Politics & Policy

Evansville City Council passes data center moratorium - Courier & Press

According to www.14news.com, the Evansville City Council on 2026-10-06 approved a 180-day moratorium on new data center development and adopted the city’s 2027 budget totaling more than $152 million. The meeting also included debate over Flock automated license-plate reader (ALPR) cameras.

Indiana American Water to issue fourth PFAS settlement credit — $11.65 per customer, total returned tops $25.5M

The Tribune — Seymour reports Indiana American Water will issue a fourth PFAS settlement bill credit of $11.65 per customer in October 2026, the company said. The utility has returned $74.92 per eligible account since November 2025 and more than $25.5 million statewide, using a bill-credit mechanism approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission.

Shaila Mulholland sworn in to represent Lawrence on Indianapolis City-County Council

According to WFYI, Shaila Mulholland was sworn in Oct. 5, 2026, as the District 10 member of the Indianapolis City-County Council after being chosen Oct. 2 by a Marion County Democratic Party precinct caucus to fill the vacancy left by Ali Brown.

Indiana BMV channels $12.9M from optional ‘blackout’ plate sales into five-year modernization plan

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles told the Indiana Capital Chronicle that sales of an optional “blackout” license plate, launched in August 2025, have generated $12.9 million for a five-year BMV modernization effort and prompted investments in staff and customer-facing technology.

Marion County posts $535.95M 2027 proposed budget; public hearing set for Oct. 5, 2026

Indiana State Budget Notices lists Marion County’s 2027 proposed budget at $535,950,467 and a proposed levy of $259,366,528 (2026 certified levy: $222,461,870). A public hearing is scheduled for 2026-10-05 and an adoption meeting for 2026-10-19, per budgetnotices.in.gov.

Federal Reserve H.15: effective federal funds 3.88% and selected Treasury/TIPS yields on Oct. 2, 2026

The Federal Reserve Board's H.15 daily release (last updated Oct. 5, 2026) shows an effective federal funds rate of 3.88% on Oct. 2, 2026, and lists selected Treasury and inflation‑indexed yields including a 3-month T‑bill at 4.01% and 10‑year TIPS at 2.92%.

Indianapolis agency to hold Dec. 3 forum for certified small businesses

WISH-TV reported that the City of Indianapolis Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) will host a year‑end forum on December 3, 2026, at the Indianapolis Public Library downtown main branch. Registration is expected to open in early November 2026; a city disparity study is nearing completion and will be released after the mayor’s review.

Council weighs employee raises, outside consulting costs ahead of 2027 budget

Gov. Braun, IDHS launch Substantial Damage Property Assistance Program to help communities, property owners navigate disaster recovery

Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security on Oct. 2, 2026 launched a Substantial Damage Property Assistance Program and hotline (833-495-9888, Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.) to provide technical information to communities and property owners after recent disasters, according to WPSRHD.

Seymour proclaims Oct. 1-3, 2026 for 53rd Oktoberfest; local vendors earn contest awards

An opening ceremony in downtown Seymour launched the 53rd Seymour Oktoberfest, where Mayor Matt Nicholson proclaimed Oct. 1-3, 2026 as the festival dates and organizers announced awards for local food and craft vendors and winners of a children’s Prince and Princess contest.

Indy Chamber, Indianapolis Airport Authority launch $15M 'Speed City' fund to add nonstop flights at IND

The Indy Chamber announced on 2026-10-02 that, together with the Indianapolis Airport Authority, it is launching the Speed City Nonstop Growth Fund — a $15 million, private-sector-backed effort described as intended to add more nonstop domestic and international flights to and from Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

Fountain Square businesses relieved as $14M drainage project finishes and Shelby Street reopens

The Indianapolis Department of Public Works completed a $14 million Fountain Square drainage project and Shelby Street reopened the week before Oct. 1, 2026. The work added a storm sewer and landscaped rain garden medians; nearby businesses such as Nine Lives Cafe & Cat Lounge report foot traffic rebounding.

Gov. Braun’s diesel order could save farmers thousands of dollars

Gov. Mike Braun issued an order allowing farmers to use off‑road (dyed) diesel in on‑road trucks through 2026-11-04, a move that state farm leaders say could save many operations roughly $1,000–$2,000 this month.

Fed Vice Chair Jefferson explains September rate increase, cites inflation risks

In an Oct. 1, 2026 speech, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Philip Jefferson said inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% goal and consumer spending is resilient. He explained his support for the September 2026 increase in the federal funds target range to 3.75–4.00 percent and said future policy adjustments should depend on economic data, the outlook and risks.

New $12.5M IMPD North District headquarters to replace aging 30th Street station

Braun renews gas tax suspension, broadens untaxed diesel use for farmers

Braun extends Indiana gas tax suspension through Nov. 4, lifts dyed‑diesel restrictions for farmers

Gov. Mike Braun extended the state energy emergency and continued suspending Indiana’s gasoline use and gasoline excise taxes through Nov. 4, 2026, keeping the pause in all 92 counties and lifting dyed‑diesel limits so farmers may use it for farm‑related activities, the administration said.

Braun extends Indiana's gas tax holiday for seventh month in a row

Culver Town Council hears first reading on budget

BEA issues 2026 annual update to U.S. national economic accounts

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis published its 2026 Annual Update (September 2026), incorporating new and revised source data and revising 2021–2025 estimates. BEA raised real GDP for 2024 and 2025 and adjusted measures of investment, prices and national income.

BEA third estimate: U.S. real GDP up 2.2% annualized in Q2 2026; PCE inflation 5.0%

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ third estimate shows real GDP rose 2.2% at an annual rate in the second quarter of 2026, revised up 0.7 percentage point from the prior estimate, with consumer spending, investment and exports the main contributors and the PCE price index up 5.0%.

Hendricks County assessor posts Spring 2026 update saying 2026 property assessments may have changed

Hendricks County’s Engage portal published a “Hendricks County Assessor's Spring 2026 Update” advising that some 2026 property assessments may have changed and directing residents to the Indiana Assessment Information section of the portal’s Resources page for details.

Local officials knock NIPSCO storm outage response

Man dies in Elkhart County Jail, family files lawsuit