Indiana News & Current Events | Public News Service

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)

Friday, January 24, 2025

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)

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

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)

Tuesday, January 21, 2025

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…

Health experts said young children often catch walking pneumonia at school and bring it home, spreading it to their families. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier health alert: Walking pneumonia cases increasing

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 Indiana Chamber of Commerce has released the final phase of its tax study, focusing on advocacy. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier leaders tackle child care, workforce issues

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce outlined six key priorities for lawmakers ahead of the legislative session in January. Rather than releasing …

The American Library Association reported in 2023, Hoosiers challenged 346 books with LGBTQ+ themes, people of color as the main characters and the Bible in statewide libraries. (Adobe Stock)

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

As the nation prepares for the second term of President-elect Donald Trump, librarians are increasingly worried about his agenda and what it might …

The Hoosier Environmental Council reports Indiana has more unlined coal ash pits that contaminate our groundwater than any other state in the nation. (Adobe stock)

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

Indiana environmental advocates are facing uncertainties following the election. Changes in federal leadership could shift key environmental …

The federal Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements program has issued almost $40 million in grants for repairs and improvements to Indiana rail lines. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Infrastructure Act grants aimed at Indiana regional rail improvements

A federal program for infrastructure improvements has awarded Indiana rail lines almost $40 million in grants for major rail projects across the state…

Eligible Hoosiers can access additional benefits beyond doctor visits and prescriptions with a Dual Special Needs Plan. (Adobe stock)

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

Nearly 13 million people nationwide, including thousands of Hoosiers on Medicare and Medicaid, may qualify for additional coverage through a Dual …

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

Hoosiers push back on bobcat hunting season

Indiana's Department of Natural Resources is pushing a bobcat trapping plan after a new law required a hunting season by 2025. Opponents said the …

Experts said when it comes to implementing and changing the country's agricultural policies, presidents have several tools at their disposal. (Adobe stock)

Indiana’s farmers and Trump’s deregulation dilemma

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

According to the American Society of Hematology, anemia, the blood clotting disorder hemophilia, and blood cancers such as leukemia, are the most common blood disorders. (Adobe Stock)

Indiana's hematologist shortage affects patients

Routine blood draws during a doctor's visit can reveal disorders or diseases and as the number of patient caseloads inches upward as the population ag…

The Indiana Commission for Higher Education reports in 2021, 81% of 21st Century Scholars graduated, compared to 30% of low-income, non-scholar peers. (Adobe stock)

Automatic enrollment sparks record high for Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars

Enrollment in Indiana's 21st Century Scholars program has surged, reaching record levels. The Indiana Commission for Higher Education reports the …

Ind. Dept. of Education ILEARN Spring 2024 test results show reading proficiency for third through eighth grade spanned from 38% to 42%. (Adobe Stock)

Online reading tool boosts IN students' reading abilities

Reading scores for Indiana's grade school students have reflected below average readiness levels on the state's recent achievement tests. Educators …

American Psychological Association research reveals politics can impact a person's mental and physical health, sometimes negatively. (Adobe stock)

Indiana’s election survival kit: Breathe, pause, repeat

On this Election Day, Indiana residents may be feeling the effects of what some are calling election stress disorder, but there are several ways to …

The FTC says in 2023, emails replaced texts as the most common tool used by scammers, followed by phone calls as the second most commonly reported contact method for fraud. (Adobe Stock)

IN residents should use caution to avoid scams

The FBI says Indiana's older population lost almost $38 million to fraud last year, according to a new report. The Federal Trade Commission says …

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Indiana

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

Hoosier health alert: Walking pneumonia cases increasing

Hoosier leaders tackle child care, workforce issues

IN librarians fear book bans in 2025

Hoosier green goals at crossroads amid federal shifts

Federal Infrastructure Act grants aimed at Indiana regional rail improvements

Dual health plans offer extra support for low-income Hoosiers

Hoosiers push back on bobcat hunting season

Indiana’s farmers and Trump’s deregulation dilemma

Indiana's hematologist shortage affects patients

Automatic enrollment sparks record high for Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars

Online reading tool boosts IN students' reading abilities

Indiana’s election survival kit: Breathe, pause, repeat

IN residents should use caution to avoid scams