MUNCIE, Indiana, Jan. 26 -- Ball State University issued the following news release: The Ball State University Board of Trustees on Friday approved five important contracts to advance the implementation of the University's Village Revitalization Plan. On Friday: * The Board approved Build Operate Transfer (BOT) agreements that authorize the University to sign agreements with development firm Fairmount Properties to lead the design and construction of the new Performing Arts Center (Site 1 in   more

MUNCIE, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- Ball State University issued the following news release: Ball State University President Geoffrey S. Mearns invites campus and local community members to two presentations about the University's plan to revitalize The Village, the business district located immediately adjacent to campus. The first presentation--for students, faculty, and staff--will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Pruis Hall on Ball State's campus. Parking will be available in the New York Par  more

MUNCIE, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- Ball State University issued the following news release: The David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) at Ball State University presents a selection of paintings and sculptures from the Haukohl family collection--the largest collection of Florentine Baroque art of the late 16th to the early 18th centuries outside of Italy--from Feb. 22 through May 19, 2024. Assembled over more than 35 years by Houston-based art collector and co-founder of the Medici Archive Project, Sir Mar  more

MUNCIE, Indiana, Jan. 31 (TNSres) -- Ball State University issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2024: Indiana residents shared their opinions about election integrity and state tax spending in the third and final round of results from the 2023 Hoosier Survey, released today by Ball State University's Bowen Center for Public Affairs. The Hoosier Survey is an annual non-partisan public policy study that represents the pulse of the state regarding the most pressing issues facing Indiana   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana Department of Education issued the following news release: Governor Eric. J. Holcomb, Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner and Treasurer of State Daniel Elliott invite Indiana high school students to apply for the 2024 Governor's STEM Team. Gov. Holcomb developed the competition in 2017 to highlight Indiana's top high school students for their achievements in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). "Each year that this honor is awarded,  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news: Today, Feb. 1, State Rep. Pat Boy (D-Michigan City) voted against House Bill 1376. HB 1376 will change when local public questions - including school referenda - appear on an election ballot. Under the bill, a referendum will only be on the ballot during general election years, or in municipal general election years if a school district falls entirely within a municipality. After today's vote, HB 1376 passed  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Feb. 1, 2024: Thursday, Feb. 1, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) proposed an amendment to House Bill 1162 that would allow people legally living in Indiana under parole status to obtain a driver's license. Last year, the General Assembly passed a policy that would allow parolees to obtain a driver's license only if they were from Ukraine, not from other countries granted the same status such as Haiti  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2024: Today, Jan. 30, State Rep. Ed DeLaney (D-Indianapolis) offered an amendment to House Bill 1243 that would improve the proposal to add computer science as a graduation requirement in high school. DeLaney proposed adding emphasis on internet safety. * * * Specific topics in his proposal include teaching students about: 1. Digital literacy 2. Cyber bullying 3. Impact of technology on   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 29, 2024: Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) today (Jan. 29) voted no on House Bill 1093, a bill that would roll back vital child labor protections in Indiana. As written, HB 1093 would remove protections for 16- and 17-year-old minors from working in hazardous farm labor conditions. It would also expand the hours that minors are able to work, including later into the evening on school nights.  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 29, 2024: Today (Jan. 29), Indiana House Democrats offered amendments to address several policy priorities on House Democrats' Economic Freedom Agenda and the joint Statehouse Democrat Agenda. Additionally, House Democrats voted against a bill to roll back Indiana's child labor protections that accomplishes the opposite of House Democrats' priority of building power for working people. On the House   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2024: Today, Jan. 30, the House Chamber passed House Bill 1199. The bill will repeal the Mile Square economic enhancement district law, which was adopted by the Indianapolis City-County Council after a provision to allow it passed in the 2023 state budget. The funding tool would provide the city with an additional $5.5 million a year for public safety enhancements, including a planned low-barrier  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2024: Today, Jan. 30, the House of Representatives passed House Bills 1121 and 1199. HB 1199 will repeal the Mile Square economic enhancement district (EED) law, which was adopted by the Indianapolis City-County Council after a provision to allow it passed in the 2023 Republican-passed state budget. The funding tool would provide the city with an additional $5.5 million a year for public safety   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Democrats issued the following news on Jan. 29, 2024: Today, Indiana House Democrats offered an amendment to House Bill 1265 to add the question "Shall citizens be allowed to initiate a ballot referendum in Indiana" to each ballot in the November 2024 general election. This amendment failed by a vote of 27-66. Throughout the country, Americans have had the opportunity to voice their opinions on issues such as cannabis legalization and abortio  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved it, according to State Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R-Hebron). This legislation, co-authored by Aylesworth, would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teach  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved it, according to State Rep. Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville). The legislation, which Borders co-authored, would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teachers  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute) and Alan Morrison (R-Brazil). The legislation, co-authored by Heaton and Morrison, would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-livin  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: The Indiana House of Representatives advanced State Rep. Kendell Culp's (R-Rensselaer) legislation, which he said supports and protects Hoosier teenagers who want hands-on experience in the workplace. Currently, Indiana's youth employment regulations are more restrictive than federal regulations, which Culp said negatively impacts teenagers who choose to work. Culp's legislation would bring India  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: The Indiana House of Representatives Monday advanced State Rep. Robb Greene's (R-Shelbyville) bill to compile data on recent Medicaid reimbursement changes involving a well-known treatment for Hoosiers with disabilities. Applied behavioral analysis therapy is a treatment used for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities and can focus on many vital areas of day-to-day   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to Hendricks County lawmakers. The legislation, co-authored by State Reps. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville), Greg Steuerwald (R-Avon) and Jeff Thompson (R-Lizton), would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: The Indiana House of Representatives recently passed a bipartisan resolution authored by State Rep. Dave Hall (R-Norman) that would add Indiana to the states seeking a convention to amend the U.S. Constitution to include congressional term limits. Article V of the Constitution allows for the legislatures of two-thirds of the states to call a convention for proposed constitutional amendments. If pa  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 31, 2024: The Indiana House of Representatives Tuesday advanced State Rep. Ryan Lauer's (R-Columbus) bill to help abused and neglected children who are removed from their parents find a permanent home more quickly if reunification isn't possible. Lauer said his bill would affect child in need of services cases, which are juvenile court cases brought forward from the Indiana Department of Ch  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2024: To help plug leaks in Indiana's teacher pipeline, Indiana House Representatives unanimously approved State Rep. Dave Heine's (R-Fort Wayne) bill last week providing more scholarship opportunities to Hoosiers who want a career in education. Heine said his legislation builds on a law he authored last year to create Transition to Teaching Scholarships, which provide a one-time, non-  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation co-authored by State Reps. David Abbott (R-Rome City) and Craig Snow (R-Warsaw) providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure. According to Abbott, the legislation would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired p  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: The Indiana House of Representatives recently advanced a bill to expand work-based learning access in Indiana, according to Madison County lawmakers. If passed, House Bill 1001 would expand the Frank O'Bannon Grant and the 21st Century Scholarship beyond traditional college coursework to include job training. State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson), a co-author of the bill, said it would provide oppor  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: State Reps. Jack Jordan (R-Bremen) and Jake Teshka (R-North Liberty) recently supported legislation to define antisemitism for Indiana's public education institutions. According to the Anti-Defamation League, reports of antisemitic events have increased by nearly 360% since the Israel-Hamas war began in October 2023. "It's sad that due to recent events we are seeing more Jewish students witnessi  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: The House Courts and Criminal Code Committee advanced State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer's (R-Shelbyville) bill classifying xylazine, an animal tranquilizer making its way into street drugs, a controlled substance. Under Meltzer's legislation, a prescription would be required to possess xylazine, a large animal sedative known as "tranq," or an individual could face criminal penalties. "Xylazine is being  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved it, according to State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil). The legislation, which Morrison co-authored, would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gaps. Retired public employees like teachers, s  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: State Rep. Kyle Pierce (R-Anderson) recently authored legislation (https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2024/bills/house/1342/details) to help protect Hoosiers privacy when using genetic testing services. Hoosiers can use genetic testing companies, such as 23andMe and Ancestry, to complete at-home testing kits for DNA and ancestry information. Under current law, the data from these tests is owned by th  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 3 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: The Indiana House of Representatives advanced State Rep. Kendell Culp's (R-Rensselaer) legislation to keep Hoosier farmland from being leased or owned by foreign adversaries. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, foreign ownership of U.S. land is up 40% since 2016. As of 2022, over 438,000 acres in Indiana were owned by foreign entities. Culp said as these numbers continue to grow, conc  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 (TNSres) -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: State Rep. Cindy Ledbetter (R-Newburgh) authored legislation to protect the reliability and resiliency of the state's electrical grid as service providers transition to alternative energy sources. According to the Indiana Utilities and Regulatory Commission 2023 Report, coal still powers 47% of the state's electricity needs. Ledbetter said with more energy providers moving away from coal  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation authored by State Rep. Lorissa Sweet (R-Wabash) would help protect premature infants by mandating life-saving care regardless of gestational age. Sweet said if a baby is born prematurely, Indiana hospitals are currently only required to provide a screening, stabilizing treatment and information to a parent regarding treatment options. She said her legislation, known as the Preemie Pro  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: State Rep. Ed Soliday (R-Valparaiso) recently presented a Sagamore of the Wabash award to Valparaiso Mayor Matt Murphy for his service and contributions to the community. Murphy has served the past 4 years as Valparaiso's mayor, leading the city through the pandemic, and has dedicated over 20 years as a member of the city leadership team. Soliday said the city is grateful for Murphy's commitment a  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to local lawmakers. According to State Rep. Jennifer Meltzer (R-Shelbyville), who co-authored the bill, the legislation would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment designed to help cover cost-of-living gap  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following news release: Legislation providing a 13th check to retired public employees is now one step closer to becoming law after the Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved the measure, according to Vigo County lawmakers. The legislation, co-authored by State Reps. Bob Heaton (R-Terre Haute), Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) and Bruce Borders (R-Jasonville), would provide a one-time, post-retirement payment desi  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 27 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following statement on Jan. 25, 2024, by Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten, R-Charlestown: * * * Senate Majority Floor Leader Chris Garten (R-Charlestown) made the following statement regarding Meta Platforms Inc.'s $800 million investment in a new data center in Jeffersonville, Indiana: "Indiana has become a top economic leader in the nation thanks in part to our business-friendly and innovative environment a  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release: Two bills authored by State Sen. Liz Brown (R-Fort Wayne) that would address workforce data and cybersecurity issues in Indiana passed the Senate this week. Senate Bill 148 would require more oversight reporting for entities that receive taxpayer dollars to provide job training, ensuring these dollars are being used effectively and are leading to good-paying careers for Hoosiers who rely on them.  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release: A bill authored by State Sen. Brian Buchanan (R-Lebanon) that would establish a pilot program in Montgomery, Delaware and White counties to require health plans to provide reimbursement for emergency medical services performed under a mobile integrated health care program passed the Senate unanimously today. Mobile integrated health care is a patient-centered model that focuses on delivering need  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2024: A Senate Republican priority bill authored by State Sen. Ed Charbonneau (R-Valparaiso) that would make child care more accessible and affordable for Hoosier families passed the Senate with bipartisan support today. Senate Bill 2 would roll out multiple new policies to help more people become child care workers and cut certain regulations that drive up the cost of operating a chi  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2024: A bill authored by State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) that would give low-income Hoosiers more alternatives to expensive payday loans passed the Senate with a bipartisan vote of 41 to 8 Monday, Jan. 29. Senate Bill 200 would introduce more competition into the emergency loan market by requiring some government employers to provide access to nonprofit community loans or   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2024: A Senate Republican priority bill authored by State Sen. Eric Koch (R-Bedford) that would speed replacement of lead water lines in Indiana and better protect Hoosiers' health unanimously passed the Senate Tuesday, Jan. 30. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates more than 265,000 customer-owned lead water service lines remain in use in Indiana despite the U.S. banning the   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 31 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2024: A bill authored by State Sen. Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) that would require a training course that applicants for a used car dealer license must complete to sell used cars in Indiana passed the Senate unanimously today. Under Senate Bill 222, the training course would provide information on automotive licensing requirements, laws and rules. "Having reliable transportation is impor  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: Three bills authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would improve students' literacy skills and address cellphone use in the classroom passed the Senate this week. Senate Bill 6 would help improve literacy skills in Hoosier students by requiring the Indiana Department of Education to develop a method for schools to support and identify students in fourth through eighth  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 1, 2024: A Senate Republican priority bill, referred to as the 'Every Child Learns to Read' bill by author State Sen. Linda Rogers (R-Granger), that would improve reading skills for Hoosier children passed the Senate today. Each year, about 1 in 5 Hoosier students end third grade without basic reading skills, as measured by Indiana's IREAD assessment. Senate Bill 1 - the caucus's top prior  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 27 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following column on Jan. 26, 2024, by State Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland: * * * Calling Students: Spend a Day at the Statehouse Hands-on, learning experiences are invaluable to young Hoosiers as they engage the world around them. That's why I encourage Johnson County students ages 13 to 18 interested in learning more about our state and our history, to sign up to page during the 2024 session, which runs through mid  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 26 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following statement on Jan. 25, 2024, by State Rep. Robb Greene, R-Shelbyville: * * * There is an assumption at the heart of economic development policy that views any form of growth as a net good. It's rarely challenged. Those who do question this often-hidden assumption that growth outweighs any and all costs are invariably accused of NIMBYism, or Not In My Back Yard. It's an intellectually lazy acronym designed to ma  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- Indiana State Rep. Chuck Moseley, D-Portage, issued the following statement on Jan. 31, 2024: * * * Monday, Jan. 29, House Bill 1412 passed through the House of Representatives, aimed at regulating the retail sale of dogs. The legislation would increase the responsibilities of the Indiana State Board of Animal Health (BOAH) and strip communities of the mandate to regulate puppy mills. State Rep. Chuck Moseley (D-Portage) released the following statement regardi  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 26 -- The Indiana House Republicans issued the following statement on Jan. 25, 2024, by State Rep. Alex Zimmerman, R-North Vernon: * * * In Indiana, child sexual assault survivors are up against the clock when it comes to pursuing justice against their abusers. That's because they only have until their 31st birthday to bring charges due to Indiana's statute of limitations. It's time for change. Unfortunately, children do not often report sexual abuse for a variety   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 2 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following statement on Feb. 1, 2024, by State Sen. Andy Zay, R-Huntington: * * * "I authored Senate Bill 272 to address two major issues within school-based health centers. First, schools should be focusing primarily on education. Second, and my biggest concern, is the need for clear parental consent and parental involvement. "I strongly believe our education system should not intersect with our health care system. To   more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 30 -- The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission issued the following agenda: * * * TO: Commission Chairman James F. Huston, Commissioners Bennett, Freeman, Veleta and Ziegner FROM: Commission Technical Divisions DATE: January 26, 2024 RE: 30-Day Utility Articles for Conference on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 @ 10:00 a.m. The following thirty-day filings have been submitted to the Commission. Each item was reviewed by the appropriate Commission Technical Divisions  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Feb. 1 -- The Indiana Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission issued the following weekly hearing schedule: * * * Monday, February 5, 2024 There are no hearings scheduled for today. * * * Tuesday, February 6, 2024 CAUSE NO.: 45164-RA4; ALJ: PAGONIS; TIME: 1:30 P.M.; COMMISSIONER: ZIEGNER; ROOM: PNC, Room 224 VERIFIED PETITION OF INDIANA MICHIGAN POWER COMPANY (I&M), AN INDIANA CORPORATION, FOR APPROVAL OF AN ADJUSTMENT TO ITS RATES THROUGH ITS RESOURCE ADEQUACY RIDER.  more

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Jan. 27 -- The Indiana Senate Republicans issued the following Messmer Report on Jan. 26, 2024, by State Sen. Mark Messmer, R-Jasper: * * * Protecting Hoosiers' Health For nearly 40 years, installation of lead water lines has been banned in the United States. However, it is estimated that 265,000 old lead water lines remain in use throughout Indiana. It is well known that lead poses significant health risks to people. As old water lines corrode, the likelihood of lead   more

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 1 -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news: Taft partner Kimberly DalSanto has been selected as a finalist in the law category for the 2024 Indy's Best & Brightest Awards. The awards program was created by Junior Achievement of Central Indiana to recognize the next generation of leaders in our community. The event honors 100 of central Indiana's most outstanding young professionals, age 40 and under, in 10 different industries. DalSanto will be recognized alo  more

MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Feb. 2 -- Taft, a law firm, issued the following news: Taft pro bono director Monica Fennell recently authored the article, "Women of 'Sense and Steel,'" published on the Indiana State Bar Association's (ISBA) website on Jan. 17, 2024. The article highlights legendary women trailblazers in law and the legacies they leave behind. Fennell recognizes pioneering women in all stages of law, from local county judges to U.S. Supreme Court judges, and how they paved the way for  more

MUNCIE, Indiana, Feb. 2 (TNSres) -- Ball State University issued the following news release: Ball State University's Department of Biology has received a significant donation of $20,000 from the Todd Siebert Memorial Foundation. The foundation, aimed at advancing research in C9ORF72-linked Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), was established in honor of Todd Siebert, who lost his battle with ALS in 2021 at the age of 51. The generous grant marks the formation of the Smaldino ALS/FTD Research Pr  more

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Feb. 1 -- Utah Attorney General Sean D. Reyes issued the following news: Attorney General Sean D. Reyes joined an amicus brief to the Supreme Court of the United States in Trump v. Anderson. The filing, led by West Virginia and Indiana, supports Donald J. Trump's position that he was unlawfully removed from the ballot in Colorado by the state Supreme Court. On December 19, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that Trump was ineligible to appear on the ballot under section 3 o  more