Author

Leslie joins the Indiana Capital Chronicle after covering city government and urban affairs for the Indianapolis Business Journal for more than a year. She graduated from Northwestern University in March 2021, and has reported for the Chicago Tribune, Voice of America and student publications in Evanston, Illinois, Washington, D.C., and Doha, Qatar.
St. Joseph and Elkhart County judges nominated to federal bench
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 15, 2023
President Joe Biden announced five nominees to life-tenured federal judgeships Wednesday morning, including two Hoosiers. One would be the first Black woman to serve on a U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Indiana, if confirmed. St. Joseph Superior Court Judge Cristal Brisco was appointed to the bench by Gov. Eric Holcomb in June […]
Task force recommends boosting food assistance access
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 15, 2023
An interim land use task force set its sights on food insecurity on Tuesday — recommending legislation to make it easier for Hoosiers to qualify for food assistance, fund transportation or delivery for their groceries and more. Lawmakers and laypeople representing a variety of industries additionally approved more than three-dozen recommendations on zoning, farmland preservation, […]
Indiana Finance Authority to take over IEDC’s innovation district water study
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 14, 2023
The Indiana Finance Authority (IFA) will assume oversight of a water supply study connected to development of a massive — and controversial — high-tech park, Gov. Eric Holcomb’s office announced Monday. The news comes as several communities have pushed back against a proposed pipeline from Tippecanoe County to Boone County. One sticking point: that the […]
Doden campaign says it has gathered necessary ballot signatures
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 13, 2023
Gubernatorial candidate Eric Doden on Monday announced that his campaign has collected more than enough signatures to get him on the Republican primary election ballot in May. “I’m incredibly grateful for the hard work and commitment from our volunteers and staff who made hitting this goal possible,” Doden said in a news release. “This campaign […]
Rep. Bob Cherry won’t seek reelection, ending 25 years in seat
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 10, 2023
Rep. Bob Cherry announced Friday he won’t seek reelection in 2024, retiring after serving out his current term. The Greenfield Republican will have served in Indiana’s House of Representatives for 25 years — since 1998. His district, 53, includes parts of Hancock and Madison counties. “During my time in the legislature, our state’s national economic […]
Indiana Supreme Court takes on behavioral health crisis, uptick in caseload
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 10, 2023
The criminal justice system is the primary referrer to substance use disorder treatment and largest provider of mental health care — but the judiciary is doing its part to change that, Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush said Thursday. “I love the direction the Indiana judiciary is going,” she told reporters. “I love the […]
Abortion providers amend suit, seeking injunctions against health exemption, hospital requirement
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 9, 2023
Indiana abortion providers on Thursday filed an amended complaint challenging the state’s near-total abortion ban and seeking new injunctions against health and hospital clauses they argue are overly narrow or unnecessary. The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed the amendment on behalf of Indiana’s Planned Parenthood, Women’s Med Group, All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center and […]
State revenue under projections for first time this fiscal year
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 9, 2023
The state of Indiana took nearly $1.5 billion into its General Fund in October, but the amount was under projections for the first time this fiscal year. The year began in July. The state budget plan predicted revenues of about $1.6 billion but collections were short $139 million: almost 9% below expectations, according to a […]
Braun launches first TV ad in gubernatorial bid
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 8, 2023
In his first television advertisement Wednesday, U.S. Sen Mike Braun attacked President Joe Biden’s administration while promising to boost manufacturing and limit unauthorized immigration. He is the fourth GOP gubernatorial contender to go on air. In the 30-second video, Braun emphasized his business career and his defeat of former Democrat U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly. Since […]
State Rep. Haggard announces congressional bid — if incumbent doesn’t run
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 8, 2023
First-term state Rep. Craig Haggard says he’s running for Congress whenever incumbent U.S. Rep Jim Baird of Indiana leaves his post — whether that’s in 2024 or afterward. Haggard said he’s filing with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) on Wednesday to create an exploratory committee. He won’t have to declare candidacy until next year: the […]
Donald Trump Jr., US Rep. Jim Banks push ‘anti-woke’ politics and shopping
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 7, 2023
Donald Trump Jr. and U.S. Rep. Jim Banks of Indiana promoted their brand of “anti-woke” politics ahead of the 2024 elections and encouraged “pro-America” shopping at an Indianapolis town hall Monday evening. Trump Jr. said that during his travels to Indiana’s capital city, multiple airport employees and travelers sought to shake his hand and show […]
State grants millions to early education providers in child care push
By: Leslie Bonilla Muñiz - November 2, 2023
Twenty-one early education providers throughout Indiana — and potentially more — will expand their child care offerings with $8.7 million in grants, the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced Thursday. “The first five years of a child’s life are the most significant to build a strong foundation for future success,” said Courtney Penn, […]