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NATIONAL (Public News Service) - Some child safety advocates said app store age checks are not a solution to protect kids from online harms.Introduced federal legislation like the “App Store Accountability Act” and similar measures would require operators like Google Play and Apple to verify a user’s age and get parental consent before a minor can make a purchase.The Cardinal Independent | MIMS is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Terence Samuel, CEO and executive director of the advocacy group Connect x Protect, said kids can find a way around mobile app restrictions by simply using a gaming console or their laptop’s browser.“Kids need to be safe online as they need to be safe offline and we don’t want to screw that up by bad legislation that doesn’t make any sense,” Samuel emphasized.The bills would require everyone, no matter their age, to upload a passport or driver’s license to prove their identity, raising significant privacy and security concerns. Samuel argued kids need better online safety education, not bills allowing so-called “bad actors” to avoid responsibility for the content they create.California, Louisiana, South Carolina and Utah have already passed their own app store age verification laws. A Texas law was set to kick in this January but tech companies sued and a federal judge placed it on hold, citing possible free speech violations.Connect x Protect launched this week in South Carolina, and Samuel said it will expand to additional states where similar policy debates are unfolding.Samuel noted the organization has created a “Declaration for a Safer Digital Future,” which he hopes will empower parents with the tools they need to better protect kids without trading their personal data.“This is an education program for parents to feel like they have control over the safety and privacy of their kids, the way they did when they were teaching them to look both ways when they were crossing the street,” Samuel contended.He argued it is possible to make the internet safe “for kids to be kids,” and until those who profit from harmful content or algorithms are held responsible, parents will need help. He added there are tools available for parents to stay informed and engaged in their child’s online activity; they just need to know where to find them.Kathryn Carley wrote this article.The Cardinal Independent | MIMS is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com

INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana News Service) - Indiana hunger is rising as more working families struggle to put food on the table.The issue is simple: Costs keep climbing while wages lag and support programs are shrinking.Thanks for reading The Cardinal Independent | MIMS! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Kate Howe, executive director of the Indy Hunger Network, said the problem is spreading into everyday households.“The increase in cost of everything – housing, utilities, gas, and of course food – the stagnation of wages, the difficult job market right now with unemployment increasing, has made it really hard for people to make ends meet,” Howe outlined.A recent central Indiana study found 54% of households faced food insecurity at some point last year, including families above the poverty line. Critics of government spending argued assistance programs must be more targeted but hunger groups warned cuts are already tightening access.Howe noted the reach of hunger may surprise people.“Something people aren’t aware of is that in order to get SNAP or food stamps in Indiana, you have to be working,” Howe pointed out. “The people that are using these programs are working full-time jobs and sometimes two or three jobs to make ends meet and still can’t earn enough to pay their bills.”Nonprofits said community donations are helping fill gaps, but they cautioned support may not keep pace if the economy worsens. They continue pushing for policy changes and stronger safety nets as demand grows across Indiana. Advocates are directing people to the free Community Compass app, which helps Hoosiers quickly find nearby food resources and support.Joe Ulery wrote this article.Thanks for reading The Cardinal Independent | MIMS! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com

INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana News Service) - Indiana will host one of dozens of “No Kings” events this Saturday at the Statehouse, as organizers expect large crowds across the state and nationwide.Organizers say the event focuses on peaceful protest, community and creative expression. It is not being billed as a march, but as a daylong gathering with art, music, and a coordinated human chain around the Statehouse.Thanks for reading The Cardinal Independent | MIMS! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Kim Saylor, programming director for No Kings 3 Indy, said the message centers on unity and safety for communities.“We are United States of America citizens. We love this country. We are not terrorists,” she said. “We are a peaceful group. We have been since day one. We are united in our fight against the fascism.”Organizers say similar events drew thousands in past months, and participation continues to grow. Nationwide, millions are expected to take part, with thousands of events planned and dozens of Indiana cities involved.Saylor said a key moment Saturday will be a coordinated group activity around the Statehouse.“We’re not calling it a march,” she said. “We’re calling it a live art installation. And what we are going to do is on site, teach everybody how to do a human chain and then sing the song while we do a human chain.”Events will run throughout the day, with peak participation expected later in the afternoon.Joe Ulery wrote this article.Thanks for reading The Cardinal Independent | MIMS! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com

INDIANAPOLIS (Indiana News Service) - Indiana lawmakers are taking a closer look at how social media and smartphones affect young people.New proposals debated at the Statehouse focus on stronger parental involvement, improved age verification, and limits on some platform features seen as addictive for minors. Youth advocates said the discussion comes as research shows many teens already worry about their own online habits.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Tami Silverman, president and CEO of the Indiana Youth Institute, said even young users recognize the problem.“Forty-five percent of teens say they believe they’re spending too much time on social media,” Silverman reported. “To have the young people themselves acknowledge that it’s probably too much was new information.”Research shows mixed effects. Many teens say social media strengthens friendships and creativity but others report anxiety, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption, especially young girls.Silverman stressed the challenge now is helping families and communities build healthier digital habits for kids.“We want to make sure that parental controls (and) device settings are appropriate for the age of the child,” Silverman urged. “We can protect the sleep of our kids by keeping phones outside of the bedroom entirely overnight. Make sure there’s a family docking station.”Indiana youth advocates said the state’s legislative steps are only the beginning, and families, schools and communities will all play a role in shaping safer digital environments for kids.Joe Ulery wrote this article.Thanks for reading! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com

Indiana leads the nation with over 150 Safe Haven baby boxes designed for anonymous newborn surrender. Supporters say the devices save lives, while critics raise safety and oversight concerns. Click here to read more.Article provided to The CI by Indiana News Service, in collaboration with Mirror Indy, Free Press Indiana, and Public News Service.Audio available on The CI provided by Joe Ulery for Indiana News Service. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com

This episode covers 2026Talks' report regarding Donald Trump's February 24, 2026 State of the Union address, Representative Al Green (D-TX) being kicked out of the address for holding a sign reading "Black people aren't apes!," the January 30, 2026 National Shutdown protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at Muncie City Hall, the February 6, 2026 Muncie Central High School walkout protest against ICE, Joe Ulery's report regarding the Indiana House advancing social media limits for Hoosier minors, and students upset over Ball State University Dining's use of AI art. Produced by Vivian Bostick for The Cardinal Independent. Read independent Muncie news at CIMuncie.org. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cimuncie.substack.com