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Indiana Implements New Law Requiring Students to Lock Up Cellphones During School

Indiana Implements New Law Requiring Students to Lock Up Cellphones During School

A new law in Indiana, signed by Governor Mike Braun, mandates that students must keep their cellphones locked away during the entire school day. Senate Bill 78, effective from the start of the new school year, requires students to leave their devices at home or store them in their backpacks, purses, or lockers. Previously, students were allowed to use their phones during lunch and between classes. The law aims to reduce distractions and increase student engagement in the classroom. However, it has sparked mixed reactions, with some students and parents expressing concerns about safety and communication during emergencies.
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Brown County Board Seeks to Expand Deam Wilderness and Establish New Recreation Area

Brown County Board Seeks to Expand Deam Wilderness and Establish New Recreation Area

The Brown County Board of Commissioners has voted to request the reintroduction of federal legislation aimed at expanding the Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area and establishing a new National Recreation Area in Indiana. The proposed legislation, known as the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area and Wilderness Establishment Act, was initially introduced by former U.S. Senator Mike Braun and Representative Erin Houchin in 2023 and 2024. It seeks to double the size of the Deam Wilderness from 12,953 acres to 28,253 acres. The expansion would involve adding over 15,000 acres of existing Hoosier National Forest land. The legislation includes provisions to maintain access for mountain bikers and equestrians while imposing stricter regulations on recreational activities and land management compared to national forests.
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Indiana Expands Austin Bottoms Conservation Area with New Land Acquisition

Indiana Expands Austin Bottoms Conservation Area with New Land Acquisition

Governor Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have announced the expansion of the Austin Bottoms Conservation Area in Scott County, Indiana. The expansion involves the acquisition of 15 acres of undeveloped, forested land, adding to the existing 26,000 acres of protected habitat. This initiative is part of Indiana's ongoing efforts to preserve natural resources and wildlife habitats. The land was initially purchased by the Central Indiana Land Trust and later conveyed to the DNR at a discounted rate. Funding for the acquisition came from the President Benjamin Harrison Conservation Trust, which is supported by sales of the blue Environmental license plate.
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Jamee Decio Hosts Town Hall in Elkhart Amid Congressional Race Against Rudy Yakym

Jamee Decio Hosts Town Hall in Elkhart Amid Congressional Race Against Rudy Yakym

Democratic congressional candidate Jamee Decio held a town hall meeting at the Tolson Center for Community Excellence in Elkhart, Indiana. This event is part of her campaign to challenge Republican incumbent Rudy Yakym for Indiana’s 2nd District seat in the upcoming November election. During the town hall, Decio addressed questions from attendees on key issues such as affordability, education, and healthcare. She emphasized the importance of prioritizing the needs of constituents, criticizing current expenditures on what she described as an unnecessary 'war.' This town hall marks Decio's second public engagement as she seeks to gain support ahead of the election.
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IDEM's Proposal to Loosen Northwest Indiana Ozone Rules Sparks Criticism

IDEM's Proposal to Loosen Northwest Indiana Ozone Rules Sparks Criticism

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), led by Commissioner Clint Woods, has requested the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to relax ozone regulations in Northwest Indiana. This request, detailed in a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, seeks to rescind recent reclassifications of federal ozone rules from 2023 and 2024. Woods argues that the current standards impose unnecessary regulatory burdens and have minimal emissions impact. The proposal has drawn criticism from environmental activists and public interest groups, who argue that the changes could exacerbate health issues related to ozone, such as asthma and lung disease. Lisa Vallee, an environmental activist from Whiting, Indiana, expressed strong opposition, highlighting the health risks posed by elevated ozone levels. The EPA's proposed revisions aim to align with the Clean Air Act by allowing more flexibility in air quality strategies, but critics argue it undermines the act's intent to maintain health-based air qu...
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Gary Council Advocates for Medicare for All, Urges Congressional Action

Gary Council Advocates for Medicare for All, Urges Congressional Action

The Gary Common Council has passed a resolution in support of the federal Medicare for All Act of 2025, which aims to provide comprehensive national health insurance for all U.S. residents. The resolution, passed unanimously, calls for the elimination of copays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs, while ensuring a wide range of medical services are covered. U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan expressed his support for the resolution, emphasizing the need for affordable healthcare and the protection of seniors' benefits. The resolution also urges Indiana's Congressional delegation and the U.S. Congress to advance the Medicare for All Act.
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Greg Ballard Secures Spot on Indiana Secretary of State Ballot as Lincoln Party Candidate

Greg Ballard Secures Spot on Indiana Secretary of State Ballot as Lincoln Party Candidate

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has successfully secured a place on the ballot for the upcoming Indiana Secretary of State race as a candidate from the newly formed Lincoln Party. Ballard achieved this by collecting 40,361 valid signatures, surpassing the required 36,943 signatures. This development follows Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales's certification of Ballard's nomination. Ballard, who served as Indianapolis's Republican mayor from 2008 to 2016, will compete against Republican Max Engling, Democrat Beau Bayh, and Libertarian Lauri Shillings in the November election. The Lincoln Party aims to establish itself as a viable political force, and if Ballard garners more than 2% of the vote, the party's candidates will automatically appear on the general election ballot for the next four years.
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Consumer Advocates Challenge BlackRock's Acquisition of AES Indiana Parent Company

Consumer Advocates Challenge BlackRock's Acquisition of AES Indiana Parent Company

Consumer Advocates Challenge BlackRock's Acquisition of AES Indiana Parent Company
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Indiana Implements Statewide Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban in Schools

Indiana Implements Statewide Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban in Schools

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has announced the implementation of a new bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools across the state. The policy, part of Senate Enrolled Act 78, aims to minimize distractions and enhance student focus during school hours. The ban restricts cell phone use from the start of the school day until dismissal, with exceptions for emergencies. This initiative is designed to create a more conducive learning environment by reducing interruptions caused by mobile devices, thereby improving student engagement and academic performance.
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Indiana Natural Resources Commission Elects New Chairman Amid Procedural Changes

Indiana Natural Resources Commission Elects New Chairman Amid Procedural Changes

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has elected former state Representative Kevin Mahan as its new chairman following a period of significant upheaval. This change comes after four members resigned, citing dissatisfaction with a new process implemented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The new procedure allows the Department's Director, Alan Morrison, to post preliminary approvals without prior input from the commission, a move that has been criticized for reducing the commission's influence. Mahan, who has a background as a Blackford County sheriff and served in the Indiana House from 2010 to 2019, acknowledged the changes and emphasized the importance of public notice and comment in decision-making. He has committed to working closely with Morrison and other commissioners to ensure transparency and respect in their proceedings.
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Indiana Natural Resources Commission Elects New Chairman Amid Resignations

Indiana Natural Resources Commission Elects New Chairman Amid Resignations

The Indiana Natural Resources Commission has elected former state Rep. Kevin Mahan as its new chairman following a period of upheaval marked by four recent resignations. These resignations were in response to a new process implemented by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, which critics argue limits the commission's input. Mahan has acknowledged the challenges faced by the commission and emphasized the need for respect and transparency in its operations. He has requested regular updates on rule changes to ensure transparency and public awareness.
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Greg Ballard Secures Spot on Indiana Secretary of State Ballot

Greg Ballard Secures Spot on Indiana Secretary of State Ballot

Greg Ballard, running as a Lincoln Party candidate, has successfully secured a place on the ballot for the Indiana Secretary of State election. The Indiana Election Division confirmed that Ballard's campaign submitted 40,361 verified petition signatures, surpassing the required 36,943 signatures. Ballard, previously elected as Indianapolis mayor, switched to the Lincoln Party for this campaign. His candidacy introduces a four-way race for the position, currently held by Republican Diego Morales. Ballard's campaign invested heavily in signature collection, spending $780,000, which is over 90% of its total expenditures.