Fed chief warns lack of further stimulus imperils recovery
The solid economic recovery under way could falter without continued financial support from the government, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Tuesday.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
City bicentennial celebrations ramp up despite pandemic
The city of Indianapolis is turning 200 and, although the pandemic has altered some plans, celebrations are underway and residents have plenty of opportunities to engage.
State announces two new pandemic-related grant programs
The state received $2.4 billion in CARES Act funding, and still has about $1 billion remaining as Gov. Eric Holcomb’s administration has been hopeful that Congress would amend the restrictions regarding how and when the dollars can be spent.
Marion County warns voters to check absentee ballots for errors
The election office said absentee voters should verify that the precinct on their ballot matches the precinct on their ballot envelope and that two sets of initials—belonging to election officials—are there.
City gets serious about enforcing minority contracting goals
But not everyone agrees the change will make a significant difference in ensuring the city’s bidding process is more inclusive, and they argue more work needs to be done.
2 former lawmakers now running to become Indiana’s top lawyer
Political veterans face off in bid to replace Republican Curtis Hill.
Rokita says he’ll be an ‘aggressive’ attorney general
The former congressman and secretary of state entered the race in May just before the filing deadline because he believed the GOP incumbent, Curtis Hill, was no longer suitable for the office.
Weinzapfel says AG should be about policy, not politics
When the former Evansville mayor announced his candidacy in December, he believed he’d be facing embattled Republican incumbent Curtis Hill. Instead, is running against Republican Todd Rokita.
Council imposes penalties on vendors that don’t meet minority-contracting goals
The changes would allow officials to withhold payments from vendors, terminate their contracts or ban them from future city contracts if they don’t comply with the program.
Profit from real estate deals helping Spartz fund congressional campaign
A campaign disclosure form and other public records show that Spartz and her husband, Jason Spartz, have largely made their money buying, selling, leasing and farming land.
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.
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.
City government workers not as diverse as residents they serve
Indianapolis city-county government has work to do recruiting and retaining more minority employees—particularly Hispanic workers—if its staff is going to reflect the population it works for.
CBO: U.S. government debt almost the size of entire economy for first time since WWII
Congress has approved more than $3 trillion in new spending since March to combat the pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, approving hundreds of billions in aid for businesses and the unemployed.
Over Indiana’s opposition, pace accelerated for no-excuse absentee balloting case
Indiana is urging the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals to apply the brakes to the challenge to the state’s restrictions on absentee balloting. However, in an order issued Tuesday, the 7th Circuit granted the plaintiffs’ motion to expedite the appeal.
Deputy mayor for economic development leaving administration
Angela Smith Jones, deputy mayor for economic development for Indianapolis since 2016, is joining Health and Hospital Corp. as the vice president of diversity and inclusion.
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.
Music venues awarded $121K in grants for COVID relief
The grants to 17 Indianapolis businesses are to be used for overhead costs, which could include monthly rent or mortgage payments and utility bills.
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.