Gov. Eric Holcomb isn't coasting through his last year in office — and an early retirement gift will help him make a splash.

Driving the news: In his final State of the State address last night, Holcomb announced that the Lilly Endowment is giving $250 million to the Indiana Economic Development Corp. to support the second round of READI grants — a signature policy of Holcomb's tenure as governor that supports locally driven community development projects and programs.

• The money will be added to the $500 million the Indiana General Assembly allocated to READI 2.0 last year and earmarked for projects focused on blight reduction and redevelopment and arts and culture initiatives.

Why it matters: It's the largest single grant award in Lilly's 86-year history and will allow Holcomb to make waves with a popular program, even if the Statehouse doesn't advance other parts of his agenda.

Between the lines: The lame-duck Republican, who is term-limited, hasn't always seen eye-to-eye with state lawmakers — even with his party in the supermajority.

What they're saying: Quoting former Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper, Holcomb promised not to play it safe over the next 12 months.

• "A ship in a port is safe, but that is not what ships are built for," he said. "In that same spirit, I do not plan to safely stay anchored in port for the next 12 months."

The big picture: There is common ground between the priorities of Statehouse leaders and Holcomb — third grade reading, for example — but House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) has already found a bit of daylight between himself and the governor.

• Huston said Monday that he didn't have a strong opinion on Holcomb's proposal to make computer science a high school graduation requirement, but he'd like to see that course and others count toward mandatory science credits.

Share this story

Rep. Greg Pence, the brother of former Vice President Mike Pence, announced yesterday that he is retiring from Congress after three terms.

Why it matters: It's the latest in a string of sudden Republican retirement announcements and comes as the House returns from its holiday recess, writes Axios' Andrew Solender.

• First elected in 2018, Pence holds a widely sought-after seat on the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Zoom in: Pence's announcement follows U.S. Rep. Larry Bucshon's decision to also not seek re-election, meaning four of Indiana's nine congressional districts will be open, without an incumbent running, heading into this year's election.

• U.S. Rep. Jim Banks isn't running for re-election to Indiana's 3rd District because he's seeking the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Mike Braun, who's running for governor.
• U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz announced early last year she would not seek a third term representing central Indiana's 5th District.

🏛️ Vop Osili will continue to lead the Indianapolis City-County Council and Ali Brown will serve as vice president. (WTHR)

🏀 Tyrese Haliburton avoided serious injury after a scary slip during Monday's game against the Celtics. He's expected to sit for the next two weeks with a hamstring strain before being reevaluated. (ESPN)

💰 Purdue University just received the largest gift in school history: $100 million from the Lilly Endowment to support its business school and computing programs. (Purdue University)

Longtime Indianapolis DJ Jerry Wade has died at the age of 61, according to WTLC.

The big picture: For more than 40 years, Wade — who was known as "The Loverman" to millions of listeners — hosted "The Quiet Storm with The Loverman Jerry Wade" five days a week on 106.7.

• WTLC honored Wade's memory last night with a tribute show that aired during The Loverman's normal on-air shift. The cause of death wasn't immediately released.

What they're saying: "Jerry was a friend, a confidant, a brother, and the ultimate party starter, and we are working together through our grief to pay tribute to one of the biggest stars our station has ever had the honor to feature," Karen Vaughn, operation manager for WTLC, said in a statement.

💭 Justin's thought bubble: When I moved to Indy in 2014, one of the first things I did was hunt for my go-to radio stations.

• The Loverman was the first DJ I really got to know, and I've spent countless hours kicking back or cleaning the house as his unmistakable voice poured from my speakers. The airwaves won't be the same without him.

What's next: Wade's family has asked for privacy as they deal with the devastating loss.

• "We know how much he meant to his listeners and community, and will provide more details on honoring him and his legacy."

👋🏿 My name is Justin! And I'm the new guy here.

If the name sounds familiar, that's because this isn't my first rodeo covering Indianapolis. I spent eight years with IndyStar where I reported on everything from federal executions and presidential inaugurations to Popeye's chicken sandwiches and road trips to weed dispensaries.

• I also hosted "The Drop," a digital news satire show; and co-anchored "Friday Night Live," a weekly Indiana high school football show.
• I return to Indy news with more skills (and less hair) after two years covering technology and diversity for Financial Planning, a national business publication. I also hosted the Financial Planning Podcast where I spent 50 episodes talking to interesting folks who work on Wall Street.

But enough about work. I'm a Purdue University grad who lives in Carmel with his wife and cat. I enjoy long walks on the Monon, smoked wings from Fat Dan's and arguing with strangers about why pro wrestling is the purest sport on the planet. 🤼‍♂️

I also love talking to strangers! So drop me a line and tell me all your deepest, darkest secrets at [email protected].