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Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push

Conservative state leaders are changing their strategy on politics in schools to promote Turning Point groups.

News

Several years ago, Indiana&#x27;s GOP leadership was focused on removing political ideology from the state&#x27;s schools, but it backs a partnership with the conservative Turning Point USA.The big picture: Earlier this month, Indiana became the eighth state to partner with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Turning Point USA" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" data-vars-content-id="75d42808-358c-4e44-80d0-a82c305d16a8" data-vars-headline="Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/03/12/indiana-strengthens-partnership-with-turning-point-usa" target="_self">Turning Point USA</a>, endorsing its Club America initiative.

'Burb Bites: Westfield's plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments

Westfield's massive Ironstone development narrowly survived a city council vote.

This week&#x27;s news from around the region includes a huge housing development in Westfield, a prestigious tennis facility in Noblesville and a local woman set to make a splash on reality TV.🏘️ The Westfield City Council narrowly approved Ironstone, a 765-acre development that will bring more than 1,700 single-family homes and townhouses and 250 apartments to the city&#x27;s far north side.<ul><li>It&#x27;s one of the largest residential projects in Westfield&#x27;s history, and the 4-3 vote signals a growing rift between city leaders and some residents over how fast the city should grow.</li><li>The project is located on the north and south sides of 206th Street where it intersects Horton and Six Points roads, and will be built over 10 to 15 years.</li><li>Mayor Scott Willis said infrastructure upgrades, including road improvements and a new fire department, must be finished before the first house is built.</li></ul>💑 Despite a Carmel man having <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="his &quot;Bachelorette&quot; debut called off" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2026/03/19/former-purdue-basketball-player-among-this-seasons-bachelorette-cast/89086783007/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/entertainment/2026/03/19/former-purdue-basketball-player-among-this-seasons-bachelorette-cast/89086783007/" target="_blank">his &quot;Bachelorette&quot; debut called off</a> earlier this month, another HamCo native is getting a shot at love on the small screen.<ul><li>26-year-old Delaney Kluger of Noblesville is part of the cast of &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Love Overboard" data-vars-click-url="https://www.hulu.com/series/love-overboard-3efa9bfe-6a96-4820-828c-d34dd94dd761" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.hulu.com/series/love-overboard-3efa9bfe-6a96-4820-828c-d34dd94dd761" target="_blank">Love Overboard</a>,&quot; Hulu&#x27;s new yacht-based dating competition that premiered last week.</li><li>The show is described as &quot;Bachelor in Paradise&quot; meets &quot;Love Island.&quot;</li><li>In her <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="official show bio" data-vars-click-url="https://press.hulu.com/bios/delaney-26/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://press.hulu.com/bios/delaney-26/" target="_blank">official show bio</a>, Kluger says she was raised in chaos and moved to New York at 16 to pursue fashion after struggling to fit in in her hometown.</li></ul>🎾 Also in Noblesville, Serena Williams&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="former tennis coach" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/story/_/id/13616431/us-open-how-serena-williams-found-new-level-success-coach-patrick-mouratoglou" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/espnw/news-commentary/story/_/id/13616431/us-open-how-serena-williams-found-new-level-success-coach-patrick-mouratoglou" target="_blank">former tennis coach</a> has plans to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="open a training facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/43" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/m/newsflash/home/detail/43" target="_blank">open a training facility</a> near the Innovation Mile corridor.<ul><li>Founded by Patrick Mouratoglou, the Mouratoglou Tennis Center is being proposed for 14469 Olio Road at the Deer Creek Business Park.</li><li>The facility would feature six indoor tennis courts, eight padel courts and four indoor futsal pitches, offering private lessons and seasonal camps</li><li>If approved, construction is expected to begin in May with a soft opening in August, a full opening in September and the academy program launching in October. A public hearing is scheduled for April 20 before the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Noblesville Plan Commission" data-vars-click-url="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202026-250" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.noblesville.in.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Agenda/_04202026-250" target="_blank">Noblesville Plan Commission</a>.</li></ul>🏨 Hospitality startup <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Veloce Hotels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.velocehotels.com/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.velocehotels.com/" target="_blank">Veloce Hotels</a> is raising funds to bring its vision for a slate of luxury motorsports-themed hotels to central Indiana, starting with a $189 million project in Carmel.<ul><li>With $1.1 million already in hand, the company is opening a $5.5 million seed round to acquire potential development sites in Carmel and Westfield along the U.S. 31 corridor.</li><li>In addition to a flagship hotel in Carmel, Veloce wants to build a $135 million hotel near Grand Park Sports Campus.</li></ul>🍦 Just in time for spring, Graeter&#x27;s Ice Cream has opened <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its second Fishers location" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/Graeters/photos/grand-opening-our-second-location-in-fishers-indiana-is-now-open-8699-e-106th-st/1324118126415885/" data-vars-content-id="ff7bf4d3-6af3-4ac3-8326-3c289c3cdf36" data-vars-headline="&#x27;Burb Bites: Westfield&#x27;s plan to add nearly 2,000 homes and apartments" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/Graeters/photos/grand-opening-our-second-location-in-fishers-indiana-is-now-open-8699-e-106th-st/1324118126415885/" target="_blank">its second Fishers location</a>.<ul><li>The new shop is off 106th Street near Lantern Road, and was chosen for its proximity to the Fishers Event Center.</li></ul>

Indy's population grows as nationwide immigration plummets

Our metro area grew by over 22,000 people from 2024 to 2025, double the national growth average.

Population growth is slowing in most counties nationwide amid a massive drop in immigration, but the Indianapolis metro is doing its best to buck the trend. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="New Census data" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/44942673.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDI2LzIwMjUtcG9wZXN0LW1ldHJvLW1pY3JvLWNvdW50aWVzLmh0bWw_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Ba4298c06" data-vars-content-id="b0bf96af-0129-4584-a260-488a31b9ae82" data-vars-headline="Indy&#x27;s population grows as nationwide immigration plummets" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/44942673.27/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuY2Vuc3VzLmdvdi9uZXdzcm9vbS9wcmVzcy1yZWxlYXNlcy8yMDI2LzIwMjUtcG9wZXN0LW1ldHJvLW1pY3JvLWNvdW50aWVzLmh0bWw_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1uZXdzbGV0dGVyJnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPXNlbmR0b19sb2NhbG5ld3NsZXR0ZXJ0ZXN0JnN0cmVhbT10b3A/659da30dc51ba94612eb85e0Ba4298c06" target="_self">New Census data</a> offers the best look yet at how tighter immigration enforcement is affecting America&#x27;s demographic makeup.

Sen. Todd Young leading latest effort to address national debt

Economists say Americans need to be concerned about the debt.

Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) is leading an effort to address <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="America&#x27;s fiscal imbalance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/washington-ignores-americas-fiscal-cliff" data-vars-content-id="700a9bb8-dc3c-441d-8783-e39a01b4f5d5" data-vars-headline="Sen. Todd Young leading latest effort to address national debt" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/22/washington-ignores-americas-fiscal-cliff" target="_self">America&#x27;s fiscal imbalance</a> and sounding the alarm about the danger of the ballooning national debt.The big picture: The national debt is nearly $40 trillion, more than $113,000 for every person in the country.<ul><li>The federal government is expected to spend more than $1 trillion on interest this year, Young told Axios.</li></ul>

Mitch Daniels supporting anti-redistricting GOP candidates

The former governor could be a difference maker in the May primaries.

Mitch Daniels is stepping back into politics, seeking to balance the scales for lawmakers who opposed redistricting and now face primary challenges.Why it matters: Governor from 2005 to 2013, Daniels is considered an architect of the Indiana GOP and is highly respected among conservatives.

Here's how Indiana's "bring your baby to work" policy is going

It's been three months since Gov. Mike Braun made his surprising policy announcement.

When Gov. Mike Braun announced his new &quot;bring your baby to work&quot; policy, it was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="widely panned" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/comments/1pd1wel/this_new_law_in_indiana_is_going_to_be_a/" data-vars-content-id="52519042-c02a-48b5-819f-71211197adfa" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how Indiana&#x27;s &quot;bring your baby to work&quot; policy is going" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/childfree/comments/1pd1wel/this_new_law_in_indiana_is_going_to_be_a/" target="_blank">widely panned</a> as everything from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="out of touch" data-vars-click-url="https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/1pew9u2/braun_killed_remote_work_his_solution_bring_your/" data-vars-content-id="52519042-c02a-48b5-819f-71211197adfa" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how Indiana&#x27;s &quot;bring your baby to work&quot; policy is going" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Indiana/comments/1pew9u2/braun_killed_remote_work_his_solution_bring_your/" target="_blank">out of touch</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="insulting" data-vars-click-url="https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/columnists/2026/01/27/braun-baby-work-policy-childcare-crisis/88367144007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z1161xxp001950c001950e1161xxv004371d--59--b--59--&amp;gca-ft=193&amp;gca-ds=sophi" data-vars-content-id="52519042-c02a-48b5-819f-71211197adfa" data-vars-headline="Here&#x27;s how Indiana&#x27;s &quot;bring your baby to work&quot; policy is going" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/columnists/2026/01/27/braun-baby-work-policy-childcare-crisis/88367144007/?gnt-cfr=1&amp;gca-cat=p&amp;gca-uir=true&amp;gca-epti=z1161xxp001950c001950e1161xxv004371d--59--b--59--&amp;gca-ft=193&amp;gca-ds=sophi" target="_blank">insulting</a>.Why it matters: Three months in, the administration is evaluating the policy&#x27;s effectiveness and looking at how to expand it.

Why Greg Ballard is getting into the Secretary of State's race as an Independent

The former mayor of Indianapolis used to be a Republican.

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard can count on one hand the number of times he&#x27;s made a major decision based on gut instinct: joining the U.S. Marine Corps after college, marrying his wife of 43 years and running for mayor in 2007.Why it matters: It&#x27;s been a decade since the two-term mayor left office, but he says he&#x27;s got that feeling again — this time, about entering Indiana&#x27;s crowded Secretary of State race.

Changes to judge selection and other new laws impacting Indianapolis

The legislative session is over, but the impacts are just getting started.

Now that the legislative session is over, Indianapolis will start feeling the impact of new laws.The big picture: Every year, the Indiana General Assembly passes legislation that has an outsized impact on the capital city, and this year was no different.<ul><li>Some of the issues addressed were <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="schools in Indianapolis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/27/whats-next-for-ips-after-new-governance-bill-passed" data-vars-content-id="d0c69072-94c2-451a-8d6b-01c9753cf8cf" data-vars-headline="Changes to judge selection and other new laws impacting Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/27/whats-next-for-ips-after-new-governance-bill-passed" target="_self">schools in Indianapolis</a>, Marion County judges and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="road funding for the city" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/23/indy-road-funding-changes-moving-through-statehouse" data-vars-content-id="d0c69072-94c2-451a-8d6b-01c9753cf8cf" data-vars-headline="Changes to judge selection and other new laws impacting Indianapolis" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/23/indy-road-funding-changes-moving-through-statehouse" target="_self">road funding for the city</a>.</li></ul>

Casino relocation bill narrowly passes Indiana Senate

While Indy had been considered, it's likely to land in Fort Wayne.

A new casino appears headed to northeast Indiana, not Indianapolis.Driving the news: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="House Bill 1038" data-vars-click-url="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1038/details" data-vars-content-id="d8532582-308a-4827-acef-2dd22650f8e6" data-vars-headline="Casino relocation bill narrowly passes Indiana Senate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2026/bills/house/1038/details" target="_blank">House Bill 1038</a> narrowly passed the Senate Tuesday, clearing the way for the license of the Rising Sun casino to move to northeast Indiana.<ul><li>The unusually tight 26-22 vote reflected disagreement over where the casino should land.</li></ul>

Lawmakers back conservative-favored college entrance exam

The Classic Learning Exam is pushed as an alternative to the SAT and ACT.

Education

You&#x27;ve heard of the ACT and the SAT. Probably even taken one of them. But what about the CLT?Why it matters: The Classic Learning Test, positioned as an alternative college entrance exam, is gaining popularity in conservative states and one state lawmaker wants Indiana to follow suit.

Lawmakers advance protections for teens after Hailey Buzbee's death

New alerts would apply to teens who've fallen into the hands of online predators.

Politics

Lawmakers are working to expand Indiana&#x27;s alert system in response to the death of Fishers teen Hailey Buzbee.Why it matters: In Hailey&#x27;s case, when she was missing, the alerts that we&#x27;re familiar with didn&#x27;t apply.<ul><li>An Amber Alert wasn&#x27;t issued because there was no confirmed physical abduction.</li><li>Because Hailey did not have a qualifying disability, a Silver Alert did not apply.</li></ul>

Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections

They're rejecting President Trump's calls for Republicans to "nationalize" elections.

Republican leaders at Indiana&#x27;s Statehouse are pushing back on President Trump&#x27;s suggestion that the GOP should &quot;nationalize&quot; elections.The big picture: Trump&#x27;s comments and an FBI raid of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Fulton County" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/kash-patel-fbi-georgia-fulton-county-raid-ballots" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/29/kash-patel-fbi-georgia-fulton-county-raid-ballots" target="_self">Fulton County</a>, Georgia, election office renewed concerns the president is seeking retribution over 2020 — and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="raised" data-vars-click-url="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/trump-administrations-campaign-undermine-next-election" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/research-reports/trump-administrations-campaign-undermine-next-election" target="_blank">raised</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="alarms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/opinion/trump-midterms-election-security.html" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/31/opinion/trump-midterms-election-security.html" target="_blank">alarms</a> about 2026 interference.<ul><li>Control of Congress is on the line in this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="critical midterm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/2026-midterm-elections" target="_self">critical midterm</a> that could <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="derail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/mike-johnson-texas-special-election-menefee" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/01/mike-johnson-texas-special-election-menefee" target="_self">derail</a> Trump&#x27;s MAGA agenda if Democrats take control of the House. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Democrats have" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/01/taylor-rehmet-leigh-wambsganss-texas-senate" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/dallas/2026/02/01/taylor-rehmet-leigh-wambsganss-texas-senate" target="_self">Democrats have</a> <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="outperformed Republicans" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/inside-tuesdays-blowout-democrats-breakthroughs" data-vars-content-id="9c2f0d2c-3718-4028-839b-b0740a0536ab" data-vars-headline="Indiana leaders say states should keep running elections" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/06/inside-tuesdays-blowout-democrats-breakthroughs" target="_self">outperformed Republicans</a> in recent races.</li></ul>

Politics 🇺🇸

Indiana schools see political shift with Turning Point push

Sen. Todd Young leading latest effort to address national debt

Mitch Daniels supporting anti-redistricting GOP candidates

Here's how Indiana's "bring your baby to work" policy is going

Why Greg Ballard is getting into the Secretary of State's race as an Independent