By Niki Kelly | Editor-in-Chief
“It is impossible to look at these numbers and conclude anything other than that the state is using rigid, flawed assessment tools as a sledgehammer to make up for FSSA's budget shortfalls at the expense of Hoosier families.” — Rep. Robin Shackleford
Thanks to everyone who came out last night to meet the team. We appreciated the feedback — both positive and ways to improve Indiana Capital Chronicle. If you couldn’t come, drop me a line!
Democratic lawmakers are upset that a new tool used by the state has increased Medicaid waiver denials for disabled Hoosiers.
Oops! A misstep means an uncontested state senate race.
Plus, commentary and more.
Rep. Robin Shackleford and Democrats on the state’s Medicaid Advisory Committee are questioning the accuracy of a new tool used for disability waiver determinations. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Lawmakers want transparency in Medicaid waiver denials
By Mackenzi Klemann
Democratic lawmakers are calling for an independent audit of an assessment tool used by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration amidst a surge in Medicaid disability waiver denials.
The agency denied 6% of disability waivers this year following the rollout of interRAI in January — far higher than the previous sub-1% denial rate.
COMMENTARY
Books and stuffed toys are arranged in a bookshelf at Shepherd Community Center’s Minnie Hartmann Neighborhood Childcare facility on Tuesday, July 21, 2026. (Photo by Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle)
Indiana parents deserve more childcare choice
By David Mitchell and Edward Timmons
The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration has proposed substantial changes to the rules governing childcare centers. Some providers and advocacy organizations warn that the changes could weaken quality or safety.
As economic researchers who study regulation and occupational entry, we believe the proposal should be judged by a straightforward question: Which requirements protect children, and which primarily make it harder and more expensive to provide care?
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
A 3-story Hoosier cabinet in Indiana celebrates an American kitchen icon | Associated Press
These rural Indiana towns are trying to make walking safer | Free Press Indiana News
(Tenor)
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