Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

Congress allocated $1 billion for states to develop the 988 hotline amid growing concerns over worsening mental health. (Adobe stock)

Tuesday, July 2, 2024

Report: IN’s 988 success sets example but all states must improve crisis support

A new report gives Indiana high marks for its rollout of 988, a mental health crisis hotline, but also highlighted all states need to do more to …

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management says the state has a 50% recycling goal for municipal waste, and requires mandatory reporting of solid waste and recycling data to track progress. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, July 1, 2024

IN book offers recycling resources for event organizers

Summer in Indiana produces a variety of festivals, outdoor concerts, and athletic competitions. These attractions produce large crowds and hundreds …

Consumer fireworks should only be discharged on personal property or a location designated by the Indiana State Fire Marshal. (Adobe stock)

IN experts stress fireworks safety ahead of July 4th

As Hoosiers gear up for Independence Day, safety experts are stressing the importance of handling fireworks responsibly. Trevor Hash, division chief …

Some 17% of people in Indiana with HIV are unaware of their status, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)

IN center hosts sites for National HIV Testing Day

Today is National HIV Testing Day. First observed in the U.S. in 1995, anyone who is sexually active is urged to get tested to know their HIV status…

A group of pornography website operators is suing Indiana over a new law mandating stricter age verification for adult content sites. (Adobe stock)

New Indiana law: Protection for minors or privacy invasion?

A controversial new law is set to take effect next week, requiring Hoosiers to upload sensitive documents, including driver's licenses and Social …

There is a shortage of almost 140,000 affordable and available rental homes for extremely low-income Indiana residents, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosiers push for statewide commission to tackle housing crisis

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press…

A report by The Nature Conservancy says if clean energy continues to be sited the way it always has been, the U.S. will need an area the size of Texas to meet its climate targets. (Adobe Stock)

Conservationists tout IN old mines, brownfields to develop renewable energy

Today is the summer solstice, the day of the year with the most sunshine, and Indiana conservationists said they have a plan to make the best use of …

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources says ground within 100 feet of a burial ground may not be disturbed for erecting, altering or repairing any structure that would impact the location without approval from the Division of Historic Preservation and Archaeology. (Adobe Stock)

Juneteenth honors freedom amid possible IN graveyard extinction

Today is Juneteenth, the federal holiday recognizing this date in 1865 when slaves in Texas were told they were free, more than two years after the …

According to Indiana Career Explorer, 1,300 job openings as chefs and head cooks are projected through 2030. (Adobe Stock)

Culinary camp teaches IN teens cooking, business skills

Kids' summer camp means horseback riding, hiking and scavenger hunts. But one Indianapolis chef is using the school break to teach youths cooking and …

A new Rural Climate Partnership report found rural communities have not been prioritized in efforts to help them harness the benefits of clean energy and energy efficiency. (Adobe stock)

Indiana's rural climate impact: Urgent call for action

A new report from the Rural Climate Partnership revealed a significant climate impact on rural Americans, including more than one in five Hoosiers…

According to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Indiana saw the fifth-highest decrease nationally in uninsured children between 2019 and 2022. (Adobe stock)

Report: Overall child well-being ranking slightly slips in IN

Indiana ranks 27th in child well-being, according to the 2024 Kids Count Data Book by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, slipping three spots from last …

CICPIndiana.com reports the average wage in the life sciences industry, $108,800, is twice that of the average-wage worker in the private sector. (Adobe Stock)

Top Indiana industry leaders team up for youth STEM careers

Companies are consistently looking for fresh talent in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math. A central Indiana organization is …

The approval of Indiana's PathWays for Aging Program followed two public comment periods, in 2023 and early 2024. (Adobe Stock)

IN Medicaid launches PathWays Program for Aging

The federal agency overseeing state entitlement programs, including Medicaid, has approved Indiana's proposed waivers and amendments for managed care …

The Brennan Center for Justice reports voters in almost half the country will face new voting restrictions in the upcoming general election. (Adobe Stock)

Common Cause Indiana may challenge restrictive voting laws

An Indiana watchdog group said it is considering legal action in response to new state voting laws the group believes disenfranchise voters. Julia …

The American Council for Suicide Prevention said in 2022, firearms were the most common method used for suicide, followed by suffocation including hangings, and poisoning including drug overdoses. (Adobe Stock)

IN Black male suicides leave survivors without closure

June is Men's Health Awareness Month. Mental health professionals noted suicide rates are up and can be linked to the loss of a loved one or economic …

A 2024 Bureau of Labor statistics reports in 2023, 11% of men and 10% of women belonged to unions. (Adobe Stock)

IN airport security contract boosts workplace rights

The power of unions in America is growing as members are less hesitant to strike for fair workplace policies and livable wages. One union's …

The current Farm Bill is set to expire Sept. 30, 2024. (Adobe Stock)

IN food banks concerned about draft Farm Bill

Groups fighting hunger in Indiana said they are deeply concerned about proposed cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and other nutrit…

A 2021 Indiana Department of Health report claims the majority of overdose deaths are among people between ages 18 and 60, with males comprising 64% of all overdose deaths. (Adobe Stock)

IN opioid overdoses decrease, other drugs may reverse trend

Drug overdoses are decreasing in Indiana. The data is encouraging, but too late for one mother who lost her son to a heroin overdose. The Centers …

Indiana University's campuses are vastly different in size and scope. IU Indianapolis has around 24,000 students, while IU Bloomington has around 48,000. (Adobe file)

Distinct vibes at IU Indianapolis pro-Palestinian protest

By Claire Rafford for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News…

According to Zippia.com, 43% of race car mechanics have a Bachelor's degree, 23% have an associate<br />degree and 18% hold a high school diploma. (Adobe Stock)

IN kids gain abilities in racing and life

The motor sports season is in full swing and back in 1991, two Indianapolis race fans started an organization to teach kids about more than speed…

According to WorkingNation, more than 100,000 Americans miss work because of child care problems. (Adobe stock)

Indiana expanding shared-cost child care program

By Victoria Lim for WorkingNation.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WorkingNation-Public News Service Collabor…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Indiana's industrial sector is the state's largest energy consumer, accounting for 46% of the state's energy consumption in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

IN university hopes to lead in environmental responsibility

A central Indiana university has taken the initiative to address environmental challenges on campus and in the nearby community. Surveys conducted …

As we near summer, tens of millions of Americans will take to our nation's waters to spend time with family and friends. (Adobe Stock)

IN makes splash for Safe Boating Week

Hoosiers are launching their boats to enjoy another season on the water. However, before jumping aboard, now is an ideal time to review safety plans …

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends infants be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life, with continued breastfeeding combined with the introduction of soft foods for at least one year. (Adobe Stock)

Milk Bank secures breastmilk for IN newborns, premature babies

Newborns benefit the most from their mother's milk but may not always receive it. An Indiana nonprofit group works to get breastmilk donations for …

In teacher training programs, critics said a new Indiana law could create a snowball effect on preservice teachers and their future students. (Adobe stock)

New IN law stirs debate over academic freedom, teacher training

By Aleksandra Appleton for the Chalkbeat Indiana .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Chalkbeat Indiana-Free Pre…

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reported prescription drug retail purchases in the U.S. approached $406 billion in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Prescription drug scarcities leave consumers with few options

Supply chain disruptions mean consumers who need prescriptions filled in Indiana and around the country are running into roadblocks. Parents and …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every 40 seconds, someone in the United States has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of a stroke. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Climate change may affect stroke side effects

Climate watchers are predicting this summer's temperatures may set records, which could aggravate some medical conditions. A 30-year study of health …

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…

The National End of Life Alliance says death doulas do not perform clinical procedures, nor do they give medical advice on a course of treatment. (Adobe Stock)

IN 'death doulas' a compassionate resource

Birth doulas assist new moms with the stress, uncertainty and anxiety of childbirth. Another type of doula offers similar support - to those who are …

Families will have 120 days from when they receive their SUN Bucks cards to use the money. (Adobe stock)

New program provides healthy summer meals for IN students

A new program in Indiana will ensure year-round access to nutritious meals for students statewide. The Summer Electronic Transfer program provides a …

Experts say evidence proves children are harmed when families lack enough food and are are forced to move because they cannot pay rent. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosier mom: Bring back expanded child tax credit

The U.S. House has approved a measure to expand the Child Tax Credit. It would help 16 million children from low-income families in Indiana and …

According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, in eight out of ten rape cases, the victim knew the person who sexually assaulted them. (Adobe Stock)

IN Rape crisis center opens to reduce assault cases, heighten attention

The Me Too movement prompted sexual abuse victims to come forward with their allegations of rape and harassment. Yet, the increase in these …

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 …

A U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission report says in 2019, 66% of women working in STEM careers were white, almost 15% were Black, 10% were Asian and 7% were Latinas. (Adobe Stock)

Institute blends culture, STEM education for IN youth

The solar eclipse has sparked more interest in science and technology, especially among young people. But the saying, 'You can't be what you don't …

The Indiana Citizen reports more than 8,700 candidates are running in the May 7 primary. (Adobe stock)

Virtual ballot goes live to inform Hoosiers

It just got easier for Hoosiers to study who is running in the upcoming May primary. The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan news platform, has published …

The Indiana Department of Health 2022 Pregnancy Termination Report showed March as the month when the most abortions were performed. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates: Ease of access to contraception could lower accidental pregnancies

Vending machines commonly found in workplace break rooms generally contain soft drinks or snacks but one machine in Indianapolis dispenses unconventio…

The Thriving Neighbors Series is free but registration is required. (Adobe stock)

IN ‘feeling the impacts of climate change’

By Enrique Saenz for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press Indiana-Public News …

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 …

Researchers say U.S. federal workers are generally high-performing, impartial and minimally corrupt compared with other countries' civil servants. (Adobe stock)

IN research: Federal workers defy 'deep state' stereotype

Hoosiers running for public office often criticize "the government," despite wanting to be part of it. Research published in The Conversation…

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…

Completing FAFSA is necessary to determine if a student qualifies for state and federal financial aid with $400 million in state aid available to students. (Adobe Stock)

FAFSA rollout leaves IN students in limbo

Indiana's high school seniors are caught in a bureaucratic snarl as glitches in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid rollout hinder aid proces…

The Indiana College Readiness Report showed 61% of women and 46% of men in the state who go on to college attend an Indiana-based school. (Adobe Stock)

Academic app supplements college admissions information

By Olivia Sanchez for The Hechinger Report.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for The Hechinger Report-Public News Serv…

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 …

Access to screenings is supported through insurance coverage and assistance programs for the uninsured or underinsured. (Adobe stock)

Young Hoosiers urged to get cancer screening

The recent health diagnosis for Catherine, Princess of Wales, is shining a spotlight on the importance for Hoosiers younger than 50 to be screened …

According to the eco-sustainability site Treehugger.com, if someone was standing on the moon during a total eclipse, the earth would look dark because the sun would be behind it. (Adobe Stock)

Total solar eclipse will fascinate, mystify observers

Excitement and curiosity are building for a scientific phenomenon not seen in the United States since 2017. On April 8, a total solar eclipse will …

National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (Adobe stock)

IN students fed tasty lessons for healthy eating habits

Schools play a critical role in nurturing Hoosier children's health and well-being which lay the foundation for lifelong eating habits. Throughout …

The new law will apply only to future sales of Indiana farmland. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana farmland off limits to 'foreign adversaries'

A bipartisan law set to take effect this summer prohibits foreign adversaries from buying Hoosier farmland. The signature of Gov. Eric Holcomb was …

An Indiana State Teacher's Association report from 2023 lists raising teacher pay, hiring additional educators and offering more mental health and behavioral support for students as some of the top issues affecting teacher retention. (Adobe Stock)

IN nonprofit wants to strengthen teachers' impact on students

Teachers spend hours with students every day and can have the greatest impact on their decision-making and life choices. A program in one Indiana …

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