Indiana's economy continues on a path of steady growth, according to the latest forecast from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business. The state's real GDP is projected to grow by 2.1% in 2024 and 2.9% in 2025, with employment and income showing acceptable increases, though slightly below national rates. Indianapolis is expected to outpace the state average with 3.1% GDP growth in 2025, buoyed by manufacturing and major events like Taylor Swift concerts bringing an estimated $100 million to the local economy. In political news, the Indiana Democratic Party elected former state senator Karen Talian as its new chair. Talian aims to win back working-class voters through town halls and potentially weekly podcasts. Meanwhile, the Republican Party announced its new leadership team with David Taylor as vice chair. The state legislature is considering several notable bills. A new property tax plan that could save homeowners money is being floated, while House Bill 1413 aims to address the backlog of untested rape kits. Environmental legislation is also under debate, with HB1037 facing opposition for limiting local governments' ability to exceed state stormwater management requirements. Severe weather impacted central Indiana on March 15, 2025, with a line of strong to severe thunderstorms causing widespread wind damage and several tornadoes. Tens of thousands were left without power, and an EF-1 tornado with winds up to 105 mph damaged homes in Jackson County. The National Weather Service has designated March 9-15, 2025, as Severe Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana. In education news, Hamilton Southeastern Schools is addressing concerns about capacity as it implements a new open enrollment policy. The district's enrollment has dropped for the past four years, but officials are monitoring potential growth from new housing developments. Looking ahead, Indiana's Severe Weather Preparedness Week will include a statewide test of communication systems on March 11. The state's economic outlook will be further detailed in the Indiana Business Review's winter Outlook edition. Additionally, the sentencing for Eric Montgomery, convicted in two rape cases in Bloomington, is scheduled for March 27, 2025. This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI
