By Tom Davies | Deputy Editor
“Right now, there isn’t a way for somebody in that chronic condition where their health is fluctuating month to month or quarter to quarter to have stability in their health care.” — Alan Witchey, president and CEO of Damien Center
While hoping for drier weather, here are some of our top news stories of the week.
Gov. Mike Braun is now facing a lawsuit for firing a member of the state board that oversees electric and natural gas utility rates.
A deadline is fast approaching for new Medicaid work requirements that put some 300,000 low-income Hoosiers in jeopardy of losing health care coverage.
Check out a commentary about the governor’s legal maneuvers to keep extending the state gas taxes suspension.
Plus, stories on the apparent winner of a state Senate primary being flipped in a recount and continued improvements in reading scores for Indiana children.
Then-Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission Chair Andy Zay answers reporter questions on March 24, 2026, at the IURC's headquarters. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Fired Indiana utility regulator sues governor over his removal
By Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Fired state regulator Andy Zay filed a lawsuit to regain his seat on the powerful Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission before his former colleagues — and a replacement — vote on whether to reconsider a contentious $71 million rate hike for AES Indiana customers.
Zay also described a pattern of the governor's office infringing on the commission's statutory duty as an "impartial fact-finding body."
The lawsuit comes exactly a week after Gov. Mike Braun abruptly dismissed Zay from the IURC, which plays a key role in determining how much Hoosiers pay for electricity, natural gas, water and other utility services.
Indiana will begin enforcing work requirements for certain Medicaid expansion recipients on Jan. 1, 2027. Members must complete 80 hours of qualifying activity each month unless they receive an exemption. (Screenshot from Medicaid Advisory Committee presentation)
Up to 300,000 Hoosiers could face Medicaid work mandate
By Casey Smith
As many as 300,000 low-income Hoosiers could be subject to Indiana’s new Medicaid work requirements, state officials estimated.
But key parts of the compliance and exemption process remain unfinished.
The first deadline is less than two months away. Although the mandate takes effect Jan. 1, 2027, anyone applying for or renewing coverage that month must document 80 hours of work, school, job training or volunteer activity in each of the three preceding months — October, November and December.
COMMENTARY
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun speaks with leaders of St. Mary’s Early Childhood Center in Indianapolis during a visit on April 30, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Braun is playing fast and loose with gas tax suspension
By Niki Kelly
I love saving money at the gas pump, but I fear the precedent Gov. Mike Braun is setting by ignoring state law in favor of unilateral executive power. And so should lawmakers.
His gas tax holiday could turn into a loss of eight months in road funding — all without the involvement of the legislative branch of state government. The first four months alone are expected to cost the state $533 million in losses reimbursed to the Indiana Department of Transportation and local units of government.
It’s a slippery slope to just start picking and choosing the laws our elected officials follow or not. And all people should be concerned about the rule of law, even if they agree with the ultimate result.
NATIONAL NEWS
Students study on laptops inside an elementary school in Farmington, Arkansas, on March 19, 2026. School districts nationwide are grappling with which artificial intelligence tools to invest in. (Photo by Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)
Schools spend billions on AI, but struggle to figure out what’s worth buying
By Robbie Sequeira
As a new school year begins, some classrooms may use artificial intelligence tools to flag a student struggling with classwork, track attendance or try to raise reading scores.
But as school districts make decisions on which tools are safe and worth spending thousands or millions of dollars on, some officials feel overwhelmed by the array of choices. Some states and districts have begun offering guidance for vetting AI purchases, but educators and experts say districts are still carrying much of the burden on their own.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Road-building coalition calls for long-term funding solution | Leslie Bonilla Muñiz
Indiana literacy rates improve for fifth straight year | Mackenzi Klemann
'Our focus is on Hammond': Bears keep stadium sights on Indiana | Mackenzi Klemann
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