The Statehouse File

01/15/2026

Now live on our site: All the State of the State and State of the Judiciary coverage that 18 people, 30 burritos and a Starbucks traveler could produce. Another glorious 15-hour day in the Shack!

01/15/2026

Gov. Mike Braun gave his second State of the State address Wednesday night in the Indiana House chamber, where he focused on an overarching goal—making Indiana more affordable.

01/15/2026

Chief Justice Loretta Rush has been delivering State of the Judiciary speeches for 12 years—despite not enjoying public speaking.

01/15/2026

Commentary from John Krull

Normally, after a Hoosier governor finishes a State of the State Address, the hallway outside the chamber of the Indiana House of Representatives is clogged with people.

01/15/2026

“I make my way into the lobby, and am quickly overwhelmed by the crowd”

Freshman MMJ major Regan Cox had her first ever interview with a state senator this evening following Gov. Braun’s address.

Once I composed myself, the protestors were the first people I notice. Off to the side, Sarah B’s bubbling frustration was palpable. As a child welfare worker, she is especially concerned for what she sees as Indiana’s lackluster response to early childhood development.

“I’m here just to make sure that early childhood education stays at the forefront of people’s minds,” said B. “Just making sure that Governor Braun puts children first and actually is about what he says he’s about. I’m making sure that kids stay at the forefront of all of the decisions that are made in Indiana.”

As I wait to the side of the hallway, senators make their way out of the House Chamber, in a rush to get to their next destination. As I look for someone to grab and interview, Sen. Andrea Hunley, D-Indianapolis locks eyes with me. In our discussion, she commended Braun for his focus on affordability for the average Hoosier, but wishes to hear a more clear budgeting and funding plan from Braun.

“Since I’ve been elected, we’ve been working on issues of affordability. We’ve been working on lowering healthcare costs and addressing utility bills. And so I was glad to see the governor mention all of those things today, and bringing down the cost of childcare,” Hunley said.

Regan later reflected on her experience.

“I found that the best way to talk was to dive headfirst into the swimming pool, and forget how cold the water was,” said Cox.

01/15/2026

The Shack reporters have taken over the basement this evening. Anything to get the work done! Keep an eye out, all our stories from today will be posted soon!

01/15/2026

Sophomore Avery Tays ALSO asked a question during the Republican presser to President Pro Tempore
Rodric Brady about generative AI.

01/15/2026

First time session attendee and sophomore Luke Shepherd managed a historically difficult task for our FC student journalists— asking a questing during a scrum!

01/15/2026

Senate minority leader Shelli Yoder is currently addressing a private crowd alongside the Senate Democrats to rebuttal the Governors address.

01/15/2026

During a lighter moment of Governor Braun’s speech, chants of “hoo hoo Hoosiers” could be heard throughout the chamber. Just minutes after, Braun revealed a suggestion from a 9 y.o student— requesting a two hour delay so he could stay up late to watch IU basketball on Tuesday.

01/15/2026

Amid recent controversy surrounding data centers Governor Braun says that “AI is going to be key to the jobs and wages of the future, but data centers can’t stick Hoosiers with the power bill.”

01/15/2026

Amid the Governor’s State of the State address, protestors for early education can be heard chanting just outside of the glass viewing windows.