WFYI News Now

East Side Community Center Finds New Home, Anti-Trump Protest Fills Statehouse Lawn, Rokita and Morales Sue Trump Admin Over Citizenship Info, Public Testifies on New State Budget

The Brightwood-Forest Manor Community Center has a new home — the east side center is now located in a former church building. A large group of anti-Trump protestors gathered at the Indiana Statehouse. Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Secretary of State Diego Morales are suing the Trump administration over citizenship information. The public got its final chance Monday to testify before lawmakers on the new state budget. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit w...

Free Bike Tours, Ongoing Statehouse Debate Over Sleeping in Public, Homelessness Crisis in Indy, Judge Rules on International Student Visas, Indiana Humanities Hit by Federal Funding Cuts

A new selection of group bike tours are coming to Indianapolis. Lawmakers have debated whether they should adopt controversial language this session to criminalize people sleeping on public property. Frustrations over the homelessness crisis in Indianapolis were concentrated on one person during a recent City-County Council meeting. A federal judge ruled that he would not grant a temporary restraining order to seven international students whose visas were recently revoked by the U.S. Department ...

Lawsuit Dismissed Alleging Systemic Abuse at IPS, Earth Day Cleanup on Indy's East Side, Mobile Lung Clinic for Rural Residents, Parents Say Discrimination Complaints are Being Ignored

A lawsuit against a former Indianapolis Public Schools teacher, alleging systemic abuse against a student, has been dismissed. A large-scale cleanup of an east side waterway and greenspace is planned for this Earth Day weekend. Residents who live in rural areas or lack transportation may struggle to access lung screenings. Forty percent of the staff in the U.S. Education Department Office for Civil Rights have been laid off under President Trump’s administration, and parents say their complaints...

Gov. Braun Signs Property Tax Reform Into Law, Indy Effort to Pinpoint Dangerous Areas, ACLU of Indiana Sues Trump Admin Over Revoked Visas, The Growing Debate Over Public Education

Indiana’s major property tax reform package is now law, as Governor Mike Braun signed the measure Tuesday. Indianapolis residents are being asked to help shape priorities for the city’s Vision Zero initiative. The ACLU of Indiana sued the Trump Administration on Tuesday for revoking visas of seven international students studying at universities in Indiana. There are growing tensions over school choice, funding, and access — and very different visions for how to serve students of color and low-in...

The Impact of Indiana’s Property Tax Reform Plan on School Districts, Bill to Secure Power for AI Data Centers, RFK Jr. and Dr. Oz Visit Indy for 'Make Indiana Healthy Again' Initiative

Indiana’s property tax reform plan would cost school districts more than $740 million across three years. The state Senate passed a bill on Tuesday that aims to secure power for AI data centers. Indiana Governor Mike Braun hosted U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz on Tuesday – protestors gathered outside the event to express their dissatisfaction with the Make America Healthy Again movement. Wa...

Invasive Plant Program in Hamilton County, Bipartisan Bill Would Fund Road Repairs in Indy, Students Parents and Teachers Rally Against Tax Relief Plan, Experts Worry ER Waits will Worsen

A Hamilton County organization is looking to help residents replace potentially harmful plants with native species. A bipartisan-supported bill at the Statehouse would provide more money for Indianapolis' infrastructure. Students, parents and educators filled the Statehouse Monday to tell lawmakers that the state’s plan for property tax relief would be “detrimental” to their district. Experts say ER waits will get worse as the U.S. prepares for a "silver tsunami" – an aging population which may ...

Indy Hosts International Firefighter Event, Visas Revoked for International Students, Republican Leaders Split on School Vouchers, Why So Many Students with Disabilities are Being Suspended

The world’s largest firefighter training event was back in Indianapolis last week, for the 31st year. The Trump Administration is revoking student visas for international students across the country, including in Indiana. Republican leaders in Indiana are split on establishing universal school vouchers. School suspensions in Indiana have increased since the pandemic – and students with disabilities are suspended more than twice as often as their peers. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear o...

Tamika Catchings Mural Coming to Mass Ave, Indiana School Districts Could Lose Half a Billion Under Tax Plan, Library Program on Diverse Communities, In-Person Required for VA Workers

A towering portrait of Tamika Catchings is set to join the Mass Ave neighborhood, and the community has a chance to weigh in on the final design. Indiana school districts stand to lose half a billion dollars under the latest plan to cut property taxes for Hoosier homeowners. An Indianapolis Public Library program offers residents a chance to learn about the city’s diverse population. Workers at the Indianapolis VA Hospital are required to be in-person starting on April 14th, as part of a new fed...

Statehouse Bill Would Make Sleeping in Public Illegal, Education Alliance of IPS and Mayor's Office, Health Advocates Worry about Lost Federal Funding, Suspensions in Special Education

Indiana lawmakers snuck language into a bill that would make it illegal to sleep outside. A new legislative proposal would create an education alliance of Indianapolis Public Schools and the Mayor’s office. The Indiana Department of Health will lose millions of federal dollars after the Trump administration cancelled COVID-era funding linked to several public health programs in March. Indiana students with disabilities are suspended more than twice as often as their peers. Want to go deeper on t...

First Measles Case in Over a Year, Funding Approved to Redevelop Old City Hall, Meeting Worker Demand in the Next Decade, House Committee Scales Back Measure to Eliminate DEI Programs

The Indiana Department of Health confirmed the first measles case in over a year. Indianapolis City-County Councilors approved lending a private company the funds to redevelop the Old City Hall and construct a new mixed use building. More than 80,000 Hoosiers will need new skills or credentials every year over the next decade to meet the demand for workers in the state. A House committee scaled back and refocused a controversial measure to eliminate DEI programs in state agencies and educational...

Train Derailment on Southeast Side, Report Shows Indiana Faces Growing Workforce Shortage, How School Funding Would Work Under GOP Tax Plan, Democrats Say GOP Tax Plan Isn't Ready

A train derailed on the southeast side of Indianapolis Sunday night, near the intersection of Southeastern Avenue and Earhart Street. Indiana faces a growing workforce shortage and a need for more skilled talent, according to a new report from Ivy Tech Community College. Property tax relief from Indiana House Republicans now would split local property tax revenue between traditional public school districts and charter schools. Democratic lawmakers say the GOP property tax overhaul plan, unveiled...

Potential Impact of Budget Cuts on Medicaid, Diabetes Studies Under Threat, Automatic University Enrollment with New Diplomas, House Republicans Unveil Property Tax Reform Plan

The health reporting team at The Checkup answers the question: What are site-neutral payments, and why are rural hospitals concerned about them? One of the largest diabetes studies is under threat from the current administration’s funding cuts. High school students who graduate with one of Indiana’s new diplomas are guaranteed a spot at one of the state’s seven public universities. House Republicans unveiled a property tax reform plan on Friday. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI ...

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Reopens, Debate on Local Property Taxes for Charter Schools, How Violence Impacts Communities, Trump Admin Freezes Planned Parenthood Funds

After a 17-month closure and more than $60 million in renovations, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway museum reopened to the public. A Republican push to give charter schools a share of local property tax money has sparked a fierce debate, and students from traditional public and charter schools say their voices matter. A study emphasizes how community violence impacts neighborhoods and residents and examines possible solutions. The Trump administration is freezing millions of dollars in federal fu...

$600 Million Project to Transform Circle Centre Mall, Helping Formerly Incarcerated Hoosiers Reenter Society, Indiana Schools Suspended Students 30,000+ Times for Fighting Last Year

The southern block of the Circle Centre Mall closed to prepare for an extensive redevelopment project. A new study in Indianapolis set out to learn if giving incarcerated people more resources could help them reenter society. Indiana public schools suspended more than 72,000 students last academic year, one of the highest numbers in the past decade. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and loca...

Indy Chef Wins World Food Championships, Update on FBI Raid on IU Professor's Homes, Eli Lilly Seeks Approval for Alzheimer’s Cure, Statehouse Bill Would Prohibit Student IDs at the Polls

An Indianapolis chef took the top prize at the World Food Championships on Sunday. XiaoFeng Wang, a tenured cybersecurity professor recently fired by Indiana University the same day the FBI raided his homes, stood accused of academic misconduct for not properly identifying people involved in his research. Indiana-based company Eli Lilly has approval for an Alzheimer’s drug in multiple countries. Student IDs from Indiana’s public colleges and universities could no longer be used as voter IDs, und...

Purdue Loses in Sweet 16, FBI Raid on IU Professor's Homes, Indiana Senate Advances Bill to Supply Power for AI Data Centers, Victoria Spartz Faces Angry Constituents at Town Hall

The Purdue men’s basketball season came to an end late Friday night during the Sweet Sixteen round. FBI officials aren’t saying why agents searched two homes belonging to an IU professor. A Senate committee passed a bill that aims to help ensure AI data centers coming into the state have the massive amount of power they need. Indiana U.S. congresswoman Victoria Spartz is the first representative from Indiana to attend a town hall after Speaker Mike Johnson advised GOP members to skip them – rece...

Indiana's New Public Records Czar, Advocates Push for Horseshoe Crab Blood Alternative, Housing Changes Will Impact People at Risk of Homelessness, Historic Building Restoration

Governor Mike Braun announced attorney Jennifer Ruby as the state’s new Public Access Counselor on Friday. Horseshoe crab blood has been used in medical testing since the 1970s – but environmental groups worry that bleeding the animals, which can kill them, is too environmentally harmful. Changes to two housing programs will impact people at risk of experiencing homelessness. Marian University will repurpose a historic building that once housed a psychiatric hospital on the city's northwest side...

Indianapolis Public Library Pike Branch to Reopen, Archeological Excavation of Public Cemetery, Bill Could Change How Indiana School Districts Control Facilities, Housing Complex for Veterans

A public library branch on the west side of Indianapolis will reopen this weekend, after being closed for over a year. An archeological excavation of a small part of the city’s first public cemetery is complete, along the eastern bank of the White River. A Republican-proposal would allow school districts to voluntarily shift control of their facilities and transportation to independent local boards. A transitional housing complex for veterans in Indianapolis is set to reopen this summer. Want to...

Lucas Oil Stadium Transformed for March Madness, Faith Leaders Urge Local Law Enforcement Not to Help ICE, Indiana Medicaid Waiver Invitations Hit Capacity, Foreclosure Filings on the Rise

The NCAA Midwest regionals comes to Indianapolis this weekend, which means Lucas Oil Stadium needs to be transformed into a proper basketball venue. Indianapolis faith leaders are urging local law enforcement not to help Immigration and Customs Enforcement deport people. Indiana Medicaid waiver invitations hit capacity with more than 10,000 people still on waitlists. A new report shows foreclosure filings in central Indiana are on the rise. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News ...

Online Portal for Hoosier Farmers, Teachers Union Asks for Moratorium on New Schools, Marion County Judge Blocks Release of Abortion Records, Georgia Street Renovations

Indiana will create an online portal for Hoosier farmers, a one-stop-shop for them to connect with the government. A teachers union has asked for a moratorium on new schools in Indianapolis. A Marion County Superior judge blocked the Indiana Department of Health from releasing abortion records –– also known as terminated pregnancy reports. Renovations are in full swing along Georgia Street in downtown Indianapolis. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news a...

Bill to Subsidize Small Nuclear Reactors, Transforming Historic Downtown Indy Buildings, Congress Seeks Info from Purdue on Chinese Students, Letter Carriers Rally Against Privatization

A bill that would subsidize the development of small modular nuclear reactors is awaiting the governor’s signature. Construction on a project to transform historic downtown buildings into a new residential mixed-use development is underway. A Congressional committee on China issued a letter to Purdue University claiming a national security interest in Chinese students and staff. Letter carriers demonstrated against proposals to privatize the U.S. postal service. Want to go deeper on the stories ...

Purdue Heads for Sweet Sixteen, Gov. Braun Visits White House, Workers Push Against Privatization of U.S. Postal Service, Bill Aims to Block Zoning Rules from Stopping Charter Schools

Indiana Sees Largest Population Increase Since 2008, Big Brothers Big Sisters Campaign for Mentors, Gov. Braun to Decide on Lifeline Law Expansion, Local Impact from Anti-DEI Orders

The State of Indiana had its largest increase in population since 2008. Big Brothers Big Sisters says it needs more mentors – the group hopes a partnership with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can help address its growing waitlist. Indiana is a stroke of the governor’s pen away from expanding its Lifeline Law to shield more young people from underage drinking charges. Recent executive orders targeting DEI and gender affirming care are impacting nonprofit funding. Want to go deeper on the stories...

Jefferson High School Unified Bowling Team Wins, Indiana Says to Stop Accepting Gender Change Requests, Bobcat Trapping Season in 40 Counties, Bill Would Make Significant Medicaid Changes

Jefferson High School’s Unified Bowling Team placed first at the high school state tournament this past weekend. The Indiana Department of Health issued new guidance to local and county health departments to stop accepting gender change requests for Indiana birth records. Indiana’s Natural Resources Commission approved a bobcat trapping season in 40 southern Indiana counties Tuesday. A House committee approved legislation Tuesday that would make significant changes to Medicaid programs. Want to ...

Carmel Clay Schools Apologizes for Antisemitic Language, Musical Flash Mob Supports Public School Funding, Effort to Make Indiana Home for Remote Workers, Mental Health Crisis Teams

Carmel Clay Schools is apologizing for antisemitic language that appeared in a display as part of an international festival earlier this month. Music teachers, lawmakers and education advocates put on a show at the Indiana Statehouse Monday afternoon in support of public school funding. A new program is working to make Central Indiana a popular home base for remote workers. A new initiative aims to expand mental health crisis response teams throughout the state. Want to go deeper on the stories ...

Chatterbox Jazz Club Viral Video, March Madness, U.S. Rep. Jim Baird Fined for Campaign Finance Violation, Indiana Dems Elect Karen Tallian as Chair

A viral video online shows a woman being asked to leave the Chatterbox Jazz Club on Mass Avenue for being a Trump supporter. This year’s men’s March Madness will feature only one school from Indiana. The Federal Election Commission recently fined a U.S. Representative from Indiana’s Fourth Congressional District for a campaign finance violation. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is the new chair of the Indiana Democratic Party. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit w...

UAW Approve New Contract, NIH Funding Impacts State, IN Latino Dems Oppose Anti-Immigrant Bills, Prosperity Indiana Housing Report, Curbside Recycling Will Come to Marion County

United Auto Workers union members at Rolls-Royce in Indianapolis overwhelmingly approved a new contract last week. A new analysis underscores the impact funding for the National Institutes of Health has on state economies. The Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus pushes back against a wave of anti-immigrant legislation. A housing report from Prosperity Indiana highlights what low-income renters face. Marion County residents can look forward to universal curbside recycling. Want to go deeper on the s...

Indiana Charter School Board Director Forced to Resign, Construction May Resume on Assisted Living Facility After Ruling, Proposed Tax Reform in Indiana, Federal Policy and Local Immigrants

The Indiana Charter School Board Director was forced to resign back in January. Construction may resume on an assisted living facility for Alzheimer’s patients after Indiana Supreme Court ruling. Indiana House Ways and Means Chair introduces his version of property tax reform. Changing federal immigration policy is shining a light on local immigrant communities. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive anal...

Indiana Statewide Immigrant Numbers, IU Under Review by U.S. Department of Education, Sunday Protest in Support of Two Honduras Men, The State of Women in Central Indiana Report

Statewide numbers of immigrant communities in Indiana. Indiana University is under review by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights. Protesters gathered Sunday in support of two Honduras men arrested by federal officers. A report asks the question, can women in central Indiana thrive? Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now where...

Indy Immigrant Community, New Housing Proposal in Fishers, Old City Hall Renovation More Expensive, Lawmakers Consider Boost in Pay for Prosecutors, Pregnancy Care Center Resolution

Immigrants from four countries fled to live in Indianapolis. The City of Fishers is considering a new housing proposal. A project to transform the old City Hall is now much more expensive than first estimated. Indiana lawmakers consider a boost in state funding for deputy prosecutors and public defenders. Health experts say pregnancy care centers provide misleading information as a resolution supporting them moves through the state legislature. Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI N...