Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Friday, February 14, 2025

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)

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

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)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

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…

Space for the Farmers Market, which includes an incubator commercial kitchen, will be located in Logansport, Ind. (Cass County Community Foundation)

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

Communities around the state will be watching the progress of a unique project coming up for the north-central Indiana town of Logansport. The Cass …

An Indianapolic Public Schools report indicates transportation is provided for all elementary, middle and high school students who live between one and one and a half miles from their assigned school. (Adobe Stock)

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

School bus transportation challenges are impacting one central Indiana community. Long ride times are more than an inconvenience, according to an …

In Indiana, people aged 75-84 must renew their driver's license every three years and are required to take a vision test. Drivers 85 and up must do it every two years. (Adobe stock)

Winter roads test older drivers across Indiana

Indiana's busy holiday roads can put older drivers to the test. With 2.8 million Hoosiers traveling this season, the AAA Hoosier Motor Club …

According to the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter, 11% of people aged 45 and older have subjective cognitive decline. (Adobe Stock)

IN Alzheimer's caregivers can comfort, support patients during holidays

The excitement of the holiday season is celebrated with family get-togethers. For Alzheimer's patients, large groups can produce fear and confusion…

Misty Coburn formerly worked as a nurse at Options Behavioral Health Hospital in Indianapolis. (J Watson/Mirror Indy)

Whistleblower exposes dangers at Indiana facility

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 …

A Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism study reported Hamilton and Boone County residents in Indiana earn an average median income of $111,000 yet have only one news source per county. (Adobe Stock)

IN sees a downturn of news options

Digital technology is replacing traditional news sources, the daily or weekly community newspaper and fewer publications mean more news deserts…

Hoosiers must first file the FAFSA to access nearly all forms of financial aid for college. (Adobe stock)

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Indiana families see value in higher education, but many are still confused about how to pay for it. A new survey by INvestEd, a nonprofit based in …

New Breed of Youth (New B.O.Y.) and Inner Beauty, based in Indianapolis, offer character-building programs for youth. (Adobe stock)

Indiana mentoring programs spread holiday cheer

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

Through the Clinician-Led Community Response program, Stepping Stones Therapy Center helps residents access mental health resources. (Stepping Stones Therapy Center)

Hoosier care team expands mental health help in Indy

Indianapolis is expanding its innovative Clinician-Led Community Response program, offering Hoosiers a new approach to handling mental health crises…

Elizabeth Friedland, founder of Safe Park Indy, poses for a portrait at the first lot she secured. (Mirror Indy)

Indiana-based Safe Park expands for people living in cars

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

The familiar red kettle started in San Francisco in 1891 as a crab pot for out-of-work seamen and longshoremen due to the Depression. By 1990, the buckets were used nationwide to collect donations. (Adobe Stock)

IN Salvation Army chapters see donation decrease

Donations to charities are down this year, including to the Salvation Army. The longstanding organization acknowledges people are not giving their …

Hoosiers voted early this year and sought answers to voting questions sooner. (Adobe stock)

Fewer Hoosiers vote in 2024 amid early voting tensions

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

Retiring Indiana State Police Superintendent Doug Carter sits in his office behind a desk built by the Indiana State Department of Correction. (WISH-TV)

Indiana's justice journey of reform, reflection

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

Bethany Christian Schools' teachers, students, grounds and kitchen staff -- as well as their laying hens -- work hard every day to bring the beauty of nature close to home. (Bethany Christian Schools)

Hoosier kids dig into fresh food, sustainability

By Amy Felegy for Arts Midwest.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Arts Midwest-Public News Service Collaboratio…

Medical site Medline Plus indicates Metformin helps people with diabetes control the amount of sugar (or glucose) in their blood. It decreases the amount of glucose absorbed from food and increases the body's response to insulin. (Adobe Stock)

Diabetes drug could help IN residents ease COVID symptoms

The aftermath of COVID-19 infections has left many with unexplainable fatigue or memory loss. A new study reveals a prescription used for another …

Brian Spane assembles a Weber speaker by hand at the company located in Kokomo, Ind. (TA Weber)

Indiana-built, American-made sound rocks the world

A family-run business in Indiana strikes a chord worldwide with its American-made craftsmanship. The TA Weber Company launched 27 years ago…

Randi Atwell packed up all her belongings last July and left Lucky Turn Apartments, located in Beech Grove. (T Fenwick/Mirror Indy)

Agency failures push Indy families toward homelessness

By Emily Hopkins and Tyler Fenwick for Mirror Indy.Broadcast version by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service reporting for the Mirror Indy-Free Press In…

According to a National Survey of Children's Health, one in four Hoosier kids aged six to 17 aren't involved in extracurricular activities.

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

As winter sets in, advocates are spotlighting the need for after-school programs to provide Indiana youth with safe spaces to build skills, stay …

Food insecure research site Feeding America reports nearly 951,000 or 1 in 7 Hoosiers face hunger.(Adobe Stock)

USDA grant helps stock IN food pantries

People will gather over the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends to count their blessings. While the holiday feast is plentiful for many…

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Indiana

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

IN grant boosts diversity through Logansport food hub

IN school bus hurdles linked to education outcomes

Winter roads test older drivers across Indiana

IN Alzheimer's caregivers can comfort, support patients during holidays

Whistleblower exposes dangers at Indiana facility

IN sees a downturn of news options

Many Hoosiers still confused about paying for college

Indiana mentoring programs spread holiday cheer

Hoosier care team expands mental health help in Indy

Indiana-based Safe Park expands for people living in cars

IN Salvation Army chapters see donation decrease

Fewer Hoosiers vote in 2024 amid early voting tensions

Indiana's justice journey of reform, reflection

Hoosier kids dig into fresh food, sustainability

Diabetes drug could help IN residents ease COVID symptoms

Indiana-built, American-made sound rocks the world

Agency failures push Indy families toward homelessness

Winter after-school programs foster skills for Hoosier kids

USDA grant helps stock IN food pantries