Hamilton County looks to ease rural digital divide
The county has some of the most affluent, highly connected cities in Indiana. It also has rural areas that lack widespread access to reliable high-speed internet.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Noblesville City Council approves incentives for $30M SMC expansion plan
SMC Corp. of America plans to expand its total workforce in Noblesville to 1,157 by 2032.
Scathing report urges major changes at FDA, including possibly breaking up agency
The report comes in the wake of heavy criticism of the agency’s handling of a formula shortage earlier this year. Food safety experts have long complained that the agency’s food oversight arm has been chronically understaffed and underfunded.
Manufacturer seeking incentives for $30M expansion, 288 jobs in Noblesville
SMC Corp. of America, Noblesville’s largest private employer, said the new jobs would pay at least $59,000 annually.
Pryor makes history in confirmation to 7th Circuit
The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Doris Pryor to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in a bipartisan 60-31 vote Monday evening, making her the first woman of color from Indiana to sit on the Chicago-based appellate court.
FBI director raises national security concerns about TikTok
FBI Director Chris Wray warned Friday that control of the popular video sharing app is in the hands of a Chinese government “that doesn’t share our values.”
West-side business leaders say Blue Line alteration limits development opportunities
West-side leaders are pleased the city found $20 million for infrastructure improvements but remain disappointed that the area is missing out on the original $52 million in improvements the Blue Line was once scheduled to bring.
Hogsett appoints city’s first chief diversity officer, reorganizes cabinet
A pre-election revamp of the mayor’s cabinet includes the appointment of the first diversity officer, a new senior adviser and new deputy mayors.
New Indiana professional licensing agency boss named
Lindsay Hyer has been named executive director of the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency, succeeding Deborah Frye, who is retiring after seven years in the role.
Senate vote to protect same-sex marriage reflects years-long political shift
The Respect for Marriage Act, once repassed by the House and signed by President Joe Biden, will help protect recognition of same-sex marriages, enforced by the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, against future legal challenges.
Indiana pension system lost $200M-plus in Russia-Ukraine fallout
Indiana’s pension system lost $200 million in two months after Russia invaded Ukraine in early 2022, but that’s loose change for a system with $45.8 billion in assets invested all over the world.
Indiana lawmakers, teacher unions outline education priorities for General Assembly
Indiana’s top Republican lawmakers said they plan to prioritize school choice and enact a plan to “reinvent” high school education during the next legislative session. Teacher unions have other priorities.
Luke Kenley: State must boost public health spending
The former chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee will testify before that same committee to ask lawmakers to allocate an additional quarter-of-a-billion dollars annually toward public health programs.
Governor’s panel pushes strategic, practical workforce changes to prep state for job growth
On the group’s list of recommendations are creating an Indiana Talent Agency, more flexibility in high school diplomas, removal of barriers for child care workers, and incentives for colleges to funnel students into STEM fields.
Early voting numbers down from last midterm election
About 75,000 people have already voted in Marion County heading into Election Day on Tuesday, according the county’s election board.
Noblesville leaders expand scope of planned Innovation Mile
City leaders expect a stretch of undeveloped agricultural land on the city’s southeast side to become Hamilton County’s next epicenter of innovation.
State plans sweeping reduction of standards for K-12 students
The Indiana Department of Education is supposed to seek input from businesses, industries, and postsecondary institutions about what characteristics students need to succeed in order to help inform the new standards.
State-led coalition vying for federal funds to create a hydrogen hub
The Indiana Economic Development Corp., along with public and private partners, is hoping for a piece of $7 billion in grants to establish northwestern Indiana as one of a handful of hydrogen hubs nationwide.
Biden signs international climate deal to limit refrigerants
More than 130 nations, including China, India and Russia, have formally ratified the agreement, which compels countries to limit the use of hydrofluorocarbons.
Indiana lawmakers approve recommendations for new education policy
The bipartisan interim education committee approved its report unanimously after hearing testimony last week from education advocates, school officials and business leaders.