Latest news with #indystar.com
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
On 'personal time' in Hungary, SOS Diego Morales touts Trump, Indiana at CPAC conference
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales posted a photo on social media on May 30 highlighting that he was spending "personal time" in Europe with his wife. Less than an hour later, he was on stage at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary where he gave a speech touting President Donald Trump's leadership and Indiana's investment "in international partnerships" during his time in office. Morales spoke for just under six minutes on the second day of the CPAC Hungary event during a segment titled "No border, No order." But Morales made a point to highlight a recent visit Hungarian officials made to the Indiana Statehouse when his wife, who is a Hungarian immigrant, was recognized as the honorary consul of Hungary to Indiana. "President Trump believes in America first, but that does not mean America alone," Morales said. "In Indiana, we are also investing in international partnerships. Just recently, we welcomed the Hungarian ambassador, the deputy speaker of the house and other dignitaries to strengthen economic and cultural ties." In his remarks he praised Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban as "a great leader" and highlighted his 2022 victory "as the first Hispanic Latino elected to a statewide office." He drew connections between Trump and his elected office. "As Indiana Secretary of State, I oversee our elections in Indiana, and I am proud to say that under Republican leadership, including President Trump's renewed focus on election integrity, we have strengthened confidence in our electoral system," Morales said. But the CPAC Hungary speech comes amid heightened criticism of the secretary of state's travels in recent months for trips that statewide elected officials and lawmakers have criticized for going beyond the scope of his office. In March, he traveled to India for a privately-funded "economic development" trip, which is outside the primary functions of his office. A spokesperson for Morales this week said he was away for the week on "personal time," language he has used in multiple posts on X about his travels in Hungary. But social media posts and news articles indicate he has also taken meetings with Hungarian officials. "Secretary Morales receives invitations for meetings and functions throughout the year as his title remains Indiana Secretary of State at all times," Spokeswoman Lindsey Eaton said in an email to IndyStar on May 28. Morales' speech was not his first at the CPAC Hungary event. He also spoke at the conference in 2023. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar politics and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: What Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales said at CPAC Hungary
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
On 'personal time' in Hungary, SOS Diego Morales touts Trump, Indiana at CPAC conference
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales posted a photo on social media on May 30 highlighting that he was spending "personal time" in Europe with his wife. Less than an hour later, he was on stage at a Conservative Political Action Conference in Hungary where he gave a speech touting President Donald Trump's leadership and Indiana's investment "in international partnerships" during his time in office. Morales spoke for just under six minutes on the second day of the CPAC Hungary event during a segment titled "No border, No order." But Morales made a point to highlight a recent visit Hungarian officials made to the Indiana Statehouse when his wife, who is a Hungarian immigrant, was recognized as the honorary consul of Hungary to Indiana. "President Trump believes in America first, but that does not mean America alone," Morales said. "In Indiana, we are also investing in international partnerships. Just recently, we welcomed the Hungarian ambassador, the deputy speaker of the house and other dignitaries to strengthen economic and cultural ties." In his remarks he praised Hungary's nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban as "a great leader" and highlighted his 2022 victory "as the first Hispanic Latino elected to a statewide office." He drew connections between Trump and his elected office. "As Indiana Secretary of State, I oversee our elections in Indiana, and I am proud to say that under Republican leadership, including President Trump's renewed focus on election integrity, we have strengthened confidence in our electoral system," Morales said. But the CPAC Hungary speech comes amid heightened criticism of the secretary of state's travels in recent months for trips that statewide elected officials and lawmakers have criticized for going beyond the scope of his office. In March, he traveled to India for a privately-funded "economic development" trip, which is outside the primary functions of his office. A spokesperson for Morales this week said he was away for the week on "personal time," language he has used in multiple posts on X about his travels in Hungary. But social media posts and news articles indicate he has also taken meetings with Hungarian officials. "Secretary Morales receives invitations for meetings and functions throughout the year as his title remains Indiana Secretary of State at all times," Spokeswoman Lindsey Eaton said in an email to IndyStar on May 28. Morales' speech was not his first at the CPAC Hungary event. He also spoke at the conference in 2023. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
No Trump at the Indy 500, but what politicians will be at IMS on race day this year?
President Donald Trump will not attend the 2025 Indianapolis 500 on May 25, but plenty of other Hoosier politicians will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day along with 300,000-plus fans. IndyStar asked some of our local and statewide elected officials for their Indy 500 plans. Here's what we found: Braun is expected to attend the Indy 500, a press secretary told IndyStar. The May 25 race will be Braun's first Indy 500 since he was sworn in as governor in January. Braun has already participated in other Indy 500 festival events leading up to the race - and received the first milk bottle of May at the governor's residence earlier this month. Mayor Joe Hogsett is a frequent attendee of race-related events. His office confirmed he will be at the Speedway all morning on Race Day to celebrate with race fans. Then he'll watch the race live on television with family since the grandstands are sold out, his office said. He has attended lead-up events including Breakfast at the Brickyard. He recently called May his "favorite month of the year." A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Todd Young confirmed that Young will attend the Indy 500. Young earlier this month reintroduced legislation advocating for tax breaks that could help IMS pay for future upgrades. He also displayed a checkered flag outside his senate office to celebrate the month of May. A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Jim Banks said that Banks will attend the race. Banks posted photos on X from a May 19 visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he was joined by Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno. Former Vice President Mike has not confirmed his plans for race day, but plans to be at IMS on May 23 where he will tour the newly remodeled IMS Museum and visit Gasoline Alley, a spokesperson for his political organization told IndyStar. The former Indiana governor is no stranger to the Indy 500 and has attended the race more than 30 times, including during his term as vice president. A spokesman for Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith confirmed that Beckwith will attend the race. He's also recently attended practice and associated events. Attorney General Todd Rokita will be at the race, his spokesman confirmed. His office recently warned fans about potential ticket scams associated with the race. U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, who's congressional district includes Hamilton County, is expected to attend the Indy 500, a spokesperson told IndyStar. A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve, who's congressional district includes the southern portion of Indianapolis, said he plans to attend the race. U.S. Rep. André Carson, who represents Indianapolis, is not expected to attend the race as he is in Washington, per his spokeswoman. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, curated by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: No Trump at 2025 Indy 500. What politicians will be at IMS on race day?
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
A different kind of race
President Donald Trump will not be among the 300,000-plus fans at the Indy 500 on Sunday, but we asked our local and statewide elected officials about whether they plan to be at IMS for the race. Here's what we found about Gov. Mike Braun, Mayor Joe Hogsett and more. If you're like me and have no plans on Sunday, keep an eye on for coverage of all things race day from our colleagues who will be at the track. -Brittany Forwarded this newsletter from a friend? Sign up for Checks and Balances here. Among the other last-minute higher-education oversight provisions slipped into the state budget this year is a provision that could eliminate more than half of the bachelor's degrees offered at Indiana's public colleges and universities. Education institutions that don't meet program size quotas will now have to get permission from Gov. Braun to continue their programs. The change has critics worried Indiana's already low college-going rate could dip even further. Read more from Hayleigh on what Indiana's higher education institutions had to say about the change. During an Oval Office announcement this week, Indiana U.S. Sen. Jim Banks named a few Indiana defense organizations that are expected to help develop President Trump's "Golden Dome" missile defense shield. Indiana's support will be "a big factor," Trump said. We've got more here on what groups should be involved. Indiana executed Benjamin Ritchie in the early hours of Tuesday morning more than two decades after he murdered Beech Grove police officer William Toney. Read more here about Ritchie's final words and last meal. The execution was the first of Gov. Braun's administration and the second since the state paid $900,000 to secure the drug pentobarbital in 2024. The law firm that's been investigating Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's response to sexual harassment claims against his former chief of staff Thomas Cook appears to be wrapping up its work. Fisher Phillips investigators will present its findings to the City-County Council's investigative committee on Thursday, May 29. The Hogsett administration has said they're fully cooperating with the investigation. Axios: Each week a different Senate Republican provides lunch for the rest of the caucus. This week it was Sen. Todd Young's turn, and he went with St. Elmo Steak House's shrimp cocktail. Hopefully someone warned the senators to take it easy with the cocktail sauce. IndyStar columnist James Briggs argues that, if Indiana continues to carry out executions with little transparency, the state should "go all in on the violence and permit firing squads." "If state Attorney General Todd Rokita is so enthusiastic about killing inmates, he can even pull one of the triggers and put it in a campaign ad," Briggs writes. Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay died this week at age 65. | The League of Women Voters of Indianapolis said it likely held its final voter registration event at a naturalization event at the Indianapolis Public Library following a DHS decision about where such ceremonies can be held. | Indiana University is shuttering it's diversity, equity and inclusion office following state and federal actions targeting DEI policies and programs. Even the U.S. Senate was glued to Wednesday night's Knicks-Pacers game.
Indianapolis Star
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
No Trump at the Indy 500, but what politicians will be at IMS on race day this year?
President Donald Trump will not attend the 2025 Indianapolis 500 on May 25, but plenty of other Hoosier politicians will be at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on race day along with 300,000-plus fans. IndyStar asked some of our local and statewide elected officials for their Indy 500 plans. Here's what we found: Braun is expected to attend the Indy 500, a press secretary told IndyStar. The May 25 race will be Braun's first Indy 500 since he was sworn in as governor in January. Braun has already participated in other Indy 500 festival events leading up to the race - and received the first milk bottle of May at the governor's residence earlier this month. Mayor Joe Hogsett is a frequent attendee of race-related events. His office confirmed he will be at the Speedway all morning on Race Day to celebrate with race fans. Then he'll watch the race live on television with family since the grandstands are sold out, his office said. He has attended lead-up events including Breakfast at the Brickyard. He recently called May his "favorite month of the year." A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Todd Young confirmed that Young will attend the Indy 500. Young earlier this month reintroduced legislation advocating for tax breaks that could help IMS pay for future upgrades. He also displayed a checkered flag outside his senate office to celebrate the month of May. A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Jim Banks said that Banks will attend the race. Banks posted photos on X from a May 19 visit to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where he was joined by Ohio Republican U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno. Former Vice President Mike has not confirmed his plans for race day, but plans to be at IMS on May 23 where he will tour the newly remodeled IMS Museum and visit Gasoline Alley, a spokesperson for his political organization told IndyStar. The former Indiana governor is no stranger to the Indy 500 and has attended the race more than 30 times, including during his term as vice president. A spokesman for Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith confirmed that Beckwith will attend the race. He's also recently attended practice and associated events. Attorney General Todd Rokita will be at the race, his spokesman confirmed. His office recently warned fans about potential ticket scams associated with the race. U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz, who's congressional district includes Hamilton County, is expected to attend the Indy 500, a spokesperson told IndyStar. A spokesperson for U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve, who's congressional district includes the southern portion of Indianapolis, said he plans to attend the race. U.S. Rep. André Carson, who represents Indianapolis, is not expected to attend the race as he is in Washington, per his spokeswoman. Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@
