By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“We all want students to graduate from high school, regardless of political affiliation.” — Terry Spradlin of the Indiana School Boards Association
This morning we have some political updates for you.
First, we look at the breakdown of school board candidates statewide now that they can file under a partisan label.
And we examine Gov. Mike Braun’s fundraising prowess — along with how he spent the money to knock off senate Republicans he disagreed with.
This tick season has been worse than usual in many states including Indiana.
And today’s commentary argues there is no net benefit for Indiana to lure the Chicago Bears here.
Indiana is having partisan school board elections this year. (Getty Images)
Indiana school board candidates split 50-50 on affiliating with a party
By Jack Forrest
When Noblesville School Board member Misti Ray campaigned for election in 2022, the top question she got was: what party are you with?
Back then, she’d tell people she was conservative. Now, up for reelection in the first cycle since the passage of a state law allowing party affiliation for school board candidates, she’ll be listed as a Republican on the ballot in November.
“It’s just the whole truth and transparency,” Ray said. “The more they know about you, I think the more comfortable people feel. Whether or not they agree with it might be a different story.”
Gov. Mike Braun speaks with reporters on July 15, 2026. (Photo by Tom Davies/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Braun grew reelection cash while joining others in bankrolling redistricting revenge
By Tom Davies
Gov. Mike Braun raised more than $1.1 million through the first half of this year for his anticipated 2028 reelection campaign.
At the same time, Braun’s political operation directed $750,000 toward the Republican primary defeats of several state senators who defied President Donald Trump over congressional redistricting.
State and federal campaign reports filed last week also show that three of Indiana’s U.S. House members and the company owned by Braun’s new state commerce secretary also pitched in sizable amounts for the political retribution campaign.
COMMENTARY
A giant flag for the Chicago Bears is seen during pregame festivities at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
Let’s hope the Chicago Bears stay in Illinois
By Michael Hicks
With the relocation of the Chicago Bears still haunting the Windy City, it’s perhaps useful to consider what’s in it for Hoosier taxpayers. Unlike much of the boosterism about the benefits, I think it is useful to explore a large body of research on the topic of relocating sports teams and stadium subsidies. These consider costs as well.
It’s good to begin with facts. The Bears are a wildly financially successful NFL team which has played at Soldier Field for a half century. Their lease runs out in 2033, and they desperately want a larger stadium, and someone else to pay for it. It is clear they are playing Indiana and Illinois government against each other in a bid to see who will build them the best stadium.
NATIONAL NEWS
A dog walks along a wooded trail in a Maryland park. Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy habitats, and the lone star tick has expanded well beyond its historic range in the Southeast. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)
Tick season is getting longer. So is the list of states trying to keep up.
By Amanda Watford
The tiniest menace of summer doesn’t care if you’re hiking through the woods, walking the dog or pulling weeds in your backyard.
It just wants a ride and a meal.
As ticks spread into new parts of the country and emergency room visits for tick bites climb higher than usual, states are scrambling to monitor where the pests are showing up, what diseases they may be carrying and how to warn residents before a bite turns into something far more serious.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
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