TODAY’S NEWS

Hoosier midterm election turnout drops 20% from 2018

Indiana abortion ban hit with second preliminary injunction

John Krull commentary: Indiana’s attorney general and other natural disasters

Rokita advances complaint against Bernard to Indiana Medical Licensing Board

Braun files paperwork to run for governor in 2024

Indiana’s Young among 12 Senate Republicans to support passage of marriage rights

Tax cuts, education dominate Organization Day

Indiana Chamber of Commerce unveils its 2023 legislative priorities

Indianapolis Mayor Hogsett will run for third term, to face Rep. Shackleford in Democratic primary

Lee Hamilton commentary: Why do politicians run for office?

John Krull commentary: Requiem for a political throwback

Shackleford announces candidacy for Indy mayor, setting up potential primary contest with incumbent Hogsett

John Krull commentary: Diego Morales’ message to Democrats

‘I push back:’ Twitter feud raises specter of Rep. Lucas’ 2020 divorce hearing—and questions about how politicians use social media

Doctor who provided minor abortion care sues AG Rokita for ‘baseless investigation’

Judge rules ballot access lawsuit filed by Indiana Green, Libertarian parties can move forward

Sheila Kennedy commentary: Bloomington media fail

John Krull commentary: Hear them roar

‘We’ll speak for him:’ Secretary of State candidates Wells, Maurer skewer Republican Morales as he skips another debate

Democrats sign “contract with women” with emphasis on abortion

John Krull commentary: Debate rouses Senate campaign from lullaby land

Senate debate: Young hammers on inflation as McDermott bets on abortion turnout

Abortion ban remains blocked as lawsuit heads to Indiana Supreme Court

John Krull commentary: Hopalong Rokita has his usual dinner

With Morales again absent, Secretary of State candidate debate pits election security fears vs. confidence

Rokita draws backlash for tweets about Kayne West, Christopher Columbus

John Krull commentary: No early warning system for these guys

Lee Hamilton commentary: Why political skills matter

Could Morales allegations tilt Secretary of State’s race?

Latest poll: Democratic candidate holds lead in secretary of state race

Quiet, introverted Thompson takes helm of Ways and Means Committee

John Krull commentary: A time and place for wisdom

More female voters ready to cast a ballot in November

Morales responds to sexual harassment allegations

Secretary of state candidates Wells and Maurer debate Tuesday while Morales’ chair sits empty

John Krull commentary: When night is day and down is up

No Libertarian has won statewide office—but Maurer hopes to close the gap

John Krull commentary: Fun and games on someone else’s dime

Could Wells be first Democratic secretary of state in almost 30 years?

Study committee discusses cannabis before standing-room-only crowd

Morales tries to make campaign messages heard over ongoing controversies

‘We all use that word, actually:’ GOP Secretary of State nominee Morales responds to criticism of using ‘veteran’ to describe himself

John Krull commentary: Maybe it’s an oath they don’t understand

New state commercial courts are open in 10 Indiana counties

John Krull commentary: Sauce for the goose …

Two lawsuits challenge Indiana’s abortion ban going into effect Thursday

Morales walks back early voting limits idea

John Krull commentary: So many questions, so few answers as high court rules on gay teacher’s firing

Rokita: No “woke” ESG criteria allowed in pension investments

State faces abortion lawsuit from Planned Parenthood and ACLU

From The Indiana Lawyer: Improving civic education by informing Hoosier voters, The Indiana Citizen is preparing to launch 2022 voter guide

John Krull commentary: Self-delusion, and self-inflicted wounds

Indiana GOP nominates Rudy Yakym as Walorski replacement

Why Mitch Daniels says he’s ‘not done, yet’ at Purdue

Brooks, Tinder slam Attorney General Rokita for baseless claims

Holcomb calls for special election as funerals for Walorski and staffers begin

Anti-Common Core activist failed to register as lobbyist for Rokita’s office

Will pro-legislature elections theory in SCOTUS case come to Indiana? No sign of it yet.

After Senate concurrence Friday night, Holcomb signs abortion bill into law

House and Senate reach deal for inflation relief and social services

Proposed abortion ban with narrow exceptions up for a final House vote Friday

Senate, House at impasse on inflation relief and social services

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski, 3 others killed in Elkhart County crash

House committee approves amended abortion ban

John Krull commentary: The Supreme Court launched a demolition derby — and in Indiana, it’s only beginning

House committee to hear testimony on abortion bill Tuesday morning

Indiana Senate passes abortion ban by a 1-vote margin

In epic Senate abortion bill debate, rape/incest exception proves a lightning rod

John Krull commentary: Across the nation, ‘Hoosiers are a preview of coming attractions’

‘You care about power’: Democrats decry abortion bill now headed for Senate debate

Abortion bill advances to full Senate after hours of emotional testimony and debate

Voting rights groups allege Tippecanoe County violated registration laws

VP Harris professes support for Hoosier women in abortion-rights visit

Special session likely to ban abortion begins with day of raucous protest

Abortion ban legislation is likely already in final form, says analyst

Proposed abortion ban to allow exceptions, would not increase criminal penalties

Study says a state abortion ban will worsen already-existing harms

John Krull commentary: A time for adults to be adults

AG Rokita receives ‘cease and desist’ from doctor in 10-year-old’s abortion

Indiana’s surplus hits $6.1 billion – bringing choices with it

John Krull commentary: Whose choice is it, anyway?

Anticipating state abortion ban, protesters continue to descend on Statehouse

Democrats call for economic relief on day special session was to start

Indiana readies $12 million voting machines investment

Start of special session delayed to July 25, allowing additional time to prepare legislation in wake of Roe v. Wade overturning

John Krull commentary: Just wars, self-inflicted wounds and the overturning of Roe v. Wade

John Krull commentary: Todd Young steps up

Secretary of State Sullivan ousted from GOP ticket in convention vote

Board of Ed adds more civics for Indiana middle schoolers

John Krull commentary: Mitch Daniels and destiny’s call

Study addresses disparities of bail system, highlights concerns about new law

Legislative study committees set the stage for next year’s session

John Krull commentary: Indiana Supreme Court ends a tragic farce

It’s been nearly a century since the KKK dominated Indiana, but Hoosiers see lasting effects

Hoosier educators fear restrictive bills could return in 2023 session

Supreme Court sides with Holcomb in dispute over legislature’s authority to call itself into session

John Krull commentary: ‘They conjured up a problem that didn’t exist’

Indiana General Assembly overrides Holcomb’s veto of trans athlete bill

Democrats ask again for suspension of state’s gas tax as prices rise

Lee Hamilton commentary: Why good investigative journalism matters

May 24 one-day session may bring veto override for trans athlete bill

From Inside Higher Ed: 8 Ways Higher Ed Can Help Save Democracy

John Krull commentary: ‘The license we give to our elected officials is one designed to allow them to serve. Not to bully.’

TheStatehouseFile.com named best news website in collegiate contest

As president of Chamber, Brinegar has demonstrated organization’s pull in Statehouse

‘I feel like I’m the sane, moral person:’ Longshot Democrat waits on the sidelines as 2 GOP incumbents fight it out in primary

John Krull commentary: The truth, nothing but the truth

Indiana Citizen Redistricting Project wins 1st Place from Indiana SPJ

Age is the issue in Gen Z candidate’s primary challenge

Common Cause says process rather than result is the problem with council’s redistricting maps, and offers a citizen-drawn alternative

John Krull commentary: Of the people, by the people and for the people? Not even close

House District 45 incumbent challenged by fellow lawmaker’s change of address

Johnson County incumbent faces three Republican primary challengers

Five Democratic candidates take on Indy’s District 46 Senate seat

With bipartisan support and in front of a small audience, council committee approves redistricting plan

Redistricting throws two northern Indiana incumbents into competition for primary

Supreme Court hears arguments in Holcomb v. Indiana General Assembly

Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute Fiscal Notes, April 5, 2022: Inflation and Indiana’s finances

John Krull commentary: Todd Rokita’s chestnut horse

Indy Democrats unveil proposed council districts; public hearing set for April 12

Report: Legal fees in St. Joseph County redistricting are more than $315,000

From Tippecanoe County, a look at new voting machines

Rokita, Shabazz reach settlement on press-access lawsuit

In the session’s final weeks, conference committees revived legislation left for dead

Holcomb signs permitless carry bill, leaving critics concerned about safety

Vetoed trans sports bill leaves legislature poised for an override vote

John Krull commentary: Whose bruised ego are we talking about?

With Roe v. Wade ruling expected by year’s end, a special session might be on the way

Shabazz v. Rokita lawsuit could hold long-term implications for journalists

City-County Council receives redistricting report, continues to rebuff proposal for citizens commission

John Krull commentary: Of the special interests, by the special interests, for the special interests

Citizens commission launches ‘shadow’ Indianapolis city-county redistricting process

Redistricting reformers announce members of independent citizens panel to propose new city-county maps

John Krull commentary: Mike Pence, the politician who won’t stay down

Sine die: Landmark tax bill, constitutional carry legislation await governor’s action as 2022 session ends

Lee Hamilton commentary: Democracy takes it on the chin in redistricting

House concurs with Senate amendment removing new restrictions on absentee voting, sending HB 1116 to Gov. Holcomb

Legislators rush to send bills over finish line of 2022 session

Senate leaves Holcomb veto intact while House sends legislation to end emergency order

‘We’re going to see a lot more people in Walmart open carrying:’ Constitutional carry provisions return in conference committee

John Krull commentary: Behning, education and evasion

“We are all God’s children:” Despite outcry, transgender youth athlete bill heads to governor

‘Divisive concepts’ House Bill 1134 misses 2nd reading deadline, dies in Senate

House bill that would repeal handgun licensing requirement is gutted in Senate committee

As House committee deadline passes, some hoped-for bills get put back in the drawer

Town Hall forum with Rep. Carson available for viewing on You Tube channel

Election Commission removes congressional, legislative candidates from primary ballot, leaving more unchallenged

John Krull commentary: Todd Huston and the high cost of education

John Krull commentary: Two big Todd Rokita bad habits

House Speaker Huston resigns job at College Board amid criticism of his support for bill to limit curriculum

In 5-4 vote, justices reinstate Alabama voting map despite lower court’s ruling that it dilutes Black votes

ACLU joins journalist Abdul-Hakim Shabazz in First Amendment lawsuit against AG Rokita

Black political leaders call for Marion County Democratic Party chair’s resignation

Due to lack of applicants, Bloomington scales back its independent redistricting commission from 9 members to 5

Commentary: How redistricting congressional districts can undermine majority rule

‘Harmful material for minors’ bill passes despite one question: Harmful according to whom?

House passes bill limiting classroom topics, requiring parental review of school curriculum

Bill making school board elections partisan has died in committee

In township hearings, city-county redistricting process is under way with familiar complaints

Amended elections bill would add more restrictions on absentee voting

Transgender student-athlete bill draws testimony, advances to House floor

John Krull commentary: ‘Talk to the hand’ is lawmakers’ response to the public on redistricting and other issues

House passes vaccine mandate bill

City-County Council announces public hearings on redistricting

John Krull commentary: Time to own up to our nation’s history

Education bill that drew ridicule for author’s remarks on Nazism is killed, Senate president says

‘The government emergency room:’ Chief Justice delivers State of the Judiciary address

John Krull commentary: Holcomb turns the heat down

Governor’s State of the State address strikes upbeat tone amid ongoing pandemic

Indiana Black Legislative Caucus tackling racial disparities during 2022 session

House bill limiting classroom topics, materials amended and passed in committee

After falling short in 2021, bill to limit absentee voting, tighten application process is revived for ’22

Reform groups’ legislative agenda targets voting rights, redistricting

Indiana Senate committee approves resolution calling for rare constitutional convention

With primary candidate filing less than a week away, St. Joseph County’s district lines are unresolved

‘The Tippecanoe Way:’ No drama as new county maps are approved

Hoosiers speak out on vaccine-mandate bill in 7-hour hearing

Despite the rush, maps from Monroe County’s bipartisan redistricting are well-received

In South Bend, a debate over racial gerrymandering and hiring of outside consultants in local redistricting

Indiana Chamber of Commerce announces priorities for 2022 legislative session

John Krull commentary: Gerrymandering and the race to the bottom

Lee Hamilton commentary: The documents on which our democracy rests

Shabazz awaits response from AG Rokita, SPJ demands an apology

John Krull commentary: Marie Antoinette for Indiana Attorney General

‘Maskless clerk’ lines up State Senate run in new West Lafayette-based district

Rokita press conference dispute raises questions about journalist access

Governor mum on whether he will appeal challenge to executive power

John Krull commentary: The mess made by gerrymandering

With further amendments voted down, GOP-drawn maps advance to a final vote on Friday

Senate Republicans redraw 8 Marion County districts; amended map will need House concurrence

Youth join veterans in bashing GOP maps at Senate Democrats’ hearing in Bloomington

Another round of critical testimony as redistricting process approaches its final days

John Krull commentary: Gerrymandering, an addiction politicians just can’t break

House rejects Democrats’ proposed map, advances GOP redistricting plan to final vote

Indiana Senate Republicans release their maps. See them here and follow for updates

House committee quickly approves redistricting plan, setting the stage for floor debate on Wednesday

John Krull commentary: A Roman myth, redistricting and renunciation

Charging gerrymandering in GOP plan, redistricting reformers present an alternative map

‘Gerrymandering has become an evil art, almost:’ Redistricting was the topic at Indianapolis Recorder town hall meeting

House Republicans discuss redistricting process, defend new maps in first committee hearing

House adds another public hearing on redistricting, to be held one day after release of maps

‘Gerrymandering is sin:” Faith leaders call for fair and open redistricting

Legislators unveil website for citizens to submit their own proposed redistricting maps

John Krull commentary: Todd Rokita’s odd compulsion

House, Senate leaders announce redistricting session timetable

Citizens redistricting group invites public to propose maps; competition will offer prizes for the best

John Krull commentary: They won’t listen because they don’t have to

Bigger metros, shrinking rural areas: Release of census data sets stage for Indiana’s redistricting

Torchinsky hiring comes under fire in redistricting hearing at Statehouse

As lawmakers prepare for final hearing, fair-redistricting advocates rally outside Statehouse

Reports: D.C. attorney hired for “legal advice” and help with potential litigation over redistricting

Message from Elkhart County to legislators: Fair redistricting is the best way to restore voters’ faith

Southern Indiana residents call for compact, competitive districts

Evansville audience warns legislators against the effects of gerrymandering

At Fort Wayne redistricting hearing, audience warns against a replay of 2011

The redistricting hearing was in Porter County — but public testimony focused on Lake

Democrat tells Columbus audience that redistricting hearing offers “the illusion of transparency”

Lawmakers come to Lafayette to listen, voters ask if rigged redistricting is in the cards, anyway

Legislative hearing in Anderson draws calls for transparency, charges of gerrymandering

Census Bureau to release data needed for redistricting four days earlier than expected

9 hearings in 3 days: Legislative leaders announce a tight schedule of redistricting hearings

On Elbridge Gerry’s 277th birthday, a rally against gerrymandering

Plans for September redistricting session draw criticism from voting rights groups

John Krull commentary: A public spanking for Indiana’s attorney general

Attorney general to appeal ruling in Holcomb suit against General Assembly

Braun, Young urged to reconsider opposition to For the People Act at Downtown rally

New abortion law paused by federal judge

Commentary: Gerrymandering is a squeeze on the moderate voter

New study finds Indiana among the most gerrymandered states; GOP chief calls 2011 maps “some of the most fairly drawn”

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Indiana vote-by-mail case

A year of change threatens the future of journalism

John Krull commentary: A system that rewards fights and punishes solutions

Campus politics and Purdue’s new civics graduation requirement

Erica Irish of TheStatehouseFile.com named SPJ’s Indiana Student Journalist of the Year

Indiana faith leaders discuss the importance of redistricting

Republican lawmakers concerned about IU requiring COVID vaccination

Another volley of court filings in Holcomb-Rokita dispute over lawsuit

Legislative leaders offer little in response to redistricting recommendations

Do: Encourage competitiveness. Don’t: Divide communities. Citizens panel releases redistricting recommendations

“You have to look at things in the long run:” Staying optimistic while working in the superminority

Summer study committee topics for General Assembly are assigned

Senate, House override Holcomb veto on legislation curbing authority of local health officers

Second lawsuit filed against General Assembly over bill limiting governor’s authority

Lawmakers to reconvene Monday, may vote to override Holcomb vetoes

Holcomb vetoes legislation to curb authority of local health officials

Rokita files court motion to throw out Holcomb lawsuit against General Assembly

New census data shows sharp increase nationally in early and mail-in voting

Criticism floods in after Holcomb signs wetlands deregulation bill

John Krull commentary: Your tax dollars at work in the Indiana Statehouse

Weighing in, Attorney General Rokita disputes Holcomb’s authority to file suit against General Assembly

Holcomb vetoes bill requiring additional labeling of ethanol fuel

Secretary of State Sullivan acknowledges fundraising ahead of allowed date

Holcomb sues General Assembly, leaders over new law curtailing his emergency powers

It’s official: Census numbers show Indiana won’t lose a seat in Congress

John Krull commentary: Call it what it is — a power grab

The session that didn’t end: Plan to reconvene for redistricting raises concerns

2021 session recesses after passage of state budget with overwhelmingly bipartisan support

Controversial elections bill dies without further action as legislature temporarily adjourns

U.S. Supreme Court prods Indiana AG to respond in suit seeking no-excuse absentee voting

Final version of budget bill uses extra funding to boost teacher pay

Author of controversial elections bill hopes to restore changes affecting absentee voting, governor’s authority

Amended legislation clears the way for reconvened session on redistricting later this year

House, Senate override veto of bill limiting governor’s power; court challenge expected

Plans for state budget to be adjusted due to $2 billion in added revenue

Bill scaling back wetlands protection is headed to Holcomb

Heavily amended elections bill passes House, returns to Senate; heading to conference committee

Legislative leaders shed some light on redistricting plans, AP reports

Holcomb signs civics education bill, seen as an early step toward improving Indiana’s civic health

John Krull commentary: Lawmakers send cash and constitution into the shredder

Committee passes elections bill but removes provisions limiting absentee voting and governor’s powers

John Krull commentary: Business and rights of conscience in Georgia

Elections bill stalls in committee after testimony in opposition; vote now scheduled for Thursday

Transformed and rewired: Sen. Fady Qaddoura’s life in public service

House committee to hear bill with absentee-voting requirements similar to Georgia legislation

John Krull commentary: Another alt-right self-pity party

Final ICRC hearing focuses on 2nd Congressional District and the tradeoffs of “compactness”

John Krull commentary: Georgia on our minds

John Krull commentary: Evan Bayh, Joe Biden and unlearned lessons

Proposal for redistricting reform is short-lived as parliamentary move ends debate

Suggestion from the 4th District: Should redistricting reform start at the grassroots?

John Krull Commentary: Yesterday’s wrongs, today’s suffering

Senate unanimously passes civics education bill

“Our districts are a mess:” ICRC hearing focuses on NE Indiana

Holli Sullivan appointed as new secretary of state

John Krull commentary: Enemies, a love story

Legislation would allow more time to finalize plans for soccer stadium

John Krull commentary: An assault on justice and truth

Police reform bill unanimously endorsed by Senate committee

Civics education bill clears Senate committee, is eligible for final vote

John Krull commentary: Not canceling, just editing

Senate committee begins review of civics education bill

Black Legislative Caucus hosts Call to Action days

First ICRC meeting centers on Marion County district lines

House passes constitutional carry; bill awaits Senate review

Budget bill passes House amid debate over education priorities

Senate passes bill giving legislature sole authority to reschedule elections, expand absentee voting

John Krull commentary: Lawmakers behaving badly, again

IndyGo transit system sees future threatened in Senate

Booing, jeering, hallway altercations mar House debate on school district boundaries bill

House overwhelmingly passes civics education bill

House passes expanded voucher program; bill goes to Senate

House overrides Holcomb veto; bill barring local regulation of landlord-tenant dealings to become law

Bill amended to give legislature sole authority to reschedule elections, expand vote-by-mail

Senate accepts House changes on COVID lawsuit protections; bill heads to Holcomb

Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission announces 9 members

Secretary of State Lawson announces plans to resign; Holcomb to appoint successor

Constitutional carry clears one committee, heads to another for review

COVID lawsuit immunity bill passes House

House committee endorses civics ed requirement for middle schools

Senate votes to override Holcomb veto of landlord/tenant bill

John Krull commentary: Susan Bayh and the steel behind the smile

Vote-by-mail, other amendments to elections bills are again voted down along party lines

Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission announces schedule of public hearings

Buttigieg confirmed as transportation secretary

Young joins COVID relief talks with White House

House committee votes down no-excuse absentee voting amendment

Senate passes COVID lawsuit immunity amid debate

John Krull commentary: Holcomb talks, rather than speaks

Holcomb praises Indiana’s position despite pandemic in virtual State of the State

Bill targeting unemployment fraud draws debate