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Indiana Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn discusses updated diploma requirements

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Indiana Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn discusses updated diploma requirements


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indiana State Board of Education made changes to the state high school diploma requirements after facing backlash from parents, educators, and politicians.

The board unveiled the changes on Wednesday. This new plan creates one standard diploma, and adds the option to earn two seals: Honors and Honors Plus.

Indiana Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) was an outspoken critic of the original plan to have multiple diplomas.

In a one-on-one interview, she spoke to News 8 to explain her view on the updated plan.

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Q: You came on and expressed concern about the previous proposal a few weeks ago, saying you worried that some of the changes removed key requirements and would leave students behind. How do you feel about this latest version?

A: I think it’s progress, and that should be stated. For sure, there is progress that is made. I definitely feel that, as these are not finalized yet, we still have to be cautious about how we continue to proceed, particularly with some of the concerns that are left lingering, particularly around work-based learning. Thinking about how students are going to get to and from specific worksite commitments. Thinking about the ability for all children to have access to the same opportunities.

Q: What about your constituents? What have they told you about the new version?

A: Overwhelmingly, when the first version came about, there were numerous concerns. People wrote in to my office. Many attended the town hall. We have started receiving some feedback in to my office saying they appreciate some of the changes that are being made, but are still cautiously optimistic. We’re directing those concerns back to the State Board of Education.

Q: In your view, what about this proposal still needs to be changed?

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A: I think I alluded to it earlier. We still have to figure out the work-based requirements. In addition, I’m really concerned about our school counselors. Thinking about the number of, or the time rather, that we have to implement this, and the time that they have to get through all of the knowledge of all of the different seal options. Thinking about our less-resourced schools as well. There is obviously one option: One diploma with several other seal endorsements. So, will every high school have the same opportunity to provide the same opportunities to all students across all districts? I’m worried about more resource districts versus less resourced districts.

Q: What do you want to see the education department do?

A: I think with this new proposal, it has another round of feedback tied to it. So, let’s continue to see what the constituents say. We want to make sure all Hoosiers have the opportunity to voice their concerns and I really appreciate how the department has been responsive to those concerns. I would love them to continue to address the questions that are remaining, and maybe lean on transparency in this time.

Rep. Garcia Wilburn represents Fishers in District 32. Wilburn is an associate professor at Indiana University–Indianapolis and an occupational therapist, according to her website.

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Indiana law enforcement takes up donations for Special Olympics

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Indiana law enforcement takes up donations for Special Olympics


FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) — More than 50 Indiana law enforcement agencies are taking to the roof to help local athletes. 

Police and safety officers will be stationed around various Dunkin’ Donuts, taking up donations for the Special Olympics. People who monetarily donate will receive a coupon for a free donut. Those who donate $10 or more will receive a coupon for a free medium hot coffee. 

“Supporting the Special Olympics isn’t just an event for us — it’s a commitment to people who inspire us every day,” Sergeant Wes Rowlader said. “These athletes show what determination, courage, and community truly look like. Every dollar we raise helps transform that spirit into training, competition, and lifelong confidence.” 

More than 20,000 Hoosier athletes train and compete for free within the Special Olympics. To date, Cop on a Rooftop has raised more than $125,000 for Special Olympics Indiana. 

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The Indiana State Police will be at the Dunkin’ Donuts at 9821 Lima Road in Fort Wayne from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Friday.



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Man shot by security guard in hospital emergency room waiting area in Gary, Indiana

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Man shot by security guard in hospital emergency room waiting area in Gary, Indiana


A man’s family is demanding answers after he was shot by a security guard inside a hospital emergency room waiting area on Tuesday night in Gary, Indiana.

Methodist Northlake Hospital officials said, around midnight Tuesday night, its security staff responded quickly after a patient took out a gun. The hospital said he’d threatened to shoot himself or others.

The hospital commended the security guard who shot the man for “neutralizing the threat and helping ensure the safety of our patients and employees.”

Family members identified the man who was shot as Otis Brown. They said he is a kind father to a 12-year-old boy.

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“Just a great person, a happy-go-lucky, always out there trying to do the right thing,” said his fiancée, Stacey Taylor.

Taylor said she was on a business trip when she got a call that Brown had been shot multiple times.

“Scared, uncertainty; you know, what story is right? You know, what happened?” she said.

After he was shot, Brown was taken to University of Chicago Medical Center for treatment.

Taylor said she had no idea why Brown went to Methodist Northlake Hospital in the first place. His family said he was trying to leave the hospital when the shooting happened, claiming that the hospital gave him his gun back after he was cleared to leave.

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“We just want to get answers, just want to know what happened, particularly when people are defaming his name,” Taylor said.

She and Brown’s family hope the hospital has surveillance video footage that can help provide answers.

Gary police have not provided any details on the shooting. The Lake County Sheriff’s Department said it is investigating the shooting at the request of Gary police, but did not provide any further information.



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Indiana A.G. finishes Karl King Tower investigation, finalizes compliance order

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Indiana A.G. finishes Karl King Tower investigation, finalizes compliance order


The Indiana Attorney General has finished its investigation into Karl King Tower and issued a compliance order.

This is coming after a months-long investigation into the unsafe living conditions for residents at the apartments.

From December 2025 to January 2026, there were prolonged failures with the heating and a lack of heat for residents during winter conditions at Karl King.

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The property owner provided a 20% rent credit for affected tenants and documentation related to health and safety issues.

Below is the agreement from the Attorney General:

  • The owner must complete boiler and heating system improvements by September 30.
  • The property is subject to a monitoring period for multiple years.
  • The owner needs to provide on-site security, including cameras in common areas and monthly incident reports.
  • The building needs an on-site property manager to address resident concerns.
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The Attorney General has the authority to inspect the property and enforce compliance if commitments aren’t met.



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