Casey Smith

Indiana lawmakers could further dilute state wetlands protections

A U.S. Supreme Court ruling from will effectively remove federal protections for most of Indiana’s wetlands and enable lawmakers to repeal protections.... Read More

Indiana school counselors detail overwhelming duties, pushing some out

Some Indiana lawmakers argued during the most recent legislative session that school counselors need help — especially to address student mental health needs — and that the state should earmark more funding to boost the number of counselors. But a slew of newly-enacted laws are instead expected to add even more to current school counselors’ workloads, with little additional aid.... Read More

A new state archives building is coming to downtown Indy

Construction of a new Indiana archives building is slated to begin this summer after a search for a new site to house the state’s vast collection of historical records. In June, the State Budget Committee gave final approval to begin work on the building.... Read More

Indiana Supreme Court upholds abortion ban

Indiana’s near-total abortion ban that prohibits the procedure with only narrow exceptions will go back into effect after the Indiana Supreme Court upheld the law Friday. But justices left open the possibility for other challenges in the future.... Read More

High court grants relief to school district in wind turbine dispute

An East Central Indiana school corporation that sought access to a wind turbine will not be on the hook for more than $1.5 million in damages after the state supreme court ruled Wednesday that the construction contract “is void and unenforceable.”... Read More

Tuition hikes on the way for higher ed, with fewer students going

Indiana’s public colleges and universities are slated to increase tuition and fees over the biennium — up to 4.9% per year — despite pushback from some state lawmakers and budget officials.... Read More

Supreme Court hears arguments in malpractice case

Indiana Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments for multiple cases Tuesday, weighing the stakes in an allegation of medical malpractice at a state prison. The case is among the 10 being heard and weighed by the high court this month. ... Read More

State files new appeal in abortion ban lawsuit

The state attorney general’s office filed to appeal a superior court judge’s decision to grant class action certification to a lawsuit that seeks to strike down Indiana’s near-total abortion ban on the basis of the state’s controversial religious freedom law.... Read More

Lucas seen smiling, laughing in new police footage after DUI arrest

Lucas, of Seymour, pleaded guilty last week to two misdemeanors — operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and leaving the scene of an accident — after he struck a guardrail and drove the wrong way on an interstate entrance ramp while intoxicated.... Read More

Holcomb confirms he won’t run for Senate in 2024

Last week, the outgoing governor appeared to say in an op-ed that he will not run for the open U.S. Senate seat — or any other office — in the next election cycle. The announcement likely makes Third District Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Banks a lock for the GOP nomination.... Read More