Minneapolis is one of the final locations bidding to host the Sundance Film Fest in 2027.

Sundance organizers announced in April they were exploring a new home for the festival, moving it away from its 40-year home in Park City, Utah. Within days, the Minneapolis City Council unanimously moved to submit a bid. The city submitted its proposal on June 21.

“With our thriving arts and entertainment scene, diverse cultural heritage, and passionate film community, Minneapolis is the ideal backdrop for the Sundance Film Festival,” said Mayor Jacob Frey.

The city has established a cross-sector host committee to support the bid and potential festival, made up of leaders like Frey and St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter — alongside others from government, philanthropy, arts and culture, economic development and media. Together, the committee has pledged to offer upward of $2 million in annual support to sustain and expand the festival.

“Everybody wants to be a part of this,” said Andrew Peterson, Film North executive director.

Government and philanthropic support are a key part of Minneapolis’ bid, alongside its winter infrastructure, theater district, and nation-leading arts and culture scene, organizers said.

Sundance established a two-part process for the search: an informational bid, then proposal. The final selection will likely come during the next festival, planned for Jan. 23-Feb. 2, according to entertainment website deadline.com.

Three new signs declaring key state slogans are now up on several Indiana state government center buildings in downtown Indianapolis.

The total cost was about $820,000. Not all was taxpayer money.

Back in 2016, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. added three signs with former Gov. Mike Pence’s “A State That Works” catchphrase to two buildings: the west side of the IEDC’s office at 1 North Capital and the north and south sides of the Indiana Government Center North building. The signs included a gear with the state’s shape inside it.

They cost about $300,000 at the time — or nearly $393,000 in today’s dollars, according to the U.S. Inflation Calculator.

Those three signs have been removed and new signs have been created and replaced by Indiana-based Signworks.

The first two have the new IEDC slogan: Indiana For the Bold. The letters are nine feet tall and span more than 120 feet across.

“The signage, which is internally illuminated to fit the new brand, will better reflect the state and its focus on the future and creating a better tomorrow for Hoosiers,” IEDC Spokeswoman Erin Sweitzer said. “These signs are also a unique opportunity to share our brand and the state’s many competitive advantages to not only Indianapolis businesses, residents and students, but also to the more than 30 million people who visit our capital city each year.”

“The signs are in prime downtown locations that are frequently shown in photo and video coverage of the city by media outlets and content creators, creating countless opportunities to share Indiana’s bold brand with potential businesses, innovators and talent around the world,” she added.

The total cost to remove the three existing “A State That Works” signs and install the two new “Indiana For the Bold” signs – was roughly $580,000. The money came from the IEDC’s existing Business Promotion and Innovation funding, which is used to promote business investment and encourage entrepreneurship and innovation.

The third signage location, on the north side of the Indiana Government Center North building, was replaced with branding from the Indiana Destination Development Corporation (IDDC). It features the “IN Indiana” slogan.

Elaine Bedel, secretary and CEO of the IDDC, said the cost of that sign was $240,848. It was funded by the Indiana Destination Development Foundation and not state taxpayer dollars. The expenditure was unanimously approved by foundation board members on Feb. 20.

Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a not-for-profit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. 

New Jersey’s criminal justice system lacks equity and fairness, Governor Claims

Newark, NJ – Governor Phil Murphy has signed Executive Order No. 362 to expedite the review process for certain clemency applications. This order includes specific categories such as non-violent convictions and cases involving excessive trial penalties. It aims to address systemic inequities in the criminal legal system.

The initiative, according to Murphy was enacted to benefit what he termed “black and brown” communities in New Jersey.

“As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on our nation’s ongoing journey toward racial justice for Black and Brown Americans, I am proud to sign this Executive Order to help address inequities and unfairness in our justice system in New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy. “This new clemency initiative is a cornerstone of our Administration’s efforts to make New Jersey the State of Second Chances. Today, we pledge to take a responsible and equity-driven approach to pardons and commutations that will prioritize the most compelling cases.”

“Crowding in our state prisons creates hurdles for safety, healthcare, and programming,” said Terry Schuster, New Jersey’s Corrections Ombudsperson. “Governor Murphy’s announcement today clears the path for people who can safely return home, and eases the burden on the Department of Corrections to manage and improve prison conditions.”

The order also establishes a Clemency Advisory Board to review applications and provide recommendations to the Governor. This board is the first of its kind in New Jersey and includes diverse members from various criminal justice backgrounds.

Governor Murphy highlighted the initiative as part of efforts to make New Jersey a state of second chances. He emphasized the importance of addressing inequities in the justice system.

“In New Jersey, we believe in second chances and giving our residents every opportunity to succeed,” said Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin. “Governor Murphy’s creation of a Clemency Advisory Board and plan to ensure expedited consideration for a large number of worthy applicants demonstrates this administration’s commitment to those principles.

Lt. Governor Tahesha Way echoed this sentiment, noting the significance of the order in the ongoing struggle for racial justice. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and other officials also expressed support for the initiative, underscoring its potential to provide second chances and promote rehabilitation.

“Governor Murphy’s actions today are bigger than a new program or correcting a handful of injustices. This is an entirely new approach to clemency that is going to cut red tape and restore hope, dignity, and opportunity for people unjustly trapped in the system,” said Robert “Meek Mill” Williams, Co-Founder and Co-Chair, REFORM Alliance. “I know personally the life-changing impact that clemency can have. Today’s announcement means that many more people will have an opportunity to reunite with their families, get back on their feet, and chase their dreams. It takes true leadership to use executive power like this, and I applaud Governor Murphy for doing what’s right and taking this bold step.”

The Clemency Advisory Board’s appointed members include legal professionals, a university professor, and a police chaplain, among others. This initiative builds on previous reforms by the Murphy Administration aimed at providing second chances to justice-involved individuals.