Home-construction starts, permits plunge unexpectedly
The Commerce Department said Wednesday that construction of new homes and apartments fell 10.6 percent in October, to the
lowest level since April.
Associated Press
Articles
Holiday World auctioning off surplus
A southern Indiana amusement park plans to auction off hundreds of surplus items this weekend, including an antique circus
trunks and bumper boats.
Heartland RV plans hiring 400 in northern Indiana
Recreational vehicle company says orders for its towable recreational vehicles have increased since Oct. 1.
Vonage to settle investigation involving 32 states
Internet phone service provider Vonage Holdings Corp. will pay $3 million to 32 states, including Indiana, and provide refunds
to affected customers.
Job prospects drawing more students to ag schools
Enrollment in bachelor’s degree programs in agriculture across the country grew by 21.8 percent from 2005 to 2008. Purdue
University has 2,575 ag students this fall, up 40 from last year.
Indiana seeks $250M in stimulus cash for schools
The state has altered some education rules to get in line with the federal Department of Education’s $4 billion “Race to the
Top” grant program.
October retail sales rise slightly, beat predictions
Retail sales rose more than expected in October due largely to a big rebound in auto sales. But broader consumer spending
remains under pressure.
GM reports $1.2B loss, says it shows progress
General Motors Co. said Monday it lost $1.2 billion from the time it left bankruptcy protection through Sept. 30, far better
than it has reported in previous quarters and a sign that the auto giant is starting to turn around its business.
Environment funds feel pinch of state budget cuts
Indiana is dipping into a wide range of state funds, including several devoted to improving or protecting the environment
and natural resources, to offset a steep drop in state revenues.
Late tax bills force counties to borrow millions
Nearly every Indiana county has failed to send property tax bills on time this year, forcing many local governments and schools
to borrow millions and providing further proof that Indiana’s tax system is still a work in progress more than a decade after
a court ordered a massive overhaul.
Rich buying again, but middle class still hurting
Recent earnings reports from major retailers suggest that the wealthy, who pulled back their spending the hardest during the
financial meltdown last fall, are once again being enticed to open their wallets and going back to higher-end outlets. But
those on the lower economic rungs are still scrimping by, heading to Walmart for the basics.
State government begins layoffs as part of budget cuts
The Department of Administration said 33 government workers will be out of a job because of the state’s financial situation.
Zimmer offering seeks $1B
The Indiana-based orthopedic implant maker plans to use the proceeds to pay down debt and for general corporate purposes.
Rokita says GOP redistricting plan not enough
Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita is pleased that state Senate Republicans have proposed changes to the way legislative
districts are drawn, but he says they don’t go far enough.
State pushing Monroe County officials to adapt I-69 plans
Bloomington and Monroe County officials have declined to include aspects of the I-69 project in their transportation improvement
plan.
Reopening of Indianapolis monument delayed
Work to repair and renovate the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in downtown Indianapolis is taking longer than expected.
Majestic Star casino company misses debt payments
The company that owns two casinos along Indiana’s Lake Michigan shore has been declared in default on nearly $80 million in
debt by its lenders.
Indiana State Bar names first black president
Roderick Morgan of the Indianapolis-based firm of Bingham McHale was named president of the group at its annual meeting.
Unions prod Obama to fix ailing airline industry
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood is holding a forum Thursday to discuss the state of the airline industry, which is
mired in a severe economic slump and blamed for using a business model critics say undermines safety.
Indianapolis gets new signs to direct Super Bowl traffic
Highway signs around Indianapolis are getting makeovers to help direct Super Bowl 2012 visitors to downtown attractions.