School librarians say more parents are challenging books on school shelves since a new law required schools to establish a process to field complaints. But outright book bans appear rare, Managing Editor Daniel Carson reports. Reporter Maura Johnson has a story on a new study that suggests sealing more eviction records. In Focus, Reporter Alexa Shrake examines why some local bar associations are being hurt financially by the shift from in-person to online continuing legal education classes. Read these stories and more in this week's issue of Indiana Lawyer.

Forbes reported the House Appropriations Committee approved legislation earlier this month to block the Biden administration's efforts to reschedule marijuana under federal law. Managing editor Daniel Carson has the details. Also, reporter Maura Johnson takes a look at how immigration impacts the labor market.

The number of women attorneys reached a historical level nationally last year, comprising more than 50% of all law associates. Managing Editor Daniel Carson has the details. Also, Reporter Maura Johnson takes a look at Indiana counties working to help Hoosiers clear their criminal records and reinstate their driver's licenses, using expungement laws.

Immigration attorneys in Indianapolis are sorting through President Joe Biden's sweeping restrictions on asylum to see what effect they may have on the crushing backlog of immigration cases from Indianapolis and elsewhere. Managing Editor Daniel Carson has the details. Also, Reporter Maura Johnson takes a closer look at the Marion County Prosecutor's Conviction Integrity Unit to see how many more cases are being re-examined after the unit's work helped exonerate an Indianapolis man convicted of murder. In Focus, Johnson examines a new law that requires Indiana's public colleges to make sure classroom instruction  offers"intellectual diversity."

COVID relief has faded and consumers are stuggling with credit card debt and more, bankruptcy lawyers say. That's leading to an increase in bankruptcy filings in Indiana and across the nation, reports Managing Editor Daniel Carson. An increasing lawyer shortage has prompted the Indiana Supreme Court to appoint a new commission to find potential solutions. Reporter Maura Johnson reports that an expanded role for paralegals is among the options being considered. In Focus, reporter Alexa Shrake introduces readers to Jerry Garau, the new president of the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association. Garau says his focus for the next year will be protecting access to the civil justice system.

Are the chances for legalizing marijuana in Indiana getting any higher? A softer federal stance on the drug certainly has Indiana legislators' tongues wagging. Managing Editor Daniel Carson explores whether that talk could turn into action. Carson also has another piece examining why no one has yet to be nominated by the Biden administration to succeed U.S. District Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson as she prepares to go on senior status. In Focus, reporter Alexa Shrake takes a look at the job prospects for new lawyers.