Indiana News Digest

Here's a look at AP's Indiana news coverage is shaping up today. Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP-Indianapolis bureau at 317-639-5501, 800-382-1582 or [email protected]. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org.

A reminder this information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories, digests and digest advisories will keep you up to date. All times are Eastern.

Some TV and radio stations will receive broadcast versions of the stories below, along with all updates.

TOP STORY:

BEACHES CLOSED-SPILL

PORTAGE, Ind. — A steelmaker in Indiana is denying manipulating results from toxic readings that were required after a chemical spill killed more than 3,000 fish last year. The Post-Tribune reports state regulators claim that ArcelorMittal's steel plant is redoing daily ammonia and cyanide tests, reporting the lower score. An Indiana Department of Environmental Management official says the company's attempt to redo daily tests “undermines the integrity” of its self-disclosures. ArcelorMittal denies all allegations. The steelmaker was required to do daily testing after the spill of cyanide and ammonia led to the fish kill and prompted closures of beaches along Lake Michigan. SENT: 223 words.

AROUND THE STATE:

LILLY ENDOWMENT-GRANTS

INDIANAPOLIS — Thirteen groups that serve children and young people across central Indiana have landed $54.7 million in grants from the Lilly Endowment Inc. aimed at boosting their long-term financial sustainability. The endowment says that the Indianapolis-based groups getting the funding provide services that support children, teenagers and young adults and their families. The foundation says the grants are designed to help each of the groups build stronger financial futures and resiliency so they can have a lasting impact on the youths they serve. The grants range in amount from $1 million to $7.5 million. SENT: 193 words.

XGR--INDIANA LEGISLATURE-VOTING HOURS

INDIANAPOLIS — County clerks are worried a proposal for extending Indiana’s Election Day voting time by two hours would make it more difficult to find enough poll workers. The bill sponsored by Republican Rep. Tim Wesco of Osceola would change Indiana’s current 6 p.m. closing time to 8 p.m. Wesco says Kentucky and Hawaii are the only other states with poll closing times that early. Supporters of extended voting hours say they believed it could help boost Indiana’s voting turnout that has been among the country’s lowest. SENT: 168 words.

EXCHANGE-ISU-HONORING KURT THOMAS

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — In November, Indiana State University plans to honor its 1977 NCAA champion men’s gymnastics team, featuring Kurt Thomas, to help celebrate the completion of Hulman Center’s $50 million renovation. ISU President Deborah Curtis made the announcement at Tuesday’s Terre Haute Rotary Club meeting. “We will be bringing Kurt Thomas back for recognition and his NCAA championship team” after the renovation is completed, she told Rotarians. No date has been set. She and Andrea Angel, ISU vice president for university advancement, met with Thomas during a recent visit to Texas and extended the offer to him. By Sue Loughlin, Tribune-Star. An Associated Press Member Exchange. SENT: 785 words.

EXCHANGE-MARKETING STUDEBAKER-EXHIBIT

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — The Studebaker Corporation made its first foray into the market for lower-priced automobiles in 1927. It didn’t go well. Introduced as a separate brand, the Erskine — named for company president Albert R. Erskine — sought to compete with General Motors’ Pontiac and Chrysler’s Plymouth as low-cost companions to their makers’ more expensive models. “One of the Erskine’s downfalls was it was not the best choice in the automotive field,” Studebaker National Museum archivist Andrew Beckman says. “It was overpriced, underpowered.” The Erskine cost $995 in 1927 — $14,217 in 2019 dollars. Studebaker manufactured 95,104 Erskines during the brand’s four-year run from 1927 to 1930. By contrast, Ford’s Model A debuted in 1928 at $525. Through its four production years, Ford manufactured 4,858,644 Model As, according to Wikipedia. By Andrew S. Hughes, South Bend Tribune. An AP Member Exchange. SENT: 893 words.

BRIEFS:

— BOY SHOT-FORT WAYNE: An 8-year-old boy has been wounded after gunshots were fired into a northeastern Indiana home.

SPORTS:

BKC--T25-MICHIGAN ST-PURDUE

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue got 16 points from Trevion Williams and relied on a staunch defense to pull off a 71-42 upset over No. 8 Michigan State. The victory ends the Boilermakers' two-game losing streak. It's also Purdue's second victory over a Top 10 foe this season and its 15th consecutive home win over a Big Ten opponent. Cassius Winston led the Spartans with 10 points but also had nine turnovers. The Spartans' eight-game winning streak came to an end. Michigan State finished with a season-low point total and lost for the first time since Dec. 3. By Michael Marot. UPCOMING: 650 words, with photos.

BKW--T25-NC STATE-NOTRE DAME

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — No. 9 North Carolina State visits Notre Dame. By John Fineran. UPCOMING: 500 words. 4 p.m. ET tipoff.

BKC--NORTHERN KENTUCKY-IUPUI

INDIANAPOLIS — Northern Kentucky plays IUPUI at Indiana Farmers Coliseum.

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