CANDIDACY CHALLENGES: Democrats, Republicans trying to run in May primary face scrutiny
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 23, 2026 Six candidates running for public office will have to appear before the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday and prove their party affiliation in order to remain on the May primary ballot. The six have had their candid “...”
The burden of advocacy falls on Indiana firefighters facing PFAS-related cancers
This story was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com. by Olivia O’Neal TheStatehouseFile.com February 17, 2026 Firefighters across Indiana are facing cancer diagnoses unusual for their ages and medical histories, but none of the bills filed this session to address t “...”
Indiana lawmakers look to Hammond for new Bears stadium
This story was originally published by TheStatehouseFile.com. By Luke Shepherd TheStatehouseFile.com February 19, 2026 In 1921, the Bears moved from Decatur, Illinois, to the city of Chicago. Now, over 100 years later, Indiana has legislation that would establish authority to bui “...”
Indiana House approves five-year syringe exchange extension, sends bill back to Senate
By Sydney Byerly The Indiana Citizen February 19, 2026 The Indiana House of Representatives on Wednesday approved a revised version of a bill to extend Indiana’s syringe service programs for five years, sending the measure back to the Indiana Senate with amendments after a 70-2 “...”
INVALID SIGNATURES: St. Joseph County voter fraud case ends in probation, fine
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 17, 2026 The woman who pleaded guilty to counterfeiting signatures on election petition forms in St. Joseph County has been sentenced to one-year probation and a $1,000 fine. Karina Escobar Perez of Chicago entered a guilty plea in “...”
‘ANTI-DEMOCRATIC MANEUVER’: Critics slam GOP proposal to slash early-voting days in Indiana
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 17, 2026 Ignoring calls for public input, the Senate Elections Committee passed an amendment during its hearing Monday morning that would reduce the state’s early-voting period from 28 days to 16 days. Sen. Mike Gaskill, committe “...”
GOP INFIGHTING? PAC targets Republicans who opposed redistricting, but expert doubts it will succeed
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 13, 2026 The launch of a new PAC in Indiana is a sign that some supporters of President Donald Trump are making good on their promise to try to unseat state Republican legislators who voted against midcycle redistricting in Decembe “...”
SENTENCED: Son of Life Church pastor gets 6 years in child exploitation case
By Sydney Byerly The Indiana Citizen February 13, 2026 ANDERSON, Indiana — The son of a prominent Indiana pastor with close ties to the state’s lieutenant governor was sentenced to six years in prison Friday after pleading guilty to child exploitation charges. Jonathan Petern “...”
PROTECTING THE JUDICIARY: Indiana House amends and passes court security bill
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 12, 2026 The bill providing security for Indiana’s appellate judges passed easily through the Indiana House this week after the measure was amended to clarify the language regarding campaign finance reports. In presenting Senate “...”
CIVIC HEALTH: 2025 index shows some upside, but Hoosiers lag in voting, political participation
By Marilyn Odendahl The Indiana Citizen February 12, 2026 The 2025 Indiana Civic Health Index shows Hoosiers not only are continuing to struggle to get to the voting booth but also may be losing some of their neighborly disposition. Led by the Indiana Bar Foundation, a team of ac “...”