Gov. Mike Braun announced yesterday a new public health initiative that includes restrictions on welfare programs for low-income Hoosiers.

The big picture: Braun signed nine executive orders putting Indiana in line with Trump administration health policies. The governor said the orders, which will likely make it harder for poor people to gain access to health coverage and food assistance, are aimed at making the state healthier.

• Braun was joined by two top Trump health officials — Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Administrator Mehmet Oz — lawmakers and a crowd of supporters in "Make Indiana Healthy Again" hats for the announcement.

State of play: The orders support new work requirements for Medicaid and SNAP recipients, reinstate income and asset verification for SNAP eligibility and remove candy and soft drinks from SNAP benefits.

• Nearly 2 million low-income Hoosiers receive health care coverage through Medicaid and approximately 600,000 receive SNAP benefits.

The intrigue: Kennedy said Tuesday that Indiana is the first state to submit a USDA waiver for candy and pop — something he has encouraged states to do.

• The SNAP restrictions won't take effect until after the waiver is granted.

Zoom in: Braun also signed orders asking various state agencies to study the health impacts of artificial food dyes and additives, obesity and diet-related chronic disease in Indiana, and access to local foods from Hoosier farmers.

• He also established a new fitness program and test for schools.

What he's saying: "We're taking on big issues like preventative measures for diet-related chronic illnesses, addressing harmful additives in our food, encouraging fitness and health in schools through two new initiatives, and making big changes to food stamps to put the focus back on nutrition — not candy and soft drinks," Braun said.

The other side: Democrats quickly criticized Braun's announcement, noting that his budget proposal called for cutting public health spending from $150 million to $100 million annually.

• "It's not leadership to bring your D.C. friends in for a flashy announcement but then fail to put your money where your mouth is when it comes to actually funding local public health programs," said Rep. Maureen Bauer, D-South Bend.

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President Trump's ongoing tariff war with China could have an outsized impact on Indiana.

Why it matters: Indiana is one of the biggest goods exporters to China, sending $6.1 billion in goods to the country, which is more than all but three other states.

• If sky-high tariff rates remain in place, many U.S. companies and industries will no longer be able to compete in China's market, putting thousands of Hoosier jobs at risk.

By the numbers: Of Indiana's $6.1 billion in goods that year, $3.2 billion was in pharmaceuticals and medicines.

• Oilseeds and grains were the next largest category, worth $1.2 billion.

Zoom in: Indianapolis is particularly sensitive to a trade war with China.

• China is the top export market for Indiana's 7th congressional district, which covers most of Marion County and is home to pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly.

What they're saying: "I think it's a pivot in U.S. policy and it feels like it'll be hard to come back from here," Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks told the BBC.

• Ricks said that, because of drug price caps, tariffs will likely lead to cuts in staffing and/or research and development.

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⚖️ The ACLU of Indiana is suing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on behalf of seven international students who had their visas revoked without explanation. (Background via Axios)

• Six of the students are Chinese citizens attending Purdue University or Indiana University Indianapolis. One is a Nigerian citizen attending the University of Notre Dame. (Complaint from ACLU)

🤖 INDOT is testing the potential of self-driving semitrucks on I-70 in collaboration with Ohio transportation officials. (WISH)

• 🚧 The agency will also close the east approach of 56th Street at Pendleton Pike in Lawrence for up to 45 days starting Tuesday. (WRTV)

⚖️ The Indiana Supreme Court has set May 20 as the execution date for the man convicted in the 2000 murder of Beech Grove police officer Bill Toney. (WTHR)

As Circle Centre Mall's redevelopment (finally) gets rolling, we asked you what era of the mall you missed the most.

Here is what you had to say:

🛍️ "Not long after the mall opened ... our National Federation of the Blind chapter was able to schedule a tour. Our guides introduced us to the many accessibility features of the mall, and we toured all the floors to learn how it was laid out and what stores and other amenities were located there."

• "I visited on my own many times after that ... There were a couple of bookstores there, and a kitchen shop with lots of fun gadgets."
• "As a blind person living not far from downtown, I found it very convenient to ride the bus downtown and shop. Now I can shop online for most anything I want, but I do miss the ability to visit a store and compare different items before I buy," Susan J. wrote.

More mall memories

🐾 Candy here, and I'm sweet as can be!

De-tails: I'm a 1-year-old, medium-sized girl.

• I'm friendly with new people, well-behaved around other dogs and good with kids!
• Plus, I'm super treat motivated and would be easy to teach new things — I already know "sit."

What they're barking: The folks at IACS say I'm a nice and loving dog who would be the perfect companion for someone who likes to bring their pup out and about with them.

Dig deeper: Fill out an application for Candy and see other adoptable pets online.

• Adoptions are free and come with 30 days of support.