Indiana election turnout averages 20.5 percent statewide
Secretary of State Connie Lawson announced the turnout figure for the Nov. 3 elections Tuesday. She said nearly 560,000 of the 2.7 million eligible Indiana voters cast ballots.
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Lawmakers hope for momentum on program to help avoid layoffs
Nearly 30 states have “work-share” programs that pay partial unemployment benefits when employers need to reduce workers’ hours. The idea has gone nowhere with Indiana lawmakers, but the next legislative session could be different.
Pence faces ACLU lawsuit for blocking Syrian refugees
The suit filed on behalf of the Indianapolis-based not-for-profit Exodus Refugee Immigration accuses Pence of violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Constitution and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act.
More than 18,000 lose food stamp benefits in Indiana
About 18,300 people in Indiana this month have lost an average of $125 of monthly food stamp benefits after a change in work and job training requirements.
Lack of Indiana exotic animal regulations raising concerns
The state Department of Natural Resources stopped issuing permits for wild animals and regulating their ownership following the February ruling that said it didn’t have the authority to manage such legally owned animals.
Some Indiana cities worry about impact of proposed LGBT bill
Officials in some Indiana cities with ordinances that provide protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender residents are concerned that a bill lawmakers will consider in the 2016 session could undermine their local authority.
Charters awarded $40M in loans from controversial state program
Indiana’s State Board of Education on Friday said it had received requests for a total of $77M in loans from 33 charter schools, exceeding the funding approved for the $50M program.
State jobless rate holds steady at 4.4 percent
Solid October job gains in the manufacturing sector in were offset in part by losses in construction, hospitality and professional business services.
Hogsett starts ‘aggressive’ cost review of city programs
Indianapolis mayor-elect Joe Hogsett has enlisted public accounting and consulting firm Crowe Horwath LLP to help complete a “strategic review” of city-county government.
Marion County using new technology to track offenders
The new tech rapidly analyzes GPS data produced each month by offenders wearing ankle bracelets. It can tip off authorities to potentially criminal behavior and save time with case management.
Obama threatens to veto House GOP bill on Syrian refugees
The White House on Wednesday threatened a presidential veto of House Republican legislation aimed at increasing screenings for Syrian and Iraqi refugees before they enter the United States.
Rezoning for $17M north-side senior facility moves forward
The Metropolitan Development Commission voted 6-2 in favor of Stonecrest Senior Living’s request to rezone 4.8 acres of wooded wetlands at the southeast corner of 86th and North Meridian streets.
Councilors question Carmel attorney’s 2-week paid leave, then hefty raise
After going on paid administrative leave this fall, Carmel City Attorney Doug Haney received a 23 percent raise that will take effect in 2016.
UPDATE: Senate Republicans unveil draft of LGBT rights bill
The proposal comes as a new poll finds that most Indiana voters support adding sexual orientation and gender identity to Indiana’s civil rights law.
Bosma backs proposal to require pseudoephedrine prescription
Bosma’s support could give the proposal its first real life in the General Assembly, which has for years eschewed prescription proposals in favor of laws that require pharmacies to track the people who purchase drugs containing pseudoephedrine, one of the ingredients that can be used to make meth.
GOP leader says social conservative will sponsor LGBT bill
Republican leader David Long refused to give details about what the proposal will entail other than stating that Sen. Travis Holdman, R-Markle, is drafting the measure, which will be heard when the Legislature meets in January.
Pence: Indiana won’t accept Syrian refugees
Gov. Mike Pence's move, announced in the wake of Friday's terrorist attacks in Paris, won applause from fellow Indiana Republicans, but criticism from a legal scholar who said he might be overstepping his authority.
Zionsville panel OKs rezoning plan for new town hall
The Zionsville Plan Commission approved a rezoning request Monday night that paves the way for a new municipal building and commercial development on the 6.85-acre site that is occupied by the current town hall.
GOP legislator resigning year after costly re-election win
Rep. Matt Ubelhor of Bloomfield announced Monday he was resigning from the Indiana House effective Dec. 1 to focus on business opportunities.
Lawmakers grappling with state road-funding strategy
The key question is what the Indiana Legislature can do in a short or non-budget-making session, which will convene in January.