By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief

“If the governor wants to change the law, the governor should run for state representative or state senate.” — state Sen. Greg Taylor, D-Indianapolis

Gov. Mike Braun outlined how the state is helping Hoosiers hit by flooding, including $5,000 grants from the state disaster emergency fund.

Sen. Spencer Deery is taking his election fight to the courts. New filings seek a stay and for the Indiana Supreme Court to immediately take jurisdiction.

The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus indicates a lawsuit might be filed against Gov. Mike Braun’s dismantling of a minority contracting program.

Plus, more states are holding parents accountable for their children’s actions.

Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham, left, and Gov. Mike Braun give an update on the state’s disaster response during a news conference in the State Emergency Operations Center in downtown Indianapolis on Monday, Aug. 19, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Indiana governor announces emergency aid, temporary housing grants amid lethal storms and flooding

By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz

Indiana has opened grants for emergency food, clothing, temporary housing and other basic needs to victims of severe storm and flooding damage, Gov. Mike Braun announced Monday.

At least 1,000 residents have been displaced statewide, Indiana Department of Homeland Security Executive Director Jonathan Whitham estimated, with at least seven dead as of Monday.

Sen. Spencer Deery speaks in committee on Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)

Deery asks Indiana Supreme Court to take recount case, seeks emergency ballot pause

By Casey Smith

Three votes now separate Republican Paula Copenhaver from state Sen. Spencer Deery, but a dispute over six rejected ballots could reverse the outcome of their Indiana Senate primary for a second time.

Deery’s attorneys on Monday asked the Indiana Supreme Court to take the recount case and the Court of Appeals to suspend the result while judges determine whether the six ballots were wrongly rejected over omissions by election workers.

NATIONAL NEWS

A mother and her son hold hands on a swing set. This year, more state and local leaders are pushing to hold parents accountable for their children’s behavior, particularly when it involves serious criminal offenses. (Photo by Troy Bennett/Maine Morning Star)

Parents are being held responsible for their kids' crimes under new laws

By Amanda Watford

When young children and teenagers get into trouble, the question often comes quickly: Where were their parents?

That question is again shaping public policy in communities across the country, as state and local lawmakers and prosecutors increasingly look for ways to respond to concerns about youth crime and public disorder.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

(Tenor)

Thanks for reading Fast Break. Did you know our weekend digest is also free? Sign up here. And if you enjoyed today’s edition, please forward to a friend. Increasing our readership helps us cover more news.