Changes to the Indiana University Board of Trustees slipped into the state budget bill in the final days of the legislative session are being challenged in court.

Why it matters: The election for the open alumni seat on the board is set to begin next month.

• A lawsuit filed this week in Monroe County by the ACLU of Indiana and one of the candidates seeks an injunction to prevent the law, which would negate the election, from going into effect.

Catch up quick: Language added to last-minute budget deal gives Gov. Mike Braun total control over the nine-member board that governs the IU system body, overseeing its financial and legal affairs, administration and nearly 90,000 students.

• Previously, the governor appointed six of the nine members (including one student representative) and the other three seats were filled by alumni, elected by alumni.
• The budget language eliminates the elected seats, allowing Braun to appoint the entirety of the board, and gives Braun the power to replace any current elected board members.

Driving the news: The lawsuit alleges that the change violates the prohibition on "special legislation" in the Indiana Constitution, which bans laws that single out an individual case, person, company or industry for special treatment.

• "Every other four-year public university in the state has a process for allowing alumni to select at least some members of the board of trustees, and there is no justification for denying that ability to the alumni of IU," ACLU of Indiana legal director Ken Falk said in a news release.
• While IU is alone in holding an election, other schools allow for input through alumni councils and associations.

The other side: Lawmakers defended the move by saying that participation in the election was low, and Braun said he wants a board "that's going to produce better results."

What students are saying

The roar of engines returns to Speedway tomorrow for the Sonsio Grand Prix weekend.

Why it matters: The Grand Prix is when May really kicks into high gear at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

• The 85-lap race runs through the 14 turns of the 2.439-mile road course at IMS, bringing drivers and excitement to the track — two weeks before the main event.

Driving the news: Gates open at 7:30am Friday for a full day of action on the track.

• Highlights include practice and qualifying for Saturday's NTT IndyCar race.
• Race day starts at 9am Saturday with a variety of lower-series races before the main event at 4:30pm.
• Pro tip: Stay through the checkered flag for a post-race track walk, where fans can stroll along the straightaway, snap pictures at the Yard of Bricks and take part in the victory celebration.

The intrigue: IndyCar series' current points leader Alex Palou is looking for a three-peat, having won the event the last two years.

Yes, but: Christian Lundgaard is also off to a hot start this season and gave Palou a run for his money on the road course last year.

If you go

🏀 The Indiana Fever have waived rookie forward Yvonne Ejim. (WISH)

🎢 The Sheridan Town Council voted 4-2 to approve rezoning to make way for the development of SkyLake, a 126-acre nature-based theme park along U.S. 31. It's expected to open next year. (WTHR)

⚖️ The Indiana Supreme Court has ruled that liability suits against Amazon involving the death of one truck driver and the injury of another at an Amazon warehouse in Hancock County can move forward following an initial dismissal. (CBS4)

🐕‍🦺 Krieg, a K9 officer for Indiana State Capitol Police, is retiring after a 10-year career. Along with explosive detection, Krieg worked events like the Indy 500, Indiana State Fair and Monumental Marathon. (FOX59)

🌪️ Residents in 24 Indiana counties hit by recent severe storms and flooding can now apply for assistance from the State Disaster Relief Fund. (WFYI)

Drew Powell, a native Hoosier who's been making a name for himself in Hollywood for the past two decades, was back in Central Indiana last weekend to support the IU Health Foundation at its annual fundraiser gala Rev.

Driving the news: Powell, who just finished a powerful storyline as Doug Driscoll on the hit show "The Pitt," starred in "Gotham" for four seasons and had guest appearances on "The Office," "Grey's Anatomy," "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and more.

Zoom in: Before Powell returned home to L.A., we asked the Lebanon High School graduate how he'd spend his Best Day Ever in the Circle City.

🥯 Breakfast: A pershing and glazed donut from Titus Bakery — a Lebanon original.

• "Everyone wants to talk about Long's," Powell said, "but that's not where it's at."

🚲 Morning activity: A bike ride on the Monon Trail in Hamilton County, where his parents now live.

🥪 Lunch: Patachou, for the chicken salad sandwich.

🚤 Afternoon activity: Taking a boat out on Geist or Morse Reservoir for a little tubing and water skiing.

The rest of his Best Day Ever

One new member of the Fever roster this season is a familiar face who started her 11-year WNBA career in the Circle City.

Why it matters: After nearly a decade away, she returns to Indianapolis a three-time champion.

🏀 #6 Natasha Howard: Forward

• Drafted by the Fever as the fifth overall pick in the 2014 draft, she played two seasons in Indy before being traded.
• She won WNBA titles with Minnesota in 2017, Seattle in 2018 and Dallas in 2020.
• Howard is a two-time WNBA All-Star who was named the league's most improved player in 2018 and best defensive player in 2019.

Fun fact: Howard and returning head coach Stephanie White have reached the WNBA finals together with the Fever before.

What she's saying