Auto, battery jobs hinge on landing federal energy loans
Indiana’s future as a hub for making electric and hybrid vehicles hinges on a single government loan program.
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Census surprises
An Indiana University demographer outlines predictions on Latinos, homeownership and populations of unincorporated areas.
Government moves closer to fresh aid for GMAC
The new infusion would be in the range of another $3 billion, short of the roughly $6 billion the government had earlier thought
GMAC would need to stabilize the company.
Congress raises debt ceiling to $12.4 trillion
The Senate voted along party lines Thursday to raise the ceiling on the government debt to $12.4 trillion, a massive increase
over the current limit. Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh was the only Democrat to oppose the move.
Senate OKs health care measure, but work remains
The Senate has passed President Barack Obama’s landmark health care overhaul in a climactic Christmas Eve vote, extending
medical insurance to 30 million Americans. But the Senate’s bill still must be merged with legislation passed by the House,
and there are significant differences.
Economic recovery not as strong as previously thought
The U.S. economy grew at a 2.2 percent pace in the third quarter, as the recovery got off to a weaker start than previously
thought.
However, signs suggest the economy will end 2009 on stronger footing.
Economic recovery on track to strengthen at end of 2009
The U.S. economy started the year in free-fall but is on track to end 2009 on stronger footing.
Rolls-Royce bags $160M military contract
Rolls-Royce Corp.’s Indianapolis operations will manufacture 78 turboshaft engines for U.S. Navy and Air Force helicopters
under the terms of a mammoth $160.6 million military contract.
Health Care bill clears key Senate test
Landmark health care legislation backed by President Barack Obama passed its sternest Senate test in the pre-dawn hours early
Monday, overcoming Republican delaying tactics on a 60-40 vote that all but assures its passage by Christmas.
Bailing out big spenders
Obama is going wobbling on forcing fiscal responsibility on states, and Hoosiers might get stuck with the bill.
Obama reforms not necessarily dire for Sallie Mae in Indiana
The plan to nationalize the federal student loan program threatens to force Sallie Mae
to hack its network of 26 offices down to five. Yet the company’s Indiana operations have several advantages that could
help weather the cuts.
Hoosier Energy avoids financial brownout
Hoosier Energy, which supplies electricity to customers in 48 counties in central and southern Indiana, has settled a dispute
that had threatened to plunge the utility into bankruptcy.
HealthNet lands $10.5 million in stimulus funds
HealthNet said it will use the funds to expand and renovate two community health centers that have outgrown their space.
Legislators could test drugmakers’ support for health overhaul
The pharmaceutical industry may have to cough up more than the $80 billion it agreed to contribute to President Barack Obama’s
health overhaul effort, reflecting pressure from Democrats and their supporters for more money to cover older and low-income
people.
Carp, shipping and a lawsuit
A lawsuit aimed at stopping invasive carp from reaching Lake Michigan could bring some forms of shipping to a grinding halt.
EPA: IPL electric plant upgrades were deficient
Indianapolis Power & Light faces potential fines and capital expenditures after allegedly updating three generating
plants over 23 years without adding the most modern pollution controls.
HICKS: New breast cancer recommendation not supported
Under the current proposal, the same type of groups that made the CDC’s recommendations will outline guidelines about which treatment will be offered under a government program.
Rising unemployment taxes could hinder hiring
The number of people claiming jobless aid has tripled since the recession began. The demand has drained the funds that many
states use to pay jobless claims. Nearly half the states, including Indiana, are borrowing from the federal government.
Messer: Palin could ‘win’ Indiana
Former state representative and lobbyist Luke Messer thinks Sarah Palin could carry Indiana in a presidential primary.