Prison

The ACLU is suing the state to strike down a new law banning prison inmates from receiving gender-affirming surgery.

Ronnie Hapner pleaded guilty and will spend 16 years in prison

Many people want to see the prison site converted to affordable housing, retail and office space

A judge told two Indiana men Wednesday (2/8) that they could face life in prison if they’re convicted in the slaying of a 17-year-old girl who was found dead in a river nearly a half-century ago.

Transgender people would be banned from getting gender-affirming surgery while they’re in state prisons under legislation approved by a House committee Wednesday.

Indiana lawmakers are trying to divert more people away from local jails and into mental health treatment. Advocates call a proposed bill “compassionate,” “humane” and “fiscally responsible.”

The Russian government claims that Whelan, a Michigan resident, was a spy. His family and the U.S. government flatly deny that, and say Whelan is a political prisoner.

A new Indiana law prevents police detaining children under 12 years old. But some argue that 12 is still too young for a child to be held by law enforcement, or even charged.

In early January, fewer than 100 incarcerated people had the virus. As of Wednesday, the Indiana Department of Correction reported 571 positive cases.

People who have threatened to harm themselves can be placed on what’s known as suicide watch, where they’re constantly monitored by a mental health professional. But in some prisons, suicide watch works differently.