Articles

Blind Hoosiers claim Indiana failing to provide access to benefits programs

Claiming “systemic violations of the civil rights of blind Indiana residents,” two individuals and the National Federation of the Blind filed a complaint in federal court Tuesday against the directors of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Division of Family Resources. The plaintiffs assert the defendants failed to provide printed communications about government benefits in alternative formats, such as Braille, and instead directed the blind individuals to have sighted third parties read the materials to them.

Read More

Gunmaker asks US Supreme Court to hear Sandy Hook appeal

The maker of the rifle used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of a state ruling against the company. Remington Arms, based in Madison, North Carolina, cited a much-debated 2005 federal law that shields firearms manufacturers from liability in most cases when their products are used in crimes.

Read More

Trump says he wants stronger gun checks but gives no details

President Donald Trump on Monday condemned weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio as “barbaric” attacks and crimes “against all humanity” as he called for bipartisan cooperation to strengthen the nation’s gun laws. Trump said he wants legislation providing “strong background checks” for gun users, but he provided scant details and has reneged on previous promises after mass shootings.

Read More

Indiana casinos looking for jump on Midwest sports betting

Indiana casinos are racing ahead with preparations to launch legalized sports betting in early September, looking to seize an advantage over competitors in Chicago and other nearby large markets where such wagers aren’t yet allowed. A new state law approved this spring allows betting to start Sept. 1 on dozens of professional, collegiate and international sporting events.

Read More

Supreme Court: Trump can use Pentagon funds for border wall

The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to tap billions of dollars in Pentagon funds to build sections of a border wall with Mexico. The court’s five conservative justices gave the administration the green light on Friday to begin work on four contracts it has awarded using Defense Department money.

Read More

Police: Indiana marijuana surge coming from other states

Some Indiana police officers are reporting that they’re seeing an increase in marijuana products, including pot-laced edibles and vaping devices, coming from states where marijuana has been legalized to one degree or another. State Police Sgt. Carey Huls said authorities are observing an increase of specialty marijuana products coming from states such as California or Colorado with established laws permitting their use

Read More

US attorney general says encryption creates security risk

U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that increased encryption of data on phones and computers and encrypted messaging apps are putting American security at risk. Barr’s comments at a cybersecurity conference mark a continuing effort by the Justice Department to push tech companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted devices and applications during investigations.

Read More

15 apply for Lake County judicial vacancy

More than a dozen applicants are seeking to fill a Lake County judicial vacancy created by a judge’s retirement earlier this month. The vacancy in Lake Superior Court, Civil Division 6 was opened up when Judge John Pera retired July 1.

Read More

Indiana Legislature seeks to separate from AG in sexual harassment lawsuit

The Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Senate have filed separate motions in federal court to represent themselves in the sexual harassment lawsuit against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr., claiming the state’s top lawyer cannot adequately defend their interests. Majority leaders of both the House and Senate announced late Monday afternoon they had hired outside counsel and are trying to intervene in the litigation brought by four women against Hill and the state of Indiana.

Read More

Duke Energy sued for 2014 coal ash spill environmental harm

The federal, North Carolina and Virginia governments asked a court Thursday to declare the country’s largest electricity company liable for environmental damage from a leak five years ago that left miles of a river shared by the two states coated in hazardous coal ash.

Read More

Ex-Pacers player, Auburn assistant Chuck Person avoids prison

Former Indiana Pacers star and Auburn University assistant basketball coach Chuck Person’s lifelong generosity may have driven him to the poorhouse, but it saved him from the jailhouse Wednesday when a judge sentenced him in a bribery scandal that touched some of the biggest college basketball programs.

Read More

Outgoing Rep. Brooks joins Dems condemning Trump’s racist tweets

In a remarkable political repudiation, the Democratic-led U.S. House voted to condemn President Donald Trump’s “racist comments” against four congresswomen of color, despite protestations by Trump’s Republican congressional allies and his own insistence he hasn’t “a racist bone in my body.” Retiring Indiana Rep. Susan Brooks was among four Republicans joining the condemnation of Trump’s statements.

Read More