Senate panel weighs carve-outs in statewide smoking ban
The House-approved measure includes exemptions for casinos and private clubs. It also includes an 18-month delay before the ban takes effect in bars.
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Sugarland attorneys: Injured fair fans share in blame
Attorneys for country duo Sugarland say concertgoers were at least partly to blame for injuries suffered in the 2011 stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair. The stance drew a sharp reaction from fans Tuesday and prompted the band’s manager to issue a statement criticizing the finger-pointing.
Panel OKs legislation requiring stage inspections
The proposal follows the deadly collapse of outdoor stage rigging during high winds at last summer's Indiana State Fair.
Dem Donnelly campaigns on Lugar residency issue
Democrat Joe Donnelly is picking up a popular line of attack against Sen. Richard Lugar as he looks to win the veteran politician’s seat in November.
Koch family could get Kentucky Kingdom answer this week
The Kentucky State Fair Board will discuss and vote on a tentative operating agreement with the owners of Holiday World in Santa Claus, Ind. A spokeswoman said the Koch family may rename Kentucky Kingdom.
Indiana retailers face penalties over ‘bath salts’
State retailers could lose their business licenses for a year if they're caught selling synthetic stimulants nicknamed "bath salts" or others that mimic marijuana.
State lawmaker opposes honor for Girl Scouts
Indiana Rep. Bob Morris of Fort Wayne won't support a resolution celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts because he believes it is a "radicalized organization" that supports abortion and promotes homosexuality.
Study: Corruption in northern Indiana not as bad as thought
A new study says northern Indiana politics may not be as corrupt as its reputation suggests.
Smoking ban among key issues pending in Legislature
The Senate is set to consider a statewide smoking ban as well as legislation that would aside another $5 million for victims of the Indiana State Fair stage collapse.
Reopening of Ohio River bridge gives lift to businesses
The reopening of the Sherman Minton Bridge has business returning to normal more than five months after a crack in load-bearing steel led to Gov. Mitch Daniels to order the span over the Ohio River closed.
Charlie White cries foul on residency, cites other cases
The ousted secretary of state claims Sen. Richard Lugar and former Sen. Evan Bayh vote from Indiana despite living near Washington, D.C. Lugar doesn't own a home in Indiana, and tea party activists want his candidacy disqualified as a result.
Warmer-than-usual winter could ruin state’s fruit crops
Early warm temperatures could be bad news for the state's profitable blueberry and apple crops, which bring in more than $13 million each year. It could also hurt Indiana's growing wine-grape industry.
Indiana fair victim testifies on state plan for found money
A high school tennis player who was crippled in last summer's deadly stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair testified Thursday as legislators considered whether to double the amount the state is paying for victims.
Committee to push for safer late-night stores in Indiana
Since 2006, six people have been killed and 27 people have been seriously injured in violent crimes at late-night stores in Indiana.
Former Daniels aide challenges Wallace GOP bid
A former longtime aide to Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels is challenging GOP businessman Jim Wallace's qualifications to run for governor.
Lawmakers eye early finish after contentious start
Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma told House members Thursday that he and Senate President Pro Tem David Long were planning to wrap things up by March 9. The 2012 session is formally scheduled to end by March 14.
Bill seeks school superintendent contract disclosure
A bill that would require Indiana's school boards to disclose all financial details of proposed superintendent contracts before voting on them drew only positive comments during a public hearing before a legislative panel.
Foreclosure activity edges higher in January
Banks took back more U.S. homes in January than in the previous month, the latest sign that foreclosures are accelerating after slowing sharply last year. Foreclosures were up 69 percent in Indiana compared to January 2011.
Indiana measles outbreak illustrates disease risk
Indiana is battling its second measles outbreak in two years, even though its vaccination rate exceeds the national average. Health officials say the cases, traced to a Super Bowl event, illustrate just how vulnerable the public is to exposure from sources at home and abroad.
Legislators advance ban on school bus fees
A legislative committee has endorsed a bill that would prohibit Indiana's public school districts from charging fees for school bus service.