Hoosier students heading back to schools that look a little different — they'll be cellphone-free.

The big picture: The new bell-to-bell cellphone ban is one of several laws that have taken effect for Indiana schools over the summer break.

• Schools also face a new performance grading system, and an increase in starting pay for Hoosier teachers is coming online.

Driving the news: Warren Township, Noblesville and Avon are heading back to class today.

• Other township and suburban districts start next week, followed by Indianapolis Public Schools and Carmel the week after.

What they're saying: If you or your kiddo is feeling anxious about going back to school, that's totally normal, says Lori Hart, the K-8 elementary and middle school counseling coordinator for IPS.

• "Whether your child is stepping into kindergarten or walking into their senior year, the transition back to school is as much emotional as it is logistical," Hart says.
• Hart recommends preparing in advance, getting back to school-year bedtimes and routines before the first day.
• And, she says, it can help normalize those feelings. "It's okay to feel two opposite things at once … excited to see their friends and nervous about a new year, all at the same time," she says.

How it works: One thing your kids can't do if they're feeling anxious on that first day is send you a text.

• The new cellphone ban builds on the state's initial attempt that prohibited cellular devices from being used during instructional time.
• This year, devices are restricted entirely during the school day — either left at home or powered off and stored out of reach.
• The goal is to limit distractions and improve student achievement.

What we're watching: How many new students are taking advantage of the state's school choice program open to all families regardless of household income for the first time.

A $71 million rate hike looming over more than half a million AES Indiana customers is caught between dueling legal challenges and a major leadership shakeup.

Why it matters: Last month's approval from the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission ticked off residents, consumer advocates, state representatives and even Gov. Mike Braun.

Catch up quick: The IURC approved the increase in a 3-1 vote on June 17.

• Braun and others swiftly panned the decision, especially in light of the state launching investigations to bring utility costs under control.
• Formal action followed on July 7 when the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and consumer advocacy organization Citizens Action Coalition (CAC) filed petitions for rehearing or reconsideration.

The latest: AES issued a response to those petitions on July 17, and the OUCC and CAC filed a joint rebuttal on Friday.

Zoom in: Addressing the AES response, the OUCC said the utility spent "over 70 pages" largely "restating their arguments, distorting the record evidence and marginalizing affordability concerns."

• CAC also wants the record reopened over AES's pending Google data center deal in Monrovia, and the announced buyout of AES's parent company by a BlackRock-led investor group.

The other side: AES insists the petitions relitigate what's already been decided while highlighting its concessions.

• AES also says the data center wouldn't be running until after the test year closes, and the BlackRock buyout is legally out of the commission's reach.

What's next: The IURC can uphold, tweak, reopen or reverse the order. But it must act by Sept. 8 or the petitions are automatically denied.

The IURC shakeup

🏈 Providing an update on his contract status during opening day of Colts training camp, star running back Jonathan Taylor said negotiations are moving in the "right direction." (FOX59)

• Meanwhile, Colts QB Daniel Jones was a full participant on day one, saying he feels quicker and more explosive after his season-ending Achilles tear. (WISH-TV)

🏠 The number of people experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis during January's annual point-in-time count was 1,821, up six individuals from 2025. (WFYI)

🎲 If you don't already have a badge for Gen Con 2026, don't bother. The four-day gaming convention that starts today has fully sold out for the third consecutive year. (Via press release)

⚖️ Johnson County Coroner Mike Pruitt is stepping down Aug. 5 after previously making plans to leave the position in January as part of a plea deal.

• Pruitt pleaded guilty to seven misdemeanor counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor in April, but has since been accused of violating a no contact order. (IndyStar)

Meet Rome Herbert, an Indianapolis emcee who is blending hip-hop and ministry to build community.

The inspo: Herbert says his perspective on artistry and life was shaped by splitting time as a kid between the suburbs and the inner city.

• Facing the challenges of growing up between communities, Herbert said hip-hop was the medium that kept him sane.

Zoom in: With five albums under his belt, Herbert aims to make music to help listeners feel bold even in the face of difficult circumstances.

Plus: When not on the stage, Herbert engages his community as urban ministry director for Hope Church of Haughville.

What he's making now: Herbert will guide locals through the art of expression tonight with a free hip-hop workshop from 3:30 to 5pm at Harrison Center.

• On Saturday, he will be back at Belmont Beach for Bless the Block Vol. III, the latest iteration of his community-centered hip-hop concert series.

Check him out

The U.S. blood supply has reached crisis levels, prompting the American Red Cross and the Surgeon General's Office to urge people to donate.

Why it matters: A prolonged blood shortage could delay surgeries, trauma care and other treatments that depend on timely blood transfusions.

• The Red Cross says it has "less than a one-day national supply of type O positive blood," which is the most commonly transfused blood type.

Driving the news: Blood donations fell to a four-year summer low in 2026, the Red Cross said on Monday.

• The Red Cross attributes the low turnout of donations to extreme heat, bad air quality and "widespread foodborne illnesses" hitting the country.

Zoom in: The majority of community blood centers in the Midwest, including Indiana, have a supply of less than three days.

How to donate, and the perks of giving