The U.S. Department of Education expanded protections for LGBTQ+ students under Title IX last month — but Indiana has told its schools to ignore the guidance.

Why it matters: Indiana is one of many states that passed legislation in recent years targeting the LGBTQ+ community, particularly children.

• A 2023 law requires schools to alert parents if their child requests a change to their name or pronoun, which teachers fear could force them to out transgender students, and earlier legislation blocked transgender girls from participating in girls' school sports.

Driving the news: Indiana's Department of Education advised schools "not to change their existing policies" in a memo last month, as first reported by WFYI.

• "IDOE is currently working with legal counsel to review these new regulations, which among other things expands the definition of "sex" in Title IX," the department said. "At initial review, these draft regulations will undoubtedly have major implications for Indiana schools and students and will likely be subject to legal challenges."

The fine print: The federal guidance adds protections against "discrimination based on sex stereotypes, sexual orientation, gender identity and sex characteristics."

• The deadline for schools to adopt the rules to remain compliant for federal funding is Aug. 1.

What they're saying: Kelley Robinson, president of the LGBTQ+ advocacy group the Human Rights Campaign, said in a statement that the new rule "makes it clear" that school districts are obligated "to protect students from discrimination."

The other side: Indiana is one of several Republican-led states suing the U.S. Department of Education over the guidance, saying it will have "radical ramifications."

What's next: The policy from the Biden administration does not address transgender athletes, and the federal DOE said its "rulemaking process is still ongoing for a Title IX regulation related to athletics."

Go deeper

The Boston Celtics brought the brooms to Gainbridge Fieldhouse last night.

Why it matters: The Indiana Pacers' season is over, but fans can take comfort in knowing that this young team just turned in the best year of NBA hoops the Circle City has seen in a decade.

Driving the news: The Celtics beat the Pacers 105-102 in a game that was close to the final seconds.

• With the loss, the best-of-seven series ends at 0-4 and Boston will return to the NBA Finals to play either the Dallas Mavericks or the Minnesota Timberwolves.
• Dallas is leading that series 3-0, and Game 4 is tonight at 8:30.

Zoom in: Much like Game 1 and Game 3, Indiana let a fourth-quarter lead slip away late en route to a Boston victory.

• The Pacers were forced to play without superstar Tyrese Haliburton for two straight games because of a hamstring injury.
• Andrew Nembhard was the point leader for Indiana with 24 points and 10 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 19 points and 10 rebounds.

What they're saying: "There were a lot of things accomplished this year. Expectations will be raised for next year, which is good," Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle told reporters after the game. "There are challenges to meet over the summer for our guys to all get better. All of us involved need to get better."

Editor's note: This story has been corrected to say the Celtics beat the Pacers 105-102, not 114-111.

🚙 Carmel is getting another roundabout. Construction starts today at the intersection of Hazel Dell Parkway and East 106th Street, with access to 106th Street limited. (IndyStar)

💉 Eli Lilly is more than doubling its investment at Boone County's contentious LEAP District development. An additional $5.3 billion and 200 high-skilled jobs bring the pharmaceutical giant's commitment to $9 billion and 900 jobs. (Indiana Capital Chronicle)

🏎️ The ticket renewal window for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500 has opened. Along with releasing the logo for 2025's race, IMS officials announced on Memorial Day that race fans can renew tickets for next year between now and June 17. (Fox59)

🐝 Six Hoosiers are competing in the Scripps National Spelling Bee as it starts today, including four spellers from Central Indiana. (WRTV)

Upland Brewing Co. launched a new beer brand this month aimed at millennial women.

Why it matters: rāe is the craft brewer's first sparkling golden ale and represents Upland's first time using artificial intelligence.

• rāe's slim can design was developed using AI.

Driving the brews: Upland worked with a market research firm to develop a product appealing to "an underserved market … the millennial female," according to a news release.

Brew of the week: rāe, 4.2 ABV and 110 calories in 12 oz.

• It's a sparkling golden ale made with lemon and ginger.

What they're saying: "It is important for us to be more accessible to both a younger and more diverse generation," said Samantha Marr, Upland wholesale brands marketing director. "rāe is a reimagination of what consumers have been led to believe beer must taste and look like."

Josef Newgarden has gone back-to-back in May at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

• Newgarden won the rain-delayed and blackout-free 108th running of the Indianapolis 500 Sunday with a thrilling finish that saw him and Pato O'Ward swap leads four times in the final eight laps.
• He's the sixth driver to win the Indy 500 in consecutive years.

What he's saying: "I knew we could win this race again," Newgarden said. "There's just no better way to win this race than that. I've got to give it up to Pato, as well. He's an incredibly clean driver. It takes two people to make that work."