Gov. Mike Braun has directed that flags be flown at half-staff at all state facilities in accordance with President Donald Trump’s order for all U.S. flags to be lowered at federal facilities nationwide.
From the press release: “This order is being made in remembrance of Charlie Kirk and is effective immediately through sunset on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025.
“Governor Braun encourages Hoosier residents and businesses to join state facilities in lowering their flags during this period of time.”
Reps. Beau Baird, R-Greencastle, and Victoria Garcia Wilburn, D-Fishers, co-chairs of the Indiana Future Caucus, shared their united condemnation of the murder of activist and commentator Charlie Kirk on a college campus in Utah on Wednesday. The Indiana Future Caucus brings together bipartisan lawmakers 45 years of age and under.
From the joint statement: “Political violence is never okay. Taking someone’s life is never an acceptable way to settle differences of opinion.
“Earlier this year, our bipartisan caucus spoke out against the tragic murder of a Democratic Minnesota state representative and her husband. Today, we unequivocally condemn the murder of Republican activist and commentator Charlie Kirk.
“As a nation, we must move beyond this horrifying trend of harming or killing those you disagree with and return to a culture of spirited debate and respect for different viewpoints. The Indiana Future Caucus represents the bright tomorrow we can create for Hoosiers—and political violence should not exist in that future.
“Our prayers are with Charlie’s wife Erika, his children, and all who loved him during this heartbreaking time.”
On Wednesday, the Indiana Office of the Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) issued its recommendations for the pending rate request from AES. The pending request would increase customers’ bills anywhere between $21 and $30 per month if approved. After over 6,700 public comments were filed, the OUCC recommended that the request be denied, the company’s return on equity be lowered to 8.5% and monthly customer service fees be reduced by $5.75. … The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing on Nov. 3, 2025. A final decision from the Commission is expected by the spring of 2026.
Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis: “Thank you to the OUCC for standing with Hoosiers who cannot afford higher utility bills. Hoosier families should not have to choose between keeping their lights on and other needs. This is evidence of the power of the people and the importance of community. Our collective voice made an impact with thousands of Hoosiers standing up for their neighbors. On Aug. 25, I stood with my community and testified against these rate hikes, and I’m thankful for the OUCC for listening to what Hoosiers had to say.
“AES customers have watched their bills skyrocket over the past several years with little to show for it. Services have not improved, but the company’s investors continue to see their return on equity rise. AES has an ROE of 9.9%, the highest of any electric utility in the state, and its request would increase that number to 10.7%. Hoosiers should not be drowning in monthly costs to line the pockets of global investors.
“I fully support the recommendations from the OUCC. This sends a clear message that the time for profit over people shouldn’t rule the day. Our voice was heard by OUCC, but ratepayers must keep pressure on the IURC to deny AES rate hike as well.”
At the end of August, Indiana became the first state to request a waiver from federal requirements to implement race and gender conscious components of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
From a press release: “If granted, the waiver requested by the Indiana Department of Transportation (‘INDOT’), would eliminate contract-specific DBE goals based on race, ethnicity or gender on federally assisted highway construction contracts.
“The waiver request is prompted by a U.S. District Court preliminary injunction in the Mid-America Milling Company, LLC (MAMCO) v. U.S. Department of Transportation lawsuit. In the case, Indiana sub-contractor Mid-America Milling Company, LLC, alleges the federal DBE program’s statutes and regulations unlawfully discriminate. …
“Under the proposed waiver, INDOT would transition to a race- and gender-neutral implementation strategy. The new methodology for setting goals and certifying businesses would focus exclusively on the availability of economically disadvantaged small businesses within specific geographic and industry markets. Attorney General Todd Rokita is leading a 17-state effort in support of the request for a waiver from the discriminatory and unlawful race and gender-conscious requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program.”
Gov. Mike Braun: “I am a firm believer in offering equal opportunity for all to compete and succeed. If granted, this waiver will further position Indiana as a state one would want to do business with and as a place to grow your business.”
Rokita: “Forcing INDOT to prioritize contractors based on race or gender is unconstitutional and undermines fair competition. Granting the waiver INDOT is requesting is well within the Department of Transportation’s authority and would be a critical step toward ensuring that Indiana’s transportation projects are awarded based on merit, not arbitrary classifications, and aligns with our constitutional duty to uphold equal protection under the law.”
