Jury still out on Marion County courts going to proposed jail location
Judges have an aggressive timeline for making the decision whether to move courts to the Twin Aire neighborhood with the city’s proposed criminal justice complex.
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Bill on short-term rentals resurrected in Indiana House
A proposal in the Indiana House that would restrict local governments from banning short-term rentals—such as Carmel’s recent move to stop owners from sharing their homes on Airbnb—appeared to be dead earlier this week.
House passes pre-K bill that expands access to vouchers
Supporters of expanding state-funded preschool said they are frustrated the bill includes what they view as an expansion of the private school voucher program.
DeVos confirmed as education secretary as Pence breaks tie
The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed school choice advocate Betsy DeVos as education secretary by the narrowest of margins, with Vice President Mike Pence breaking a 50-50 tie in a historic vote.
Gas pump advertising campaign targets Indiana fuel tax hike
A trade association will soon adorn gas pumps across Indiana with ads opposing a Republican plan to use higher fuel taxes to pay for infrastructure repairs.
Black lawmakers oppose Marion County judicial selection plan
Black legislative leaders say proposed changes to Marion County's judicial selection process would disenfranchise voters and limit diversity on the bench.
Bill that would restrict bans on short-term rentals stalls in House
The result is a victory for local governments that want to thwart homeowners from offering their houses on Airbnb—but not for homeowners in those communities who wish to use such services to make extra money.
Former higher ed chief Stan Jones dies
Jones was a behind-the-scenes architect of Gov. Frank O’Bannon’s efforts to create a community college system.
House Dems offer road funding plan as alternative to GOP’s
They’re calling the plan “No New Taxes” and arguing Indiana can pay for major road-funding improvements without raising the gas tax.
Audit of Muncie finances finds lack of internal controls
The state’s first audit in three years of the Muncie city government’s books has found some state-mandated procedures weren’t followed.
State health advocates hope proposed cigarette tax reduces smoking
Public health officials say the increase is a proactive approach toward reducing the smoking rate and would serve as a deterrent for young people to even begin.
Madison County officials eye transit system to Indianapolis
The county’s long-range transportation plan will include a feasibility study of commuter rail.
Legal challenges to nondiscrimination ordinances will proceed
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Friday declined to take up an appeal from four cities, which had sought to dismiss the challenges from three conservative groups.
U.S. hiring picks up steam, more people get back in job hunt
U.S. employers added a healthy 227,000 jobs last month and more Americans began looking for work—developments that President Donald Trump interpreted as confidence in his administration.
State GOP leaders ready to make another run at Sunday sales
Grocery chains, convenience stores and pharmacies have pushed for years to have Indiana's eight decades-old ban lifted and be able to sell alcohol on Sundays, but a compromise has been elusive.
House approves merit-selection system for Marion County judges
Judges would be selected by a nominating commission and the governor—rather than through elections—under the proposal that is supported by Republicans and opposed by some Democrats.
Merritt to run for Marion County GOP chairman
The state senator is seeking to replace Council Minority Leader Mike McQuillen, who led the party on a temporary basis until announcing he would step down this week.
House panel exempts Tesla from state ban on direct auto sales
The author of the bill, Rep. Ed Soliday, said he believed the amended measure would make people on both sides of the bill “equally happy and equally unhappy.”
Terre Haute casino could keep Hoosiers gambling in Indiana, supporters say
Senate Bill 354 would let Rising Star Casino Resort in Southern Indiana’s Ohio County move 740 gaming positions to Terre Haute.
State committee passes bill to raise cigarette tax, hike smoking age
The measure also removes employment protections for smokers, raises the age for purchasing cigarettes to 21 and directs more money to tobacco-cessation programs.