Notre Dame withdraws as presidential debate host due to COVID-19
The University of Notre Dame has become the second university to withdraw as the host of one of this fall’s three scheduled presidential debates amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Politics
Articles
Weinzapfel calls out Rokita for ‘purposely muddled’ response to mask mandate
Controversy over Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s statewide mask mandate has spilled over into the race for attorney general, with Democratic candidate Jonathan Weinzapfel accusing Republican candidateTodd Rokita of purposefully declining to stand with the governor.
Holcomb says he remains confident he can impose mask mandate, despite AG’s opinion otherwise
Gov. Eric Holcomb said Thursday he is confident he has the legal authority to impose a statewide mask mandate, telling reporters after an event in Lafayette that “we do our research before we speak.” His comments came after fellow Republican Attorney General Curtis Hill issued an opinion saying Holcomb lacked the authority to enforce a mask order.
Marion County to enact new restrictions after surge in COVID-19 cases
Due to a surge in COVID-19 cases, Marion County will implement new pandemic-related restrictions on Friday, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday. Included in the restrictions is the closure of bars and nightclubs for the next several weeks.
Two senators who asked for AG opinion say they won’t sue to stop Holcomb’s mask mandate
Two of the state senators who asked the attorney general for a legal opinion about whether Gov. Eric Holcomb has the authority to enforce a statewide mask mandate say they do not plan to file a lawsuit to challenge the measure.
AG Hill’s accusers file state complaint, 7th Circuit appeal over alleged groping
Following two dismissals from the Indiana Southern District Court, the four women who have accused Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill of sexual misconduct are taking their claims for battery, defamation and invasion of privacy to state court.
Judge frees ex-Trump lawyer Michael Cohen from prison
A judge ordered the release from prison of President Donald Trump’s former personal lawyer on Thursday, saying he believes the government retaliated against him for planning to release a book about Trump before November’s election.
Poll: 3 in 4 Americans back requiring wearing masks
Three out of four Americans, including a majority of Republicans, favor requiring people to wear face coverings while outside their homes, a new poll finds, reflecting fresh alarm over spiking coronavirus cases and a growing embrace of government advice intended to safeguard public health.
AG Hill: Holcomb has no authority to enforce statewide mask mandate
Gov. Eric Holcomb lacks the authority to enforce the statewide mask mandate he announced on Wednesday and should call a special session if he wants to implement the requirement, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill said late Wednesday.
Trump, Barr to expand anti-crime surge to several US cities
President Donald Trump and Attorney General William Barr are expected to announce Wednesday that federal agents will surge into several American cities including Chicago to help combat rising crime, expanding the administration’s intervention in local enforcement as Trump runs for reelection under a “law and order” mantle.
Democratic governor candidate wants masks in Indiana schools
The Democratic nominee for Indiana governor called Tuesday for more widespread mask use in schools and for school leaders to turn more toward online coursework rather than having students return to classrooms in the coming weeks.
Democrat Weinzapfel continues fundraising lead in Indiana
Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel continues to lead fundraising in the Indiana attorney general race, finishing the second quarter of 2020 with more than $720,000 available to his campaign. His Republican counterpart, former Indiana Congressman Todd Rokita, posted a total of a little more than $18,200 at the end of the second quarter, about two months after he entered the race.
Indiana joins national split over Fifth Amendment technology question
A 3-2 Indiana Supreme Court decision last month ruled that Fifth Amendment protection against self-incrimination extends to court orders for a suspect to unlock her cellphone. Other states, however, have taken the opposite stance, setting the stage for a likely US Supreme Court case.
Rokita, Weinzapfel launch general election AG campaigns
With the candidates now in place, what has so far been an unconventional race for Indiana Attorney General is shifting gears toward the November election. Democrat Jonathan Weinzapfel, a former state representative and mayor of Evansville, is promoting himself as the attorney general of the people, not the party. He’ll face off against former Indiana Republican Rep. Todd Rokita, a known quantity in the Hoosier state who is promising “certainty in uncertain times.”
Bosma stepping down early, after 34 years as state lawmaker
Former Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma said he plans to leave the Legislature at the end of the month — five months before his term expires.
Officer’s actions toward Black Indiana senator under review
Indiana State Police are reviewing allegations that a white Capitol Police officer reached for his handgun while confronting a Black state senator inside the Statehouse over the weekend, an agency spokesman said Tuesday.
AG Hill pledges support to ‘conservative principles’ after convention defeat
In the aftermath of a convention defeat that will keep him from serving a second term in office, Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill is vowing to “continue to support and fight for our conservative principles.” Hill, however, did not explicitly endorse Republican AG nominee Todd Rokita.
Rokita earns Republican AG nomination, ousting incumbent Hill
Former Indiana congressman Todd Rokita has won the state Republican Party’s nomination for attorney general, defeating embattled incumbent AG Curtis Hill. Rokita will face Democratic nominee Jonathan Weinzapfel, the former mayor of Evansville, in the November general election.
Voting hours lawsuit highlights change in tactics for Common Cause
In its latest lawsuit seeking to overturn an amended state law that limits the extension of voting hours on Election Day, Common Cause Indiana said it is again having to go to court to fight voter suppression efforts that have increased since Republican supermajorities took control of both chambers of the Statehouse.
IMPD signs $9.2M contract to equip officers with body cameras
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department on Thursday said it has signed a $9.2 million contract with Decatur, Georgia-based Utility Inc., which will equip 1,100 officers with BodyWorn camera technology.