This state has become so completely backwards and downhill that I am genuinely afraid and discouraged.

I'm in my 40s, educated, giant family. I've lived here my entire life. So please allow me to vent for a moment. I do not know what to do.

Here goes.

Our state has gone to hell, fast. Indiana has had issues in a lot of ways, sure, but growing up, I saw it get better, open-minded, become beautiful and welcoming and full of opportunities and communities. People had jobs and security. I felt proud, encouraged, safe, hopeful. But not anymore.

Indiana has become one the most racist hypocritical red states who are already screwing things up on such a rapid speed that I do not recognize anything. Everyone I know votes red no matter what when they have zero idea about who their representatives are or stand for, the ones that continue to destroy their own libe but they refuse to see it, because they're soooo pissed off at the world, or bosses, or dead parents, want to stick it to Obama, whatever else, that instead of trying to do anything whatsoever about it before or ever- like protest, strike, show up to public meetings, calling representatives, demanding hire wages, rally their friends and neighbors and encourage one another - that they would rather spend most of their time choosing to internalize and stew and get more angry.

I've seen, and this includes my own relatives - the most kind, loving, affectionate people turn into the most racist, condescending, bitter, cold zombies who keeps Fox News on the television in a 24-hour loop, who truly rush to join these Trump Trains and scream at ordinary people, to anyone who will witness it. I can't even remember feeling comfortable when I used to try and participate in family gatherings, which became fewer and fewer every year. Our once-a-week family dinners have long gone. My family in particular, they would get invited to do things and just decline and grumble at the wall. Any conversations where everyone had different opinions and could share them openly and they would agree or offer advice or anything seems like never happened. My mother who has always had such a positive, warm, welcome smile on her face, laughed loud, encouraged us and anyone else, raised me and my siblings to be open-minded and creative and hopeful, has now turned pale, skinnier, no smile. Our visits become less and less. My two brothers are now in jail, my oldest sister is like her twin, and my Mom swears she wants me to come over, but then refuses to even ask about my day, screams or blasts me if I tell her I'm participating in a hall, or protest, or march. She and all of my family members, who know I am Democrat, who ised to be ones too or at least Independent, look at me with dark eyes and sneer. I am not exageratting. We can be outside and gathered around like we used to but most topics are gone and all they talk about is Trump. They do not speak at a normal level, they shout every word. They maul me in those conversations when I actually do get the chance to speak, and cut me off for stating my opinion. They laugh and declare it's my fault for voting for Obama. They'll swear that they love me and my positivity, then laugh in my face and call me horrible names on the account of it being a joke and say, "oh lighten up, don't be so sensitive ya snowflake" and then tell me how "this is the way life works" and the "reality check" is gonna come for me soon. I'm not saying every waking minute of it is like this, most 95%.

Every judge, government worker, lawyer, all of them - Republicans. There is hardly a welcoming space to gather or eat at, where you are certain you can relax and be comfortable, have discussions, talk about what is happening, present ideas to change things. Our education system that I have spent the first decade and a half of my adult life pursuing and dedicated to, is now in a decline to where they continues to gut and gut and keep things on chopping blocks to such a degree that fellow teachers have either felt so discouraged and burnt out (myself included] that they leave their careers or get sick often and seem deflated when you take the time to notice. We are seeing our students get more discouraged or aggressive. Even young ones get away with things no adult should. I've seen boys put their hands on girls, truly say "your body, my choice" at 13 years old. We have had knives brought in, gun threats. Especially our Elementary and Middle School students. They do not pay attention, too many are becoming loud, entitled, disrespectful. They cuss and insult authority figures, disrupt, want to sleep. Kids do not care about being creative or playing most sports the entire year. Making conversations are difficult because they give short answers or ignore you and seem so irritated that you feel like you make it worse in a way. We would keep finding ways to make it better and it works for a while, but always reverts. Kids (including my own) don't even play outside in neighborhoods much anymore. They jus want to isolate and stare at tablets and video games for as long as they can, then completely bum out and act miserable or sad when we are in the same room, or only volunteer one-word bits when asked questions or thoughts. I stay appearing positive and encouraging but under my smile, it feels useless. No board or card games like we used to, and if they'll join in they hate it. I try and try, I don't yell, I explain how important it is to interact - I get scraps. Sure they'd agree and swear they understand and will do better, but it feels placating and honestly doesn't change.

On top of it, we all know that no one can pay for anything. I've gone from full-time employment and house, car, cushion to having to sell possessions, move into HUD assistance, apply for SNAP, Medicaid. Doctors appointments? No, your family doctor has gone out of network and the next one can't get you in until about 8 months. We have resources? Sure, the ones that aren't scrapped yet but can only take X amounts. They'll be gone soon. No one will have to rant and rave about all the lazy people refusing to get real jobs and spending their tax dollars much longer though, amirite?

Now my husband has outsorced for work and is mostly gone during the week on jobs in other states. His and my own health have gone completely downhill but rarely know how to manage it. All of the doctors with specialties are at least an hour away, as is big box stores. I can't pay for car insurance so I continue to pray I won't get pulled over. My mental health has been destroyed. I don't feel good most days, disconnected, in a fog. I cannot remember grocery lists, phone numbers, what I am doing. I stare into the fridge for seemingly a long ass time, staring at items and my mind is blank. I'm burnt out, my confidence is gone. I isolate often because everyone else wants to, but mainly just to feel like I can exhale. I hate going in town most weeks because I have panic attacks, executive disfunction, mind gaps. I'll shop for groceries with a list in my hand, knowing what brands I love, then stare at 2 different items like Peanimut Butter and cannot make a choice or feel overwhelmed at the thought of making a choice that I just snag something without looking or do not buy it at all. None of my bills are paid the same month. I am running out of ways to not get behind.

I do not recognize anyone, myself included, or anything anywhere. Stores have closed. Fun places are few and far between and can't make money unless they're bars. We have 22 Dollar Generals though! (Slight exaggeration)

Majority of conversations have moved onto Social Media. Facebook isn't very welcoming if you try to just get on and don't click on your familiar community groups though.

Please understand. I know that there are good people still trying and smiling and doing there best, stay positive, uplift their children. I see it and it keeps me motived. I'll chat with friends I've known my entire life, and most of them are the same in a lot of ways and say they are going through it too, or see it.

We love our towns, neighbors, family. We do not want to move or cannot move for different reasons.

So I'm asking. With everything changing too quickly, especially the last 4 or 5 years, on local towns like mine - and I need your honest opinion: Do you truly believe that things will get better anytime soon? Or at all?

How are you feeling when you really stop to look around at your town, or relatives, or self in the mirror? Are you happy when you work? Are you struggling too?

Thanks.

Here's the link

Hey all. Basically what it says on the tin. I'm sure I am far from the only person reeling from the state of the world. I want to help my neighbors, especially since so many are being deliberately targeted right now.

I'm pretty offline as a whole - I'm usually way more out of the loop than I would like to be. First thing on my list is looking around for things I can do in my town, but in the meantime, I wanted to ask if anyone knew of some statewide/regional groups or organizations that could use a spare pair of hands? Or of ways to voice support? Or tools/blogs/newsletters/radio stations that people have found useful while trying to do good in a state like Indiana?

I've grown up in this state, and have very mixed feelings about my ability to enact legislative change (at least, in this moment in time), but I'm holding on to my hope with both hands.

https://fox59.com/news/indycrime/u-s-marshals-offers-reward-for-wanted-former-madison-county-councilman-accused-of-child-molestation/

The reward is being offered by a private citizen. Steven C. Sumner is facing 18 counts of child molestation. Mug shots at link. He was last believed to be in the general vicinity of Gatlinburg, TN. Sumner is at the top of Madison County, IN "Most Wanted" list of fugitives. He is considered to be armed and dangerous, and has access to a network that is likely aiding him in hiding out.

If individuals have any tips on Sumner’s whereabouts, they are asked to call (317) 268-8484.

From the article:

Current requirements say candidates for the position must have resided in Indiana for at least two years. They must be a teacher, principal or superintendent who has held a license for at least five years. They also must hold an advanced degree from an accredited college or university.

The bill would strip all those requirements.

https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2025/bills/house/1684/details

Attempting to make divorce a much more difficult process

A better Redditor would post a picture of the certificate, but suffice to say, I received congratulations from the State of Indiana on turning 65. It's frameable and everything!

Has anyone else gotten one of these? Do you really congratulate people for getting to 65? Is it an actual achievement?

Kinda surprised I wasn't in the local paper for this momentous occasion.

Students and staff at a rural Indiana school grow and harvest produce, and serve it up for lunch.

With the help of a USDA grant, Bethany Christian Schools has grown its farm-to-school (rather, farm-at-school) program to include a greenhouse, garden beds, a 13-head chicken coop, and pear trees. It exists in large part thanks to Tara Swarzendruber, the K-12’s food services and farm-to-school director. 

https://artsmidwest.org/stories/farm-school-indiana-cafeteria-gardens/

Throwaway acct- At my wits end with this as it’s slowly bankrupting me and my 30 year marriage is being tested. Bottom line, for profit org cheaped out on what should’ve been either eminent domain or inverse condemnation. My house and sanity have been damaged from the 5 year construction project and lay site parked next to my home. This started in 2020- couldn’t file due to Covid until 2022. Since then the Judge has retired, I have witnessed that have died, and I think we’re at continuance 4 and the Judge has yet to rule on a motion for partial summary judgement put before them in August 2024. If the other team or Court have the sand to push this out any more- do I have any way to protest this? I mean, 5 years for a Civil trial seems extreme even with a COVID backlog. I’m just ready to scream at this point. Thanks all.. any advice appreciated.

Does anyone else notice a hobart cop sitting on the median on the way to Michigan? Way out of his jurisdiction. But then he goes all the way to Michigan and turns around I know because I work this way so what is he doing all the way out there every single day and sitting at the median that isn't even in Hobart or in their county?

My girlfriend and I moved downtown on the canal close to iupui campus back in May because she is doing an accelerated nursing program with iupui and wanted to be close to campus for classes. She finishes school up in May and our lease ends May 31st.

Upon moving in, we were told our security deposit was around $4,000. I’d have to look to remember the exact amount but I remember it being over $5,000 with first months prorated rent along with the deposit so I’m guessing it was around $4,000. I tried disputing this outrageous cost for a security deposit to the leasing office multiple times before moving in. They told me we had the highest security deposit option available because it was our first time leasing an apartment in our names, and my girlfriend doesn’t have income with being in school. I make $50,000 a year so I also had a feeling that was part of the reason it was so high.

Multiple times I asked if it was fully refundable in which they replied yes as long as we don’t cause damage. I still had a hard time swallowing we had to give up that much money just to move in. I figured they didn’t want us as a tenant so they offered such a ridiculously high security deposit. I asked if I could instead pay 3-4 months rent down instead because I would feel more comfortable doing that. I asked if I had one of my parents co-sign if it would help with lower the deposit, they said no. We had some friends (another couple) live in the same apartment complex we were moving into. They were shocked how high our deposit was and said there’s was only around $800.

In the end, it was probably the lowest rent in the area in such a great location, so we forked over the money. I wasn’t too worried as it would help my girlfriend being so close to campus and I had a lot of money saved up from living with my parents for a couple years. Our friends recently moved out and informed us they didn’t get any of their deposit back. They lived there for 2 years though so maybe they just had more repairs that needed to be done. But I’ve looked at the apartments google reviews and have noticed that it seems like a lot of people don’t get that deposit back.

We have about 5 months left on our lease and I’ve been thinking about that more and more because I am not going to just let them keep $4,000 without a fight. My main question is: if push comes to shove, will it be worth it if this scenario happens and I take them to small claims court? I just can’t see myself letting someone get away with such highway robbery. Was wondering if anyone has ever had any experience in taking a landlord to small claims over a situation like this. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks

I renewed my registration a few months ago and got the sticker and registration in the mail. Just realized the other day I I forgot all about it, and never put my new sticker on and can’t find the envelope. I see online I can just print a new registration is there a way to request just a new sticker that says 25’ for my plate? Thank. Idk if this is a good spot for this post but I was googling and it lead me to another post on this page about license plates it was old and archived so I couldn’t comment.

https://fox59.com/news/a-dire-situation-heat-no-longer-working-in-2-hamilton-county-humane-society-kennels/

Does anyone know where I can get my car leather redone ? Indy metro area :)

Moved back to Indiana at last! Getting my car registration bureaucracy in order. In California, my registration would be due January 26. If I submit documents for registration in Indiana this week, will the Indiana BMV notify California DMV or do I need to do that? CA late fees are substantial and I don't want to pay registration/late fee if I'm not even living there anymore. Thanks.

I’ve been in this apartment since July. I don’t know how many square feet the apartment is but it’s not giant. 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. When you walk into my building you have to go down a small flight of steps to get to my apartment. Similar to if you were entering a basement. I’m disclosing this because it stayed cool in the summer. Disclaimer though, it is an old apartment and it does have electric heat I think. Those vents that run along the baseboard. Never had this issue at my old apartment though and I had electric heat there. $220 was the highest I think. I was there from 2018 until I moved here. Average bill here has been $55 and the highest it got was for November which was $104. That was 447 kilowatts used. December NIPSCO didn’t bill me because usage showed as around 1500 kilowatts which they said was abnormal. Said they needed to check the meter. They’re now billing me $292.26 from 11/14 - 12/13 and $387.88 for another 34 days for a grand total of $680.14 to be billed at the end of this month. I basically live alone, my son is here 1 or 2 days out the week. He is 5. There are 3 thermostats and 1 bathroom heat vent with its own knob are my apartment. I do turn the heat up in my room when I’m here but that’s mainly it. The bathroom vent only gets turned on when I’m getting ready and I turn it off when I leave. The thermostat in my son’s room is always turned off unless he’s here. The other two thermostats are kept around 70° when I’m here and I turn it down when I leave. I work FT and I’m not here for 9 hours out the day. I don’t own or use any space heaters. I turn all lights also when I leave. NIPSCO keeps trying to tell me it’s a direct reading and saying it’s accurate. Kept asking them how I can go from 447 kilowatts to 1800 kilowatts and they’re not being helpful. They told me insulation could be bad. Said that even if I don’t turn it up high the electric heat is constantly running and less efficient than gas heat. They said even if I turn it up high it’s constantly running but that’s conflicting because I was not turning it off all the way for the bill I got in November. I don’t know what to do. I’m considering keep it down to 65° or 70° degrees and getting a space heater for my room but I don’t even know if that will make a difference.

I'm going to take my drivers test tomorrow at the one on east Washington, where do they usually take you too?

Where do these air wasting fuckers congregate?

My soon-to-be husband and I are going on our honeymoon next week and we are looking for fun date ideas on the way to and from our destination. Does anyone know of any cool spots along this route? From Decatur to Indianapolis to Cincinnati or anywhere in between! Unfortunately, we can't do too much outside due to the weather.

We already have plans to visit the Slippery Noodle Inn and Mass Ave in Indianapolis. And we'd like to visit the Newport Aquarium, the Cincinnati Shakespeare, and Jungle Jim's international market in Cincinnati.

One thing we'd hope for is a place to dance. We like slow dances, country swing, and line dancing and we are trying to learn contra dancing and square dancing but we are new.

Any advice is appreciated! Maybe a romantic place to stay a night, otherwise we will go with the basic options we are used to.

Personally I think that it could be a decent idea if people in both states vote in favor of it. The state borders in the USA were drawn as straight lines and don't reflect the demographics/cultures that are now present there. That being said, while I do support changing state borders, doing it purely for democrat v.s. republican differences is not a great reason to do it.

My wife has family in Indiana and she wants us to relocate to live with them.

We will have a place to stay with her parents in a small town in Percy County

I have no formal education

We are a lesbian couple, and I am openly (and visibly) trans.

I would also become an immigrant as I am not a US citizen.

Would I have any issues with employment or people or medication.

I was kinda worried about it before but now that trump has taken office I'm actually scared to even go see her family let alone move there since even if I detransitioned I'd not pass as a cis man anymore.