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Cannabis advocates discuss potential benefits of legalization in Indiana

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Cannabis advocates discuss potential benefits of legalization in Indiana


GOSHEN, Ind. (WNDU) – Numerous local pro-cannabis organizations held a town hall at the Goshen Public Library on Thursday to discuss the health, legal, and community components of marijuana reform in Indiana.

It goes by many names, like “Mary Jane,” “reefer,” “dope,” “ganja,” and “the devil’s lettuce,” but advocates say these names only go to stigmatize cannabis and make it seem dangerous when they say, in reality, it’s a safe alternative to many pharmaceuticals.

“The state of Indiana year to date has arrested 9,598 people for simple possession,” says Jack Cain with Indiana NORML.

America’s love-hate relationship with cannabis isn’t as old as you think, as it was federally legal prior to 1937, but even today, supporters say there is still a lot of misinformation about the frosty green plant, and it has led to more than 20 million Americans being convicted of non-violent drug offenses.

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“Oftentimes, it has been clumped in with ‘dangerous’ and ‘deadly’ medications or illicit drugs,” says William Henry, Co-director of Liberty Offense. “Cannabis has never killed anyone; it just hasn’t. It’s the way it’s processed in the body, and it’s very non-toxic and is very safe to consume.”

Jeff Staker, Marine Corp veteran and founder of Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis was using opiates for back pain from his time in the service. He says that medicinal cannabis saved his life.

“Before I started my organization, I was on opiates for nearly ten years, and I was running the risk of accidentally overdosing because I was having to take more at the later part than what a little did at the beginning,” says Jeff Staker, founder of Hoosier Veterans for Medical Cannabis. “And I discontinued it with my VA doctor, and I asked him about medical cannabis, and he said, I can’t prescribe or recommend it, but I would if I could.”

Thirty-eight states, three territories, and D.C. have legalized medical marijuana, and 24 states have legalized it recreationally, with Ohio fully legalizing cannabis on Thursday.

“And other states that have passed cannabis legislation have seen a reduction in their overdose rate by an average of 25%,” Staker said. “Some more, some less, but an overall average of 25%.”

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The University of Michigan is currently studying the effects of CBD and medical cannabis on veteran’s pain.

Rick Anstiss with Michigan Weedsters was also a panelist at the town hall.

If legal or medicinal cannabis is something you feel passionate about, the panelists say you should contact your local elected officials.



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Arby’s franchisee Miracle Restaurant Group files Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Are stores closing?

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Arby’s franchisee Miracle Restaurant Group files Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Are stores closing?


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Arby’s franchisee Miracle Restaurant Group has once again filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and could sell multiple stores in three states, according to court documents.

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Court documents show Chapter 11 bankruptcy was filed by Miracle Restaurant Group on June 20, 2024. The business was formed in 2005 and currently own and operates 25 Arby’s restaurants across Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Several restaurants have been filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy or closing stores in 2024, including Red Lobster, Hooters, Tijuana Flats and Alamo Drafthouse to name a few.

Hooters closing 2024: Locations are closing; 2 restaurants near Louisville among dozens closed

The court documents for Miracle Restaurant Group state:

“In September 2023, the Debtor sold three of its stores located in Indiana and used the proceeds to pay down its notes with First Franchise Capital Corporation (“FFCC”), the LH Mortgage, and the U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”). The Debtor’s remaining two stores in Indiana remain operating.”

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Additionally, stores in other states are also being impacted:

“The Debtor intends to continue to market and sell its seven Texas Stores, eight Illinois Stores and two remaining Indiana Stores through the Bankruptcy Process, and to focus on its Louisiana and Mississippi Stores. To accomplish this, the Debtor has retained Peak Franchise Capital, LLC as financial advisor to assist in marketing the Debtor’s stores.”

CEO Donald Moore declined to answer questions about the bankruptcy when contacted by phone. In the filing, Moore notes he has “experience in senior officer roles at public and private restaurants since 1990.”

Red Lobster closing 2024: Red Lobster lists 99 restaurants closed in 28 states: See locations closing in your state

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Here’s what to know:

Is Arby’s filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

No. Franchise operator Miracle Restaurant Group is filing for bankruptcy and owns 25 Arby’s locations in Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

Who owns Arby’s?

Arby’s is owned by Inspire Brands. They own several restaurants including Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin’, Jimmy John’s and SONIC.

Are Arby’s restaurant locations closing via Miracle Restaurant Group’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy?

No. Miracle Restaurant Group is attempting to sell the remaining locations in Illinois (8), Indiana (2) and Texas (7), according to court documents.

Has Miracle Restaurant Group filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy previously?

Yes, this is Miracle Restaurant Group’s second Chapter 11 filing. The franchisee used to own 60 Arby’s franchise locations before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010, according to court documents. A number of stores were closed after the plan was confirmed and all creditors were paid in full under the plan.

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What Arby’s restaurant locations could be closing in Illinois, Indiana and Texas?

Miracle Restaurant Group has not confirmed a list of store closings or which restaurants are being sold. Below is a list of locations posted on the website at mrgarbys.com/locations.htm. Three Indiana locations were sold in September 2023, but which stores were sold is unclear.

Arby’s restaurants in Illinois related to Miracle Restaurant Group

  • 6000 Northwest Highway, Crystal Lake, IL 60014
  • 1169 Dundee Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 – CLOSED
  • 340 North York Road, Elmhurst, IL 60126
  • 1874 E. Belvidere Road, Grayslake, IL 60030
  • 2307 Jefferson, Joliet, IL 60435 – CLOSED
  • 9550 W. 179th St., Tinley Park, IL 60477
  • 1800 N. Richmond Road, McHenry, IL 60050 – CLOSED
  • 520 Townline Road, Mundelein, IL 60060 – CLOSED
  • 7001 W. Dempster Ave., Niles, IL 60714
  • 2539 Greenbay Road, North Chicago, IL 60064
  • 139 N. Northwest Highway, Palatine, IL 60067 – CLOSED
  • 1331 Golf Road, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 – CLOSED
  • 776 Rollins Road, Round Lake Beach, IL 60073

Arby’s restaurants in Indiana related to Miracle Restaurant Group

Arby’s restaurants in Louisiana related to Miracle Restaurant Group

Arby’s restaurants in Mississippi related to Miracle Restaurant Group

Arby’s restaurants in Texas related to Miracle Restaurant Group

  • 7222 I-40 W., Amarillo, TX 79108
  • 4020 82nd St., Lubbock, TX 79423
  • 5052 Frankford Ave., Lubbock, TX 79424 – CLOSED
  • 5711 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79407
  • 7701 I-40 W., Suite No. 208, Amarillo, TX 79109 – CLOSED
  • 5214 S. Western St., Amarillo, TX 79109
  • 2422 19th St., Lubbock, TX 79401 – CLOSED

Chris Sims is a digital content producer for Midwest Connect Gannett. Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisFSims.





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Your nature-themed photos and art could land on an Indiana hunting or fishing license

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Your nature-themed photos and art could land on an Indiana hunting or fishing license


Indiana residents can submit their photographs and art to serve as a new background for state licenses with a new contest.

To aid Hoosiers purchasing Indiana hunting, trapping, and fishing licenses, starting early next year, Indiana will offer an option to purchase a durable card that withstands harsh outdoor conditions.

In conjunction with the project, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources has launched an art and photo contest that highlights nature and wildlife-themed art from state residents.

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From July 1 through Aug. 2, Hoosiers can to submit up to two pieces of their Indiana-based, nature- and wildlife-themed artwork to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. All 2-D art mediums including photography, painting, drawing, graphic design and more are eligible. Art generated by artificial intelligence is not allowed.

Four artists’ works will be chosen and the artist’s name and city will be credited on the cards and e-gift certificates. The full list of contest guidelines is at events.IN.gov/event/DFWCardContest.

The new durable license cards will be an extra cost compared to the current printable licenses that will continue to be available for free.



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Indiana Pacers Reportedly Add Purdue’s Lance Jones to NBA Summer League Roster

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Indiana Pacers Reportedly Add Purdue’s Lance Jones to NBA Summer League Roster


Purdue fifth-year senior guard Lance Jones will get the opportunity to prove he belongs in the NBA. According to a report from Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files, the former Boilermaker will join the Indiana Pacers for the NBA Summer League.

Jones was not selected during the 2024 NBA Draft. He was one of 36 players to attend a pre-draft workout hosted by the Pacers following the conclusion of the 2023-24 college basketball season.

Jones spent one year in West Lafayette and was a key member of a Purdue squad that finished with a 34-5 record, won a Big Ten regular season title and played in the National Championship Game. He transferred after playing four seasons at Southern Illinois.

Following his workout with Indiana, Jones felt optimistic about his performance.

“I think it went really well. I feel like me, personally, I competed at a high level along with the other guys, as well,” Jones said of his workout in a video posted by the Pacers.

In his lone season in West Lafayette, Jones averaged 11.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals per game. He also shot 41.3% from the floor and 35.7% from 3-point range.

Jones finished his five-year college career with 1,971 points, 479 rebounds, 361 assists and 226 assists.

Jones also reflected positively on his time at Purdue. While his four seasons at Southern Illinois helped him develop into an excellent player, he believes his time around Matt Painter and the Boilermakers elevated his game.

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“I think it helped me tremendously,” Jones said. “You know, being at Purdue we go against top competition in the nation, some of the best players. I think it just helped my confidence.”

FORMER BOILERS CONGRATULATE EDEY: Several former Boilermakers congratulated Zach Edey’s NBA Draft selection through social media on Wednesday night. He was picked No. 9 by the Memphis Grizzlies. CLICK HERE

JA MORANT’S HILARIOUS REACTION TO EDEY PICK: Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant had an incredibly funny reaction to the team selecting Purdue’s Zach Edey during the NBA Draft. CLICK HERE





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