Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

Marijuana remains illegal under federal law in the United States but individual states have been allowed to establish their own policies on its use and regulation. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding

Indiana lawmakers continue to debate THC rules while surrounding states move forward with marijuana legalization. Senate Bill 478 targets packaging …

Niesha Neal said she was tokenized and underpaid while working under former executive director Kelly McBride at the Domestic Violence Prevention Network from 2021 to 2022. (Jenna Waton/Mirror Indy)

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

Indiana survivor says nonprofit exploited her story

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

In 2022, 40%, or just over 1 million Indiana households, earned incomes below the

Monday, April 21, 2025

Financial Literacy Awareness Month: Time for a budget reset?

April is Financial Literary Awareness Month and Hoosiers who are worried about inflation or watching their retirement account on the stock-market roll…

The elimination of judgeships in 11 Indiana counties followed a weighted caseload study, which found some counties have more judges than needed to manage their current dockets. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana Senate passes surprise court cuts

Indiana lawmakers approved a bill Tuesday to eliminate judgeships in eleven mostly rural counties as part of a statewide judicial reallocation…

Nearly 33% of adults with intellectual disabilities have experienced sexual violence, according to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center. (Adobe Stock)

IN sexual assault victims often suffer in silence, urged to seek help

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Crimes against men and women ranging from grabbing and fondling to rape to criminally deviant conduct are …

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed nine executive orders Tuesday which he said aim to improve the health in the state. (Indiana Governor's office)

Candy, soda out as Indiana reworks SNAP benefits

Gov. Mike Braun rolled out a sweeping health and government assistance initiative Tuesday, backed by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert …

Many organizations in Indiana receive a small amount of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program funding. Trump administration cuts mean they may have fewer opportunities to get funding through the program (Adobe Stock).

IU medical research takes a hit from federal budget cuts

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…

The average cost of a 2-bedroom apartment in Indianapolis is almost $1,200 per month, according to Apartments.com Rental Market Trend data. (Adobe Stock)

IN tenants have options when facing eviction

Housing that's both affordable and ready to rent is out of reach for many Hoosiers. The 2025 Indiana Housing Profile says for every 100 low-income …

The Indiana Department of Child Services evaluates child abuse or neglect reports if the alleged victim is under age 18 and the alleged perpetrator is the victim's parent, guardian or custodian. (Adobe Stock)

IN child abuse cases rise, leave mental, physical scars

More than 7,500 Indiana children were removed from their homes last year because of abuse and neglect. According to The Indiana Youth Institute's 2024…

Indiana lawmakers have added Advanced Transmission Technology to the state's power grid. Backers of the new technology say it can add capacity to the current system without new construction. (Adobe Stock)

IN lawmakers endorse advanced transmission technologies for power grid

Indiana lawmakers have approved a measure to study ways to use advanced transmission technologies to squeeze more energy from the state's aging electr…

The loss of consistency in federal shipments has created major challenges for food banks' planning and distribution efforts across Indiana. (Adobe stock)

Indiana food banks struggle as USDA pulls back funding

Indiana food banks are bracing for a major disruption as the U.S. Department of Agriculture suspends $500 million in food deliveries nationwide…

The Indiana Chronic Care Policy Alliance reports that 367,000 Hoosiers have reported an unmet need for mental-health services. (Adobe Stock)

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress is the body's way of processing work, personal, and family pressures, or other triggers. A new …

The Indiana School Boards Association opposes a bill to add party affiliations to school board ballots but pledged to adapt if it becomes law. The organization urged board members to set aside politics and focus on students' needs. (Adobe stock)

Indiana lawmakers push school board races into party politics

Indiana's school board elections moved closer to becoming partisan after the House of Representatives narrowly approved a bill requiring candidates to…

Federal regulations continue to forbid cannabis possession and its transportation across state borders. (Adobe stock)

Indiana draws the line on marijuana promotions

Indiana lawmakers are considering a statewide ban on marijuana advertising after a House committee approved an amendment Monday. Rep. Jim Pressel…

Dr. Virginia Caine of the Marion County Health Department said the cuts leave local health departments scrambling to find funding to treat disease outbreaks. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana loses millions as health funding dries up

Indiana is losing millions in public health funding as the federal government cuts grants for state and local programs. In Marion County, officials …

Boonville's downtown historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. (Adobe Stock)

IN small town grants spur growth, development projects

By Mitzi S. Morris for the Indiana Capital Chronicle.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for the Indiana Capital …

The Trump administration and Department of Government Efficiency fired more than 1,000 NOAA workers, then told probationary employees they would be paid but should not report to work. (Adobe stock).

NOAA budget cuts may weaken Indiana storm tracking

Cuts to weather forecasting programs could weaken severe storm warnings, leaving Indiana communities with less time to prepare. Budget reductions to …

The Indiana Youth Institute said a strong commitment to evidence-based action can transform early literacy in Indiana with the foundational reading skills essential to the future of our children, workforce and communities. (Adobe stock)

Indiana sets goal to boost 3rd grade reading proficiency

Indiana's third grade reading scores show progress but gaps remain. The latest IREAD3 results show about 82% of students passed in 2024, up slightly …

The National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics reported almost 3% of Hoosier teens age 12-17 abuse pain relievers. (Adobe Stock)

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Hoosier teens are nearly 3% more likely to have used cocaine, methamphetamines or heroin than other teens nationwide, according to the National …

Parties protected under an expanded Lifeline Law in Indiana would be the caller, and those who assist the caller, staying at the scene and remaining compliant. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana inches closer to lifesaving law change

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…

In 2024, the National Chicken Council estimated per capita consumption of chicken in the U.S. was 104 pounds. (Adobe Stock)

Something to crow about: Technology reduces male chick culling in IN

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collaboration Eg…

Senate Bill 10 is expected to receive edits and a committee vote next week. If approved, it will move to the full House for consideration. (Adobe stock)

Indiana students fight bill blocking college IDs at polls

Indiana lawmakers are considering a plan to block college students from using school-issued IDs to vote. Sen. Blake Doriot, R-Goshen, said it will …

Small modular nuclear reactors can generate up to 500 megawatts. The International Atomic Energy Agency sets the limit at 300 megawatts, while Indiana law allows up to 470. (Adobe stock)

Indiana bill could push nuclear costs onto utility customers

A Senate committee will decide whether to advance House Bill 1007, which, if passed, would allow Indiana utilities to recover costs for small modular …

Bobcats are elusive, native predators known for their sharp senses and solitary nature, typically hunting at dawn or dusk. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosiers get final say on bobcat hunting plan

Indiana's Natural Resources Commission will decide this week whether to allow bobcat trapping, giving Hoosiers one last chance to weigh in. The …

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)

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)

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

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 …

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Indiana

Indiana moves to regulate legal THC sales and branding

Indiana survivor says nonprofit exploited her story

Financial Literacy Awareness Month: Time for a budget reset?

Indiana Senate passes surprise court cuts

IN sexual assault victims often suffer in silence, urged to seek help

Candy, soda out as Indiana reworks SNAP benefits

IU medical research takes a hit from federal budget cuts

IN tenants have options when facing eviction

IN child abuse cases rise, leave mental, physical scars

IN lawmakers endorse advanced transmission technologies for power grid

Indiana food banks struggle as USDA pulls back funding

Few treatment options for IN residents with linked chronic pain, mental illness

Indiana lawmakers push school board races into party politics

Indiana draws the line on marijuana promotions

Indiana loses millions as health funding dries up

IN small town grants spur growth, development projects

NOAA budget cuts may weaken Indiana storm tracking

Indiana sets goal to boost 3rd grade reading proficiency

IN teen drug use stats show greater need for early intervention

Indiana inches closer to lifesaving law change

Something to crow about: Technology reduces male chick culling in IN

Indiana students fight bill blocking college IDs at polls

Indiana bill could push nuclear costs onto utility customers

Hoosiers get final say on bobcat hunting plan

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