Debate over property tax reform began in the second half of the legislative session Wednesday the same way it ended the first half – with local government leaders sounding the alarm on their budgets, while Gov. Mike Braun’s office pressed for taxpayer relief.

Lawmakers filed several bills to further restrict abortion access and strengthen reporting requirements in Indiana. Reproductive rights advocates said even though the bills didn’t move forward, they’re concerned lawmakers will continue to pursue the policies in the future.

The Clark County prosecutor has dropped criminal charges against a former jail officer accused of making a deal to let incarcerated men access keys.

Indiana schools, colleges and universities are being told to consult with their lawyers and end race-based programs or risk losing federal funding.

Indiana lawmakers want to address Medicaid spending by overhauling the state’s Medicaid expansion program. However, testimony and discussion so far has included misinformation and misleading information on the Healthy Indiana Plan, or HIP. Medicaid experts and advocates break down the facts about the state and federal program.

Hoosiers have an estimated $2.2 billion of medical debt in collections — with even more on payment plans and credit cards. A proposal to introduce consumer protections against medical debt failed to advance in the Senate.

The proposed legislation would allow the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to create a skills training pilot program, available for eligible Hoosiers on the state’s unemployment insurance program.

Several major Indiana election reforms advanced by the Senate Elections Committee this session either failed to get approval by the full Senate or were significantly scaled back.

Two Southern Indiana residents are hoping to expand their reach to share stories of marginalized communities and start important discussions around equity, connection and empowerment.

Some traditional public school districts would be required to share referendum tax dollars with local charter schools under a controversial measure approved by lawmakers this week. After two days of heated debate, the bill was narrowly approved by Senate Republicans last week.