Samantha Horton

Business and economy reporter.

Samantha Horton is an Indiana Public Broadcasting reporter based at WBAA. She reports and writes stories on business and economic issues in Indiana. After graduating from the University of Evansville with a triple major in International Studies, Political Science and Communication, Samantha worked for three years at WNIN Public Radio in Evansville. She then joined WBAA to take on bigger role on reporting. So far, she enjoys working in WBAA as a business and economy reporter.

In her leisure time, Samantha enjoys running, trying different craft beers, and playing board games with her family. She ran a marathon last year and is looking forward to running one again this coming November. 

Purdue Researchers Develop Potential COVID-19 At-Home Test

By • Jul 3, 2020

Purdue University researchers developed a new COVID-19 test that could be more affordable and time efficient. The test will first be used by health care providers before then offering it to consumers for use at home.

Hoosier Farmers Welcome New Trade Agreement Between US, Mexico and Canada

By • Jul 1, 2020

The new trade deal between the United States, Mexico and Canada went into effect Wednesday. The new agreement doesn’t drastically impact Indiana agriculture, but it is still welcome news to farmers. 

The new United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA) is expected to help Hoosier farmers by expanding exports for poultry producers and giving American dairy farmers more access to the Canadian market.

Indiana Farm Bureau president Randy Kron said the USMCA gives farmers some certainty during a time when COVID-19 has hurt supply chains.

Advocates Say PPP Loans Were Less Likely To Help Businesses Owned By People Of Color

By • Jun 30, 2020

The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) created to help small businesses in response to the coronavirus is set to expire Tuesday. According to some advocates, most businesses owned by people of color did not get the chance to take full advantage of the program.

Garden Business Blooms Out Of The Pandemic

By • Jun 29, 2020

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U.S. Sen. Todd Young Visits Small Businesses, Advocates For Additional Lending Program

By • May 27, 2020
Justin Hicks / IPB News

 

Small businesses are still struggling despite federal Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.) is advocating for a bill he helped create that would provide additional help to small business owners financially hit by the pandemic.

Gen Con Cancels 2020 Convention, Plans Virtual Events

By • May 19, 2020
Attendees play games at the 2019 Gen Con in Indianapolis Saturday, Aug. 3. (FILE PHOTO: Samantha Horton/IPB News)

Downtown Indianapolis will go this summer without the thousands of game enthusiasts who attend Gen Con. On Tuesday, the tabletop game convention announced it was canceling the in-person event in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

Holcomb Supports Trump's Executive Order To Reopen Meat Processing Facilities

By • Apr 29, 2020
Lauren Chapman / IPB News

 

President Donald Trump declared meat processing plants “critical infrastructure” to keep facilities operating through the COVID-19 crisis. Indiana is home to two pork production facilities that have closed temporarily due to increased cases among workers.

Indiana Pork Processing Plant Shutdown Due To COVID-19 Hurts Hoosier Farmers

By • Apr 23, 2020
Samantha Horton / IPB News

 

Tyson Foods is temporarily closing its pork processing facility in Indiana after employees there tested positive for the coronavirus. The shutdown will be felt throughout the agricultural industry in the state.

The National Pork Producers Council estimates losses of at least $5 billion to hog producers due to supply market disruptions from COVID-19.

Farmer Sentiment Barometer Records Largest Monthly Drop With Coronavirus Concerns

By • Apr 9, 2020
(Courtesy of Purdue University Center for Commercial Agriculture)

 

A survey of farmer sentiment saw its largest drop in March since the monthly survey began in 2015. Most respondents pointed to financial impacts from the novel coronavirus.

The national Ag Economy Barometer saw sharp declines in current and future expectations tracking with other industries feeling the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Holcomb: Indiana's Financial Surplus Will Help State Recover From Impact Of COVID-19

By • Mar 25, 2020
Lauren Chapman / IPB News

 

Indiana officials are still optimistic the state’s economy will bounce back from the effects of the novel coronavirus.

Congress is close to approving a $2 trillion stimulus package that will help states, businesses and workers. Indiana officials say that will bolster the state’s already strong position to combat economic hardships due to the coronavirus.

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