Attorney General Rokita keeps fighting China
Indiana AG Todd Rokita is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to protect the constitutional liberties of Americans who have suffered persecution by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). At issue before the court is whether sidewalk booths used by certain religious groups to proselytize their beliefs fall within the definition of places of worship under a federal statute. Even in America, CCP-connected groups work to disrupt and hinder religious gatherings and outreach activities, such as committing and/or threatening acts of violence against individuals praying and proselytizing on American sidewalks.
Before taking office in January 2021, Attorney General Rokita promised he would hold China accountable for its many abuses, including stealing U.S. intellectual property, committing human rights violations, and unleashing a deadly virus on the world. He has steadfastly kept that promise.
The Chinese Communist Party enforces state atheism in its own nation — punishing Christians, Uyghur Muslims and other individuals who engage in religious practices through “reeducation” camps, involuntary servitude and physical torture. In August 2021, Attorney General Rokita launched an investigation into Valparaiso University’s affiliation with the CCP through its Confucius Institute, a CCP propaganda operation. Weeks later, the university announced it was terminating its relationship with the institute.
Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Wanted Wednesday
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of this individual should call the Monroe County Sherrif’s Tipline: 812-349-2815. Callers may remain anonymous.
*All Criminal Defendents are presumed innocent until and unless convicted in a court of law
Michael Cleveland, bluegrass fiddler, named NEA National Heritage Fellow
Last week, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) announced that Michael Cleveland, Bluegrass Fiddler from Charlestown, Indiana, has been named a 2022 NEA National Heritage Fellow. Cleveland joins nine other fellowship recipients from across the country. Each fellowship includes a $25,000 award, and all the recipients will be featured in a film that will premiere in November 2022 on arts.gov.
Michael Cleveland, a 2020 Indiana Governor’s Arts Award recipient, grew up in Henryville, Indiana and now lives in Charlestown, Indiana. He began playing the fiddle at age four and began playing professionally after graduating from high school. In 2006, Cleveland formed Flamekeeper, the seven-time recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s (IBMA) “Instrumental Group of the Year” award. Flamekeeper includes Josh Richards, Nathan Livers, Jasiah Shrode, and Chris Douglas.
Cleveland has been recognized 12 times as the IBMA’s “Fiddler of the Year” and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddler’s Hall of Fame. His recording “Fiddler’s Dream” was nominated in 2018 for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, and in 2019, he won a Grammy for his album Tall Fiddler.
This Week in Hoosier History
1916 – Indiana’s first state park, McCormick’s Creek, was dedicated in a ceremony including Governor Samuel Ralston and Richard Lieber, founder of the state park system. Lieber called the park “a gift to Hoosiers for the state’s 100th birthday.” Starting with 350 acres at McCormick’s Creek, the state park system has grown to encompass more than 170,000 acres.
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