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New Whiteland town council adopts wheel tax, excise tax to qualify for funding

Indiana says licensing waits halved; governor touts faster entry to jobs for Hoosiers

The state reported average professional licensing processing time fell from about 11.8 days in January 2025 to 5.9 days in July 2026, the governor’s office said, and officials highlighted sharp reductions across health care and other professions while withholding application counts.

Braun demands investigation into NIPSCO after prolonged northwest Indiana outages

Gov. Mike Braun asked the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor to petition the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission for an investigation into Northern Indiana Public Service Co., focusing on vegetation management, right-of-way maintenance and whether regulator-approved funds were spent as intended. The move follows a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging inadequate tree trimming helped cause repeated outages.

Zionsville-based Rahal Letterman Lanigan competes in Trump-backed Freedom 250 IndyCar finale in D.C.

On Aug. 23, 2026, an IndyCar street race in Washington, D.C., served as the final event of the Trump-backed Freedom 250 series; Zionsville-based Rahal Letterman Lanigan was among the teams competing, and its trainer described the physical demands on drivers and crew.

State paying $625K to settle lawsuit over Braun firing utility commission member

The state will pay $625,000 to settle a lawsuit from former Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission member Andy Zay over his removal by Gov. Mike Braun, with no admission of wrongdoing. The IURC sets rates for electricity and other utilities, and the dispute arose after a contentious AES Indiana rate decision.

Johnson County business news: Aug. 22

IU Indianapolis unveils $110M James T. Morris Arena and campus service upgrades for fall 2026

Indiana University Indianapolis plans multiple campus changes for fall 2026, led by the $110 million James T. Morris Arena opening, additions of 40 student beds, expanded laundry and accessibility improvements, and new student-focused services and equipment access.

Hendricks County Community Shows Support for Hoarded Dogs

Danville police arrested a resident Aug. 11 after neighbors reported dogs loose; officers removed 13 dogs from the home and took them to the Hendricks County Animal Shelter, where several tested positive for canine parvovirus. The shelter has closed temporarily for deep cleaning and quarantine and is soliciting monetary and supply donations.

Hoosier Lottery to send about $350M surplus to state, aiding pensions and lowering vehicle excise tax

Preliminary, unaudited results show nearly $1.7 billion in Hoosier Lottery sales for fiscal 2026 and an estimated almost $350 million surplus to be transferred to state coffers, up from $341 million a year earlier but below pandemic highs.

Indianapolis Public Library launches free Small Business Series starting Sept. 14 to support local entrepreneurs

The Indianapolis Public Library will host a free, in-person Small Business Series at Central Library beginning September 14, 2026, offering workshops on data tools, business systems, intellectual property, budgeting, planning and certification. Registration is encouraged and sessions are funded by the Library Foundation’s Dr. Michael R. Twyman Endowment Fund.

GOP senators back Chris Garten to lead Indiana Senate; will steer committee picks and 2027 budget planning

Senate Republican caucus unanimously endorsed Sen. Chris Garten to replace Rodric Bray as president pro tem, naming him to lead the caucus’ campaign operation and planning for the 2027 legislative session. The full Senate must vote on the leadership change after the November election on Organization Day.

Indiana shifts $130.45M to restore June road funding for INDOT and local governments

The State Board of Finance approved three transfers totaling $130.45 million from the State Highway Fund’s existing balance to replace road revenue lost in June during Gov. Mike Braun’s gasoline tax suspension. After distributions, $72.17 million will return to the State Highway Fund for INDOT and about $58.3 million will go to counties, cities and towns.

Former senator used campaign funds for gifts at state utility agency, Braun alleges

Black Legislative Caucus warns of potential lawsuit from governor’s executive order

Members of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus say Gov. Mike Braun overstepped by issuing an executive order that removes race- and sex-based preferences from the state Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises Program, and they are preparing to probe legal and economic impacts while urging affected businesses to come forward.

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

Two Indiana secretary of state debates planned

Indiana working to preserve local businesses across ownership changes

Indiana Secretary of State Candidates Convene for Debate at Indy Chamber’s HobNob Event

Young and SBA chief push higher SBA loan caps to help Indiana farmers and manufacturers

During an Aug. 13 visit to Indianapolis, U.S. Sen. Todd Young and SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler urged raising SBA-backed loan limits — proposing doubling borrowing capacity for production sectors to about $20 million — to help farmers and manufacturers afford rising equipment costs.

Federal grants to Indiana fell last year by more than $700M

IU Kokomo School of Business secures six-year AACSB extension, keeping accreditation through 2031–32 review

The Indiana University Kokomo School of Business received a six-year extension of AACSB accreditation after a continuous improvement review ratified by the AACSB Board. Reviewers praised specific programs and flagged opportunities; the next accreditation review is set for the 2031–2032 academic year.

Fired utility commissioner's lawsuit could impact AES Indiana rate increase - WFYI

AES Indiana asked the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission to halt decisions in its pending rate case after former commissioner Andy Zay sued Gov. Braun, alleging unlawful removal and improper influence. The move comes amid petitions for reconsideration and could affect timing of a June-approved $71 million increase for AES customers.

Ethics panel clears Braun administration official to join construction firm, lobby lawmakers

Bears keep Hammond stadium plan alive as Indiana law allows potentially $1B for nearby infrastructure

The Chicago Bears say Hammond remains the primary site for a proposed domed stadium while environmental and topographical studies continue at two northwest Indiana parcels. State legislation signed in February could make “potentially $1 billion or more” in taxpayer funds available for infrastructure near the site, the article reports.