BMV commissioner leaving post in December
R. Scott Waddell, commissioner of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, will step down Dec. 2, he announced Tuesday.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Amtrak, state reach deal to keep Chicago route running
The $2.7 million agreement will keep the Hoosier State passenger rail service between Indy and Chicago operating for one year.
Prosecutors urge 20-year sentence for lawyer Conour in $7M fraud
The toll from fraud perpetrated by former personal-injury attorney William Conour has increased significantly from earlier estimates, federal prosecutors said in a sentencing memorandum filed Tuesday.
Firm plans $16 million revival of Kokomo plant
A maker of porcelain products plans to invest $16 million to purchase, renovate and equip a vacant pottery production plant in Kokomo and create as many as 140 jobs by 2014.
House GOP preparing to counter Senate debt-limit plan
Top Republicans unveiled a plan that would repeal a new tax on medical devices and take away lawmakers' federal health care subsidies, in addition to funding the government through Jan. 15 and giving Treasury the ability to borrow normally through Feb. 7.
Rokita: Default option would help cut spending
U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita suggested Monday that not raising the debt ceiling could become a good tool for curbing federal spending, despite chances the government would default on its loans.
Dems, mayor reach budget deal that includes more police on streets
The agreement funds a $15 million budget shortfall for 2014 and could result in a net gain of 80 police officers by 2015. The City-County Council overwhelmingly approved the budget Monday evening.
Developer seeks tax break on $16.2M apartment project
Indianapolis-based Herman & Kittle Properties Inc. would save $452,000 in property taxes on the development, slated for 22.5 acres on the southwest side.
Lawmakers eye tougher Indiana daycare rules
Operators of unlicensed daycare facilities that receive public money would have to undergo training or ensure they had adequate staffing under proposals being considered by lawmakers.
Indiana budget heads tell agencies to trim expenses
Through the first three months of the current state fiscal year, revenue has come in $73.5 million less than predicted by the forecast used by lawmakers in writing the 2014-15 state budget.
Council to weigh probe of public safety lease deal
The City-County Council will decide Monday whether to create a committee to scrutinize the Regional Operations Center, which Public Safety Director Troy Riggs vacated in September over safety concerns.
Pence appoints panel to develop transportation plan
Indiana Gov. Mike Pence announced Thursday he will turn planning for the state’s “next generation” of transportation infrastructure over to a panel that will be co-chaired by the lieutenant governor and an industry official.
Pence appointments bring lottery commission to full strength
Luke Bosso, a Republican, and Debra Kunce, a Democrat, will join the five-member board.
City officials aim to build on momentum for cycling
Indianapolis has become a more bike-friendly city, and city planners are looking to ensure the progress continues. The Metropolitan Development Commission will vote Oct. 16 on a bicycle master plan that lays out a host of educational and policy initiatives to encourage two-wheeled transportation.
Could airport gambling idea take off?
Two gambling-industry lawyers see untapped potential in Indianapolis International Airport, which they argue is the ideal place to roll out wireless gambling technology and rake in revenue to support more nonstop flights, like the one United Airlines will launch in January to San Francisco.
Pacers land IEDC as court sponsor
The Indiana Pacers have brokered a deal with an unusual sponsor—the Indiana Economic Development Corp.—to become the first of 30 National Basketball Association teams to sell courtside ads emblazoned on the hardwood.
Shutdown talks heat up, but no resolution yet
President Barack Obama and congressional Republicans groped inconclusively Thursday for a compromise to end the 10-day-old partial government shutdown.
Shutdown not hurting contractors at Crane center
Defense contractors working with southern Indiana's Crane Naval Surface Warfare Center say they've not seen much impact from the partial federal government shutdown.
Auto parts maker shifting work from Michigan to Indiana
Quebec-based Exo-s US says it will spend nearly $7 million on the factory in the LaGrange County town of Howe. It expects to open the factory next year and hire up to 250 workers by 2016.
Lilly scientists stole $55 million in trade secrets, indictment alleges
Three former employees of Eli Lilly and Co. allegedly transferred trade secrets that Lilly values at more than $55 million to a competing Chinese drug company, according to an indictment unsealed Tuesday in federal court.