Improved fiscal outlook may spare schools more cuts
Indiana's K-12 education system has lost $300 million in state aid since the last two-year budget was enacted in 2009.
Associated Press
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Congress sends tax legislation to White House
Acting with uncommon speed, Congress sent President Barack Obama sweeping, bipartisan legislation late Thursday night to avoid a Jan. 1 spike in income taxes for millions and renew jobless benefits for victims of the worst recession in 80 years.
Bill would ban texting while driving
Republican State Sen. Travis Holdman's bill would allow people to use hands-free headsets or speaker systems, but texting and calls that require using hands would be off limits.
State reaches deal on coal-gasification plant
The state's finance authority said Thursday that it reached a 30-year deal to buy synthetic natural gas from a coal-gasification plant planned for southern Indiana, marking the first time the state has entered into such a venture.
Toxic chemical releases decrease 18 percent in Indiana
The 2009 Toxics Release Inventory released Thursday shows releases of toxic chemicals to the environment by companies in Indiana decreased by 20.6 million pounds, or 18 percent.
Daniels says he’d sign statewide smoking ban
Gov. Mitch Daniels said towns and cities have shown it’s possible to enact smoking bans with significant benefits and minimal cost.
First vehicles roll out of Indiana electric-car plant
Fifteen cars rolled out of Think North America’s Elkhart plant on Wednesday, bound for Indianapolis. The cars will be used primarily by the state Department of Natural Resources.
Pence says federal tax package won’t help create jobs
Republican Congressman Mike Pence says he won't vote for the massive tax cut package coming before the House on Thursday, because he believes it "will do little to create jobs."
Economist: State recovery slow, but faster than peers
Chief regional economist Jim Diffley of IHS Global Insight says Indiana has grown faster than other manufacturing-heavy Midwestern states.
Lilly Endowment awards Purdue center $6.3M
A Purdue University-based institute that aids military families whose lives have been disrupted by a relative's deployment overseas has won a $6.3 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to boost its mission.
Daniels endorses findings of criminal code review
Sweeping changes proposed for Indiana’s criminal sentencing system won the endorsement Wednesday of Gov. Mitch Daniels, who said that if lawmakers enact the changes they would hold down the state’s ballooning prison population and save taxpayer money.
Indiana may cut Medicaid services to check costs
The state Medicaid actuary projected Indiana’s share of the program’s costs will rise by about $1.46 billion this fiscal year, by about $1.84 billion in the 2012 fiscal year and by about $2 billion in the 2013 fiscal year unless some services are cut.
Indiana GOP chairman stepping down after 5 years
Indiana Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark announced his decision Wednesday, saying it was time to turn over the party leadership.
Court sides with FedEx in dispute with drivers
FedEx, which has a distribution hub in Indianapolis, has long asserted that its drivers should be classified as independent contractors.
Chrysler to invest another $85M in Kokomo plant
Chrysler Group LLC said Tuesday it plans to invest an additional $85 million in its Kokomo transmission plant. The money is in addition to the recently announced $1.2 billion investment in other facilities in the north-central Indiana city.
GM considering Fort Wayne plant for $230M upgrade
General Motors is considering $230 million in upgrades to its truck assembly plant near Fort Wayne.
Big Ten names divisions ‘Leaders’ and ‘Legends’
The conference, expanding to 12 teams in all sports and adding divisions and a championship game in football starting next season, on Monday also unveiled a new logo and 18 football awards, each named after two standout Big Ten performers.
Indiana secretary of state race challenge dismissed
The Indiana Recount Commission has dismissed a Democratic challenge to the Republican candidate's victory in the race for secretary of state.
Law change eyed to help Indiana casinos compete
Indiana casinos could save an average of $1 million per riverboat each year under a proposal that would allow them to quit using captains and crews and maintain motors that have been obsolete since the state allowed the boats to remain docked.
Bayh says he will not run for governor in 2012
Many Indiana Democrats had hoped a Bayh candidacy for governor could begin reversing a string of setbacks for their party.