Two northern Indiana counties take action on face masks
Two adjacent northern Indiana counties have implemented or extended orders requiring people to wear face masks to impede the spread of the coronavirus.
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Trump administration urges end to Affordable Care Act as pandemic surges
As coronavirus cases rise in more than half of the states, the Trump administration is urging the Supreme Court to overturn the Affordable Care Act. The administration’s high court filing Thursday came the same day the government reported that close to half a million people who lost their health insurance amid the economic shutdown to slow the spread of COVID-19 have gotten coverage through HealthCare.gov.
Judge orders Lawson to produce emails, documents on voting-machine security
A Marion Superior judge has ordered Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson to produce documents to back up her claim that the public should not see emails and other communications about the reliability and security of voting machines because they could jeopardize cyberterrorism security.
AG candidates make final pleas to GOP delegates
The crowded field of lawyers seeking the Indiana GOP nomination for attorney general will soon be narrowed to one as the four candidates make their final pleas for support from the state’s Republican delegates. The field includes embattled AG Curtis Hill, Decatur County Prosecutor Nate Hater, former Rep. Todd Rokita and Bose McKinney & Evans attorney John Westercamp.
Charlestown zoo barred from taking in new animals
An embattled wildlife center in southern Indiana that’s being sued by the state and by an animal welfare group for allegedly abusing big cats and other exotic animals cannot take in new animals while that lawsuit is pending, a judge has ruled.
Amid COVID-19 surge, Indiana’s LaGrange County requires face masks
A northern Indiana health department is requiring everyone to wear a mask or face covering over the mouth and nose following a steep increase of cases since Memorial Day.
US virus outbreaks stir clash over masks, personal freedom
When the coronavirus flared in China’s capital this week, Beijing canceled flights, suspended reopenings and described the situation as “extremely grave.” But with cases rising in some U.S. states, local officials have balked at even requiring people to wear masks.
Democrats pick former Evansville mayor to run for Indiana attorney general
Former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel has won the Democratic nomination for Indiana attorney general, the party announced Wednesday night. Weinzapfel edged state Sen. Karen Tallian in a close race and will challenge the Republican AG nominee, to be decided next month, on the November ballot.
DCS files multiple responses after motion to dismiss child-welfare suit denied
Less than a month after a federal court denied a motion to dismiss, the Indiana Department of Child Services is asking the judge to reconsider the original motion as well as review a second motion to dismiss in an attempt to derail a lawsuit alleging the state violated the constitutional rights of children in its care.
Indiana petitions U.S. Supreme Court to take same-sex parents’ birth certificate case
Continuing its fight over parentage, Indiana has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to review the appellate court ruling that allowed non-birth mothers in a same-sex marriage to be listed as parents on their children’s birth certificates.
Indiana negotiates deal with worst utility permit violator
An Indiana utility that committed the most permit violations in the state in the last three years is negotiating a deal with state environmental regulators to keep one of its power plants open.
Indiana Democrats prepare to choose attorney general nominee
Indiana Democrats are announcing this week who will run for state attorney general in November. Longtime state Sen. Karen Tallian and former Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel are vying for the nomination, a selection made by state party delegates rather than primary election voters.
State disputes federal claims that IOSHA wrongly dropped fines related to Amazon worker’s death
The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is disputing a federal report that found the state agency should not have dismissed safety violations related to an Amazon employee’s death in 2017.
AG’s office wins delay in suit challenging Hill’s eligibility
Lawyers for the Indiana Attorney General’s Office asked for a change of judge late Thursday on the eve of the first scheduled hearing in a lawsuit seeking to declare suspended Attorney General Curtis Hill ineligible to serve. Lawyers for the AG’s Office — who also filed on behalf of Gov. Eric Holcomb — also asked to vacate the hearing.
Indiana theaters, bars, playgrounds reopening Friday, but not in Indianapolis
Movie theaters, bars, museums and amusement parks across Indiana will be allowed to reopen Friday for the first time in nearly three months, as the governor announced Wednesday that he was moving up by two days the next stage of easing the state’s coronavirus restrictions. Indianapolis and Marion County, however, will delay the final reopening phase for another week, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday.
7 COA candidates advance to second round of interviews
The Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission has selected seven of 13 candidates to advance to the next round of interviews as the commission works to fill an upcoming vacancy on the Indiana Court of Appeals.
COA rules for E. Chicago families against state agencies in lead exposure case
Hundreds of families who were unknowingly exposed for years to high levels of lead in Northern Indiana have secured a victory against state and local entities after the Indiana Court of Appeals affirmed the denial of the latter’s motion for judgment on the pleadings.
Indiana reports increase of 410 coronavirus cases, 23 more deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Tuesday said the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state has risen to 38,033. That marks an increase of 410 cases over the cumulative number — 37,623 — the department reported on Monday.
Indiana contractor slow providing coronavirus test results
A contractor hired to expand Indiana’s coronavirus testing across the state has not been meeting its target of providing results to those tested within 48 hours. Meanwhile, the recession stemming from the pandemic contributed to state tax collections coming in $230 million below expectations for May.
Indiana reports increase of 482 COVID-19 cases, 26 deaths
The Indiana State Department of Health on Friday said the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the state has risen to 36,578. That marks an increase of 482 cases over the cumulative number — 36,096 — the department reported on Thursday.