Indiana Public Broadcasting News

Attributing it to the tax changes made by congressional Republicans late last year, Walmart handed out bonuses to employees across the country Thursday.

Two bonuses were given out: one being a one-time cash bonus of up to $1,000 and the other a quarterly bonus based on the store’s sales performance where the employee is located.

Walmart spokesperson Anne Hatfield says it’s a day for celebration for all employees.

Legislative leaders say both chambers have reached agreement on legislation to address Indiana’s workforce development issues.

The measures will begin taking steps this year as the legislature prepares to implement the bulk of its workforce efforts in next year’s budget.

Some of the legislation’s provisions will get underway in 2018. That includes expanded eligibility for student workforce grants and money for employers, says House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis).

Advocates for dyslexia awareness say not enough teachers know how to identify and help students with the learning disability early on, but a bill the General Assembly approved this week aims to change that.

Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill into law Thursday standardizing perinatal care in the state to lower Indiana’s infant mortality rate.

The new law creates a system to help expecting mothers identify the facility that can best deliver the level of care that they need.

“When you think about the 623 babies that didn’t make it past their first year in the state of Indiana, it’s clear that we have work to do,” Holcomb says.