Latest news with #IndianaCapitalChronicle
The Hill
a day ago
- Business
- The Hill
Braun says he has ‘no interest' in White House bid
Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) sought to tamp down a report that he is interested in running for president, in remarks to reporters Thursday. 'That's had nothing to do with anything I've said,' Braun told the Indiana Capital Chronicle, a nonprofit news site covering state government, in response to a question about a potential presidential run. 'I'm concentrating on being governor, and have no interest in that.' Politico reported in early June that Braun had discussed the idea of mounting his own presidential campaign, citing three unnamed Republicans close to the governor. Braun previously served as a U.S. senator for one term, and in Indiana's statehouse from 2014 to 2017. He maintained that his focus was on the governorship, the Indiana Capital Chronicle reported. 'I'm focused on being the most entrepreneurial governor we've got in this country,' Braun told the outlet. 'We've been doing things bolder than what most states would do and going after tough issues like health care, education, workforce.' Braun recently appeared at an event with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., that announced that Arkansas, Idaho and Utah would no longer permit soda and candy to be purchased with food stamps. As governor, he has also issued a number of executive orders, ranging from declaring there are only two genders to prohibiting collective bargaining among state employees.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Braun appointees join IU board; changes made to protest policy
Jim Bopp takes his oath at the IU Board of Trustees meeting on June 12, 2025. (Madelyn Hanes/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A newly constituted Indiana University Board of Trustees on Thursday changed the school's protest policy related to a federal lawsuit after Gov. Mike Braun's three new appointees were sworn in. Other topics included new degree programs, tuition and fees, and a legislative update. The governor recently removed three alumni-elected board members in favor of his own appointees after lawmakers gave him the new powers earlier this year. Two IU alumni silently held signs at the back of the room, urging President Pamela Whitten to sign a resolution by the American Association of Colleges and Universities condemning political interference in higher education. A third alum joined, standing for the entire session in protest of state overreach into university governance. The public meeting, held on IU Bloomington's campus, began with the swearing in of Braun's newly appointed trustees – sports reporter Sage Steele, conservative attorney James Bopp, Jr. and attorney Brian Eagle. 'Now that we have you, let's put you to work,' said Board Chairman Quinn Buckner. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed multiple lawsuits against IU over the last year. One of those challenged IU's expressive activity policy, claiming the time restrictions on when students can protest violate the First Amendment. IU's general counsel said they incorporated feedback from the university and the judge overseeing the lawsuit to make new amendments. The board unanimously passed the changes made to the policy, although the exact amendments were not discussed. The Expressive Activity Policy webpage has since changed and no longer includes the contested time restrictions on protests. The only trustee to make comments during discussion was Bopp, who praised the new amendments and mentioned he once protested at Dunn Meadow as an IU student. 'It's a hallowed ground, as far as I'm concerned.' Bopp said. The board also unanimously approved the tuition and fee proposals for the 2025-2027 academic years — despite a $60 million cut from the state budget. IU Chief Financial Officer Jason Dudich presented a two-year tuition freeze proposal for in-state tuition. But tuition for out-of-state undergraduate students will increase by 1%, and graduate programs will increase by 2%, with the exception of certain medical and health fields. The trustees also approved IU's 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes a 2% salary increase for faculty and staff, eliminates select unfilled positions to target reductions, limits operational expenses, and takes back support for non-academic programs. IU Provost Rahul Shrivastav presented seven new degree programs that were all unanimously approved by the board, too. The new programs are: B.S. in Computer Engineering B.S. in Global Media B.S. in Media Advertising B.S. in Public Relations M.S. in Media Leadership and Business B.S. in Business Intelligence and Data Science B.S. in Biomedical Sciences (IU Indy School of Science) Bopp continued his vocal participation in the meeting, questioning the cost of the new programs and if they mesh with recent Indiana legislative changes. He also at times pushed for more transparency on policy changes. Lawmakers passed language during the 2025 legislation to limit the number of programs based on degrees being conferred. Bopp asked if there had been any recommendations to terminate degree programs. Shrivastav said the school is still working out how many programs are likely to be cut. IU has to report by June 23 on how many degree programs are at risk, Bopp said. Vice President for University Relations Michael Huber said IU is among the most competitive institutions for federal research funding. However, he's concerned that proposed federal budget cuts to the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation and federal student aid could jeopardize IU's research. 'The biggest concern down the road is federal funding,' Huber said. The board also heard a legislative update and approved updates to 26 policies to ensure compliance with new state legislation. Several university policies have already been revised on IU's website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Republican Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek still driving as DUI case stalls
Sen. Mike Bohacek, R-Michiana Shores, speaks on the Indiana Senate floor on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. (Leslie Bonilla Muñiz/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Sen. Mike Bohacek is still legally driving more than five months after an alleged drunken driving incident in Michigan City, and the Republican lawmaker has asked to keep his license — so long as he installs an alcohol-monitoring device in his car, according to new court documents. The June 5 motion, filed in LaPorte Superior Court by Bohacek's Michigan City-based attorney, David Payne, requests the installation of an ignition interlock device, or IID, as an alternative to license suspension. Under Indiana law, courts can order such devices in lieu of suspending driving privileges when someone is charged with operating while intoxicated, if doing so would cause a hardship. Bohacek also refused a breathalyzer test during the traffic stop. Payne argued that suspension of Bohacek's license would impose 'a substantial hardship' on the senator and his family. Indiana GOP Sen. Mike Bohacek charged with DUI months after incident There was no ruling on the request as of Monday afternoon. The case remains without a judge, and legal proceedings have been stalled for weeks due to multiple judicial recusals. Three special judges, all in LaPorte County, opted out from the case one after another. Then, all the judges and magistrates of LaPorte County filed a motion saying they collectively 'have a conflict herein and they all hereby recuse themselves in this cause of action.' Judge Jeffrey L. Thode of the Superior Court in neighboring Porter County, was assigned the case last week but has not yet accepted, according to the state's online court portal. A special prosecutor from Porter County is handling the matter. The underlying charges, filed May 15, stem from a Jan. 24 incident in Michigan City, after a citizen reported seeing Bohacek 'drinking an open container and stumble out of his vehicle' in a Panda Express parking lot, according to charging documents obtained by the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Police later located and pulled him over near Swan Lake Cemetery along U.S. 20. He was taken to a hospital, where a blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.28% — more than three times the legal limit in Indiana. But Bohacek wasn't arrested at the time. Under Indiana law, members of the General Assembly are shielded from arrest in most cases during the legislative session — a protection known as legislative immunity. That meant Bohacek's case was kept sealed and the senator remained uncharged for months. The incident did not become public until last week when reporters began asking for details. Court records show Bohacek was formally charged with three misdemeanors: operating a vehicle with an alcohol concentration equivalent of 0.15% or more; operating a vehicle while intoxicated endangering a person; and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. CONTACT US Bohacek's license has not been suspended. Typically, Indiana law requires a license suspension following a court's finding of probable cause in DUI cases, as well as when a person refuses a breathalyzer test. But without a sitting judge, that process has stalled. Bohacek has not commented publicly on the case. Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray, R-Martinsville, didn't specify when he learned about the incident or if any disciplinary action was taken during the 2025 legislative session, or since adjournment. 'I was extremely disappointed to hear this news, and I expressed my disappointment to Sen. Bohacek,' Bray said in a statement. 'Our Senate Rules make clear members are to be held to high standards, and this does not meet that standard. Here in Indiana, nobody is above the law. I will be monitoring this case as it goes forward and our legal system does its work, after which I will consider any next steps.' Bohacek, who represents portions of LaPorte, St. Joseph and Starke counties, has served in the Indiana Senate since 2016. He most recently served on the Corrections and Criminal Law, Health and Provider Services, and Local Government committees. Since charges were filed against Bohacek, details have emerged about a similar case involving Rep. Jason 'Beau' Baird, R-Greencastle, who was arrested in 2018 for operating while intoxicated in Lafayette during his first campaign for office. Baird pleaded guilty to OWI and later accepted a plea agreement in 2019, after taking office. But court records show the representative's name was misspelled as 'Jason Bean Baird' rather than 'Jason Beau Baird,' making the case more difficult to locate in public searches. The Tippecanoe County Prosecutor's office did not respond to the Capital Chronicle's request for comment about the misspelled name. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Carson demands answers on potential migrant detention at Indiana's Camp Atterbury
U.S. Rep. André Carson speaks at a rally on Oct. 26, 2024, in Indianapolis. (Whitney Downard/Indiana Capital Chronicle) A Wednesday letter from Democrat U.S. Rep. André Carson to the federal Department of Homeland Security seeks answers about the possible use of Camp Atterbury in Indiana as an immigration detention facility. The letter follows recent Indiana Capital Chronicle reporting that federal officials may be eyeing the southern Indiana base as a temporary site for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees. The federally owned facility is licensed to and operated by the Indiana National Guard. A DHS spokesperson last week declined to confirm any plans but acknowledged the agency is exploring 'flexible options' to respond to capacity issues in its nationwide detention network. In his letter to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, Carson said the prospect raises 'serious questions' and flagged concerns about legal rights, humane treatment and national security. Feds could eye Indiana's Camp Atterbury as potential site for ICE detainees amid capacity strain 'Camp Atterbury has historically served as a training base for the Indiana National Guard and has been a vital part of our state's military infrastructure,' wrote Carson, who represents portions of Marion County. 'The prospect of repurposing it for migrant detention raises significant issues that warrant thorough examination, including the negative impact this will have on our national security and military readiness.' Carson's letter comes as ICE detention has surged in recent months, approaching 50,000 people nationwide — far above the 41,500 beds funded by Congress — according to the latest federal numbers. That strain has reportedly prompted DHS to review underused military and federal facilities across the country, including Camp Atterbury, but no official decisions have been announced. Carson, a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, said he's especially troubled by reports of due process violations at other ICE detention sites. 'As a senior Member of the House Intel Committee, I am always thinking about keeping our state and our country safe,' Carson said in a statement. 'Not only does the prospect of using Camp Atterbury raise concerns that our military readiness will be reduced, it also is deeply concerning given numerous reports that detainees across the United States have been denied legal due process.' Camp Atterbury has previously been used to house Afghan evacuees and Ukrainian refugees, but not immigration detainees held under enforcement authority. Carson asked DHS to respond to seven specific questions about the potential use of Camp Atterbury by June 13, including what laws and funding would govern its use of the national guard site, and how military operations might be affected. DHS had not responded publicly to the letter as of Wednesday evening. Carson Letter – June 4 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braun says Indiana is out of execution drugs, signals willingness to debate capital punishment
Gov. Mike Braun speaks to reporters at the Indiana Statehouse on Tuesday, June 3, 2025. (Casey Smith/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana has exhausted its supply of lethal injection drugs after carrying out two executions in the past six months — and Gov. Mike Braun said Tuesday he doesn't plan to buy more, at least for now. The governor's remarks followed the state's December execution of Joseph Corcoran — Indiana's first since 2009 — and last month's execution of Benjamin Ritchie. Recent reporting by the Indiana Capital Chronicle revealed the state spent $900,000 last year to obtain pentobarbital to carry out executions, but officials wouldn't say how much was purchased and refused to provide information on expiration dates, storage or other details. Braun said the high cost and short shelf life of the drug should prompt new discussions on how the state approaches capital punishment moving forward. ... I'm not going to be for putting it on the shelf and then letting them expire. – Indiana Gov. Mike Braun 'We've got to address the broad issue of, what are other methods, the discussion of capital punishment in general, and then something that costs, I think, $300,000 a pop that has a 90-day shelf life — I'm not going to be for putting it on the shelf and then letting them expire,' the governor told reporters at the Indiana Statehouse. Braun, a Republican in his first year as governor, said the question of whether Indiana should continue to carry out executions at all is one that lawmakers should weigh in the months ahead. 'There are legislators that wonder if it's still relevant,' Braun continued. 'I'm going to listen to them, the courts, and the broader discussion in general.' Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and former Gov. Eric Holcomb announced the state's acquisition of pentobarbital in June 2024, but it's not clear when the state ultimately received the drugs. Indiana Department of Correction officials have refused to disclose how many doses of pentobarbital were used for each of recent executions, or how close the drug was to its expiration when it was administered. 'I think we got in a pickle where we stored three, and now it looks like … it will be coming up again,' Braun said Tuesday, appearing to refer to execution drug expiration. 'Violent' moment during Indiana execution draws scrutiny; DOC officials deny 'botched' process Current Indiana law only allows lethal injection as a means of execution. The one-drug method is a departure from the state's protocol used since 1995, involving a series of three chemicals. But with ongoing drug shortages and increasing legal and political complications, some states have revived older execution methods — or approved new ones. South Carolina recently reinstated the firing squad as an option after years of delays due to its inability to obtain lethal injection drugs. The state has so far carried out two executions by firing squad in 2025 — the first in the U.S. in 15 years. According to the Death Penalty Information Center, prior to South Carolina's move only three executions by firing squad had taken place nationwide since 1977 — all in Utah. It's expected to be the primary method for executions in Idaho starting in 2026. Mississippi and Oklahoma also permit firing squads, but only as a secondary method to lethal injection. Braun pointed to South Carolina, specifically, but he didn't endorse any specific execution method. Nine states permit executions by lethal gas, but only five — Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Oklahoma — specifically authorize death by nitrogen hypoxia, a process that deprives inmates of oxygen using nitrogen gas. So far, Alabama and Louisiana are the only states that have performed executions by nitrogen gas, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. Arizona and Mississippi additionally allow gas chambers, a method in which inmates are exposed to a lethal gas — traditionally hydrogen cyanide — inside a sealed chamber. The process can take several minutes, however, and has drawn criticism over the risk of prolonged suffering. Earlier this year, some Indiana lawmakers — from both sides of the aisle — questioned the future of capital punishment in the state. Rep. Bob Morris, R-Fort Wayne, filed House Bill 1030, which sought to abolish the death penalty altogether in Indiana and replace it with life without parole. He later discussed plans to scale back the bill — and instead focus on execution drug rules and witness guidelines — hoping that a narrowed proposal could give it a better chance at advancing through the legislative process. Despite some bipartisan support, Morris' bill never received a committee hearing in the House, effectively killing the measure. Separately, an amendment Morris offered on another bill sought to require that Indiana State Police test pentobarbital between 12 and 24 hours before an execution to ensure the substance is '100% effective' before it's administered. But that proposal never moved, either. Other Republican and Democratic lawmakers have previously suggested narrowing the list of crimes eligible for execution or mandating that any new methods meet constitutional and ethical standards. No one has been added to death row in Indiana since 2013 as many prosecutors choose life in prison without parole over the cost of a death penalty trial. The next opportunity for lawmakers to file and debate bills is during next year's legislative session, slated to begin in January 2026. The last person executed in Indiana before Corcoran was Eric Wrinkles in 2009. Six inmates currently remain on Indiana's death row, and more than a dozen capital punishment cases are still pending statewide. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
