Bloomington police face criticism for armored truck purchase
Opponents argue that the vehicle will militarize the college town’s police force.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Clay leaves proposal to oust him off council agenda
On Jan. 29, the majority of council members took procedural steps to put the question of Clay’s removal as president on the next council meeting’s agenda. That meeting is scheduled for Monday.
City ending contract for electric vehicle fleet
Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration is winding down the contract to lease electric or hybrid vehicles for the city’s fleet—a program that at first was hailed by some as a breakthrough for the green economy and then ran into political trouble.
Senate candidate Rokita not shy about tapping public funds for publicity
Over the past 12 years, Todd Rokita has spent roughly $3 million in public money on media campaigns, mailers and other forms of mass communication, usually ramping up the spending before appearing on a ballot, a review found.
Indiana lawmakers weigh ‘opt-in’ requirement for sex education
The proposal would require parents to be notified—and give them the opportunity to review—any curriculum dealing with sexual activity, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Election board seeks investigation of Braun’s petition signatures
The election board in the home county of Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly wants an investigation into whether Republican candidate Mike Brain filed bogus signatures to get on the primary ballot.
Bosma: Shifting corporate income tax dollars to workforce training looks unlikely
House Speaker Brian Bosma said Thursday that the idea in House Bill 1002—part of a larger proposed retooling of the state's workforce development system—hasn't garnered enough support.
Lilly Endowment grants $5.2M to EmployIndy for youth programs
EmployIndy’s goal is to reach 6,000 young people with job-training and education programs during the next two years.
Bill alleviates liquor-permit scramble in suburbs
A state Senate bill aims to provide additional alcohol permits to a handful of municipalities, and even a major mixed-use development in downtown Indianapolis.
Powderkeg plans to add 37 jobs locally, expand nationally
The Indianapolis-based firm, which connects high-growth tech ventures with resources that help them scale up, is expanding into four cities this year and dozens more by 2022.
Sunday alcohol sales bill could take effect sooner than expected
A House panel voted Wednesday to move up the effective date of a bill that would overturn the state's Prohibition-era ban on such sales.
Fierce battle set in GOP Senate race
It’s going to be ugly and expensive. That’s the message political experts are sharing about the Republican primary that will decide who will challenge Democratic U.S. Sen. Joe Donnelly in the fall.
Indiana lawmaker blocking bill to count dead people’s votes
The Senate voted 45-2 last month in favor of the bill that requires election officials to count absentee ballots "marked and forwarded" by Indiana voters who then die before Election Day.
Indiana Senate leader Long retiring from Legislature
Senate President Pro Tem David Long of Fort Wayne announced his decision Tuesday, saying that his resignation will take effect in November.
Indiana facing larger school funding gap than projected
The Indiana House and Senate have approved bills allowing an additional $25 million in school funding this year, but a new state legislative analysis predicts a shortfall of nearly $60 million next year.
Kochs launch $4M campaign against Donnelly, McCaskill
The television and online ads are critical of Sen. Joe Donnelly of Indiana and Sen. Claire McCaskill of Missouri for voting against the federal tax overhaul.
Report: Opioid makers gave $10M to advocacy groups amid epidemic
Companies selling some of the most lucrative prescription painkillers funneled millions of dollars to advocacy groups that in turn promoted the medications' use, according to a report released Monday
Farmers train on using herbicide blamed for crop damage
Tens of thousands of soybean and cotton farmers across the country are taking free but mandatory training in how to properly use a weed killer blamed for drifting and damaging crops in neighboring fields.
New state senator sworn in to replace Hershman
Brian Buchanan took the oath Monday from Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush. Republican precinct committee members picked the former Boone County councilman to fill the vacancy left by former Senate majority leader Brandt Hershman.
Trump’s $1.5T plan to rebuild U.S. roads relies on local dollars
The plan intends to use $200 billion in federal money to leverage more than $1 trillion on local and state tax dollars to fix America’s roads, highways, ports and airports.