Around Indiana: The Headlines Hoosiers Are Talking About This Morning

Hell, why not? Get the Brisket Sandwich!

By Hoosier Enquirer Staff

INDIANAPOLIS — From Medicaid rules and power bills to school vouchers, Buc-ee’s and one Hoosier runner making noise on the world stage, Indiana has plenty moving as Wednesday begins.

Indiana Still Working Out Medicaid Exemptions

The biggest policy story is Medicaid. Indiana still has not finalized who will qualify as “medically frail” and therefore be exempt from new Healthy Indiana Plan work requirements beginning Jan. 1. HIP members subject to the rule generally will need to document 80 hours a month of work, school or volunteering, or meet an earnings threshold. State officials say they are still working with federal regulators on exactly who qualifies for the medical exemption, even as medical groups and patients challenge the new federal rules in court.

Coal Plants Stay Open — and Someone Has to Pay

Energy costs are also back in the spotlight. Two Indiana coal-fired power plants that had been scheduled for retirement must remain available through Dec. 18 under renewed federal orders. The affected units are at NIPSCO’s R.M. Schahfer station in Jasper County and CenterPoint Energy’s F.B. Culley station in Warrick County. Utilities are now seeking ways to recover the additional costs, setting up another fight over who ultimately pays.

School Vouchers Shift Toward Higher-Income Families (Stay tuned on Friday, HE will post a researched article on Indiana's School Choice.)

Indiana’s school-voucher program is generating a very different debate. New reporting shows that voucher use has shifted toward higher-income families, with more Choice Scholarships now going to households earning above $100,000 than to those below that mark. Supporters continue to frame the program as school choice for all families, while critics argue it has moved far beyond its original focus on lower-income students.

Buc-ee’s Clears a Big Hurdle in Greenwood

South of Indianapolis, Greenwood officials have approved zoning for what would become Indiana’s first Buc-ee’s. The massive travel-center chain has developed a cult following for oversized stores, expansive fueling operations and its famous snacks and merchandise. The Greenwood approval clears an important local hurdle for the proposed site.

$250 Investment Gifts for Thousands of Indiana Children

There is also some good financial news for Indiana families with young children. More than 140,000 Indiana preschoolers are eligible for a $250 investment gift tied to a pledge from Indiana native and technology investor Brad Gerstner. The money is intended to help families begin building long-term savings for their children.

IPS Teachers Reverse Course on Tax Referendum

In Indianapolis education news, the IPS teachers union has reversed its earlier position and voted to support the district’s tax referendum. The decision followed discussions about finances, staffing and potential layoffs, adding another major voice to the debate over what Indianapolis taxpayers should contribute to the school system.

Wendy’s Operator Files for Bankruptcy

There is a business story worth watching as well. The operator of 314 Wendy’s restaurants has filed for bankruptcy protection. Meritage Hospitality Group operates restaurants across Indiana and numerous other states. The company says the restructuring process will continue while the restaurants operate, but the filing raises obvious questions about whether any Indiana locations or jobs could ultimately be affected.

Indianapolis Runner Finishes Fifth in the World

Indiana also has a world-class sports story that has received less attention than it deserves. Broad Ripple resident Emma Grace Hurley finished fifth in the world half-marathon championship, putting an Indianapolis runner among the best distance athletes on the planet.

ZooBoo Returns for Fall (HE toured the Zoo and will have an article this Saturday...stay tuned.)

And for families looking ahead to the weekend, the Indianapolis Zoo’s annual ZooBoo celebration begins Wednesday and continues into early November, bringing Halloween activities and trick-or-treating back to the zoo.

The Common Thread: Money, Services and Growth

Those are some of the stories worth watching across Indiana this morning. The recurring theme is money: who pays for health coverage, who pays to keep old power plants running, who receives school vouchers, what taxpayers will be asked to support, and where new investment is flowing.

And then there is Buc-ee’s. Because sometimes Indiana news is about government policy — and sometimes Hoosiers just want to know when the beaver nuggets are coming!!