Redefined Indiana economic development roles coming, months after legislative mandate
Secretary of Commerce David Adams remains both CEO and president of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., but that’s expected to change next month.
Gov. Mike Braun
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Rokita to deny state contracts to law firms that use DEI practices
Starting Oct. 24, the new policy will allow Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita to block a state agency’s request for outside counsel if the law firm engages in “unconstitutional” diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
State plans to ‘wind down’ the Indiana Economic Development Foundation
The nonprofit, which raises money to support Indiana Economic Development Corp. activities, was singled out by Gov. Mike Braun amid calls for greater transparency regarding taxpayer dollars.
Braun says Trump administration has not threatened state’s federal funding over redistricting
Still, Trump administration officials have been pushing Indiana Republicans to call a special session focused on redistricting. Most notably, Vice President J.D. Vance traveled to Indianapolis to speak with Braun.
Ward clemency hearing: Victim’s family asks for ‘no mercy,’ defense cites autism diagnosis, remorse
Just weeks before Roy Lee Ward’s scheduled execution, the Indiana Parole Board heard conflicting portrayals Monday of the man condemned for the 2001 rape and murder of 15-year-old Stacy Payne.
Governor expands cabinet roles — but how far can dual office holding go in Indiana?
Gov. Mike Braun’s decision to give two of his top officials additional leadership posts has revived a longstanding constitutional question in Indiana: when can one person legally hold two government offices at once?
Indiana agencies cut staff, contracts as mandatory spending plans roll in
A grim May revenue forecast prompted lawmakers to cut most agency appropriations by 5% in the latest budget — and authorized the State Budget Agency to withhold another 5%.
Indiana governor threatens licenses of teachers who ‘celebrate’ political violence online
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun warned Wednesday that teachers who post online in celebration of political violence could face suspension or even revocation of their professional licenses. But free speech advocates quickly raised concerns that the governor’s threat risks trampling constitutional protections and chilling lawful speech.
Indiana governor floats November special session on redistricting
Gov. Mike Braun said state legislators probably will come around to the idea of mid-decade redistricting. “I think eventually we’ll get there,” he added.
Does the state’s Open Door law apply to the autistic therapy working group?
The working group met regularly throughout the summer to draft a set of recommendations, but most of the work was done behind closed doors, setting up questions about its compliance with transparency laws.
Braun administration seeks legal opinion on business diversity programs
Gov. Mike Braun’s administration sought an advisory opinion Aug. 26 from the Attorney General’s Office on the legality of the Governor’s Commission on Supplier Diversity and the continued implementation of the Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Program.
Braun appoints new public safety secretary in latest of several leadership changes
Gov. Mike Braun announced on Saturday he had appointed a new secretary of public safety and said he plans to announce “additional personnel updates and efficiencies” in the cabinet-level office early this week.
IEDC leader to depart as part of ‘evolution’ of agency
Jeff Blade has served as the Indiana Economic Development Corp.’s executive director for less than a year.
State contractors who violate anti-DEI policies could face civil penalties
The Indiana attorney general, in coordination with Gov. Mike Braun’s administration, is reviewing all state contracts to ensure that they do not violate the state’s anti-DEI laws.
Indiana DOC shifts course, plans to keep Michigan City prison open beyond 2027
State corrections officials are backing away from earlier plans to close the Indiana State Prison in Michigan City once a new $1.2 billion facility opens in 2027, saying they now intend to keep the aging lockup operating for “some time” after the new prison site begins housing inmates.
Gov. Braun used state helicopter to fly to or from Jasper home 11 times over six months
The flights cost $23,880. The state said it would have incurred those expenses whether or not Braun had used the Indiana State Police helicopter, because those flight hours were necessary to meet federal requirements.
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.
Lengthy investigation into sheriff’s alleged wrongdoing ends with investigator in hot water
A months-long state police investigation into Dubois County Sheriff Tom Kleinhelter scrutinized his handling of jail commissary funds.
Indiana GOP lawmakers, politicos pan prospect of early redistricting
Hoosier leaders might be busy taking behind-the-scenes feedback on the prospect of early redistricting, but rank-and-file Republicans are increasingly going public with their opposition.
VP Vance meets with Indiana GOP leadership on redistricting; Democrats denounce effort
Gov. Mike Braun told reporters the Statehouse meeting went “pretty good” and that “we covered a wide array of topics.” He confirmed that at least part of the discussion was about redistricting specifically.