How do bills that have notable opposition in testimony pass through the legislature? Our audience was curious.

Hospital mergers and consolidations that limit competition are driving Indianas high health care costs. Thats according to national experts who spoke at the Health Care Cost Oversight Task Force meeting. They recommend lawmakers consider legislation focused on reviewing potential mergers and addressing the impacts of mergers that have already happened.

Some counties are looking for new ways to improve interactions between law enforcement and people experiencing a mental health crisis. The National Alliance on Mental Illness is coordinating with local advisory councils to provide crisis intervention training and resource mapping.

Traffic fatalities in Indiana are up 17 percent over the last four years. And while state lawmakers are digging into the data on traffic safety, a study committee adopted its yearly report Wednesday without any recommendations.

The fire at the former plastics recycling business in April displaced more than 1,000 people and sent harmful smoke and debris into the air.

A legislative study committee on child welfare didnt propose or recommend any legislation for the upcoming session in 2024.

Former state Inspector General Cyndi Carrasco will be Indianas newest state senator.

Health care providers are advocating for more collaboration with lawyers, judges and others in the legal system to provide support for people with substance use and mental health issues. Providers said building community resources into the legal system could support treatment and recovery and help divert patients from jails and prisons.

Nationally, the study revealed the nonprofit arts and culture industries created $151.7 billion in this 13-month period.

Many Hoosiers dont have adequate access to mental health services. The lieutenant governor said broadband plays an important role in addressing barriers to access for rural communities.