Pence touts Trump military, vets record during Indianapolis visit
Vice President Mike Pence touted the achievements of President Donald Trump in building up the military and improving veterans’ benefits to the American Legion’s national convention.
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Bartholomew County judge raises fines on her own after county passes
A judge has unilaterally raised fines for people who ignore road closure signs or drive around high water barricades in an Indiana county. Bartholomew County Judge Kathleen “Kitty” Coriden acted after Bartholomew County commissioners last week refused to raise the fines.
Long partisan gerrymandering fight ends, but struggle continues
For a team of Indiana lawyers who successfully litigated a case contesting partisan gerrymandering in Michigan, a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision was a disappointment that likely will vacate the judgment in their favor. Legal observers say the issue now will be fought in statehouses across the country.
Fire department suspends Indianapolis lawmaker facing charges
The Indianapolis Fire Department has suspended a state legislator who was arrested for drunken driving. The department said Friday that Democratic Rep. Dan Forestal has been suspended for 240 duty hours and remanded to an employee assistance program.
Virginia transgender bathroom case: Judge favors ex-student
A federal judge in Virginia ruled Friday that a school board’s transgender bathroom ban discriminated against a former student, Gavin Grimm, the latest in a string of decisions nationwide that favor transgender students who faced similar policies.
Blind Hoosiers claim Indiana failing to provide access to benefits programs
Claiming “systemic violations of the civil rights of blind Indiana residents,” two individuals and the National Federation of the Blind filed a complaint in federal court Tuesday against the directors of the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration and the Indiana Division of Family Resources. The plaintiffs assert the defendants failed to provide printed communications about government benefits in alternative formats, such as Braille, and instead directed the blind individuals to have sighted third parties read the materials to them.
Trump, Republican party sue over California tax return law
The Trump campaign and Republican Party sued California on Tuesday over a new law requiring presidential candidates to release their tax returns to run in the state’s primary, legislation that was aimed at prying loose President Donald Trump’s returns.
Gunmaker asks US Supreme Court to hear Sandy Hook appeal
The maker of the rifle used in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to hear its appeal of a state ruling against the company. Remington Arms, based in Madison, North Carolina, cited a much-debated 2005 federal law that shields firearms manufacturers from liability in most cases when their products are used in crimes.
Trump says he wants stronger gun checks but gives no details
President Donald Trump on Monday condemned weekend shootings in Texas and Ohio as “barbaric” attacks and crimes “against all humanity” as he called for bipartisan cooperation to strengthen the nation’s gun laws. Trump said he wants legislation providing “strong background checks” for gun users, but he provided scant details and has reneged on previous promises after mass shootings.
Indiana casinos looking for jump on Midwest sports betting
Indiana casinos are racing ahead with preparations to launch legalized sports betting in early September, looking to seize an advantage over competitors in Chicago and other nearby large markets where such wagers aren’t yet allowed. A new state law approved this spring allows betting to start Sept. 1 on dozens of professional, collegiate and international sporting events.
ABA, legal organizations call for independent immigration court system
The American Bar Association and three other national legal organizations have joined together in advocacy for the establishment of an independent immigration court system, requesting separation from the U.S. Department of Justice.
Trump says Coats is out as national intelligence director
Dan Coats, director of national intelligence, is resigning after a turbulent two years in which he and President Donald Trump were often at odds over Russian interference in the 2016 election. Trump named a GOP congressman and fierce loyalist to replace him.
Supreme Court: Trump can use Pentagon funds for border wall
The Supreme Court cleared the way for the Trump administration to tap billions of dollars in Pentagon funds to build sections of a border wall with Mexico. The court’s five conservative justices gave the administration the green light on Friday to begin work on four contracts it has awarded using Defense Department money.
Police: Indiana marijuana surge coming from other states
Some Indiana police officers are reporting that they’re seeing an increase in marijuana products, including pot-laced edibles and vaping devices, coming from states where marijuana has been legalized to one degree or another. State Police Sgt. Carey Huls said authorities are observing an increase of specialty marijuana products coming from states such as California or Colorado with established laws permitting their use
US attorney general says encryption creates security risk
U.S. Attorney General William Barr said Tuesday that increased encryption of data on phones and computers and encrypted messaging apps are putting American security at risk. Barr’s comments at a cybersecurity conference mark a continuing effort by the Justice Department to push tech companies to provide law enforcement with access to encrypted devices and applications during investigations.
15 apply for Lake County judicial vacancy
More than a dozen applicants are seeking to fill a Lake County judicial vacancy created by a judge’s retirement earlier this month. The vacancy in Lake Superior Court, Civil Division 6 was opened up when Judge John Pera retired July 1.
Indiana Legislature seeks to separate from AG in sexual harassment lawsuit
The Indiana House of Representatives and the Indiana Senate have filed separate motions in federal court to represent themselves in the sexual harassment lawsuit against Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill Jr., claiming the state’s top lawyer cannot adequately defend their interests. Majority leaders of both the House and Senate announced late Monday afternoon they had hired outside counsel and are trying to intervene in the litigation brought by four women against Hill and the state of Indiana.
Duke Energy sued for 2014 coal ash spill environmental harm
The federal, North Carolina and Virginia governments asked a court Thursday to declare the country’s largest electricity company liable for environmental damage from a leak five years ago that left miles of a river shared by the two states coated in hazardous coal ash.
Stevens’ body to lie in repose at Supreme Court on Monday
The Supreme Court says the body of former Justice John Paul Stevens will lie in repose at the court on Monday. Stevens died Tuesday at age 99.
2 groups appeal Indiana permit for coal-to-diesel plant
Two southern Indiana groups are appealing an air permit that state regulators recently approved for a planned $2.5 billion coal-to-diesel plant.