Gov. Eric Holcomb wants to spend more than $5 billion in new and increased spending in Indiana's next budget on everything from education to public health and economic development initiatives.

More than 44 percent of Hoosiers find it extremely or somewhat important to live in a place where others share their political views. This could be contributing to political polarization

Braun's quick fundraising haul signals a possible expensive primary for the Republican gubernatorial nomination against a field of candidates at least including Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Fort Wayne businessman Eric Doden, who have each banked amounts approaching or exceeding $3 million over the past couple of years.

Republican candidates are already lining up to run for governor in 2024. And Democrats are close to their first official candidate in former state school Superintendent Jennifer McCormick.

Six months ago, Indiana lowered the threshold for when children with lead in their blood can start to receive services -- cutting it in half from 10 micrograms per deciliter to 5. That means local health departments are doing more home visits, educating more parents and informing more doctors when a child has elevated lead levels.

Sixty Indiana children died from neglect or abuse in 2021, the state Department of Child Services said in a report.

The report said Indiana lawmakers haven't passed any meaningful environmental justice legislation including refusing to hear a bill this past legislative session that would have created a climate and environmental justice task force.

Indiana lawmakers are expected to seriously debate legalizing online gambling in the 2023 session. And online lottery will likely be part of that discussion.

Indiana has blocked the Chinese-owned social media app TikTok from state devices.