Virtual Indiana State of State speech amid protest threat
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s annual State of the State address will be a virtual event Tuesday night rather than delivered before the typical joint session of the General Assembly.
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Trump administration carries out 13th and final execution
The Trump administration early Saturday carried out its 13th federal execution in Terre Haute since July, an unprecedented run that concluded just five days before the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden, an opponent of the federal death penalty.
Biden unveils $1.9T plan to stem COVID-19 and steady economy
President-elect Joe Biden has unveiled a $1.9 trillion coronavirus plan to end “a crisis of deep human suffering” by speeding up vaccines and pumping out financial help, including $1,400 checks for most Americans, to assist those struggling with the pandemic’s prolonged economic fallout.
Despite riot, impeachment, business as usual for high court
At this fraught moment in American history, the Supreme Court of the United States is doing its best to keep its head down, going about its regular business and putting off as many politically charged issues as it can, including whether President Donald Trump’s tax returns must be turned over to prosecutors in New York.
Southern District jury trial suspensions extended till April
The Indiana Southern District Court has suspended jury trials for an additional month, further delaying in-person trials through April 5 as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The announcement came as the federal court chief judge cited “signs of increased coronavirus spread and evidence of resurgence.”
Indiana Senate committee advances COVID-19 legal immunity bill
State lawmakers have advanced a bill that would protect individuals and businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday afternoon moved Senate Bill 1 to the Senate floor for consideration.
Drug dealer convicted in 7 killings faces possible execution
It was one of the worst bursts of gang violence ever seen in Richmond, Virginia. At least 11 people were killed in a 45-day period in 1992, all at the hands of gang members who eliminated anyone they thought would get in the way of their growing crack cocaine business.
Bill that would bar Indiana employers from requiring vaccinations sparks heated debate
A bill that would prohibit Indiana employers from requiring workers to get immunizations against COVID-19 or any other disease generated heated discussion Wednesday morning, reviving a debate over where to draw the line between public health and personal freedom.
Indiana makes those 70 and older eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations
The Indiana State Department of Health on Wednesday said residents age 70 and older can now schedule COVID-19 vaccinations.
Holcomb’s budget proposal calls for increases in funding for K-12, higher ed
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s budget proposal for the next two years calls for increases to funding for K-12, higher education and broadband internet.
Rush scraps live State of the Judiciary, will offer video message due to COVID-19
The annual State of the Judiciary address will not be delivered in person to the Indiana General Assembly this year due to COVID-19, the Indiana Supreme Court has announced. Instead, Indiana Chief Justice Loretta Rush will submit a written report and video message.
Gov. Holcomb sworn in to second term with eye on the future
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb has been sworn in to a second term in office that will be dominated, at least for now, with coordinating the rollout of a vaccine to fight COVID-19. But the Republican said he’s looking ahead to an economic recovery.
AP Exclusive: Biden inauguration theme: ‘America United’
The theme for President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration will be “America United,” an issue that’s long been a central focus for Biden but one that’s taken on added weight in the wake of the violence at the U.S. Capitol last week.
Judge halts executions unless additional COVID precautions implemented
The federal executions scheduled for next week cannot proceed unless the Federal Correctional Complex in Terre Haute takes additional measures to mitigate the risk of COVID-19 spread, a federal judge has ruled.
Judge rebuffs Indy bar owners’ lawsuit over COVID rules
Numerous bar owners and nightclubs took a hit in their attempts to sue the city of Indianapolis and others over pandemic-related restrictions that they allege hurt their businesses when a district court judge ruled for the city on Wednesday.
COVID immunity bill garners support, but concerns raised about overly broad language
Legislation meant to shield Indiana businesses and individuals from COVID-related liability was met with a groundswell of support on Wednesday, though some raised concerns that the language of the bill could have unintended legal consequences.
Indiana expands virus shots to those 80 and older this week
Coronavirus vaccinations will start becoming available to Indiana residents 80 and older starting Friday as state health officials start expanding access to those shots.
Courts not seeking more funds in 2021
Given the economic toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on Indiana’s budget, the Indiana Supreme Court is not requesting additional funding in the next biennial budget that will be drafted during the 2021 Legislative session. Instead, the court is asking the General Assembly to keep funding steady and has reverted funds to the state through pandemic-related savings.
Pandemic pressures legal aid
Looming evictions with so many Americans unable to pay their rent have been at the forefront of concerns, but legal aid offices and pro bono attorneys see other issues on the horizon. They expect more filings for bankruptcy and guardianships, and they believe more people will reach out for legal assistance with problems connected with consumer debt and domestic violence. Underpinning their ability to help is the need for money.
The fight to unite: International adoptions suffer under COVID-19 restrictions
International adoptions were already on the decline, lawyers say, and there’s concern that COVID could further reduce them. However, there are ways to unite families even as a pandemic keeps borders closed.