Communities Push Back on Data Centers

Former Indiana State Senator J.D. Ford is headed to the U.S. Congress after unseating 3-term GOP Representative Victoria Spartz. Beau Bayh will succeed Diego Morales as Indiana Secretary of State as GOP candidate Max Engling concedes the race. Major changes at the statehouse as the Republican Supermajority is broken by Democratic gains.

Non-enforcement election monitors from the Department of Justice head for Marion and Lake counties to observe ADA and language-assistance compliance in Tuesday’s election. A new margin-of-error poll has Republican incumbent Victoria Spartz slightly leading Democrat J.D. Ford in the District 5 congressional race. Judge Jennifer Harrison rejects Greg Ballard’s lawsuit to force the Indiana Election Commission to meet.

Communities push back against data centers in the form of moratoriums, pauses, or other regulations as questions over pollution, jobs, and affordability swirl. A record 82% of Hoosiers say they plan to vote- or already have voted- in the midterm elections, a potential record increase after 2024 saw just 61% turnout. Indiana communities are set to decide on school referendums.

Controversy around an impending death row execution as Indiana seeks pentobarbital, the same drug used in Tennessee’s botched execution of Christa Pike. State lawmakers debate how to fund childcare going into 2027 with some calling for further deregulation. A report questions if tax breaks for large corporations or data centers incentivizes businesses to move into an area.

Secretary of State Candidates Ballard, Bayh, Engling, and Shillings face off to debate voter fraud and noncitizen voting. A look at Indiana’s voluntary intoxication and consent laws in light of the alleged rape of a woman at Cornell University. Voters to decide on a consitutional amendment giving judges more leeway to deny bail when a defendant poses a risk to public safety.

The IEDC highlights economic achievements, with 69 companies moving businesses to the state. Hamilton County approves residents to vote at any location in 2027. Calls for Secretary of State candidates to promise to stay out of politics if elected.

Indiana readies for Medicaid work requirements to kick in starting in October, though officials acknowledge that many details have not yet been finalized. Five IMPD officers face charges of misuse of Flock camera access. WFYI investigates NeuroPsychiatric Hospitals, which faces accusations of patient abuse and death, as well as complaints, lawsuits, and inspections.

The EPA hands over control of coal ash regulations in Indiana to state leaders, with Indiana leading the nation in coal ash dumpsites. A $240 million tax break for an Indianapolis data center after the company plans to invest more than $4 billion. Indiana Secretary of State candidates urged to sign a new voter bill of rights, including same-day registration and open primaries.

A new loan program for communities facing millions in flood damage as they await relief dollars. Incumbent Senator Deery wins the District 23 primary after a state Supreme Court hearing. RFRA comes up in abortion arguments at the Indiana Supreme Court.

U.S. Congressman André Carson opens a congressional inquiry into a rash of ICE activity and arrests throughout Indianapolis. The city of Fort Wayne votes to terminate contracts with Flock and take all cameras offline amid concerns about misuse and data storage. Governor Braun extends the gas tax holiday into October, with a further 30 day extension possible.