A state legislative oversight committee has permitted the adoption of permanent rules allowing the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) to scan and digitize the mail of prison inmates.
The rule was originally introduced and backed by 51st District Republican State Senator Chapin Rose and 102nd District Republican State Representative Adam Niemerg and the prison employee's union after the duo toured prisons in their districts including the Lawrence Correctional Center near Sumner after a series of substance exposures in the fall of 2024 left correctional staff sickened and hospitalized. It was implemented on an emergency basis in August of 2025.
The IDOC had sought to make the rule permanent, saying it was necessary to help keep drugs and other dangerous substances from being smuggled into the prisons via the mail. Critics, however, say there is little evidence that supports the rule and that it violates the civil rights of incarcerated inmates.
American Red Cross urges the public to donate bood
Rheese Benjamin finishes 8th at wrestling state finals
USDA launches Lender Lens Dashboard to promote data transparency
Cancer Action Day at the Indiana Statehouse: Advocates call for legislation to reduce the burden of cancer
U.S. Rep. Yakym’s bipartisan BARCODE Efficiency Act Advances
Applications available for Indiana Sheriffs' Association college scholarships
Parke County RDC closes on the purchase of the former Rockville National Bank Building
Deadline approaching for blind, disabled Hoosiers and seniors to receive property tax credits
One Night, One Cause: Indiana FFA needs your support for their ‘Blue and Gold Gala’
Gov. Braun secures National Drone Test Site Designation for Indiana
ISP with Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative this week
Rockville Town Board shuffles up leadership positions
Political candidates can begin filing this week
Historic sites bill passes out of committee
More than one-third of Christmas tree home fires occur in January
Temporary visitation restrictions enacted by Union Health due to uptick in respiratory virus cases
