires about 600 parts, compared to thousands of parts for a typical truck. Slate expects customers to take their new EV as-is, saving space on paint shops and trim stations.

* Report: Ex-Colts owner Irsay suffered drug relapses before death

* Late Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay continued to suffer setbacks from a longtime addiction to painkillers before his death in May, The Washington Post reported Thursday.

* The Post cites five people who had direct knowledge of Irsay's relapses but who requested anonymity because they said they feared retaliation from the team.

* Irsay died May 21. The team said he died "peacefully in his sleep."

* The Post story says Irsay overdosed at least three times since February 2020, including twice during a 12-day span, the first in December 2023 at his home in suburban Indianapolis and the second in January 2024 in Miami.

* State Funding Cuts

* Braun says administration saved $38M in 6 months, cut $72M in future spending

* “We’re finding a lot of things in many of the nooks and crannies of our own state government,” he told reporters at a news conference Wednesday.

* Contract renegotiations, for example, saved $1.4 million and prevented $37 million in projected spending, Braun continued.

* Reforming the state’s approach to procurement — using national price benchmarks and “smarter processes” — saved $2.3 million and cut $31.8 million from future expenditures, according to a news release issued last week.

* Indiana property tax cuts could lead to reduced funding for Indianapolis crime prevention program

* A crime prevention program that advocates say is helping Indianapolis curb violence could lose a large chunk of its city funding next year as Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration grapples with the impact of property tax cuts passed by the Republican state legislature.

* The cuts will cost Indianapolis an estimated $10.5 million in revenue, leading Hogsett to ask most city and county agencies to cut their 2026 budgets by 4%. But a spokesperson for the mayor said departments were given discretion to choose where those trims occur.

* The Office of Public Health and Safety, for example, has proposed pulling $1 million from The Elevation Grant Program, a local initiative addressing the root causes of crime. It supports community organizations working to improve neighborhoods, crisis prevention and people at risk for gun violence.

* Indiana Republicans Deliberate Redistricting

* Visit Trump at White House

* One staunch opponent, Rep. Jim Lucas, said his stance softened after hearing from Vice President JD Vance. Previously a “hard no,” Lucas said he isn’t yet a “yes” but he is worried about the paralyzing effect a Democratic House majority would have on President Donald Trump’s agenda.

* House Speaker Todd Huston and Sen. Pro Tem Rodric Bray reportedly had a private meeting with Trump, according to Politico reporters, who said “more than” 55 lawmakers attended. Huston’s daughter, Liz, is an assistant to Trump’s press secretary.

* Earlier Tuesday morning, as Republicans potentially caught flights to the nation’s capital, Democrats urged their counterparts to resist Trump’s redistricting push at a “Sayonara, Sellouts” press conference held at the Indianapolis International Airport.

* Braun keeps wait-and-see stance on redistricting as GOP lawmakers deliberate

* Braun emphasized that he is deferring to House Speaker Todd Huston and Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray. Neither of the Republican legislative leaders have made their positions clear either, though some of …

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

David Pepper is former Chair of the Ohio Dem party and author of 8 books including "Laboratories of Autocracy: a Wake up Call from Behind the Lines" and "Saving Democracy: a User's Manual for every American."

They talk about gerrymandering in Indiana, where the fight for democracy really is, and how Democrats can win back trust in 2026.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Corinne and Sarah discuss how to handle Micah Beckwith’s recent town hall arrests. Also, did you see the new The Biggest Loser Documentary on Netflix…because it’s a fascinating look into our culture and being overweight. And finally, Sarah is obsessed with Tayor Swift’s recent podcast interview with Travis and Jason Kelce.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Kelly Thompson is a Hoosier wife, mother, business owner, and non-profit founder dedicated to fighting for working families. Her top priorities include fair wages, a better tax structure, and accessible housing, strong public education, and healthcare for everyone. Let's meet Kelly, and find out why she is running for Congress in Indiana.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com

Indiana Stories

* Around the Corn (Quick Headlines)

* Homicides, other violent crime down in Indianapolis this year

* Homicides in Indianapolis fell by nearly 30% in the first six months of 2025 compared to the same period last year, new national crime data shows.

* Indy's drop is consistent with many of the nation's large and midsize cities, reinforcing a broader decline in violent crime since the pandemic surge.

* Indiana National Guard partners with Saudi Arabia

* …under the Department of Defense’s State Partnership Program. The partnership includes the Indiana National Guard, the Oklahoma National Guard, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

* The Defense Department’s program pairs American states and foreign nations to enhance relationships and promote defense and security cooperation objectives established by the United States and its partners. The Indiana National Guard’s experience in disaster relief, domestic operations and overseas missions will support the U.S. government’s ongoing diplomatic, development and security efforts to achieve shared goals

* IMPD denounces Nazi flag-waving group but maintains its right to free speech

* When fewer than a dozen members of a hate group walked the streets of downtown Indianapolis over the weekend, police cars drove alongside them.

* For many residents watching over social media, it was a jarring image. They questioned why the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indiana State Police buffered the small group hoisting Nazi flags.

* In an Aug. 17 statement, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey pointed to the U.S. Constitution to understand why his department responded the way it did.

* "Safeguarding First Amendment rights, even for those whose views we find reprehensible, is a responsibility we take seriously," his statement reads. "But let me be clear: protecting those rights is not an endorsement of those beliefs: not now, not ever."

* Braun flew to, from Jasper home 11 times over six months

* 11 flights between March 13 and August 1 chronicled in response to a public records request submitted by the Indiana Capital Chronicle, totaling $23,880. The state said that it would have “incurred” those costs whether or not Braun had used the Indiana State Police helicopter, because those flight hours were necessary “to satisfy (the Federal Aviation Administration’s) mandated hours requirements.”

* Eight of those trips ended at Braun’s southern Indiana home in Jasper, where the state paid $1,745.55 to install a 20-foot-by-20-foot gravel pad earlier this year. The remaining three flights transported the governor from Jasper to Indianapolis.

* Cross this Line - You’ll Do More Time

* The 14- by 48-foot digital billboard is just off the right shoulder of the interstate and is seen by drivers heading south as they cross the county line.

* "Attention criminals: Cross this line, you'll do more time," it reads, sandwiched between photos of Johnson County Prosecutor Lance Hamner and Johnson County Sheriff Duane Burgess.

* Rokita bans companies adhering to DEI from state business

* Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita announced his office will review all state government contracts to determine if private businesses practice DEI requirements with their employees.

* Rokita said he was targeting DEI practices, “that treat people differently on the basis of race and sex when recruiting, hiring, promoting and conducting other employment activities.”

* ”This is getting into the actual day-to-day operations of small businesses in the state of Indiana that want to include parts of their staff that the state doesn’t see as so important. That should be a private business decision,” [State Senator Greg Taylor D-Indianapolis] said. ”We’ve got national businesses that want to do business here in the state of Indiana, and if they decide that they don’t want to do business here in the state of Indiana, it could have a chilling effect on our people and the amount of bids we receive.”

* Indiana’s House GOP congressional contingent lines up behind redistricting effort

* Indiana’s entire House GOP congressional delegation pledged support Monday for President Donald Trump’s plan to craft new federal district maps in an attempt to pick up one to two additional Republican seats in 2026.

* “Democrats have proven they will use every tool available to them to gain and keep power. For years, Republicans have idly stood by while the Left has weaponized government against us,” U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman wrote Monday on X.

* “This fall, Indiana will have the chance to respond to Democrats’ gerrymandering and stand with President Trump and the state of Texas to stand up for our REPUBLIC! Given developments across the country, I fully support mid-cycle redistricting,” [Rep. Victoria] Spartz said.

* And U.S. Rep. Mark Messmer, R-8th, posted this statement: “I am proud to support Hoosier State Legislators and our great @GovBraun in fighting the long history of weaponized voter manipulation in CA, NY, and IL. Redistricting in Indiana will accurately reflect the will of Hoosier voices.”

* Meanwhile, Indiana House Republicans that would actually have to draw new boundaries met privately on the north side of Indianapolis — and it’s still unclear where the caucus may land on the politically-charged proposal.

* Gov. Mike Braun reiterated Monday afternoon that he remains noncommittal on whether to call a special session for redistricting, saying the decision will depend on consensus within the General Assembly.

* “Under no circumstances will I vote for a new map,” [State Rep. Ed] Clere (R-New Albany) said in a written statement provided to the Capital Chronicle. “Special sessions should be reserved for emergencies. The president’s desperation to maintain a U.S. House majority by stacking the deck in favor of Republicans does not constitute an emergency.”

* IEDC deems Elevate Ventures, affiliates in breach of all active loans

* Troubled venture capital company Elevate Ventures has been deemed “in breach of” lending language in all of its active loan agreements with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. after defaulting on an angel investment program this month.

* The firm operates the Indiana Angel Network Fund, intended to entice and aid angel investments to Hoosier startups. It nabbed the contract with IEDC on Aug. 2, 2011, with repayment due exactly 14 years later.

* What Is an Angel Investor? Angel investors are wealthy private investors focused on financing small business ventures in exchange for equity. Unlike a venture capital firm that uses an investment fund, angels use their own net worth.

* IEDC sent a request for repayment of nearly $17.2 million the day before. Elevate Ventures repaid about $12.9 million on Aug. 4 — falling more than $4.3 million short.

* The company’s repayment struggle comes about three months after it was dubbed an “entity of interest” — alongside IEDC and its nonprofit arm — in a forensic investigation of potential financial wrongdoing.

* Gov. Mike Braun promised an audit just days after Indiana Legislative Insight reported allegations of self-dealing, unreported side gigs and more among IEDC and its partners.

* Two arrested at Micah Beckwith town hall in Newburgh; woman tackled by sheriff's deputy

* Two people were arrested – one of them a woman tackled by a Warrick County Sheriff's Office deputy – during a town hall event hosted by Indiana Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith in Newburgh on Wednesday night.

* Throughout the town hall, the woman later identified as [Amanda] Bennett shouted at Beckwith − as did many other attendees − and authorities told her to stop or she would be removed. After a few warnings, and before police moved to remove her, Bennett said she would leave on her own.

* A person waiting at the mic for their turn to ask a question was set to restart when a commotion erupted from near the exit. A deputy had tackled Bennett to the ground, and attendees were making their way over to gather around.

* Bennett charged with felony battery

* In addition to the battery charge, Bennett also faces one misdemeanor count of resisting law enforcement and two mis…

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Sarah has become friends with Jason Kerberg. Jason is a cop running for Sheriff of Floyd County, Indiana. Jason invited Sarah to his big event tonight. But what happens when Sarah brings her Dem friend with her to this event? Find out as they talk about it outside of The Grand in New Albany, Indiana. Also, Jason stops over to discuss how he wants to actually solve problems in his community.

Also Ellen Kelley joined Sarah at the event today. And Sheri Ray stops by to talk about why she supports Jason. Here at Project Next Media we want to find real solutions to hard problems. We want to stop just blindly blaming the other political side and start actually helping our communities.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.projectnextindiana.com