State awarding $30M to local health departments to open more testing sites
The Indiana State Department of Health plans to open 95 new COVID-19 testing sites in partnership with local health agencies by Oct. 1, officials announced Wednesday.
Lindsey Erdody
Articles
State expects to start paying extra $300 unemployment benefit Sept. 21
Unemployed Hoosiers can expect to start seeing the federal supplemental weekly benefit in about two weeks, state officials said Wednesday.
Lawmakers consider using Government Center for House sessions
The Legislative Continuity Committee on Wednesday voted to recommend that staff begin to equip several rooms in Indiana Government Center South for the Indiana House to meet there for the 2021 session, which starts in January.
Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, musicians reach one-year agreement
ISO leadership and the musicians released a joint statement on Tuesday announcing the new contract, which runs through Aug. 29.
Merritt resigning after 30 years in state Senate
State Sen. Jim Merritt announced Tuesday that he will resign from the position he’s held since 1990 to “seek other opportunities for service.” He still had two years left in his term.
State dishes out $14M to landlords through rental assistance program
The $40 million program provides up to $500 a week for up to four weeks to renters whose income is lower than it was on March 6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
5th District candidate Spartz seizes chances to ‘challenge and fight’
In both her business and governmental careers, Spartz is not afraid to disagree with anyone, regardless of political party.
Marion County Election Board approves 188 vote centers for November
The Marion County Election Board on Wednesday morning approved the vote center plan, which calls for opening a total of 188 vote centers—including Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium and Hinkle Fieldhouse—on Nov. 3.
Efforts to lift up women help define 5th District candidate Hale
In every role Hale has held in her career, she has connected people, especially women, to opportunities for growth and success.
Holcomb unveils plan to equip state police with body cameras, create cabinet position
The announcement comes more than two months after Holcomb said he believed the state needed to take action to address racial inequality and injustice.
Indiana Election Commission declines to expand voting by mail to all
The commission allowed all voters to cast a ballot by mail for the June 2 primary, but Republicans have argued that it is not necessary to make that change for the Nov. 3 election because pandemic conditions have changed.
Governors raise concerns about Trump’s executive order, but Holcomb’s position unclear
As governors in other states raise concerns about President Donald Trump’s order to partially extend federal unemployment bonus payments, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration is mostly staying silent.
Governor, House speaker say they’re committed to fully funding schools
But the leader of the Indiana Senate doubles down on his statement that he can’t guarantee full funding for schools that don’t offer an in-person option for students.
Top GOP lawmaker says schools might see less funding if all classes taught online
Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray sent a letter to school leaders on Thursday that said there’s “no guarantee” schools that choose not to resume any in-person classes due to health and safety concerns will receive 100% of expected funding.
Indiana Senate Democrats targeting four Marion County races
The Indiana Senate Democrats Committee, the campaign arm of the Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, is expected to announce its “Flip List” on Tuesday morning, and four of the five races on the list cover parts of Marion County.
Eldorado Resorts has shaky record of horse-track management
To say Indiana’s horse racing industry had concerns about Eldorado Resorts Inc. taking over the state’s two horse-racing casinos would be putting it mildly.
Holcomb says he’s willing to add more money to rental assistance program
The state’s program, which launched July 13, has already received more than 20,000 applications, but the funds are expected to be enough to cover only about 12,000 households.
Housing advocates push for more CARES Act funding for rental assistance
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration set aside $300 million in federal CARES Act funding for local units of government to use for pandemic-related expenses, but so far, rental assistance programs are not among the reimbursable items.
Governor’s mask order carries no penalties for non-compliance, reveals end date
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s executive order, signed Friday, does not include penalties for violations. The state attorney general said this week that the governor does not have legal authority to enforce a mask mandate.
Roiled by pandemic, not-for-profits cut back, shift missions
Seventy percent of not-for-profits in Indiana have reduced programs or limited capacity since the coronavirus pandemic hit the state, according to a recent report.