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While going through ownership changes, the Mark III Tap Room in Muncie, Ind., has moved buildings, closed and reopened multiple times. (Adobe stock)

Closure of Indiana's oldest gay bar impacts LGBTQ+ community

By Meghan Holt for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pre…

According to a new poll, 71% of currently and previously enrolled student borrowers report delaying at least one significant life event because of student debt. (Adobe Stock)

Debt dilemma poll: Hoosiers wrestle with college costs

A new Gallup and Lumina Foundation poll unveils a concerning reality: Hoosiers may lack clarity about the true cost of higher education. The survey …

Experts say the decline in college enrollment threatens the broader landscape of higher education, which relies on the talent and diversity of students, faculty and staff to thrive. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana colleges urged to prioritize student concerns

Amid a nationwide decline in college enrollment, schools and policymakers are being urged to prioritize student concerns, especially in conservative …

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp products, including low-THC hemp extracts including CBD, and some argue it also cleared the way for intoxicating products such as Delta 8. (Adobe stock)

Proposed law bans hemp sales to Hoosiers younger than 21

The clock is ticking for a proposed bill regulating hemp products in Indiana. Rep. Jake Teshka, R-South Bend, authored House Bill 1079. It …

Consumer website Bankrate says scammers typically target a property that does not have a mortgage or lien against it, or is vacant and not closely monitored. (Adobe Stock)

Mortgage scams can leave victims clueless, homeless

A scam used to illegally obtain houses and land is silently targeting more unsuspecting victims in Indiana, and it often leaves people in need of …

If approved, SB 8 would also require public four-year institutions to submit a report to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education assessing the feasibility of awarding associate degrees. (Adobe stock)

Legislation would expand Indiana college degree options

Indiana lawmakers on the House Education Committee have unanimously approved a Senate bill designed to lower college debt and expand educational oppor…

Si se aprueba, el proyecto de ley SB 8 tambi�n exigir�a a las instituciones p�blicas de cuatro a�os que presenten un informe a la Comisi�n de Indiana para la Educaci�n Superior en el que se eval�e la viabilidad de conceder t�tulos asociados. (Adobe stock).

Legislación ampliaría opciones de titulación universitaria en Indiana

El Comité de Educación de la Cámara de Representantes ha aprobado por unanimidad una ley que introduce nuevas opciones de titulació…

A similar bill failed to pass last year. Opponents of the revived legislation say it's a win for puppy mills and pet-store owners. (Adobe Stock)

Proposed IN law would bar cities from banning pet-store puppy sales

Some Hoosiers want Indiana lawmakers to rethink proposed legislation that would usurp existing local laws that prohibit retailers from selling puppies…

According to the Indiana Association of Realtors, high interest rates, low supply, and strained household budgets are influencing the state's current homebuying market. (Adobe Stock)

IN plan's backers hope homeownership boosts teacher retention, recruitment

Homeownership continues to be out of reach for many Americans but one Indiana program is helping educators achieve the dream in hopes of boosting recr…

Food banks universally need four things: Donations of food, financial donations, volunteers and advocates. (Adobe stock)

Indiana's 30th 'Soup Bowl' sells out in effort to sack hunger

A fundraiser timed to kick off on the heels of Super Bowl 58 will help tackle food insecurity in Indiana. Since 1994, Hoosier Hills Food Bank has …

In addition to reducing the risk of heart disease, studies have shed light on several other potential health benefits associated with vacationing, including decreased depression, less stress and improved productivity. (Adobe Stock)

Holiday travel takes patience for Hoosier heart patients

AAA is projecting a record 7.5 million air passengers will travel over the next two weeks. Cardiologists and the American Heart Association suggest …

Gov. Eric Holcomb on Aug. 4 signed into law an abortion ban, making Indiana the first state to pass the restrictive law after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. (Adobe Stock)

IU Prof: SCOTUS taking up abortion pill a 'momentous occurrence'

As the United States Supreme Court decides whether the abortion pill is safe, some legal scholars predict the decision may backfire on anti-abortion …

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority said total energy assistance program benefits in Indiana between Oct. 2022 and Sept. 2023 totaled almost $86 million. (Adobe Stock)

Now's the time to apply for home-heating assistance in Indiana

Chilly temperatures in Indiana mean turning up the thermostat at home, which can pose challenges for families on a tight budget. Indiana's Energy …

La Autoridad de Vivienda y Desarrollo Comunitario de Indiana dijo que los beneficios totales del programa de asistencia energ�tica en Indiana entre octubre de 2022 y septiembre de 2023 ascendieron a casi $86 millones. (Adobe Stock)

Llega el momento de solicitar asistencia para pagar calefacción en Indiana

Las temperaturas frías en Indiana significan subir el termostato en casa, lo que puede plantear desafíos para las familias con un …

A study on earth.org reveals a 6 1/2-foot artificial Christmas tree would have to be used for at least 12 years for it to be more ecofriendly than a real Christmas tree. (Adobe Stock)

Real vs. artificial tree: Which is better for the environment?

Hoosiers could get their holiday trees from any of about 200 tree farms in the state, according to the Indiana Christmas Tree Growers Association…

Shoppers' guide directs people to products 'Made in America'

Consumer watchdogs say Black Friday sales might have set records this year, as retailers offer deep discounts to get shoppers into their stores…

A Small Business Consumer Insights Survey found projected spending among U.S. consumers who shopped at independent retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday in 2022 reached an estimated $17.9 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Small Business Saturday highlights survival, growth of entrepreneurs

Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday, an opportunity for small businesses to market their products and services out of the shadows of "big-box" stores …

According to the Indiana Climate Change Impact Assessments from Purdue University, Hoosiers could see temperatures rise by up to about 6 degrees Fahrenheit by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Warmer temps take the October chill out of IN

This time of year, there's usually a seasonal crispness in the air, along with changing leaves and area pumpkin patches. But the warm temperatures …

Indiana is 23rd among states in annual rankings of internet coverage, speed and availability on the website BroadbandNow. This means roughly one in 10 residents is unable to purchase an internet plan with speeds of at least 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload. (Adobe Stock)

Purdue team pitches in to improve IN internet connectivity

Indiana's share of federal money to boost broadband access in underserved areas in the state is almost $870 million. The funding - through the …

More than 4 million hogs reside in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Feds warn IN pig farmers about fatal herd disease

This is the U.S. Department of Agriculture's third annual African Swine Fever Action Week, and as the nation's fifth-largest pork producer, Indiana …

According to the Education Data Initiative, the average annual cost of tuition at any four-year institution is $19,806. (Adobe Stock)

Student loan repayments add to already strained IN household budgets

After a three-year pause, student loan repayments begin next week. Some families, already stretching their dollars to cover basic living expenses…

A 2017 Purdue University research project found a more earth-friendly adhesive was created by sea mussels. They extend hair-like fibers that attach to surfaces using plaques of adhesive. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

Purdue University touts research on environmentally safer adhesive

Scientists at Purdue University have been experimenting to create adhesives designed to be easier on the environment. So many products from …

USAFacts.org reports in 2020, $12,268 was the average amount spent on health care per Indiana resident. (Adobe Stock)

Time to check out health insurance options for 2024

Open enrollment begins soon for employer-sponsored health insurance for coverage starting Jan 1. Most people will have multiple options to choose …

According to the Education Data Initiative, although the average student loan balance in Indiana is lower than the national average, Hoosiers borrowers owe about $30-billion. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosiers Anxious Budgeting Again for College Debt

Hoosiers are reworking monthly budgets as the pause for federal student loan payments comes to an end, and the stress of another monthly expense …

De acuerdo con Education Data Initiative, aunque el saldo promedio de pr�stamos estudiantiles en Indiana es m�s bajo que el promedio nacional, los prestatarios Hoosiers deben alrededor de $30 mil millones. (Adobe Stock)

Angustia mientras Hoosiers presupuestan el pago de la deuda universitaria

Los habitantes de Indiana están reelaborando los presupuestos mensuales a medida que finaliza la pausa para los pagos de préstamos estudiant…

A bipartisan group of attorneys general in 31 states and the District of Columbia are partnering with USDA to enhance competition and protect consumers in food and agricultural markets. (Adobe stock)

IN Joins Bipartisan Effort to Investigate Food Prices

Indiana is part of a bipartisan effort among law enforcement leaders around the U.S. to beef up enforcement and prevent antitrust activity within the …

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 29% of fireworks-related injuries involve hands and fingers, while head and leg injuries each account for 19% of injuries. (Joe Ulery)

Severe Drought Increases Risks at IN Fireworks Shows

For nearly 250 years, Americans have proudly shot fiery red, white and blue explosions high into the night skies. According to one report, Indiana …

Lawmakers hope realigning incentives for PBMs leads to lower drug prices. (Adobe stock)

New IN Law: Drug Savings Passed Along to Consumers

If you have never heard of PBMs, you are probably not alone. However, starting next month, Hoosiers are expected to quickly learn all about pharmacy …

According to Indiana Small Business Statistics, between 1994 and 2018, Indiana small business employment grew by 4.2%, reaching 1.2 million employees in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

IN Small Businesses Thrive Despite Challenges

Starting a business is fraught with decisions ranging from defining the type of business to start, choosing whether to be a home-based, online…

The Indiana Department of Health says people should properly store products away from children if labels contain these words: toxic, irritant, corrosive or flammable. (Adobe Stock)

Spring Cleaning Priority: Prevent Accidental Poisoning at Home

It's the time of year when people start thinking about spring cleaning and lawn care - which also means more exposure to health risks from products th…

El Departamento de Salud de Indiana dice que las personas deben almacenar adecuadamente los productos fuera del alcance de los ni�os si las etiquetas contienen estas palabras: t�xico, irritante, corrosivo o inflamable. (Adobe Stock)

Prioridad de limpieza primaveral: Prevenir envenenamiento accidental en hogar

Es la época del año en que las personas comienzan a pensar en la limpieza de primavera y el cuidado del césped, lo que también …

Indiana News Now! debuts this week. The weekday newsbreaks are part of the Indiana Local News Initiative.

Indiana News Service: New Programming Fills Gaps in Rural Areas

Indiana News Service: New Programming Fills Gaps in Rural Areas Indiana radio stations and online media will have free access to high quality…

Some IN Communities Resist Dollar-Chain 'Invasion'

New research claims the discount retail chains known as "dollar stores" are not having a positive impact on the communities where they are sprouting l…

Algunas comunidades resisten la 'invasión' de ‘Cadenas de a Dólar’ en IN

Una nueva investigación afirma que las cadenas minoristas de descuento conocidas como "tiendas de a dólar" no están teniendo un impacto…

According to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the type of fraud with the highest losses involving older people is the confidence or romance scam, gaining someone's trust and then finding ways to drain their bank account. (Adobe Stock)

It's 'National Slam the Scam Day'

Today is National Slam the Scam Day, created to heighten public awareness of scammers who impersonate agencies. A scammer behind a telephone call or …

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 …

A recent report says the time it takes to earn the cost of paying for food, gas and housing is cutting into many college students' ability to complete their studies. (PR Image Factory/Adobe Stock)

Report: High Inflation Pushing Cost of College Education Even Higher

Covering the cost of a college education just got more expensive as already stressed students cope with the highest inflation rate in more than 40 yea…

Small Business Saturday was founded by American Express in 2010 and has been cosponsored by the Small Business Administration since 2011. (Tyler Olson/Adobe Stock)

Small Business Saturday Keeps Dollars in Local Economies

Holiday shoppers this week have no shortage of options, with Small Business Saturday being observed Nov. 26. Sandwiched between Black Friday and …

Pew Research reports 97% of American adults own a cell phone. (Adobe Stock)

Lawsuit Alleges Cell Phones Responsible for Brain Tumors

Evidentiary hearings are underway in a Washington, D.C., courtroom this week, to decide if a massive lawsuit against the cellphone industry will be …

Indiana has more than 7,000 MW of clean energy in development - with the bulk of that in solar. (Branden/Adobe Stock)

Indiana Becoming America's 'Crossroads of Clean Energy'

Solar energy is growing fast in Indiana, which bodes well for clean energy as a whole in the state. Indiana ranks third among states in terms of …

According to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education, folks with a bachelor's degree have an average annual salary about $33,000 higher than those with a high school diploma. (Adobe Stock)

Report Details Methods to Address IN Declining College Enrollment

As fewer people in Indiana are opting to go to college, the state's Commission for Higher Education is releasing policy recommendations to increase …

The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program has a recurring annual budget of $1 billion through 2026, <a href=

according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. (Adobe Stock)">

IN Officials Ask Public to Weigh in on Electric-Vehicle Infrastructure

Indiana is in line to receive about $100 million from the federal government to support new electric-vehicle infrastructure. State transportation …

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 investigation by multiple states' attorneys general into the student-loan practices of Navient dates back to 2017. (Adobe Stock)

IN to Receive $31 Million in Multistate Student-Loan Settlement

Nearly 1,200 Hoosiers are about to have some of their student-loan debt forgiven, as part of a multistate settlement with the student-loan-servicing …

Gas bills in Indianapolis are expected to be on average $10 more per month this winter compared with last year. (fizkes/Adobe Stock)

Hoosier Households Urged to Apply for Heating Assistance

INDIANAPOLIS - As cold weather moves in, state agencies are working to make sure Hoosier households know how to apply for the Low-Income Home Energy …

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…

More than 950 evictions were filed in Indianapolis in June alone. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

Groups Urge Indiana to Expunge Evictions Filed During Pandemic

INDIANAPOLIS - Groups advocating for affordable housing warn that once the federal moratorium on evictions ends, thousands of Hoosiers will be at …

The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program is run through the Universal Service Administrative Company, part of the Federal Communications Commission. (Gregg Segal/AARP)

Unexpected Benefit of Pandemic: Broadband and Laptop Discounts

INDIANAPOLIS -- A new federal pandemic program is offering people who qualify $50 a month off of high speed internet service and a one-time discount o…

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