Back to: WFYI News Now

Bill to Reduce Cost Of New Homes, “Let-Kids-Be-Kids” Bill, Legislation To Reshape Education In Indy, Lois Eskenazi Passes away, Parents Want 5th Graders Out Of Intermediate Schools
January 14, 2026
A bill to deregulate zoning in an effort to reduce the cost of building new homes had its first hearing on Tuesday. How much freedom is too much for a child? That question is central to a bill that aims to limit the state from investigating parents for neglect, simply for letting their kids play outside alone. Legislation that would fundamentally reshape education in Indianapolis was debated during a lengthy hearing Monday at the Statehouse. Well-known Indiana philanthropist Lois Eskenazi passed away last week in Florida at the age of 92. Parents in Warren Township have pushed to move fifth graders out of intermediate schools... citing concerns about safety and maturity. A federal grant will help overhaul a street in Beech Grove to make it safer for pedestrians and motorists. University of Miami head coach Mario Cristobal is more than familiar with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Want to go deeper on the stories you hear on WFYI News Now? Visit wfyi.org/news and follow us on social media to get comprehensive analysis and local news daily. Subscribe to WFYI News Now wherever you get your podcasts.
WFYI News Now is produced by Zach Bundy, with support from News Director Sarah Neal-Estes.
DONATE



Support WFYI. We can't do it without you.