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Thanks to a $180,000 grant from Lumina, TheStatehouseFile.com is now offering its daily coverage of the Indiana Statehouse to readers and media outlets for free. The grant is part of a $10 million fundraising effort to create the Indiana Local News Initiative, a multi-organization project to bring more news to more Hoosiers and make state government more accessible to its citizens. The initiative will create newsrooms, fund existing ones, and partner with
Thanks to a $180,000 grant from Lumina, TheStatehouseFile.com is now offering its daily coverage of the Indiana Statehouse to readers and media outlets for free. The grant is part of a $10 million fundraising effort to create the Indiana Local News Initiative, a multi-organization project to bring more news to more Hoosiers and make state government more accessible to its citizens. The initiative will create newsrooms, fund existing ones, and partner with
Home-based vendors rules change in time for farmers’ market season
INDIANAPOLIS—As farmers’ market season is opening up, Indiana legislation has made it easier for home-based vendors to sell their products. House Bill 1149 became law after Gov. Eric Holcomb signed it on March 8.
Rep. Don Lehe, R-Brookston, authored HB1149, which made changes to how an individual can sell food items.
Lehe says the big change addresses the desire of many home-based vendors to sell online and by phone. “It’s just an opportunity for them to expand their business,” said Lehe. Befo
Rep. Don Lehe, R-Brookston, authored HB1149, which made changes to how an individual can sell food items.
Lehe says the big change addresses the desire of many home-based vendors to sell online and by phone. “It’s just an opportunity for them to expand their business,” said Lehe. Befo
Mark your calendars for Eiteljorg Juneteenth
INDIANAPOLIS— In honor of Juneteenth, the Eiteljorg Museum is holding a jazz community celebration 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 18 with free entry to the museum, performances, music, art and food.
What does Juneteenth celebrate? On June 19, 1865, troops arrived in Texas announcing that the Civil War had ended. The day celebrates the end of slavery and freedom for African Americans. Legislation has passed in 47 states to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.
A New York Times article reported last year that
What does Juneteenth celebrate? On June 19, 1865, troops arrived in Texas announcing that the Civil War had ended. The day celebrates the end of slavery and freedom for African Americans. Legislation has passed in 47 states to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday.
A New York Times article reported last year that
Hoosiers share opposing thoughts on Roe v. Wade leak
INDIANAPOLIS—A leaked U.S. Supreme Court draft published by POLITICO signals the likely overturning of Roe v. Wade this summer, which would put matters into states’ hands and could ban abortion.
Right now, abortion is legal in Indiana, but if Roe v. Wade is overturned, then abortion rights will be affected here and across the nation, and Hoosiers have a lot to say about that.
Indiana legislators wrote a letter on March 8 to Gov. Eric Holcomb asking to call a special session if the Supreme Cour
Right now, abortion is legal in Indiana, but if Roe v. Wade is overturned, then abortion rights will be affected here and across the nation, and Hoosiers have a lot to say about that.
Indiana legislators wrote a letter on March 8 to Gov. Eric Holcomb asking to call a special session if the Supreme Cour
Hogsett quarantines after testing positive for COVID
This is the first time he has tested positive. He is quarantining in his home and following CDC guidelines.
“After experiencing mild symptoms, I took an at-home test and tested positive for COVID-19," he said in a statement. “Thanks to my vaccine and booster shot, I am experiencing very minor symptoms and continue to encourage all Indianapolis residents to get their vaccine to reduce their risk of serious illness.”
The mayor's communication director, Mark Bode, said Hogsett has “been in touch
“After experiencing mild symptoms, I took an at-home test and tested positive for COVID-19," he said in a statement. “Thanks to my vaccine and booster shot, I am experiencing very minor symptoms and continue to encourage all Indianapolis residents to get their vaccine to reduce their risk of serious illness.”
The mayor's communication director, Mark Bode, said Hogsett has “been in touch
When will you get your tax refund?
INDIANAPOLIS—As Americans finished filing their taxes this week, many are wondering when they will receive their refunds.
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced in a press release that 4.3 million taxpayers “should expect to begin receiving their promised $125 Automatic Taxpayer Refund in the coming weeks.”
“I’m beyond thrilled that this spring and summer we are returning money back into the hands of Hoosier taxpayers, where it belongs,” he said.
Those who put their direct-deposit information on their t
Gov. Eric Holcomb announced in a press release that 4.3 million taxpayers “should expect to begin receiving their promised $125 Automatic Taxpayer Refund in the coming weeks.”
“I’m beyond thrilled that this spring and summer we are returning money back into the hands of Hoosier taxpayers, where it belongs,” he said.
Those who put their direct-deposit information on their t
Five Democratic candidates take on Indy's District 46 Senate seat
INDIANAPOLIS—Five Democratic candidates are going up against each other to win the District 46 Senate nomination in Indianapolis.
The candidates are: Kristin Jones, a member of the Indianapolis city-county council; Andrea Hunley, an Indianapolis school principal; Ashley Eason, a nonprofit executive; Karla Lopez-Owens, director of community outreach at the Marion County Prosecutor's Office; and Bobby Kern, a paralegal.
The winner will face Evan Shearin, a Salesforce consultant who was the only
The candidates are: Kristin Jones, a member of the Indianapolis city-county council; Andrea Hunley, an Indianapolis school principal; Ashley Eason, a nonprofit executive; Karla Lopez-Owens, director of community outreach at the Marion County Prosecutor's Office; and Bobby Kern, a paralegal.
The winner will face Evan Shearin, a Salesforce consultant who was the only
Indiana's unemployment rate now third lowest in nation
INDIANAPOLIS— More than 430,000 jobs were added in the U.S in March. The U.S. unemployment rate, previously 3.8%, has gone down to 3.6% overall.
In January 2022, the unemployment rate in Indiana was 2.4%.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Job growth averaged 562,000 per month in the first quarter of 2022, the same as the average monthly gain for 2021. However, employment is down by 1.6 million, or 1.0 percent, from its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.”
Indiana's unemployment r
In January 2022, the unemployment rate in Indiana was 2.4%.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Job growth averaged 562,000 per month in the first quarter of 2022, the same as the average monthly gain for 2021. However, employment is down by 1.6 million, or 1.0 percent, from its pre-pandemic level in February 2020.”
Indiana's unemployment r
Hoosiers honored lost Fort Wayne Marine this week
INDIANAPOLIS— Many Hoosiers had their flags at half staff this week to honor Fort Wayne native Mathew Tomkiewicz. Captain Tomkiewicz was a Marine and died during training in Norway.
According to WTHR, “The 27-year-old was one of four Marines who died when an Osprey aircraft crashed on March 18 in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle.”
Tomkiewicz served as an MV-22B Osprey pilot, and an investigation is still taking place to see what caused the crash.
Fort Wayne news said he was “participatin
According to WTHR, “The 27-year-old was one of four Marines who died when an Osprey aircraft crashed on March 18 in a Norwegian town in the Arctic Circle.”
Tomkiewicz served as an MV-22B Osprey pilot, and an investigation is still taking place to see what caused the crash.
Fort Wayne news said he was “participatin
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
According to The Indianapolis Star, 2017 saw more than 29,000 abused children in Indiana—about 18 for every 1,000 children statewide.
The National Child Abuse Coalition says that “at least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. Some, but not all, of these children enter foster care.”
More than 1,800 children died from abuse or neglect in the United States, according to the coalition.
There are different definitions of what child abuse is. Childhelp defi
The National Child Abuse Coalition says that “at least one in seven children has experienced child abuse or neglect in the past year. Some, but not all, of these children enter foster care.”
More than 1,800 children died from abuse or neglect in the United States, according to the coalition.
There are different definitions of what child abuse is. Childhelp defi
Food banks help Hispanic Hoosiers facing food insecurity
INDIANAPOLIS— Many Hispanic or Latino Hoosiers are facing food insecurities, and food banks are working to give them the food access they need.
More than 8% of the Indiana population are Hispanic or Latino, according to The Indianapolis Star.
And they are twice as likely to face food insecurity than their white counterparts. Food insecurity is described as “the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.” According to a study by Bread for the Worl
More than 8% of the Indiana population are Hispanic or Latino, according to The Indianapolis Star.
And they are twice as likely to face food insecurity than their white counterparts. Food insecurity is described as “the disruption of food intake or eating patterns because of lack of money and other resources.” According to a study by Bread for the Worl
Law or no, trans bill's impact ripples through Indiana's LGBTQ community
INDIANAPOLIS— With Gov. Eric Holcomb vetoing the trans athlete bill and House Speaker Rep. Todd Huston promising a vote to override the veto on May 24, some in the LGBTQ community are saying it will have a lasting effect no matter what.
“I think it's good that Holcomb did not sign the bill; however, I didn’t agree with his thoughts and his comments about why he agreed with the motives behind the bill and that he didn't sign it for other reasons,” said Erica Cox, a transgender woman who works fo
“I think it's good that Holcomb did not sign the bill; however, I didn’t agree with his thoughts and his comments about why he agreed with the motives behind the bill and that he didn't sign it for other reasons,” said Erica Cox, a transgender woman who works fo
Hoosiers rally around a common hatred: spring potholes
INDIANAPOLIS— If you live in Indiana, you know theres's an abundance of potholes. According to a study by QuoteWizard, Indiana is ranked second in the U.S. for the worst pothole problem. In fact, out of the top 10 cities with the ruttiest roads, two cities in Indiana made the list: Lafayette and Indianapolis.
… And Hoosiers are not happy.
Potholes can cause a lot of damage to a car, and the topic is huge, especially in spring when they become an even bigger problem. Many Indiana citizens have
… And Hoosiers are not happy.
Potholes can cause a lot of damage to a car, and the topic is huge, especially in spring when they become an even bigger problem. Many Indiana citizens have
Bridge could soon take name of Indiana baseball legend
INDIANAPOLIS—When it comes to naming a bridge, there is a lot involved.
Legislators don’t just pick a random person, and then a bridge, and name it after them—there’s more to it. And right now, a bridge on State Road 57 over the East Fork of the White River between Petersburg and Washington (southwest of Indianapolis), is in the process of being named after Gil Hodges, an Indiana baseball legend.
So, who is Gil Hodges? What did he do to deserve the honor?
Hodges, an Indiana native, will be in
Legislators don’t just pick a random person, and then a bridge, and name it after them—there’s more to it. And right now, a bridge on State Road 57 over the East Fork of the White River between Petersburg and Washington (southwest of Indianapolis), is in the process of being named after Gil Hodges, an Indiana baseball legend.
So, who is Gil Hodges? What did he do to deserve the honor?
Hodges, an Indiana native, will be in
Bill would help Indiana students claim $3 billion in unclaimed financial aid
INDIANAPOLIS—Filing the FAFSA financial aid application can make higher education a lot more affordable, but not all of the funding is being used.
According to the National College Attainment Network, “high school graduates across the U.S. who were unable to complete the FAFSA left $3.75 billion in Pell Grants on the table in 2021.”
The Indiana House on Monday passed Senate Bill 82, which requires the state and school districts to do more to encourage students to fill out the FAFSA, or Free Ap
According to the National College Attainment Network, “high school graduates across the U.S. who were unable to complete the FAFSA left $3.75 billion in Pell Grants on the table in 2021.”
The Indiana House on Monday passed Senate Bill 82, which requires the state and school districts to do more to encourage students to fill out the FAFSA, or Free Ap
14 House bills are heading to the governor’s desk, one signature away from being law
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana House of Representatives concurred on 14 bills Tuesday that are now going to the governor. These were all House bills that had Senate amendments, and the House voted to accept them all.
Among the most notable was House Bill 1217, which, among other provisions, would make it a level 6 felony to coerce a pregnant woman into having an abortion.Rep. Joanna King, R-Middlebury, who authored the bill, described the amendment as merely technical, and it passed 74 to 17.
The Ho
Among the most notable was House Bill 1217, which, among other provisions, would make it a level 6 felony to coerce a pregnant woman into having an abortion.Rep. Joanna King, R-Middlebury, who authored the bill, described the amendment as merely technical, and it passed 74 to 17.
The Ho
Amended delta-8 bill would grant legal THC product a reprieve—for now
INDIANAPOLIS—As of right now, you can still find THC delta-8 products in stores. The Indiana House Tuesday passed an amended version of Senate Bill 209, under which a legislative study committee would look at whether to ban the THC delta-8 product.
This cannabinoid, currently legal in Indiana, gives you a “light high,” which is weaker than the high you get from marijuana. It would have been banned outright through the legislation as passed by the Senate earlier this year.
The House amended the
This cannabinoid, currently legal in Indiana, gives you a “light high,” which is weaker than the high you get from marijuana. It would have been banned outright through the legislation as passed by the Senate earlier this year.
The House amended the
Senate committee discusses bill that would clarify state's definition of rape
INDIANAPOLIS—The Indiana Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee Tuesday approved a House bill regarding the “elements of rape.” The bill provides clarification of what the lack of consent is.
House Bill 1079, authored by Rep. Sharon Negele, R-Attica, talks about where and how to define consent. This bill provides that a person commits rape if the other person engaging in sexual activity with them has “expressed a lack of consent, through words or conduct, to sexual intercourse or other s
House Bill 1079, authored by Rep. Sharon Negele, R-Attica, talks about where and how to define consent. This bill provides that a person commits rape if the other person engaging in sexual activity with them has “expressed a lack of consent, through words or conduct, to sexual intercourse or other s
Controversial permitless carry bill sees hours of debate in crowded committee hearing
INDIANAPOLIS—An Indiana House committee heard Wednesday from supporters and opponents of proposed legislation that would eliminate the requirement of licenses to carry handguns, a proposal that stopped short of passage in the Indiana General Assembly last year.
The room on the fourth floor of the Statehouse was packed to the brim, with more interested attendees from all sides of the argument beginning to line the halls.
Committee chairman Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, author of House Bill 1077, s
The room on the fourth floor of the Statehouse was packed to the brim, with more interested attendees from all sides of the argument beginning to line the halls.
Committee chairman Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, author of House Bill 1077, s
Bill shielding identities of child crime victims passes committee
INDIANAPOLIS—The Senate Corrections and Criminal Law Committee met on Tuesday for the first day of the 2022 session, discussing several bills including one aimed at protecting the identities of child crime victims.
Sen. Kyle Walker, R-Indianapolis, authored Senate Bill 117, which would protect records and personal information—i.e., name, age, Social Security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, etc.—for minors under the age of 18 who are alleged victims of crimes. It passed committee 9-0.
Severa
Sen. Kyle Walker, R-Indianapolis, authored Senate Bill 117, which would protect records and personal information—i.e., name, age, Social Security numbers, drivers’ license numbers, etc.—for minors under the age of 18 who are alleged victims of crimes. It passed committee 9-0.
Severa
Some child sex crime victims could get more time to seek justice
By Maddie Alexander and Annah Elliott TheStatehouseFile.com INDIANAPOLIS--Dawn Price was 5-years-old when her father began molesting her, telling her it was his way of showing her love. The Peru woman endured years of abuse even though she told her mother, who did nothing. When she turned 18 and was about to marry, she and her fiancé reported the abuse to local police who told her there was nothing they could do because the statute of limitations had expired. [caption id="attachment_40789" align
Guns in schools bill moves forward in Senate
By Maddie Alexanderand Annah Elliott TheStatehouseFile.com INDIANAPOLIS—Legislation that would allow trained ex-law enforcement officers to carry guns in schools easily passed the Senate Judiciary Committee Wednesday by a 10-1 margin. The author of Senate Bill 69, Sen. Jack Sandlin, R-Indianapolis, alluded to a recent church shooting where the gunman was killed by an armed parishioner within six seconds as an example of how guns protect the public. [caption id="attachment_40580" align="alignleft
