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InsideClimatenews.org ranked U.S. Steel's Gary Works, in Gary, Indiana in 2022, as the largest greenhouse gas emitting iron and steel plant in the U.S. (Adobe Stock)

IN legislators pause on federal environmental plan

States are working to find solutions to make their air and water cleaner and safer for their communities but the path is not always clear-cut…

The bobcat was recognized as an endangered species in Indiana until 2005. (Adobe stock)

Indiana bobcats in the crosshairs, again

After years of trying and failing, Indiana lawmakers have put bobcats in the crosshairs. The decision forces the Indiana Department of Natural …

Rep. Kendell Culp, R-Rensselaer, a farmer in northern Indiana, says the United States has 1.3 billion acres of farmland but 40 million acres is owned by foreign countries. (Adobe stock)

Proposed IN law prohibits US adversaries from buying farmland

Legislation aimed at stopping U.S. adversaries from owning farmland in Indiana will be argued before the full state Senate today. Rep. Kendell Culp…

The 2024 Kids Count Data Book serves as a call to action in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Report: IN youth making progress despite challenges

The newly released 2024 Kids Count Data Book finds the well-being of Indiana is better this year than last. More than 1.5 million children live in …

According to the Indiana State Department of Health, about one in two adults who smoke cigarettes want to quit. (Adobe Stock)

Report grades IN on tobacco use rates, public policy

Indiana does not fare well in a new report on what state and federal officials are, or could be, doing to discourage tobacco use. The American Lung …

In the midst of personal stories of dedication and sacrifice, the fate of family caregiving services now rests on the outcome of a critical public comment period, as Indiana parents strive to secure continued support for the unique needs of their children. (Adobe Stock)

Lt. Gov: Pause funding cuts for 'most vulnerable' Hoosiers

Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch asked the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration Monday to pause budget cuts that could punish Indiana's "most …

According to the U.S. Dept. of Energy, the Justice 40 Initiative's policy plan includes increasing job energy resiliency and energy democracy and decreasing environmental exposure for disadvantaged communities. (Adobe Stock)

USDA funding to ease application process for clean energy projects

Indiana will soon get a dedicated person to help farmers, ranchers and other landowners apply for federal grants to help fight pollution and climate …

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority reports in January 2023, nearly 4,400 people were unhoused. That's 710 more people than the previous year, excluding Marion County figures. (Adobe Stock)

Newly-elected IN mayor prioritizes solutions for homelessness

January is when cities across the country do a one-night count of their homeless populations. In one Indiana city, the mayor is already thinking …

Gov. Eric Holcomb hopes to require all public universities to offer more three-year degrees and help more students obtain earned associate degrees from public universities. (Adobe Stock)

IN governor prioritizes education reform, job resource accessibility

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has laid out his priorities for his last year in office. During the Republican governor's eighth year leading the state…

Lawmakers have introduced about 130 bills for the Indiana Legislative session which starts Monday and must adjourn by March 14. (Adobe Stock)

IN lawmakers manage expectations ahead of 2024 session

Lawmakers return to the Indiana Statehouse next week to gavel in the 2024 legislative session. Leadership from both sides of the aisle are …

The Citizens Action Coalition said Indiana has no water policy to ensure the resource will be available in the future. (Adobe Stock)

Watchdog report: IN should hit 'pause' on major water project

A powerful citizens' watchdog group has published a report explaining why it sees the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Limitless Exploration…

Indiana House Bill 1015 allows the state to use cameras to capture and ticket drivers speeding through highway construction zones when workers are present. (Adobe Stock)

Hundreds of New Indiana Laws Start This Weekend

More than 250 new laws take effect Saturday in Indiana. They range from legalizing the ninja weapons known as throwing stars, to creating a 25-foot …

An environmental advocate says nature and quiet spaces are important to businesses looking for new locations to expand or build. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Scores Record Conservation Funding in Polarized Statehouse

As dust settles from the 2023 Indiana legislative session, Hoosiers may discover lawmakers made some decisions with which members from both sides of …

The last time the Indiana General Assembly

Big Raises for Top Indiana Officeholders Lacked Public Debate

The Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly flexed its muscle while approving the state's next budget. Tucked away in the $45.5 billion two-…

Planting trees, updating streetlights to LED bulbs and installing

Initiative Helps Hoosiers Get Environmental Resilience Funding

A funding hub has launched in Indiana, designed to help small communities pursue federal funding for climate, energy and resilience projects…

The last decade has seen 27% fewer degrees earned in science and math education, and 44% fewer degrees for people teaching foreign languages, according to the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education. (Adobe Stock)

Supply of IN Teachers Not Keeping Up with Demand

The number of educators in Indiana is dwindling, which means thousands of students every day, for at least some part of their school day, do not have …

According to USDA data, more than 33% of SNAP beneficiaries are in families with members who are older adults or are disabled. (Adobe Stock)

IN Legislature Advances Bill to Improve Seniors' Access to SNAP Benefits

The Indiana Senate has approved a bill to simplify access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for people older than 60 or those with disa…

The 2018-2023 Farm Bill is projected to cost around $428 billion, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Family Farmers Want More Say in Federal Farm Bill

Agriculture advocates in Indiana say the upcoming reauthorization of the federal Farm Bill should emphasize serving community needs, not corporate …

CDC research shows that proper gun storage could help prevent an estimated 26,000 firearm-related suicides that occur annually in the United States. (vectorass/Adobe Stock)

Gun-Safety Advocates Face Uphill Battle with Indiana Lawmakers

Advocates of gun-law reform face an uphill battle to push their ideas through the Republican-controlled Indiana General Assembly, but say public …

All told, five states -- Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Illinois -- accounted for nearly 70% of the nation's more than 3.6 million shutoffs from 2020 to 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Report: IN Utilities Cut Power More Than 260,000 Times from 2020-2021

From January 2020 to December 2021, utility companies shut off power to Hoosier homes more than 260,000 times. According to a new report from …

The bill also calls for establishing a study committee to research the feasibility of a statewide

IN Advocates Push for New Protections for 'Vulnerable Road Users'

Cyclists in Indiana are pushing for new protections on the road, and are urging lawmakers to pass a bill which would ensure drivers who injure or …

Under a goal set by the Biden-Harris administration, half of all vehicles sold in the U.S. will be electric by 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Finds Bipartisan Support from IN Lawmakers

With $100 million in federal funding on the way, Indiana lawmakers are laying the groundwork for a new, statewide electric vehicle-charging network…

Advocates say states extending foster care-related supports to young adults beyond age 18 is one step toward improving outcomes for those who've experienced the foster-care system. (mizinra/Adobe Stock)

Support Needed for Young People Aging Out of Foster Care

INDIANAPOLIS -- As the holiday season draws near, groups are spotlighting ways to support young people transitioning to adulthood after spending time …

Indiana ranks 44th out of 50 states for bankruptcy. (Andriy Blokhin/Adobe Stock)

Coalition Launches to Push Back Against Predatory Lending

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new coalition is forming to push back against predatory lending and urge state lawmakers to take action to protect consumers…

286,641 Indiana residents will be impacted when federal unemployment benefits are cut off a week from Saturday. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Work to Support Hoosiers as State Cuts Federal Jobless Benefits

INDIANAPOLIS - With Indiana ending federal unemployment benefits a week from Saturday, advocates for working families want people to know that there …

Alrededor del 80% de los estudiantes universitarios por primera vez encuestados tuvieron comentarios positivos sobre su experiencia educativa en el oto�o de 2020. (Adobe Stock)

COVID y Universidad: Encuesta revela la visión de los estudiantes sobre el aprendizaje

INDIANAPOLIS -- Una nueva encuesta aclara el mito de que COVID-19 ha disminuido la calidad del aprendizaje de los estudiantes universitarios…

In recent U.S. Census Bureau community surveys, one in five Indiana families reported feeling

COVID Pain Points Put Pressure on Hoosier Families

INDIANAPOLIS - The ability to meet basic needs is increasingly out-of-reach for many Hoosier families because of the pandemic. The challenges …

A new report on higher ed budgets suggests states save workforce training programs. (auremar/Adobe Stock)

Report Sounds Alarm on Fallout from Cutting Higher-Ed Budgets

INDIANAPOLIS -- In the wake of the pandemic, a new report said states should avoid making deep cuts to higher education. Indianapolis-based Lumina …

Indiana distributed nearly $144 million in SNAP benefits in July, more than twice the amount than in July 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Food Banks Applaud Proposed SNAP Increase

INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's hunger-fighting network is applauding congressional leaders for boosting food assistance in the latest COVID-19 relief propos…

A new report finds that taking the time to get professional certification leads people to greater employment and increased confidence in their career prospects. (Adobe Stock)

Want a "Good Job?" Report Highlights Value of Certifications

INDIANAPOLIS - A "good job" isn't out of reach for Hoosiers without a college degree, according to a new survey. According to a Gallup report…

The new USMCA trade deal will open up a larger portion of Canada's dairy market to Indiana. (AdobeStock)

New Trade Deals: A Brighter Future for Indiana's Businesses?

INDIANAPOLIS -- Some Indiana farms and businesses are hopeful for a brighter future, thanks to the new United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement…

Gov. Eric Holcomb's Teacher Compensation Commission will release recommendations this spring to address the teacher pay gap. (Frank Oliver/DNR/Flickr)

IN Educators Challenge Gov. Holcomb's Plan for 2021 Pay Raises

INDIANAPOLIS -- Gov. Eric Holcomb previewed his plans to give Indiana teachers a pay raise Tuesday night in In his 2020 State of the State address…

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue says changes to SNAP work requirements will move participants toward self-sufficiency. (USDA/Flickr)

USDA Head Visits Indy Amid Food-Stamp Cuts

INDIANAPOLIS — Hunger-fighting groups say they're disappointed the head of the U.S. Department of Agriculture used an Indiana visit to tout …

Researchers say trade frictions will contribute to slower economic growth for 2020. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Forecast Predicts Weaker Economic Growth in 2020

INDIANAPOLIS – New research predicts both the Indiana and U.S. economies will continue to grow in 2020. The Indiana University Kelley School …

Indiana has an estimated $7 billion in drinking water infrastructure needs over the next 20 years. (Pexels/Pixabay)

Can You Imagine a Day Without Water?

INDIANAPOLIS – Water is an essential part of life, and an observance Wednesday reminds folks about the importance of protecting one of our most …

More than 2 million kids younger than age 5 were missed in the 2010 U.S. census. (mconnmamma/Pixabay)

Indiana Moving Needle on Child Well-Being

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana kids are faring better in many key markers for child well-being, according to a new report. The Annie E. Casey …

About 13% of Indiana public roads are considered structurally deficient. (ITB495/Flickr)

Indiana’s Highways, Airports Have Different Needs

INDIANAPOLIS — This is Infrastructure Week, and there are many ideas on the table for how to fix deteriorating infrastructure in Indiana and …

An average volume of 14 million board feet of timber annually is prescribed to be sold from Indiana state forests between 2015 and 2019. (Indiana Forest Alliance)

Time is Short to Comment on Timber Harvest in Indiana State Forests

INDIANAPOLIS – An attempt to save acres of Indiana forests failed in the legislature this year, but Hoosiers still have the chance to voice …

More than 27,000 passengers took the Hoosier State train in 2017. (David Wilson/Flickr)

Last-Ditch Pitch to Save Hoosier State Train

INDIANAPOLIS - Supporters of passenger rail service are making a last-ditch attempt to save the Hoosier State train. The four-day, Indianapolis-to-…

According to the grocery industry, some stores depend on purchases made with SNAP benefits for as much as half of their sales. (Pixabay)

Report: SNAP Work Requirements Cause Job Losses, Not Gains

INDIANAPOLIS - A plan to put work requirements on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - formerly food stamps - would cost the American econo…

Social workers in Indiana earn on average $42,000 a year. (uslikajme/Pixabay)

Passion for the Profession: Celebrating Indiana Social Workers

INDIANAPOLIS – Those who provide comfort and protection for Hoosiers in crisis say they need more support in their efforts. March is National …

Indiana teachers earn about $55,000 annually on average. (@sbphoto/Twenty20)

House Budget: More Money for Indiana Schools; No Teacher Raise

INDIANAPOLIS, – The Indiana House budget plan released on Tuesday includes a modest increase in school funding, but no pay raise for teachers…

More than 600,000 people in Indiana rely on food assistance through SNAP to put food on the table. (USDA)

Indiana Steps Up Efforts to Fight Food Insecurity During Shutdown

INDIANAPOLIS — With the federal government shutdown in its fourth week, state and federal leaders, along with hunger-fighting groups, are …

Indiana seniors receiving Social Security will get about $468 more next year. (emiliaclark10/Morguefile)

Senior Groups: COLA Raise Generous, But Not Life Changing

INDIANAPOLIS – The cost-of-living increase or COLA that takes effect next year for people on Social Security will be the most generous in seven …

Indiana's third annual Climate Leadership Summit starts Thursday in Indianapolis. (Earth Charter Indiana)

City Leaders Gather in Indy to Talk Climate Threats

INDIANAPOLIS – The threat of climate change to Indiana cities is the focus of discussion at an annual gathering Thursday in Indianapolis…

Food banks say making SNAP benefits harder to get could increase demand at food pantries. (American Heart Association)

Indiana Food Programs Speak Up About Farm Bill, Now in Play

INDIANAPOLIS – A U.S. House and Senate conference committee is finalizing a huge farm bill. And state and national hunger groups want folks to …

New research suggests the goal of improving academic performance has not been realized yet among Indiana charter schools.

Study: Indiana Voucher Students Not Making Grade in Math

INDIANAPOLIS – New research into Indiana's school voucher program reveals academic progress may not be on par with expectations. Researchers …

USDA financing can help small Indiana cities and towns refurbish their current water infrastructure systems or build new facilities. (Pixabay)

USDA Grants Help with Rural Indiana's Water, Waste Woes

INDIANAPOLIS – August is Water Quality Month, and cities and towns throughout Indiana with water or waste problems to tackle have an …

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IN: Budget Policy & Priorities