Indiana
Longtime Israel critic loses Indiana Republican House primary after campaign by Jewish groups
A former Republican congressman in Indiana who is a longtime critic of Israel failed in his bid to return to the House of Representatives after the Republican Jewish Coalition and AIPAC mounted an effort to support his opponent.
Election returns in Indiana’s 8th district on Tuesday night showed state Senator Mark Messmer, the RJC’s favored candidate, soundly defeating John Hostettler, who represented the district in Congress from 1995-2007.
“Tonight, we succeeded in keeping a vocal anti-Israel candidate out of the Republican conference,” the RJC said Tuesday evening. “This is a major victory for the RJC, the Jewish community, for all pro-Israel Americans, and for common sense.”
The RJC had spent $1 million on ads in the district mostly promoting Messmer, said Sam Markstein, a spokesman for the group.
“The results last night make it very clear that our efforts were very effective in ensuring that a vocal anti Israel voice would not be joining the republican conference,” he said. The District leans Republican and Messmer is seen as a shoo-in in November.
Hostettler during his time in Congress was an isolationist who wrote a book after he left office blaming Jews for for the Iraq War. “Hostettler’s claim of ‘dual loyalty’ by prominent Jews repeats age-old slanders of Jewish disloyalty to their countries and outlandish notions of secret Jewish cabals pulling international strings,” Abraham Foxman, then the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, wrote at the time.
The Republican and Democratic Jewish organizations have traditionally focused on attacking candidates from the other side, but as politics related to Israel have tectonically shifted in recent years, pro-Israel affiliates of both parties are aiming fire inward. The RJC recently announced plans to target Virginia Rep. Bob Good, the chairman of the Freedom Caucus, because he led a group of 21 Republicans who opposed emergency defense funding for Israel.
The Democratic Majority for Israel has in recent years taken on Israel’s sharpest critics in the party, and was recently joined by the Jewish Democratic Council of America, which recently endorsed two opponents of members of the progressive “Squad” who have advocated cutting off aid to Israel, Reps. Jamaal Bowman of New York and Cori Bush of St. Louis.
Ousting white supremacy supporters
The RJC previously worked to oust Iowa Republican Rep. Steve King, who had a history of condoning white supremacists. He lost his primary in 2020.
United Democracy Project, a political action committee affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, also opposed Hostettler, spending about $1.5 million on negative ads. “What kind of Republican votes against supporting Israel?” one ad said.
“Regardless of party affiliation, we will support pro-Israel candidates and oppose detractors,” AIPAC said in a statement. “Our only criterion is whether the candidate stands with America’s ally, Israel, in its battle against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies, including Hamas and Hezbollah.”
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Calling all artists! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting art and photo submissions to use for the hard-card licenses for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
A press release from DNR Wednesday said Hoosiers of all ages can enter up to two of their nature and wildlife-themed works of art for a chance to be featured on next year’s cards. The cards will be available for purchase in early 2027.
Five entries will be chosen. All 2-D mediums — photography, painting, drawing, graphic design — are eligible. Art generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
This year’s categories include Deer, Wild Turkey, Fish, Wildlife (Other), and Indiana Landscapes.
Artists can submit their art to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. The entry submission deadline is July 31, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
More information and contest guidelines can be found here.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Two Indiana men accused of helping illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have pleaded guilty to federal charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone.
Wash faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Winfrey faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula.
The following was sent out by U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana:
Two men from Indiana who helped illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have admitted to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Wash faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Winfrey faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided at the change of plea and U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula. Winfrey and Wash were released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Winfrey and Wash, along with a group of associates, used fake prescriptions to illegally obtain oxycodone. The Chicago-based outfit flew into Montana, visited various pharmacies across the state, and used falsified prescriptions to get oxycodone and other controlled substances. Several members of the group would give the oxycodone to Winfrey and Wash, who then distributed it. Winfrey and Wash paid for expenses and directed group members which pharmacies to hit and when to enter.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and DEA conducted the investigation.
INDIANAPOLIS — The most intense part of this week’s heat wave has arrived. An Extreme Heat Warning remains in effect across central Indiana through Thursday evening as heat index values climb between 105 and 110 degrees. Although the heat dominates the story now, a shift toward an active, stormy pattern is on the horizon just in time for the holiday weekend.
Today and Thursday: Peak Heat Danger
A massive high-pressure ridge is positioned over the Midwest. This will block storm development today and Thursday but trap intense heat and moisture near the surface.
Expect mostly sunny skies with highs in the low to mid-90s. Dew points in the upper 70s will push the heat index to as high as 110 degrees in spots this afternoon. Thursday’s conditions will be similar, with a few more clouds possible late as the ridge begins to break down.
Friday and Holiday Weekend: Return of Storms
As the heat ridge flattens Friday, multiple waves of energy will approach from the northwest, ushering in daily chances for scattered showers and thunderstorms through the Fourth of July.
The abundant moisture in the air means any storm could bring heavy rain and locally intense wind gusts known as microbursts. While a full washout is unlikely, have an indoor backup plan for outdoor activities and monitor the Storm Track 8 Weather app for lightning updates.
Looking Ahead: Relief Early Next Week
A weak cold front is forecast to push through Indiana Monday or Tuesday. This will drop temperatures to the mid-80s and deliver much-needed relief from the persistent heat and humidity endured this week.
7-Day Outlook:
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