This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Indiana senators discussed and passed controversial bills on Wednesday about social studies curriculum, sex education materials, and chaplains in public schools. One would require schools to seek school board approval for and publicize information about their sex ed curriculum. Another would allow chaplains to work as counselors in […]
Indiana General Assembly
Posted inHealth, Politics & Policy, State Government
Indiana’s Black Caucus Pushes Health Plan While Battling DEI Program Cuts
Indiana’s Black Legislative Caucus is launching an ambitious health-focused agenda in a legislative session fraught with political resistance. With a Republican-dominated Statehouse and governor dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, the caucus faces mounting obstacles as it works to address racial and economic inequities. The caucus unveiled its 2025 agenda, “Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds,” hoping […]
Posted inEducation
New Bill Threatens to Dissolve Public School Districts Across Indiana, Including Gary
A controversial bill in the Indiana legislature could force the dissolution of public school districts across the state, including Gary and Indianapolis, raising alarms among educators, legislators, and Hoosiers. For Gary, the stakes are especially high — just six months after regaining local control of its schools following a seven-year state takeover, the district’s future […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
How an Indiana Bill Becomes Law: A Step-by-Step Guide
As Indiana’s legislature opens the 2025 session this week, many residents may be curious about the process a bill goes through on its way to become law in the Hoosier state. There are several critical steps, from its proposal in the Senate or House of Representatives to the governor’s desk for final approval. Step 1: […]
Posted inEducation, Partner Content, Politics & Policy, State Government
What Indiana Lawmakers Said About the State Budget and Property Tax Reform
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Sign up for their newsletters at ckbe.at/newsletters Uncertainty about Indiana’s budget marked the unofficial start of the 2025 legislative session this week — and comes at a particularly bad time for schools. Earlier this month, legislative leaders agreed with the Indiana Chamber of Commerce that the state will […]
Posted inEducation, Mental Health, Partner Content
Student Mental Health Needs Are Growing. Will the Legislature Help?
This story was originally published by Chalkbeat. Doreen Waldbieser, a school counselor in Vigo County, stepped to the microphone Nov. 8 at a Department of Education hearing on diplomas and began alphabetically listing her counseling duties: Attend active shooter training. Analyze transcripts. Answer emails and phone calls. Change schedules. Conduct screenings. Connect students to assistance. […]
Posted inEducation
Gary Voters Keep Democrats in Key Seats for State and Federal Leadership
Democrats swept key races in Northwest Indiana on Tuesday, securing major wins for U.S. House and state legislature seats critical to Gary and the surrounding areas. Rep. Vernon Smith held on to his Indiana House District 14 seat, defeating Republican Ivan Ursery II handily, securing 72% of the vote. Smith, who was originally elected to […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Will Miller and Mark Spencer: Candidates for Indiana State Senate District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, Gary Common Council member Mark Spencer faces Republican […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Vernon Smith and Ivan Ursery II: Candidates for Indiana State Rep. District 14
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to learn more about the candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Vernon Smith faces Republican […]
Posted inPolitics & Policy, State Government
Q+A with Ragen Hatcher and Leslie Dallner: Candidates for Indiana State Rep. District 3
Ahead of the upcoming election, Capital B Gary is giving readers the chance to hear directly from candidates appearing on their ballots. These candidates represent the interests of Gary and other Lake County residents and bring their unique perspectives and goals for the community. This year, incumbent Democratic state Rep. Ragen Hatcher faces Republican challenger […]