Gay-rights bill dies after author withdraws legislation
The Indiana Senate won’t act on a controversial bill meant to extend some civil rights to gay and lesbian Hoosiers, effectively killing the legislation for the session.
Hayleigh Colombo
Articles
Indy 500 fans could leave race with keepsake booze, under state bill
Indiana lawmakers are on track to help race fans celebrate the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 in May with a high-octane, commemorative beverage they can take home.
Tax break in works for struggling farmers
Farmers across Indiana would get a big property tax cut under legislation moving through the General Assembly that would reduce their assessed land values an estimated $4.2 billion for taxes paid in 2018 and $8.9 billion for 2019.
Bosma cool to gay-rights bill
After a Senate committee advanced a civil rights bill that excluded transgender people and included several caveats, House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that he has “yet to talk to someone who thinks the bill is a good idea.”
Gay-rights bill that leaves out transgender protections advances
A Senate committee on Wednesday narrowly advanced a bill that would extend civil rights protections to gay and lesbian Hoosiers but punt the issue of transgender discrimination to a study committee, as well as offer religious exemptions for clergy and other groups.
Ball State president abruptly resigns after less than 2 years
Paul Ferguson, who was hired in August 2014, requested a two-month sabbatical and will officially resign at the end of that leave.
Bill would expand voucher program with mid-year school switch
Supporters say the bill would help students who have been expelled or dropped out of school get back on track, while critics contend it’s too broad.
Indiana House Republicans consider tolls on existing highways
There’s no question that tolling one of Indiana’s interstates could generate serious cash to help maintain the state’s roads. But are taxpayers willing to pay a few bucks to travel highways that now are free?
Democrat Dickerson drops out of U.S. Senate race
Political newcomer John Dickerson—a Democrat who previously led The Arc of Indiana—announced Wednesday he has suspended his U.S. Senate campaign because of fundraising challenges.
Lawmaker proposes reforms in how big-box stores are assessed
Indiana lawmakers are making another attempt to settle a dispute between county assessors and retail stores over how to determine the value of newer big-box stores.
Hogsett replaces 5 of 6 Ballard appointees on CIB
Mayor Joe Hogsett has put his own stamp on the board that owns most of the city’s major sports facilities and oversees its relationship with pro teams.
GOP plots revamp of medical malpractice law
Patients who have been injured or killed as the result of negligence by Indiana hospitals and physicians could win more cash under proposed changes to Indiana’s Medical Malpractice Act.
Hogsett signals charter school slowdown, focus on traditional public schools
The new Democratic mayor says he supports charter schools but is more interested in quality than quantity.
UPDATE: Pence says he won’t support LGBT bill that ‘diminishes’ religious freedom
In Tuesday’s speech, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence said he would give “careful consideration” to any bill sent to his desk but stressed tenets of the Indiana Constitution supporting religious freedom and freedom of conscience.
Council fails to overturn Ballard’s veto on pay raises
The motion to overturn the veto failed 14-10, despite pleas from council members who say the body has not had a pay raise in nearly 15 years.
Cash-strapped Tindley sued over staffing agency fee
Pinnacle Partners Inc. has sued the charter school operator for allegedly failing to pay its $15,000 finder’s fee for placing a staff accountant. Tindley recently missed ambitious enrollment targets, creating a cash crunch.
County judicial election system now in lawmakers’ lap
At issue is how to balance the goals of having a qualified, impartial bench while giving voters a meaningful role in the process.
Bill would protect sexual orientation, punt on gender identity
A GOP state senator has filed a bill that would provide discrimination protections for gay, lesbian and bisexual people, but bows to concerns some have about transgender rights.
Pence out-raises Gregg in 2015
The governor is sitting on about $6.8 million cash on hand as the election year begins compared to his Democratic challenger’s $3.5 million in cash.
Higher ed commission program encourages college dropouts to return
More than 750,000 Indiana residents have attended some college but quit before completing their degrees. Now, state higher education officials are working with schools to make it easier for those Hoosiers to finish their degrees.