Hospitalized Ginsburg speaks in SCOTUS phone argument
United States Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg participated in telephone arguments from a Maryland hospital where she’s being treated for an infection caused by a gallstone.
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Justices wary of tying AIDS money to prostitution pledge
In its second day of arguments by phone, the US Supreme Court appeared skeptical of a requirement that foreign affiliates of U.S.-based health organizations denounce prostitution as a condition of receiving taxpayer money to fight AIDS around the world.
Court questions archdiocese’s authority to terminate gay teacher
Marion Superior Court has denied a motion filed by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to dismiss a lawsuit brought by a gay former Cathedral High School teacher, finding the archdiocese may not be the “highest ecclesiastical authority.”
Holcomb extends stay-at-home order but eases virus restrictions on surgeries
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said Monday he was easing restrictions on hospitals performing elective surgeries even as the state health commissioner remained concerned over whether coronavirus infections were slowing in the state.
Protesters gather at governor’s mansion
More than 200 people upset over restrictions on Indiana residents because of the coronavirus protested Saturday outside the state mansion of Gov. Eric Holcomb, urging him to back off and restart the economy.
Restricted assembly: As churches move online, 1A experts say gathering bans likely constitutional
As leaders across the country continue to call for social distancing and implement restrictions on large gatherings to slow the spread of COVID-19, some citizens have balked at the idea of interrupting their normal religious activities. But as long as restrictions on churches are non-discriminatory, experts say the restrictions are likely constitutional.
Holcomb urges churches to stay closed amid pandemic
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday urged Indiana churches, synagogues and other faith venues to remain closed and adhere to social distancing guidelines during services and observances for Passover and Easter to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
ACLU sues to block new Indiana panhandling law
A new Indiana law that effectively bans panhandling in downtown areas effective July 1 is being challenged in a federal lawsuit filed Thursday by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana, which claims that in addition to panhandlers, it and other organizations whose members personally collect donations would be broadly banned from doing so under the new law.
Split COA affirms attempted obstruction of justice conviction in neighbor dispute
A majority of an Indiana Court of Appeals panel has affirmed a woman’s attempted obstruction of justice conviction after she confronted a neighbor who was subpoenaed to give deposition in a criminal case involving her.
Bill to effectively ban panhandling in Indianapolis passes both chambers
Indiana lawmakers have taken steps to significantly expand the definition of panhandling in a measure that effectively bans the activity throughout downtown Indianapolis.
RFRA ‘fix’ challenged in appellate briefs in lawsuit against city ordinances
Three traditional-marriage organizations challenging the amendment to Indiana’s controversial Religious Freedom Restoration Act are asking the Indiana Court of Appeals for relief, asserting they have standing to sue four cities that have enacted anti-discrimination ordinances.
7th Circuit: Litigious inmate’s transfer not retaliation
An inmate serving a life sentence who is known for being a “quintessential jailhouse lawyer” did not prevail in an appeal to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday after the court found his transfer to another prison prompted by his multiple and continued grievances was not a move of retaliation.
Fired Cathedral teacher, archdiocese set to meet in court
After a settlement conference was unsuccessful, oral arguments have been rescheduled for Tuesday in the case involving the former teacher at Cathedral Catholic High School in Indianapolis who was fired for being in a same-sex marriage.
Justices to hear dispute over same-sex foster parents
The U.S. Supreme Court said Monday it will hear a dispute over a Philadelphia Catholic agency that won’t place foster children with same-sex couples, a big test of religious rights on a more conservative court.
Fetal remains bill heading to House floor
The Indiana House of Representatives was scheduled to hear a bill Monday that deals with the disposal of fetal remains, building on a similar provision in an abortion law the state passed in 2016 and was subsequently upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Kokomo councilman ‘sorry’ for Islamophobic posts won’t resign
An Indiana city councilman whose predecessor resigned after posting Islamophobic comments online says he will not step down after he was also criticized for sharing similar views on Facebook.
After 2 US Supreme Court wins, Florida man gets $875K from city
Few people have fought any city hall all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court and won, but Fane Lozman did it twice. Now the Florida city he’s battled since 2006 is going to pay him thousands of dollars in legal fees.
IU professor arrested amid protest against white nationalism may sue
An Indiana University associate professor arrested last summer while protesting against a farmers market vendor alleged to have ties to a white supremacist group has taken a step toward filing a civil lawsuit against the city of Bloomington.
Indiana lawmakers step back on ‘In God We Trust’ requirement
Indiana lawmakers have rolled back a proposal to require a poster with the national motto “In God We Trust” and the American and state flags be displayed in all public school classrooms.
Judge calls Notre Dame’s third try at avoiding contraceptive mandate ‘absurd’
At times describing the defendants’ argument as bordering “on the absurd” and noting the policies are already causing injury, the Northern District of Indiana has blocked another attempt by the University of Notre Dame and federal agencies to limit women students’ access to contraceptives.