Indiana BMV announces branch visits by appointment only
Some of Indiana’s Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branches will reopen with an appointment-only service format beginning Monday.
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Listen in on history: SCOTUS streams audio of live arguments for first time
It’s a morning of firsts for the United States Supreme Court: the first time audio of the court’s arguments will be heard live by the world and the first arguments by telephone.
Holcomb to ease stay-at-home restrictions starting Monday
Pursuant to a new executive order released Friday that goes into effect Monday and lasts through May 23, Indiana retailers — including malls — will be allowed to open at 50% capacity; manufacturers not currently operating will be permitted to do so; offices can have employees return but are encouraged to continue remote work when possible; public libraries can open; and the essential travel restrictions will be lifted.
Indiana appellate courts extend emergency relief due to COVID-19
A joint Thursday order from the Indiana Supreme Court and Indiana Court of Appeals has announced that an order granting emergency relief through May 4 has been extended due to the ongoing public health emergency posed by COVID-19.
IN Supreme Court schedules May remote arguments, including lethal injection dispute
The Indiana Department of Correction will make another attempt at keeping confidential the suppliers of the lethal drugs used in executions when it appears for oral arguments before the Indiana Supreme Court at 11 a.m. May 27. Oral arguments in this case and the others scheduled for May will be done through videoconferencing rather than held in-person.
Indiana reports surge in COVID-19 cases as testing hits high mark
The Indiana State Department of Health on Friday said the number of positive cases for COVID-19 in the state has risen to 18,630, following the emergence of 795 more cases. The state also reported that 99,639 people have been tested so far, an increase of 4,641 tests.
Lawsuit seeks to expand voting by mail for November election
Not-for-profit Indiana Vote by Mail and 12 Indiana voters have filed a federal lawsuit against the Indiana Election Commission and Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson that seeks to give all voters the option of casting a ballot by mail in the November general election.
State reports another big rise in COVID-19 cases, 43 more deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Thursday said the number of positive cases for COVID-19 in the state has risen to 17,835, following the emergence of 653 more cases.
ACLU seeks info on COVID-19 risk in jails and prisons
Highlighting new epidemiological models that show as many as 200,000 inmates could die from COVID-19, the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has joined the ACLU National, the ACLU Foundation and more than 30 affiliates in filing public records requests to get information about coronavirus outbreaks in prisons and jails.
Marion County extending stay-at-home order to May 15—with adjustments
Marion County plans to extend its stay-at-home order until May 15, city and county officials announced Thursday morning, but the order will be adjusted to comply with new state requirements that are expected to be announced Friday.
Web Exclusive: IndyBar Foundation crisis fund benefits lawyers, Hoosiers in financial squeeze
In light of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Indianapolis Bar Foundation earlier this month implemented a new fund called the Crisis Empowerment Grant Program. The fund’s goal is two-fold: to put dollars in the pockets of lawyers who may be struggling to make ends meet while continuing to provide free legal services to central Indiana families through four local agencies.
Indiana deaths, testing reach highs in state’s daily COVID-19 report
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday said the number of positive cases for COVID-19 in the state has risen to 17,182, following the emergence of 594 more cases. Meanwhile, new deaths and tests were the highest reported by the state in its daily update.
State enlists private contractor to boost COVID-19 testing dramatically
The Indiana State Department of Health on Tuesday announced it has reached an agreement with a subsidiary of United Health Group to expand COVID-19 testing dramatically in Indiana.
Dozens of vehicles circle northern Indiana prison in protest
Dozens of motor vehicles circled the Westville Correctional Facility on Tuesday in a protest over the treatment of inmates during a coronavirus outbreak that has reached inside the prison’s walls.
IndyBar: Show Us How You’re Striving to #FindtheGood
When I first heard of the COVID-19 virus, it was happening where a lot of things happen — somewhere else. It was far away, and it was not something that concerned me. That has rapidly changed. COVID-19 is now here and affecting all of us.bar
IndyBar: Indianapolis Bar Association Launches Chat-Based Legal Advice
In response to the COVID-19 public health emergency, the Indianapolis Bar Association (IndyBar) has launched the “Virtual Ask a Lawyer” online legal advice chat service, where members of the community can chat in real time with an attorney who is prepared to assist with basic legal questions.
Virtually empty: Courts try to keep dockets moving amid pandemic
Like the rest of the world, the judiciary has been walking a tightrope for the last six weeks, trying to keep courts open while protecting judges, staff, lawyers, litigants and the public from COVID-19 exposure.
Law firms pivot to keep clients informed about COVID-19 issues
Law firms have been pivoting to marshal the resources needed to answer the questions clients and nonclients have about the coronavirus emergency through websites, emails, podcasts, webinars and more. The topics covered range from government initiatives such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act and the Federal Reserve’s business loan program to unemployment benefits, force majeure clauses and cybersecurity.
Pandemic creates more uncertainty than usual in legal profession
The Great Recession landed a powerful blow to law firms, forcing layoffs and closures in an industry long thought immune to business cycles, but the spreading downturn caused by the coronavirus brings vast uncertainty about the economic outlook for lawyers.
Osterday: So God made a millennial, and not a minute too late
Admittedly, we millennials are a bit coddled. But what preceding generations — and especially the legal profession — fail to appreciate is a millennial’s we-can-do-this-better attitude, particularly where technology is concerned. And arguably, that attitude should win the day right now.