Indiana Gov. Mike Braun has signaled a growing willingness to legalize marijuana, noting the Hoosier State is “surrounded” by states that have legalized the drug to some degree.

Illinois, Michigan and Ohio allow recreational use, while Kentucky has authorized medicinal.

“I’m going to do what makes sense,” Braun told reporters Tuesday. “I’ve said law enforcement will be important. I’ve been talking to them, and now, the amount of traffic that crosses the border, you know, it’s noticeable. So, all of that will be taken into consideration.”

[caption id="attachment_130576" align="alignright" width="204"] Mike Braun[/caption]

President Donald Trump’s administration this week rescheduled medical marijuana — subject to a state license — to a less restrictive category, but kept recreational use in the list of drugs with the highest potential for abuse. But the administration has also kicked off an expedited administrative hearing process to consider reconsider that classification.

“I think the fact that the feds made that move, that makes it more likely,” Braun said.

“You’re going to need to ask the legislators and the leaders in those two chambers to see what they’re thinking, because I’m clear in terms of where I’m at,” he continued. “You’ve got to take what’s evolved over time. (If you) stick your head in the sand, you’re generally going to make the wrong decision.”

As a gubernatorial candidate in 2024, Braun said he was possibly willing to consider allowing medical-use sales, but not recreational, Fox59 reported.

The governor’s comments on Tuesday came shortly before the release of a study on the current status of marijuana and other intoxicating cannabinoids in Indiana, and another study on considerations for marijuana regulations if the state decided to ease up on the drug.

The pair of reports were conducted by RAND on behalf of the Richard Fairbanks Foundation, which seeks to advance health, education and more in the city of Indianapolis.

Emi Whitesell, the vice president of impact and evaluation, said Fairbanks commissioned the research in 2024 to fill a gap in reliable data centered on Indiana.

“We don’t have a position,” Whitesell said of marijuana legalization. “This is purely informative. We know there have been so many conversations … about potentially changing our marijuana policies. … It’s so complex and it’s sometimes hard to get really good data and really good information about it.”

Much of the research on legalization focuses on states that already have already authorized the drug for medicinal use, unlike Indiana, the foundation found.

The Hoosier State is one of 10 states that haven’t legalized medical marijuana, let alone recreational.

Despite that, residents can access intoxicating cannabinoids and marijuana itelf relatively easily, according to Fairbanks.

That’s because Indiana hasn’t banned or regulated the sale of products with delta-8 THC, THCA or other intoxicating cannabinoids. State legislative efforts have failed repeatedly. Now, such products are “ubiquitous,” researchers wrote. A federal ban will go into effect in November, although several bills have been filed to delay that.

Additionally, researchers found that 44% of Hoosiers, or nearly 3 million people, live within a 50-mile drive of at least one licensed dispensary in another state. A whopping 96%, or 5.6 million people, live within a 100-mile drive.

“In practical terms, almost all Hoosiers who wish to purchase cannabis from a retail store can do so with a round-trip drive of fewer than four hours,” they wrote.

Researchers estimated that residents spend about $1.8 billion on marijuana annually, and that Indiana’s criminal justice system spends $10 million-$20 million on enforcement annually.

They also explored a range of policy routes Indiana could pursue.

The first, in which the state maintains its prohibition, involves no change.

The state could also reduce criminal penalties for marijuana possession by directing law enforcement to treat it as low priority, reduce fines or jail time, or eliminate criminal penalties for small amounts in favor of civil citations. The state could make it easier to expunge or seal past convictions for possession, or even automatically perform those actions for convictions after a set period.

Indiana could also join the 24 states that have legalized marijuana for recreational use. Researchers laid out 14 major policy decisions leaders would have to make, including: who could grow, refine and sell marijuana; at what level to tax marijuana and more.

All of those policy levels would figure into a medical marijuana system, according to Fairbanks, along with four more considerations: what conditions qualify for use, what medical professionals could recommend someone obtain a license, the cost of a license and who could procure the marijuana for patients who can’t travel to buy it or grow it at home themselves.

The state and local governments would still spend money on enforcement even if marijuana is legalized in some form, researchers noted. Driving under the influence and possessing the drug underage would likely remain banned, for instance. New costs could include licensing, inspections, testing and more.

But legalization could bring in $180 million in tax revenue annually by the fifth year, researchers estimated — or 1% of the state’s $18 billion General Fund. Revenue depends on a variety of factors, however, and could range from $100 million at the low end to $270 million at the high end.

Reporter Mackenzi Klemann contributed.

[caption id="attachment_130578" align="aligncenter" width="749"] The map, courtesy of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation, shows the large number of dispensaries located just outside of the Indiana state line.[/caption]

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The Indiana Capital Chronicle is an independent, nonprofit news organization dedicated to giving Hoosiers a comprehensive look inside state government, policy and elections. The site combines daily coverage with in-depth scrutiny, political awareness and insightful commentary.

You can read the original version of the story here.

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WASHINGTON D.C. — An Indiana man was among those killed in a military plane crash in Iraq on Thursday.

The Pentagon announced Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38, Mooresville, was one of six U.S. Airmen killed in a KC-135 plane crash in Iraq on March 12, the Pentagon announced.

Others who died in the crash were:

• Maj. John A. Klinner, 33, of Alabama
• Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, of Ohio
• Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34, of Kentucky
• Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30, of Ohio
• Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31, of Washington

[caption id="attachment_128277" align="alignright" width="202"] Seth R. Koval[/caption]

Koval was a KC-135R Instructor Pilot for the 166th Air Refueling Squadron stationed at  Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio.

He was responsible for training pilots in worldwide air refueling, aeromedical, cargo, and passenger operations while executing the Air Force’s primary mission of global reach in support of Air Mobility Command, according to information provided by the Ohio National Guard.

His wife released the following statement from the family:

"Our world was shattered two days ago. There is nothing that can prepare you to receive news that you’ve lost the love of your life. Our family will never be the same. As we figure out how to pick up the pieces and move forward, we are deeply grateful for the love and support we have received. That support, and the help of our Heavenly Father, will hold us together in these fragile moments as we face a reality without him.

Seth was a man whose life I could never confine to a single statement and whose loss will echo in my heart forever. Seth was exceptional in everything he did. He was truly the most amazing husband, father, son, brother, friend, and Airman. He loved what he did, and he was proud to put his uniform on and serve others. He grew up dreaming about becoming a pilot and to stand beside him as he made his dreams come true was an honor. 

My husband was many things - loving, generous, kind-hearted, smart, devoted, a fixer of all things, a real outdoorsman, and selfless. The most important thing about my husband was that Jesus was his Lord and Savior. He always put others before himself – until the very end. I will see him in the smile of our son and carry him with me in every moment. I have overwhelming hope and peace because he is with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Please help us honor Seth by respecting our wishes for privacy during this devastating time."

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita issued the following statement late Saturday night:

"We will never forget your sacrifice. Thoughts and prayers to his wife, young son, and entire family as they grieve this unimaginable loss," Rokita wrote in a post on X.

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A Republican-backed group pushing Indiana’s lawmakers to “adopt safe and regulated” marijuana policies launched on Wednesday.

“By embracing a smart and evidence-based approach that prioritizes public health, safety, and economic opportunity, we can give Hoosiers the access that they deserve and demand,” spokesman Joe Elsener said in an inaugural news release. He was previously executive director of the Indiana Republican Party and chair of Marion County’s GOP.

The organization, dubbed Safe and Regulated Indiana, already has a multimedia advertisement live. In its materials, the group avoided any variation of the word “legalization,” instead focusing on “regulation.”

“It’s time, Indiana — time to tax and regulate marijuana for adults 21 and up, just like alcohol,” the voice-over says.

The spot asserts that this would bring new tax revenue, put “drug dealers out of business,” and free up law enforcement to focus on bigger problems like violent crimes.

“Tell your legislator it’s time for safe and regulated marijuana,” the video concludes.

A message seeking more information on coalition members and funding was not immediately returned.

Two members of the group — an Indianapolis lawmaker and a former state firefighter union leader — echoed those arguments in the new release.

“I have spent my entire career in public safety, and I know the current policy is not working. It is time to come together and fix it,” said Tom Hanify, a veteran and retired past president of the Professional Firefighters Union of Indiana. “By thoughtfully and responsibly creating a safe and regulated marketplace, Indiana can take money out of the pockets of criminals and invest in Hoosiers.” 

Indianapolis City-County Councilor Michael-Paul Hart said that, “By adopting best practices and regulating marijuana similar to tobacco and alcohol, Indiana can better prevent access to minors, shut down illegal drug dealers, create thousands of new job opportunities, and bring hundreds of millions of dollars of new revenue to our state.”

All of Indiana’s neighbors — Illinois, Michigan, Ohio — have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Kentucky legalized medical cannabis. But Hoosier lawmakers and leaders — like outgoing Gov. Eric Holcomb — have resisted pushes for legalization.

Gov.-elect Mike Braun said he was open to legalizing the drug for medical purposes in an October debate. He cautioned, though, that he would weigh law enforcement concerns heavily.

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To participating families, nondenominational LifeWise Academy programs supplement religious instruction. But critics in Indiana worry the programs spend public school resources on religion, proselytize to students of other faiths and remove children from class in a state already struggling with literacy.

LifeWise founder and CEO Joel Penton told The Associated Press that many parents want religious instruction to be part of their children’s education.

“Values of faith and the Bible are absolutely central to many families,” Penton said. “And so they want to demonstrate to their children that it is central to their lives.”

Public schools cannot promote any religion under the First Amendment, but a 1952 Supreme Court ruling centered on New York schools cleared the way for programs like LifeWise. Individual places of worship often work with schools to host programs off campus, and they are not regulated in some states.

LifeWise officials addressed the Oklahoma and Ohio legislatures in support of laws that would require schools to cooperate with off-site religious programs, Penton said, and Oklahoma’s Republican governor signed one such bill into law Wednesday.

Similar bills have been introduced in Ohio, Nebraska, Georgia and Mississippi this year, according to an AP analysis of Plural, a legislative tracking database.

LifeWise programs will be available at over 520 locations in 23 states next school year, up from 331 in 13 states this year, and about 31,000 students attend LifeWise programs in the U.S., Penton said.

Penton wants LifeWise to be available to “50 million public school students nationwide,” he said.

In Indiana, Republican state Rep. Kendell Culp introduced the legislation requiring principals to allow students to attend release-time religious education after a rural school stopped cooperating with LifeWise. The bill was signed into law in March and subsequently 45 Indiana schools will work with the company this fall, triple the number from last year.

LifeWise Academy, based in Hilliard, Ohio, is funded by donors, including more than $13 million in contributions from July 2022 to June 2023, according to its latest federal report.

The curriculum was developed in conjunction with the Gospel Project, a Bible study plan produced by an entity of the Southern Baptist Convention, Penton said. Instructors are provided with guidance on how to respond to difficult questions, including about the afterlife and sex. LifeWise opposes same-sex marriage, as well as transgender and gender-fluid identities.

“Our guide helps classroom educators address these questions with compassion, humility and respect,” Penton said in a statement.

Chris Paulsen, CEO of LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group Indiana Youth Group, voiced concern that children can receive Christian religious instruction during the school day “yet no one can talk about queer families.” Indiana bans “human sexuality” instruction in schools through third grade.

LifeWise staff and volunteers either bus or drive students from school to the program sites, or use spaces near schools and supervise children walking there.

Indiana law and the 1952 Supreme Court ruling say no public funds can be spent on supplemental religious education, but critics worry schools expend public resources on scheduling and getting children to and from the programs.

“It just puts another burden on the teachers,” said Michelle Carrera, a high school English teacher in Culp’s district.

Democratic lawmakers derided the new law when literacy scores and attendance are down and said it violates the separation of church and state guaranteed in the First Amendment.

“Saying that a religious organization can mandate scheduling at a school strikes me as a fundamental violation of that important American principle,” said Indiana House Education Committee member Ed DeLaney, a Democrat.

Jennifer Matthias, on Fort Wayne Community Schools’ board of trustees, opposes a new program in her district, especially because recent Republican-led legislation establishes stronger literacy requirements for elementary students.

“How can removing students from the academic day benefit them?” she said.

Backers argue the LifeWise model allows low-income students who cannot afford after-school programs to receive supplemental religious instruction. Culp said the Indiana law gives parents a greater say in their children’s education.

“This is really more about parental rights,” he said.

Christa Sullinger, 46, began sending her 10-year-old son to LifeWise in Garrett, Indiana, last year. With baseball activities on Sundays, the family sometimes misses church and LifeWise fills in the gaps.

“What a great way to solidify our faith,” Sullinger said.

LifeWise says it does not teach programs during classes such as math or reading, but rather during lunch, recess or electives including library, art or gym. Children can attend for up to two hours a week under Indiana law.

The West Central School Corporation in rural Pulaski County, about 100 miles (160 kilometers) north of Indianapolis, said 64% of its 345 elementary school students attended LifeWise during library this past school year.

West Central School Corporation Superintendent Cathy Rowe said there may be students who feel left out if they don’t attend LifeWise, but that is up to the parents.

“It’s been very well supported in our community,” she said.

The district was often at the center of discussion during the passage of Indiana’s bill. Opponents said if only a handful of children are left at school, they may feel pressure to join or alienated if they are not religiously affiliated or practice another faith.

Some children promote the program to their classmates of their own volition, Penton said.

“We’re grateful when students find joy in our program and spread the word,” he said.

Demrie Alonzo, a tutor of English as a second language in Fredericktown, Ohio, said she saw one LifeWise representative tell one of her third-grade students, who is Hindu, that they could teach her about Jesus. An investigation ensued, resulting in school superintendent Gary Chapman reminding Fredericktown Local School District and LifeWise officials to refrain from soliciting student participation during school hours.

Children from “a diverse array of backgrounds” participate, Penton said.

“I felt it was extremely inappropriate,” Alonzo said.

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Gerson Fuentes, 28, was sentenced to life in prison, but his plea deal stipulates that he can seek parole after serving 25 to 30 years. He would then have to register as a sex offender.

Common Pleas Court Judge Julie Lynch, who was not required to approve the plea agreement, said the girl’s family “begged” the judge to back it. Lynch called the deal a “very hard pill for this court to swallow.”

“Anyone who’s ever been in this courtroom for the last 20 years knows how this court feels about these babies, young people, being violated,” Lynch said. “However, today, by the request of the family, this court will be sentencing without comment.”

The maximum sentence would have been life without parole. Settling the case before trial will spare the survivor from having to testify in court.

Zachary Olah, an attorney who represented Fuentes, told The Columbus Dispatch after the hearing that his client has been cooperative since the beginning.

“He was anxious to get this resolved,” Olah said.

The girl, who turned 10 before having the abortion, confirmed that Fuentes attacked her, Franklin County prosecutors have said, and Fuentes confessed to Columbus police detectives. DNA testing of the aborted fetus confirmed Fuentes was the father, prosecutors said.

Fuentes, who is from Guatemala and was living in Columbus, had been held without bond since his arrest. If he eventually wins parole, he would likely be deported given that authorities have said they have not found any evidence he is authorized to live in the U.S. legally.

The case gained national attention after Dr. Caitlin Bernard of Indianapolis said a 10-year-old child had to travel to Indiana to terminate a pregnancy because Ohio banned the procedure at the first detectable fetal heartbeat. Some 25 states have banned or restricted abortion since the Supreme Court struck down Roe, though many of the new laws are still being litigated.

Indiana’s state Medical Licensing Board voted in May to reprimand Bernard, finding that she violated patient privacy laws when she told a newspaper reporter about the case, even without revealing directly protected information like the survivor’s name or address.

The board rejected accusations from Indiana’s Republican attorney general that Bernard violated state law by not reporting the child abuse to Indiana authorities. Board members also rejected a request to suspend the doctor’s medical license. Instead, it fined Bernard $3,000 for the violations, but issued no restrictions on her practicing medicine.

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