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Greencastle infant at Riley Children's Hospital with rare genetic condition

The Greencastle infant will receive chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant before he's one month old.

News

Maddox Richey is just 3 weeks old — a perfect blond-haired, blue-eyed infant.Why it matters: &quot;He&#x27;s calm and peaceful. … He&#x27;s just a normal baby,&quot; says his aunt Jody Feiss.<ul><li>Except baby Maddox also has an exceedingly rare genetic condition called Krabbe disease, a devastating degenerative neurological condition that progresses quickly and usually ends in death.</li></ul>

Carmel weighs rewriting housing rules

Carmel leaders are working to make room for more housing choices while protecting the character and privacy of existing neighborhoods. in the process.

Carmel residents urged city leaders to make room for more housing choices while warning them not to sacrifice the character and privacy of existing neighborhoods in the process.Why it matters: The fast-growing suburb is nearly built out, and officials say its housing stock increasingly doesn&#x27;t match the needs of the people who live there or desire to move there.

Indiana-built EVs target affordability amid growing demand

Used electric vehicle prices are climbing just as a startup is assembling an EV option targeting affordability in the Hoosier state.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Used electric vehicles" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/gas-prices-iran-ev" data-vars-content-id="2bed512d-553c-4251-a60f-fc62d6af6b50" data-vars-headline="Indiana-built EVs target affordability amid growing demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/03/11/gas-prices-iran-ev" target="_self">Used electric vehicles</a> are flying off dealer lots as pinched car buyers hunt for budget-friendly options.Why it matters: Soaring demand has led to a rare phenomenon — used EVs <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rising in value" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/08/used-ev-prices-gas-war.html" data-vars-content-id="2bed512d-553c-4251-a60f-fc62d6af6b50" data-vars-headline="Indiana-built EVs target affordability amid growing demand" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/08/used-ev-prices-gas-war.html" target="_blank">rising in value</a>, rather than depreciating.

Indianapolis mirrors nationwide violent crime decline 

Indianapolis is one of the major U.S. cities contributing to a historic drop in homicides over the past three years.

Indianapolis is one of the major U.S. cities contributing to a historic drop in homicides over the past three years, and an overall decline in violent crime that now spans two presidencies.Why it matters: Experts warn that progress won&#x27;t last without the right blend of funding, policing and community support.

Charter school's post-graduation program could be model for success

The chair of IPEC says post-graduation outcomes should be considered in school success.

Education

One of Indianapolis&#x27; oldest charter schools could serve as a model for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the new accountability system" 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="6a74e539-3986-40ca-8719-9361c6f0183f" data-vars-headline="Charter school&#x27;s post-graduation program could be model for success" 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">the new accountability system</a> that will govern Indianapolis Public Schools and other surrounding charter schools.Why it matters: The stakes are high. State law requires a path to closure for underperforming and underutilized schools.

Indiana's third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight

Years of investment in literacy are paying off for Hoosier third graders.

Indiana&#x27;s literacy rates for nearly every student population have surpassed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pre-pandemic levels" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/13/indiana-third-grade-reading-proficiency-iread-test-pandemic-rebound" data-vars-content-id="429e49d8-c821-49f2-a846-130c69d9b31c" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/08/13/indiana-third-grade-reading-proficiency-iread-test-pandemic-rebound" target="_self">pre-pandemic levels</a> for the first time.Why it matters: The pandemic exacerbated the state&#x27;s literacy crisis, and it has taken years of hard work and investment to dig out of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the crater COVID-19 created" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/08/17/indiana-third-grade-reading-scores" data-vars-content-id="429e49d8-c821-49f2-a846-130c69d9b31c" data-vars-headline="Indiana&#x27;s third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2023/08/17/indiana-third-grade-reading-scores" target="_self">the crater COVID-19 created</a> in the state&#x27;s third-grade reading rates.

Braun welcomes feedback on new child care center rules

Providers raised concerns about decreased educational requirements for teachers.

Gov. Mike Braun signaled this week that he&#x27;s open to revising <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="draft child care regulations" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/12/proposed-child-care-rules-would-move-indiana-backward-advocates-say" data-vars-content-id="25443908-a6d6-40b0-a46d-b122056a9557" data-vars-headline="Braun welcomes feedback on new child care center rules" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/12/proposed-child-care-rules-would-move-indiana-backward-advocates-say" target="_self">draft child care regulations</a> after pushback from providers.Why it matters: Providers across the state say proposed rules that lower educational standards for early childhood teachers will hurt the industry and the kids it serves.

Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit

Without the referendum, IPS would be facing more than $60 million in cuts.

At this point, a $20 million deficit is the best-case scenario for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis Public Schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" data-vars-content-id="68d54575-c923-4169-8786-c801b6d7a85c" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" target="_self">Indianapolis Public Schools</a>.The big picture: That&#x27;s if Center Township voters approve a referendum in November that would increase local property taxes by $8.71 a month over the current rate (for a $150,000 home), according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="documents presented this week." data-vars-click-url="https://www.indianapolispubliceducationcorporation.com/_files/ugd/526b6d_1049f33230684c68a7f8b3823b2145f2.pdf" data-vars-content-id="68d54575-c923-4169-8786-c801b6d7a85c" data-vars-headline="Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.indianapolispubliceducationcorporation.com/_files/ugd/526b6d_1049f33230684c68a7f8b3823b2145f2.pdf" target="_blank">documents presented this week.</a>

Record number of school referendums expected this fall

An Axios Indianapolis analysis found nearly two dozen districts were at least considering a referendum.

Indiana appears headed toward a record-breaking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school referendum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" data-vars-content-id="72e8dd10-cbd8-4994-ac0d-427dcc78ad07" data-vars-headline="Record number of school referendums expected this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/06/09/ips-charter-schools-referendum" target="_self">school referendum</a> year as districts try to offset funding losses caused by state policy changes.Why it matters: Schools are feeling the effects of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last year&#x27;s property tax cuts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/09/survey-public-schools-struggling-property-tax-cuts-funding" data-vars-content-id="72e8dd10-cbd8-4994-ac0d-427dcc78ad07" data-vars-headline="Record number of school referendums expected this fall" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/09/survey-public-schools-struggling-property-tax-cuts-funding" target="_self">last year&#x27;s property tax cuts</a> and looking for ways to stay afloat without cutting staff or services, but asking voters to raise property taxes during tough economic times could prove a difficult sell.

Proposed child care rules would move Indiana backward, advocates say

The changes would be a massive overhaul to the regulations for child care centers.

Advocates are worried about what changes to rules for Indiana&#x27;s licensed child care providers would mean for the quality of early education in the state and for the next generation of Hoosier kids and their readiness for school.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indiana has a child care crisis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/19/lawmakers-advocates-solutions-indiana-child-care-crisis" data-vars-content-id="b4614982-fa9e-4332-b828-fc419eac2ab5" data-vars-headline="Proposed child care rules would move Indiana backward, advocates say" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2025/12/19/lawmakers-advocates-solutions-indiana-child-care-crisis" target="_self">Indiana has a child care crisis</a>. We don&#x27;t have enough seats, and what we do have is often prohibitively expensive.<ul><li>State officials say the proposed changes would expand access, while critics argue they would risk lowering standards for children during some of the most important years of development.</li></ul>

New governing body weighs referendum for IPS and charter schools

The decision will have major budget implications for the district.

More changes are coming to Indianapolis Public Schools, but what they&#x27;ll be is largely outside the hands of district leaders.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Indianapolis Public Education Corp." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/16/referendum-is-top-priority-for-new-indianapolis-public-education-corporation" data-vars-content-id="b0f38512-a58f-488e-b7e8-da9c4888fe52" data-vars-headline="New governing body weighs referendum for IPS and charter schools" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/04/16/referendum-is-top-priority-for-new-indianapolis-public-education-corporation" target="_self">Indianapolis Public Education Corp.</a> is weighing a property tax increase to support IPS and the charter schools within its boundaries, a decision that could prove costly — either for the district or the homeowners who live within it.

Hoosier kids are doing worse than before the pandemic

Economic pressures are exacerbating the struggles of families with young kids.

Hoosier children are worse off than they were before the pandemic, according to a new report.Why it matters: Data comparing economic, education, health and family factors from 2019 to 2024 found that many children were already struggling — before recent safety-net reductions and rising living costs that researchers say could further strain families.

Indianapolis Public Schools senior heading to Columbia University

Karol Redondo-Ponce plans to become an OB/GYN and use her bilingual skills.

When Karol Redondo-Ponce graduates from Shortridge High School Thursday, she&#x27;ll become the first person in her family to graduate high school.Why it matters: The daughter of Honduran immigrants who did not complete middle school, Redondo-Ponce will also become the first in her family to attend college when she starts at Columbia University this fall.<ul><li>She&#x27;s doing so backed by one of the nation&#x27;s most prestigious awards, the Gates Scholarship, which covers the full cost of a four-year college education for top Pell-eligible minority seniors.</li></ul>

Braun crafting early childhood education plan ahead of budget-writing session

The child care crisis will likely be a top priority in the next legislative session.

A group of children crowds around a water table, splashing and blowing bubbles, as Gov. Mike Braun toured the St. Mary&#x27;s Early Childhood Center looking for ideas to shape next year&#x27;s legislative agenda.Why it matters: Indiana&#x27;s child care crisis is expected to be a priority issue for Braun and lawmakers during the session as they write the next state budget.

A column chart that shows third-grade IREAD pass rates by year. Rates fell from 87.3% in 2019 to a low of 81.2% in 2021, then rose steadily to 88.7% in 2026.

Third-grade IREAD pass rates

Data: Indiana Department of Education; Note: IREAD was not administered in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic; Chart: Arika Herron/Axios

Education 📚

Charter school's post-graduation program could be model for success

Indiana's third-grade reading rates are state testing highlight

Braun welcomes feedback on new child care center rules

Indianapolis Public Schools facing $20 million deficit

Record number of school referendums expected this fall