Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

The Indiana Youth Institute reports one of the biggest challenges to improving youth mental health in Indiana is the persistence of barriers to accessing care. (Adobe stock)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Indiana teens face rising mental health crisis

Indiana's youth are facing a growing mental health crisis, and officials say urgent action is needed. Nearly half of high school students in the …

The Indiana Secretary of State's office reports only 59% of registered voters in Marion County, the state's largest, cast a ballot in the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, October 21, 2024

ACLU of Indiana stands ready to support voter safety

Voter apprehension is reaching record levels for this year's general election, with dueling poll results and debates only adding to the anxiety…

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, said the state's protective order registry had more than 1 million protective orders for workplace or domestic violence in 2023. (Adobe stock)

New report: Indiana courts face mental health crisis

Loretta Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court, has released the 2023-24 annual report for the state's courts. The report shows Indiana's …

Michael Hicks at Ball State University said over the past two decades, average real wages for manufacturing workers in Indiana dropped by a stunning 14.4%, compared to a 1% rise nationwide. (Adobe stock)

Ball State economist: IN lags as income, education levels decline

Despite Indiana's recent high-profile business deals, the state's economic fundamentals are lagging, with declining income and education levels …

The gubernatorial race in Indiana includes three candidates: Republican Mike Braun, Democrat Jennifer McCormick and Libertarian Donald Rainwater. (Adobe stock)

Supermajority and party-switching: features of IN governor race

With just three weeks until Election Day, Indiana's race for governor is heating up as Republican Mike Braun and Democrat Jennifer McCormick vie for …

According to the Public Policy Initiative, Indiana's incarceration rate is 721 per 100,000 residents.<br />(Adobe Stock)

IN correctional facilities show higher cancer rates

Two specific types of cancer are showing up in high numbers among people in jail and prison and Indiana is no exception. A new study found a lack of …

The Indiana Citizen launched its virtual ballot in 2020. The tool has become more robust during the last four years. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosier voters gain access to nonpartisan election information tool

The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan voter information platform, aims to improve civic engagement in Indiana by helping voters make informed choices…

Indiana law requires electricity utilities to issue long-term plans for power plants every three years. (Adobe stock)

IN environmentalists push back on Duke’s coal extension

By Dan Gearino for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public N…

According to the Indiana Bar Foundation Civic Health Index, Indiana has consistently had some of the lowest voter turnout rates in the country. (Adobe Stock)

Early voting begins in Indiana; registration deadline passes

It is now too late for Hoosiers to register to vote in the upcoming presidential election, as the window has closed. Indiana is now in the next …

The nonprofit Greater Indiana predicts sales of electric vehicles will equal almost 30% of all new car sales in the state in the year 2030. (Adobe Stock)

More prospective tax breaks for EV charging infrastructure

Electric vehicles are considered one solution for a cleaner environment and Indiana has just over 26,000 EVs already on the road. Energy officials …

The Indiana Secretary of State calculates the registration percentage by dividing the state's voter registrations by the total number of eligible Hoosier voters. (Adobe stock)

Inflated voter rolls in Indiana? Critics say yes

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

America's Health Rankings places Indiana as 15th in the nation in the percentage of adults age 60 and older who faced food insecurity in the past 12 months. (Adobe Stock)

IN seniors lack of nutritious meals tied to income, physical challenges

Baby boomers are getting older, and an adequate diet is vital to this demographic in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Data in a 2022 report from the …

The Indiana State Democratic Party says without an Election Day on-campus voting site, Purdue students, faculty and staff will be disenfranchised. (Adobe stock)

Purdue students: What do we want? On-campus voting

Purdue University students are pushing back against Tippecanoe County's plan for limited voting access on campus. The county has announced only a 10 …

Research from John Hopkins Medicine shows as many as one in five new moms have postpartum depression, a more serious, but highly treatable, condition. (Adobe Stock)

IN experts urge Hoosiers to seek help for postpartum mental health issues

Postpartum mental health issues are often misunderstood, but help is available for Hoosiers who may be suffering. It's an ideal time to talk about …

IEDC reports Indiana ranked third in nation and first in Midwest for utility-scale solar in development in Q2 2024. (Adobe stock)

IN emerges as national leader in clean energy innovation

Indiana is positioning itself as a national leader in clean energy, driving economic growth through innovative projects and significant investments…

Bobcats were protected in Indiana until 2005, when they were removed from the state's endangered species list. (Adobe stock)

Public hearing planned for Indiana bobcat trapping proposal

Indiana is considering a limited bobcat trapping season and the Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on the proposal. The plan …

IN small businesses resist potential tax hike

A large tax hike could be awaiting small businesses still rebounding from the pandemic. One group hopes Congress will act before two bills expire and …

According to the Indiana Area Health Education Centers Network, 76% of students enrolled in the Pathway Program plan to pursue a medical career. (Adobe Stock)

IN looks to high school students to spark medical careers

Indiana's health care employee pool is shrinking. As the medical profession faces increased demand for mental health management, chronic illness …

The Indiana Legislature passed a bill requiring school libraries to publicly post a list of books they offer and provide a complaints process for community members. (Adobe stock)

Indiana Libraries rally against rising censorship efforts

Libraries across Indiana are observing Banned Books Week. The observation started in the 1980s to highlight ongoing censorship efforts aimed at …

If Duke Energy has its way, some Hoosiers may soon face higher electric bills. (Adobe Stock)

Duke Energy's proposed rate hike, profits under fire

Duke Energy is facing criticism over its proposed rate hikes of up to 16%, while delaying the retirement of its coal-fired power plants in Indiana…

IU Health is expanding its suicide prevention efforts by training staff to better support individuals from different backgrounds. (Adobe stock)

Suicide rates rising among Indiana's diverse communities

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

Maplewood Guest House in Muncie serves as a residential hub for third- and fourth-year medical students. (Ball State University)

Ball State, IU team up for medical student housing

By Katherine Hill for the Ball State Daily News .Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Ball State Daily News-Free …

According to the research website Definitive Healthcare, consumers spent $603 billion on prescription drugs in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

IN residents await price reductions on costly prescriptions

Indiana ranks 20th among states for its prescription drug spending and especially for older adults, some help is on the way. The Inflation Reduction …

Hunger Action Month started in 2008 when Feeding America's food banks came together to encourage individuals to take action against hunger in their local communities. (Adobe stock)

Feeding Indiana’s Hungry calls for action as food insecurity worsens

Hoosiers are marking Hunger Action Month, a nationwide campaign led by the Feeding America Network, to raise awareness and fight hunger across the U.…

Lead contamination poses serious health risks, especially to children, and has been linked to<br />developmental issues and organ damage. (Adobe Stock)

Indianapolis neighborhood fears ongoing lead contamination Superfund site

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 …

Unlike proposed constitutional amendments sent to Hoosiers in the past, a new succession amendment has not garnered any attention, let alone controversy. (Adobe stock)

Hoosiers face ballot question on governor succession process

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

A new report by The Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana reveals Indiana's housing is aging, with 15% of homes and rental properties built before 1939. (Adobe stock)

Environmental racism threatens Hoosier communities

A new report found Hoosier homeowners and renters face significant challenges from environmental hazards and climate change. "The State of Fair …

Purdue University students Jason Packard and Rebecca Siener are trying to break the stigma around the Indiana Lifeline law and its effect on underage drinking.

Calls for broader legal safeguards under Indiana Lifeline Law

By Kody Fisher for WISH-TV.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the WISH-TV-Free Press Indiana-Public News Service Co…

According to the Center for Women and Politics, registered women voters have traditionally outnumbered men by 10 million. In 2022, the number decreased to 7.4 million. (Adobe Stock)

IN women voters expected to outpace men in 2024 election

A Democratic woman of color vies against an embattled former Republican president in this year's historic Nov. 5 election and a new survey of 801 …

The 2024 Indiana Girl Report emphasized actionable steps for families and stakeholders to enhance the well-being of Hoosier girls. (Adobe stock)

Report: IN girls struggle with bullying, yet excel academically

A new report highlighted girls in Indiana face higher rates of bullying and sexual dating violence compared to boys. The 2024 Indiana Girl Report…

FAFSA forms last year were not launched until the end of December and were not fully available for all applicants until January. (Adobe Stock)

Hoosier families face financial aid setback with new FAFSA delay

Hoosier families with current and future college students should prepare for a delay in accessing financial aid. The Department of Education has …

Indiana has established the State Coroners Training Board which provides 40 hours of basic training for the position. (Adobe Stock)

The overlooked role of Indiana county coroners

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

Marion County is one of 92 counties in Indiana preparing for Election Day. (Adobe stock)

Indiana's low voter turnout spurs action: Hoosiers encouraged to vote

Indiana ranks 50th in the nation for voter turnout, just ahead of West Virginia, according to the Indiana Bar Foundation Civic Health Index. Kate …

The Democratic National Convention is being held this year at the United Center in Chicago, about a three-hour drive from Indianapolis. (A Gonzalez)

Gen Z mobilizes as Kamala Harris energizes Hoosier Democrats

The Democratic National Convention in Chicago is buzzing with energy and several Hoosiers are there on the ground, ushering in Vice President Kamala …

Recent reports show the economics of coal-fired power plants take a huge toll on ratepayer wallets and public health. (Adobe stock)

Study cites Indiana's costly reliance on coal plants

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Public…

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management considers an agricultural business a concentrated animal feeding operation if the farm meets or exceeds animal threshold numbers including 2,500 swine above 55 pounds, 55,000 turkeys or 700 mature dairy cows. (Adobe Stock)

IN farms have stricter rules for CAFO operations

A new study shows more than 1 million tons of animal waste is produced every year in the U.S. Consumers' desire for more animal protein and better …

On their way to Chicago, members of Indiana's Democratic delegation to the Democratic National Convention will be focused on leveraging momentum to strengthen the party's position in upcoming elections and build a robust foundation for future campaigns. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana's delegates ready for Harris and Walz

Indiana will be represented by about 90 delegates at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago next week. Michael Schmuhl, chairman of the …

On Tuesday, each candidate for Lieutenant Governor presented a distinct vision for Indiana, setting the stage for a heated race. (Adobe Stock)

IN Lt. Governor candidates present starkly different visions

In a debate in the race for Indiana's next Lieutenant Governor, the candidates clashed over the future of the state. Micah Beckwith, the Republican …

Indiana State Police investigators secretly bought THC products and found some of them were mislabeled. (Adobe stock)

Indiana retailers warned: THC products may violate state law

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

According to EPA< Indiana has more than 35,000 miles of rivers and streams, 100,000 acres of publicly owned lakes and reservoirs, and 50 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. (Adobe Stock)

IN summit seeks solutions to healthier waterways

The Annual Indiana Water Summit, coming up next week, will offer ideas on protecting the state's waterways. A 2022 report paints a troubling …

The American College of Ophthalmology says children can be born with cataracts which, if left untreated, can cause irreversible and abnormal connections between the brain and eye. (Adobe Stock)

IN kids have academic success with healthier eyes

Notebooks, writing tools and laptops are standard supplies on a parent's back-to-school shopping list. But one important appointment that can easily …

The proposed FEED Act has bipartisan support. (Adobe Stock)

Critics say IN-made dairy cow feed additive is 'overblown'

By Grace Hussain for Sentient.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Sentient/Public News Service Collaboration A …

According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the Hoosier State ranks ninth as the largest farming state in the nation. (Adobe Stock)

IN farmers markets help food deserts, economy

This week is National Farmers Market Week, as fresh jams, jellies, fruits and vegetables draw thousands of people to more than 8,000 farmers markets …

Crews broke ground on the I-69 extension in 2008 in southwestern Indiana, but the dream of an interstate connecting Evansville to Indianapolis spanned decades. (Adobe Stock)

Historic connection: I-69 links Indianapolis and Evansville

Half a century after the goal was first conceived, Indianapolis and Evansville are now officially connected via an interstate highway. The I-69 and …

The National Institute of Health describes symptoms of Alzheimer's disease as changes in behavior and personality, a decline in decision-making and language skills, and difficulty recognizing family and friends. (Adobe Stock)

New tests bring hope to Indiana Alzheimer's patients, families

New research directed at earlier detection of Alzheimer's disease has produced a more promising method for diagnosis. It was unveiled last week at …

Indiana University hosts more than 4,000 students each year from at least 100 countries, including Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Taiwan, Turkey and Vietnam. (Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

IN universities see international student numbers rise

As people head back to college soon, professors may notice an increase in the number of international students. A new report finds these enrollment …

The Indiana Women's Prison was relocated to the west side of Indianapolis in 2009. (Adobe Stock)

City urged to take over neglected Indiana prison site

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

According to an IU study, a lack of healthcare access includes health insurance, language barriers, and geographic or transportation-related barriers.

Remote doctor appointments remain popular for IN residents

Virtual healthcare gained steam during the pandemic, by allowing doctors to reduce in-person contact and still render services to patients. And …

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