Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

A rally for property tax cuts is set for Monday at the Indiana Statehouse. Organizers have encouraged attendees to wear green to signal their opposition to high property taxes. (Adobe Stock)

Friday, March 14, 2025

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

Indiana lawmakers introduced a third property tax plan this week, aiming to protect local governments from funding cuts while offering minimal relief …

Research done in 2024 by Gardenpals.com found that during the pandemic nearly 19 million people, mostly millennials, tried gardening for the first time. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Homegrown food interest is widening amid rising grocery costs, food recalls

March is National Nutrition Month and rising grocery costs, and food recalls have consumers revisiting the idea of growing their own healthier and …

Senate Bill 183 would require landowners or renters to maintain a 55-foot

Wednesday, March 12, 2025

Indiana safety bill stuck in weeds

Indiana lawmakers paused action this week on a bill which aims to prevent crashes caused by dangerously overgrown rural intersections after concerns a…

The nonprofit Save the Dunes said Indiana Dunes National Park is the fifth most biologically diverse national park in the United States. (Adobe stock)

Safety at risk as budget cuts hit Indiana Dunes National Park

By Danielle Zulkosky for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Serv…

According to the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey from the Indiana Youth Institute, suicide is among the top three causes of death for kids ages 10-19. (Adobe Stock)

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Diagnoses of mental health conditions in children and teens are on the rise, including in Indiana. But getting kids the help they need can be a …

A governor's office spokesperson said the Indiana Department of Health will push back on birth certificate changes after this week's executive order. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

Executive orders have been issued by Indiana Gov. Mike Braun that restrict state funds from promoting gender identity and ban transgender women from …

According to the National Council of LaRaza, Indiana has the 21st-largest Latino population in the country. (Adobe Stock)

IN community group helps immigrants know their rights

President Donald Trump's sweeping mass deportation plan has been scrutinized over the treatment of undocumented immigrants. One criticism has focused …

Lumina Foundation will continue monitoring progress for its original 60% goal through its Stronger Nation website and will now add new data to its collection. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier Ed: Lumina targets 75% credential rate

Indiana-based Lumina Foundation has set a goal of 75% of U.S. working-age adults having college degrees or valuable credentials by 2040. The …

Sentient reports the animal death toll from avian flu highlights the sheer number of chickens and eggs humans eat on a regular basis. The American diet is highly dependent on chickens as a protein source. (Adobe Stock)

Bird flu outbreak resulted in even more dead poultry than usual

By Seth Millstein for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration S…

A study from the Indiana Cancer Control Plan found two in five Hoosiers now living will eventually have cancer. (Adobe Stock)

IN cancer rates linked to processed diet, low physical activity

Cancer rates are on the rise, and doctors are noticing specific types in younger age groups. Two in five Hoosiers will eventually have some form of …

A 2021 U.S. Government Accountability Office study estimated there are 7,000 to 8,000 ailments recognized as rare diseases that affect around 30 million people in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

IN groups advocate for more research, diagnoses for rare illnesses

Today is Rare Disease Day, an annual observance to raise awareness about uncommon and often misdiagnosed medical disorders. Support for families and …

Gov. Mike Braun's budget and the House GOP plan to cut funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, which was 0.013% of the state budget. (Indiana Governor's Office)

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

Indiana's new budget does not include funding for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The program sends free books to children from birth to age 5…

In Indianapolis, some of the EPA funding was to be used to transform an old landfill on the southeast side into a solar farm, providing an alternative energy source for nearby homes. (Adobe Stock)

EPA funding freeze darkens Indiana's solar plans

By Kyla Russell for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

Indiana leaders are working to improve children's lives, as the state's national ranking for child well-being has slipped. The latest report showed …

Indiana is the ninth largest farming state in the country, according to the Indiana Department of Agriculture, with about 53,600 farming operations. (Adobe Stock)

Funds to be released for some IN farmers' conservation projects

It looks like at least some Indiana farmers will be getting the federal dollars they have been counting on for farm conservation and soil health…

The risk of suffering from seasonal affective disorder tends to decrease with age, although older adults can still develop it. (Adobe stock)

Experts urge Hoosiers to act on seasonal depression

Spring's arrival is less than 30 days away and for many in Indiana, the end of winter cannot arrive soon enough. Many Hoosiers combat what may be …

According to a new survey from Feeding Indiana's Hungry, seven in 10 Hoosiers have skipped meals in the last year because they did not have enough food. (Adobe stock)

More Hoosiers struggle to afford food as need grows

Food insecurity is rising in Indiana. A Feeding Indiana's Hungry study found 76% of surveyed households expect to need food assistance as often or …

Applied behavior analysis therapy is behavior-based, helping individuals with autism improve communication, socialization and development. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana families fight Medicaid cuts to autism therapy

By Tim Spears for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Col…

Data from Indiana's Marion County Public Health Department show of the 124 overdose deaths in April-June 2024, 71 were white men, 36 were Black men and 6 were Hispanic women. (Adobe Stock)<br />

IN nonprofit offers free anti-fentanyl training to derail overdoses

The incidence of drug overdose is decreasing in Indiana and one reason could be the efforts of an organization offering free training to anyone willin…

During a hearing on House Bill 1322, Rep. Jake Teshka, R-South Bend, highlighted Bitcoin's strong performance since 2009 and stressed the state would carefully assess risks before making any decisions. (Adobe stock)

IN weighs Bitcoin bet in state investments

Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill to allow state funds to invest in Bitcoin. House Bill 1322 moved forward to the full House for debate. Rep…

Indiana raises about 4.5 million hogs annually, making it the nation's 5th largest pork producer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

IN agricultural leaders push back on inspection plan

Indiana farm leaders are pushing back against a bill that would increase inspections at large livestock farms. Senate Bill 193, sponsored by Sen…

Nate Rush attends a reunion of staff, volunteers and residents of the former Bethlehem House in Indianapolis. (Jenna Watson/Mirror Indy)

Harm reduction efforts fall short for Black men in Indiana

By Darian Benson and Mary Claire Molloy for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Pre…

According to Innovative Hematology, Marion and Lake counties have the highest rates of sickle cell disease patients in Indiana. (Adobe Stock)

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report the life-shortening blood disease sickle cell anemia affects about 100,000 Americans, mostly …

A Lumina Foundation report revealed 712,000, or almost 44% of Marion County adults, have either an associate's or bachelor's degree, or some type of professional certification. (Adobe Stock)

Study shows IN working adults want more education, employable skills

The rate of U.S. high school seniors seeking higher education is on the upswing, according to research from Lumina Foundation. Although Hoosier …

The Indiana Vehicle Fuel Dashboard reports in 2024, the state had nearly 15,000 state-registered electric vehicles. (Adobe Stock)

IN EV charger station installs on pause

The number of registered electric vehicles in Indiana rose from 13,000 in 2023 to nearly 15,000 in 2024. However, plans to install more EV chargers …

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates Indiana has more than 265,000 customer-owned lead water service lines currently in use. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana steps up to get the lead out

Indiana is working to eliminate lead pipes under the Environmental Protection Agency's Lead and Copper Rule Improvements, which require most lead …

The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASHLA) says Black History Month is celebrated in February because both Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln were born during this month. (Adobe Stock)

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month

Bloomington is among the Indiana communities kicking off Black History Month over the weekend. Historian Carter G. Woodson launched what was …

According to Feeding Indiana's Hungry, seven in 10 Hoosiers have skipped meals in the past year. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier pork program helps tackles hunger

Indiana farmers are helping food pantries meet rising demand for protein. The program helping meet the moment is not new; however, it is being …

Data from the State of Supplemental Income report shows paying down debt, paying off student loans, saving for major life goals and covering living expenses are the top reasons for working multiple jobs. (Adobe Stock)

Study finds juggling two jobs has benefits, pitfalls

Americans working two jobs to help with living expenses and cover some extras has become the norm. The U.S. Census shows that 25% of Midwest women …

Some Hoosiers warned changes to House Bill 1393 might unintentionally affect people who are arrested without an ID at hand. (Adobe stock)

Indiana pushes notification law for immigration arrests

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a bill which would require police to notify federal authorities about certain arrests. House Bill 1393 moved forward …

Bill author Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, said she does not believe the state budget could support a larger raise for teachers. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana lawmakers back $45K minimum teacher pay

By Garrett Bergquist for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Serv…

A report by a company that offers AI assistance in building resumes, says 28% of workers have left a job due to stress or burnout. (Adobe Stock)

Study reveals heavy workloads can affect IN employee mental health

New research is finding extra responsibilities at work can take a heavy toll. A report from Scripps Health shows a link between mental health …

According to the state's energy secretary, Indiana is retiring power plants faster than replacing them, jeopardizing energy production and prompting her support for House Bill 1007. (Adobe stock)

Indiana debates nuclear energy for power grid

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a plan to bring nuclear energy to the state. House Bill 1007 would establish a framework for investing in advanced …

Sen. Ron Alting, R-Lafayette, who authored the bill, said every year 101 young Hoosiers lose their lives to alcohol-related deaths. (Adobe stock)

Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law

Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with plans to expand the state's Lifeline Law, which protects those seeking emergency help in alcohol-related …

In Indiana, a parental rights bill has sparked the most discussion around schools and the Department of Child Services. (Adobe Stock)

Controversial IN parental rights bill progresses

Indiana lawmakers are advancing a measure focused on parental rights. Senate Bill 143 has passed the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 9-2 vote…

According to America's Health Ranking, nearly 28% of Hoosiers age 16 and older volunteered in the last 12 months. (Adobe Stock)

IN DNR seeks volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service

Today the nation honors the "drum major for peace" - the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The civil rights leader committed his life to equal …

According to the Indiana Youth Institute, 81% of young people involved in mentoring programs are more likely to regularly participate in extracurricular activities. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

January is National Mentoring Month, and organizations like MENTOR Indiana are making a difference in young lives. MENTOR Indiana is part of the …

Despite rising cases, Doehring assures Indiana hospitals remain well-prepared and avoid overcrowding in intensive care units or emergency departments. (Adobe stock)

RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert

By Cat Sandoval for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service C…

Before serving in the Trump administration, Russell Vought spent more than 20 years in Washington, D.C., with grassroots and policy groups, according to the White House. (Shealah Craighead/Official White House Photo)

Hoosiers on alert as Trump’s OMB pick sparks policy concerns

Hoosiers enduring severe weather like the current Arctic blast could see potential policy shifts if Russell Vought is confirmed as director of the Off…

Under Indiana Department of Labor regulations, during the school year, a 14- or 15-year-old can only work until 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. From June 1 to Labor Day, they can only work until 9 p.m. until the school year begins. (Adobe Stock)

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

Changes to Indiana's child labor laws went into effect Jan. 1 which could affect teens who have or are looking for jobs. Employers are now no longer …

Even in healthy individuals, the American Heart Association said cold weather can constrict arteries, make blood clot more easily and increase heart rate and blood pressure. (Adobe Stock)

Heart tips to stay healthy in Indiana's winter cold

This week, Indiana's winter blast has left frigid temperatures and more than 7 inches of snow in its aftermath, and health experts urged people to …

The Indiana 2023 Weighted Caseload Report found the Hoosier state has about 489 judicial officers but needs a slightly fewer number, 481. (Adobe stock)

Judicial shakeup ahead as Indiana reviews court resources

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press India…

In Indiana, Marion, Vanderburgh, Madison and Lake counties had the highest number of residents who listed alcohol as their primary substance upon admission to a facility for treatment. (Adobe Stock)

IN substance recovery center supports sober existence

One popular New Year's resolution is to quit alcohol consumption. Although easier said than done, one recovery center said there are modifications …

The Indiana Supreme Court Law Library found in its basement a framed, printed page from the 1788 McLean two-volume set of the Federalist Papers. (Connor Burress/TheStatehouseFile.com)

Indiana treasure connects to founding fathers

By Marilyn Odendahl for The Indiana Citizen.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Citizen-Free Press India…

Ball State linebacker Kieonte Newson holds a rose for his mother on Senior Day, a moment of restoration after earning the number nine. (T Slaughter/Daily News)

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

By Kyle Smedley for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free Pr…

Trace Company's report says Indiana farms lose nearly $30 million, or $552 per farm every year from natural disasters. (Adobe Stock)

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

Consumers are unhappy with increasing food prices and blame inflation. In reality, natural disasters have a direct link to grocery costs, and no end …

Hoosiers can call 211 to learn about eviction aid programs from Indianapolis' Office of Public Health and Safety and local legal providers. (Adobe Stock)

Winter aid available for Indiana’s rent, bills and basics

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

The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported child deaths have attributed to a wide variety of toys including bouncy balls, stuffed animals, plastic toys and crayons. (Adobe Stock)

Now that they're unwrapped, be sure to monitor flawed toys

The National Retail Federation expects people will spend nearly $989 billion by the end of the year on holiday shopping but the costs cannot compare t…

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Indiana

Indiana property tax fight grows as new plan adds to debate

Homegrown food interest is widening amid rising grocery costs, food recalls

Indiana safety bill stuck in weeds

Safety at risk as budget cuts hit Indiana Dunes National Park

Adding supports for IN teens with mental health challenges

Indiana limits gender identity recognition, college sports participation

IN community group helps immigrants know their rights

Hoosier Ed: Lumina targets 75% credential rate

Bird flu outbreak resulted in even more dead poultry than usual

IN cancer rates linked to processed diet, low physical activity

IN groups advocate for more research, diagnoses for rare illnesses

Push to save Dolly Parton’s Indiana book program grows

EPA funding freeze darkens Indiana's solar plans

Food insecurity worsens as Indiana slips in child well-being

Funds to be released for some IN farmers' conservation projects

Experts urge Hoosiers to act on seasonal depression

More Hoosiers struggle to afford food as need grows

Indiana families fight Medicaid cuts to autism therapy

IN nonprofit offers free anti-fentanyl training to derail overdoses

IN weighs Bitcoin bet in state investments

IN agricultural leaders push back on inspection plan

Harm reduction efforts fall short for Black men in Indiana

Blood disorder impacts hundreds of IN residents, women of color

Study shows IN working adults want more education, employable skills

IN EV charger station installs on pause

Indiana steps up to get the lead out

MLK III on creating a legacy, Black History Month

Hoosier pork program helps tackles hunger

Study finds juggling two jobs has benefits, pitfalls

Indiana pushes notification law for immigration arrests

Indiana lawmakers back $45K minimum teacher pay

Study reveals heavy workloads can affect IN employee mental health

Indiana debates nuclear energy for power grid

Bill aims to broaden Indiana Lifeline Law

Controversial IN parental rights bill progresses

IN DNR seeks volunteers for MLK Jr. Day of Service

Indiana steps up for National Mentoring Month

RSV rise puts Indiana hospitals on alert

Hoosiers on alert as Trump’s OMB pick sparks policy concerns

Revisions to IN child labor laws present pros, cons

Heart tips to stay healthy in Indiana's winter cold

Judicial shakeup ahead as Indiana reviews court resources

IN substance recovery center supports sober existence

Indiana treasure connects to founding fathers

Ball State captain turns Indiana struggles into triumph

Natural disasters cost IN farmers millions in crop, cattle damage

Winter aid available for Indiana’s rent, bills and basics

Now that they're unwrapped, be sure to monitor flawed toys