Author

Niki has covered the Indiana Statehouse since 1999 – including five governors. She has been honored by the Society of Professional Journalists and Hoosier State Press Association for stories on the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, criminal justice issues and more. She also is a regular on Indiana Week in Review, a weekly public television rundown of news. She shifts her career to helm a staff of three and ensure Hoosiers know what’s really happening on the state level.
States sue Meta alleging harmful features
By: Niki Kelly - October 24, 2023
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and 41 other attorneys general sued Meta in federal and state courts Tuesday alleging the company knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and its other social media platforms that purposefully addict children and teens. “Our children are our most precious God-given gift, as they are our future generation,” […]
Absenteeism: All hands on deck for silent educational crisis
By: Niki Kelly - October 20, 2023
When I was growing up, going to school was not optional. Unless I had a fever and couldn’t get out of bed, I went — no “Price Is Right” on the couch for me. Schools made a big deal out of showing up, even giving away free bikes for perfect attendance. But the data is […]
Holcomb, Indiana National Guard break ground on Hamilton County readiness center
By: Niki Kelly - October 19, 2023
The Indiana National Guard broke ground on its newest readiness center in Atlanta on Thursday. During the ceremony, Gov. Eric Holcomb and Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana’s adjutant general, spoke and broke ground on the new facility. “In May, I proudly signed a budget including $8 million in funding for the Indiana National Guard’s new […]
LEAP, carbon projects require Hoosiers to trust their government
By: Niki Kelly - October 13, 2023
Whether it’s putting carbon dioxide into the ground or taking water out, these two examples of residents bucking government action have the same thing in common: trust. Or, actually, a lack of trust. Hoosiers simply don’t believe their government anymore. And this isn’t exclusive to Indiana — it’s part of a nationwide decline in trust. […]
New senator chosen in caucus
By: Niki Kelly - October 9, 2023
Greg Goode will replace outgoing state Sen. Jon Ford in Senate District 38 after winning a Saturday morning caucus vote. Goode defeated former state lawmaker John Waterman, who had hoped to return to the Senate chamber. The vote was 56-18, according to WTWO/WAWV. Ford, R-Terre Haute, resigned from his seat in the Indiana Senate “to […]
School consolidation conversation should focus on fact, not emotion
By: Niki Kelly - October 6, 2023
It’s hard to separate the sentimentality tied to your high school years from a fact-based discussion about school consolidation. But it needs to be done. I get it. I loved my Ohio high school and I have amazing memories of being a Wildcat. But I came from a small district and as an adult I […]
No universal licensing for now
By: Niki Kelly - October 3, 2023
The Interim Study Committee on Employment and Labor finalized a final report Monday that recommended against interstate mobility of occupational licensing. Sen. Linda Rogers, R-Granger, said those who did testify on the topic did not want to be included if the state moved forward with universal licensing recognition. She said they have successful compacts or […]
Holcomb set on his choice for president
By: Niki Kelly - September 29, 2023
Hoosier endorsements have been picking up for former President Donald Trump in the GOP presidential race lately, but Gov. Eric Holcomb is sticking with his original pick. When asked Friday who he supports for president, his response was simple: “Mike Pence. Still. I’m a stubborn Taurus,” referring to his astrological sign. It was Pence that […]
Governor unveils new site to help Hoosiers find addiction treatment
By: Niki Kelly - September 29, 2023
Hoosiers struggling with substance use disorder will now be able to use a free, confidential, first-of-its-kind tool to find appropriate addiction treatment services in Indiana. Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday announced the launch of Shatterproof Treatment Atlas at an event celebrating the end of National Recovery Month. “Hoosiers with substance use disorder deserve timely access to […]
25,000 UAW members now striking against the Detroit Three automakers; Holcomb comments
By: Niki Kelly and Anna Liz Nichols - September 29, 2023
Two more plants, employing 7,000 workers, joined the United Auto Workers (UAW) strike at noon Friday but Hoosier workers avoided joining the picket line. UAW President Shawn Fain announced the new additions Friday morning on Facebook Live. This brings the total number of workers who will have walked off the job to 25,000. Fain called […]
Time to reconsider how state handles early legislative departures
By: Niki Kelly - September 29, 2023
In recent months we have seen a spate of state lawmakers retiring early and party insiders choosing their successors instead of the full electorate. This is how Indiana law works, and both Republicans and Democrats have done it regularly. But is it the right state policy? One in five of Indiana’s current representatives and senators […]
Auditor Klutz to depart for private sector gig; replacement to be tapped by governor
By: Niki Kelly - September 28, 2023
State Auditor Tera Klutz announced Thursday she is leaving her post with more than three years left in her term — the fourth state auditor in a row to resign early. The Republican is leaving to pursue an undisclosed private sector opportunity. Gov. Eric Holcomb will appoint her successor, as he did with Klutz in […]