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Plus, how two families deal with unimaginable tragedy
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Free Press Indiana

2/26/2026

Though it's not over until it's over, Indiana's elected officials could declare sine die on this year's session as early as Friday. That looming deadline doesn't mean a lessening of activity at the Statehouse, though, as lawmakers run out the clock on legislation covering everything from tourism dollars to environmental deregulation and even some assistance for that football team that's just outside of The Region. 

The good folks at Indiana Capital Chronicle and Indy Star have all the up-to-the-minute coverage, so be sure to follow along as the deadlines near. 

Also, two stories this week that will make parents' blood run cold — and apologies for the heavy topics. But the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette shares an absolute must-read about the loss of a young man who was an integral part of his family, his team and his community. And Ashley Ford, with Free Press Indiana, shares a story of a first-time mother who faced the unimaginable after a delayed preeclampsia diagnosis. Trust me, both stories are well worth your time. 

Let us know about interesting things that are happening in your part of the state. As always, thanks for reading. 

Lisa Renze
Free Press Indiana
Director of Strategic Partnerships

This week's news

Creative Commons

Lawmakers making the most of final days

Data centers and rental caps and Da Bears — oh my. 

As the 124th session of the Indiana General Assembly winds down to a close, lawmakers are rushing to get specific projects, including how homeowners determine if their property can be used as rental income, across the finish line. 

The Indy Star dives in to explain many of the ideas still being debated. 

For more on what lawmakers are considering, check out coverage from the Indiana Capital Chronicle

Read the story →

Muncie mom advocating for better, earlier care

Despite having access to good prenatal care, Molly McGuire didn’t know to look for potentially fatal illnesses during her first pregnancy. She was 30, preparing to give birth to her first child, a son named Michael. After preeclampsia claimed her son's life, McGuire began working to educate other expectant moms. Ashley Ford with Free Press Indiana has the story. 

Read the story →

Sticking together through tragedy

For as much as Carroll High School hockey captain Adlee Scheerer put into his play on the ice, the senior put just as much into getting his team ready to play — his coach said he was the perfect choice for captain.

On Jan. 4, Scheerer took his own life, and his death sent shockwaves through his team and the Fort Wayne hockey community.

This week, Carroll will seek a second straight state championship without their captain on the ice. But his presence remains. The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has this must-read.

Read the story →

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Did you know?

Yep. You might've just seen an armadillo 

While usually found in southern states — including Texas, where they are the state mammal — armadillos have indeed made their way to Indiana. Sam Stall has more on this in Indianapolis Monthly.

More great reads

  • Former Washington Post editor Marty Baron is the keynote speaker on Feb. 26 — tonight — at the Arnolt Center for Investigative Journalism Symposium. The event begins at 6 p.m. in Presidents Hall at Indiana University and is open to the public. Learn more here.

  • Indiana ranks 10th in the nation for maple syrup production — but this sweet business relies heavily on a very unpredictable climate. The Indy Star has the story.

  • An estimated 60 structures are slated for removal during Gary's Citywide Blight Blitz, scheduled to take place across five neighborhoods over the coming weeks. Capital B Gary explains.

  • Today is Student Press Freedom Day. The Student Press Law Center provides ongoing, unfailing support for emerging journalists all over the country. Learn more here

  • More than 25 years after the introduction of the state's Safe Haven Law, which allows parents to legally surrender their newborns to hospitals, police and firefighters, there's ongoing debate in Indiana about baby boxes. Mirror Indy has more.

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