Notre Dame withdraws as presidential debate host due to COVID-19
The University of Notre Dame has become the second university to withdraw as the host of one of this fall’s three scheduled presidential debates amid the coronavirus pandemic.
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Weinzapfel calls out Rokita for ‘purposely muddled’ response to mask mandate
Controversy over Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s statewide mask mandate has spilled over into the race for attorney general, with Democratic candidate Jonathan Weinzapfel accusing Republican candidateTodd Rokita of purposefully declining to stand with the governor.
Holcomb says he remains confident he can impose mask mandate, despite AG’s opinion otherwise
Gov. Eric Holcomb said Thursday he is confident he has the legal authority to impose a statewide mask mandate, telling reporters after an event in Lafayette that “we do our research before we speak.” His comments came after fellow Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an opinion saying Holcomb lacked the authority to enforce a mask order.
Marion County to enact new restrictions after surge in COVID-19 cases
Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Marion County will implement new pandemic-related restrictions on Friday, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday. Included in the restrictions is the closure of bars and nightclubs for the next several weeks.
Two senators who asked for AG opinion say they won’t sue to stop Holcomb’s mask mandate
Two of the state senators who asked the attorney general for a legal opinion about whether Gov. Eric Holcomb has the authority to enforce a statewide mask mandate say they do not plan to file a lawsuit to challenge the measure.
Judge frees ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen from prison
A judge ordered the release from prison of President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer on Thursday, saying he believes the government retaliated against him for planning to release a book about Trump before November’s election.
Poll: 3 in 4 Americans back requiring wearing masks
Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, favor requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes, a new poll finds, reflecting fresh alarm over spiking coronavirus cases and a growing embrace of government advice intended to safeguard public health.
AG Hill: Holcomb has no authority to enforce statewide mask mandate
Gov. Eric Holcomb lacks the authority to enforce the statewide mask mandate he announced on Wednesday and should call a special session if he wants to implement the requirement, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said late Wednesday.
Trump, Barr to expand anti-crime surge to several US cities
President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr are expected to announce Wednesday that federal agents will surge into several American cities including Chicago to help combat rising crime, expanding the administration’s intervention in local enforcement as Trump runs for reelection under a “law and order” mantle.
Democratic governor candidate wants masks in Indiana schools
The Democratic nominee for Indiana governor called Tuesday for more widespread mask use in schools and for school leaders to turn more toward online coursework rather than having students return to classrooms in the coming weeks.
Indiana joins national split over Fifth Amendment technology question
A 3-2 Indiana Supreme Court decision last month ruled that Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination extends to court orders for a suspect to unlock her cellphone. Other states, however, have taken the opposite stance, setting the stage for a likely US Supreme Court case.
Rokita, Weinzapfel launch general election AG campaigns
With the candidates now in place, what has so far been an unconventional race for Indiana Attorney General is shifting gears toward the November election. Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel, a former state representative and mayor of Evansville, is promoting himself as the attorney general of the people, not the party. He’ll face off against former Indiana Republican Rep. Todd Rokita, a known quantity in the Hoosier state who is promising “certainty in uncertain times.”
7th Circuit snuffs out injunction on state smokable hemp law
An injunction prohibiting the state government from prosecuting certain uses of smokable hemp has been lifted after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found the prohibition was overbroad. But when the smoke clears, the appellate panel said a revised injunction may still be appropriate.
Indiana AG supports new Title IX rule for campus sexual assault allegations
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has joined other Republican attorneys general in supporting the new Title IX regulation for how colleges and universities should handle sexual misconduct complaints, saying the new rule combats sexual harassment and protects constitutional liberties.
Given a chance, Trump would push court pick before election
President Donald Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell have tried to make it clear: Given the chance, they would push through a Supreme Court nominee should a vacancy occur before Election Day.
Bosma stepping down early, after 34 years as state lawmaker
Former Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said he plans to leave the Legislature at the end of the month — five months before his term expires.
Officer’s actions toward Black Indiana senator under review
Indiana State Police are reviewing allegations that a white Capitol Police officer reached for his handgun while confronting a Black state senator inside the Statehouse over the weekend, an agency spokesman said Tuesday.
Voting hours lawsuit highlights change in tactics for Common Cause
In its latest lawsuit seeking to overturn an amended state law that limits the extension of voting hours on Election Day, Common Cause Indiana said it is again having to go to court to fight voter suppression efforts that have increased since Republican supermajorities took control of both chambers of the Statehouse.
IMPD signs $9.2M contract to equip officers with body cameras
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday said it has signed a $9.2 million contract with Decatur, Georgia-based Utility Inc., which will equip 1,100 officers with BodyWorn camera technology.
Hogsett announces citywide Indianapolis public safety survey
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on Wednesday announced a public safety survey that will run through August as the first part of a community-driven process to re-imagine public safety in Marion County. The survey is part of the administration’s partnership with the New York University School of Law Criminal Justice Lab, announced on June 15.