Bente Bouthier

2 months ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Bente Bouthier

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita filed a motion Thursday to dismiss the Indiana Supreme Court Disciplinary Committee’s latest complaints against him. It continues a struggle between the committee and Rokita that started three years ago. In July 2022, Rokita accused OB-GYN Caitlin Bernard of being an "abortion activist acting as a doctor — with a history of failing to report." Bernard provided a medication abortion for a ten-year old rape victim from Ohio, which made national news.

2 months ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Bente Bouthier

Nationally, Indiana ranks 39th in percentage of women in the state legislature, just behind South Dakota and just ahead of North Dakota. About twenty seven percent of Indiana’s 140 seats are held by women. One of these women, Representative Tonya Pfaff (D-Terre Haute), has been in the General Assembly since 2018. Initially, she had suggested to her husband that he should run for district 43’s open seat, he thought she should do it.

2 months ago | indianapublicmedia.org | Bente Bouthier

During its first week back in office, the Trump administration issued broad crackdowns on immigration. The administration’s slew of executive orders included revoking Temporary Protected Status for hundreds of thousands of immigrants admitted to the US during the Biden administration and restricting eligibility for work permits. Some organizations are trying to get ahead of the fear and confusion surrounding immigration policy.

Jan 23, 2025 | indianapublicmedia.org | Bente Bouthier

Indiana policy makers are eyeing property tax reform this legislative session, after Hoosiers saw increases averaging 17 percent last year. Property taxes are expected to increase about 7 percent this year, according to Senator Travis Holdman, chair of the tax and fiscal policy committee. This week the committee will roll out several senate bills addressing property taxes, including Senate Bill 6, a deferral program.

Jan 17, 2025 | indianapublicmedia.org | Bente Bouthier

Attendance at Seymour City Council meetings has increased since last spring, when hundreds of residents showed up to speak against a proposed Immigrant Welcome Center. In 1990, the town’s Hispanic and Latino population was less than 1 percent. According to census data, nearly a quarter of Seymour’s residents are Hispanic or Latino in 2025.