How TikTok grew from a fun app for teens into a potential national security threat
Starting in 2017, when the Chinese social video app merged with its competitor Musical.ly, TikTok has grown from a niche teen app into a global trendsetter.
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Felony charges filed against man over unpaid utilities at 4 apartment complexes
The charges are related to a high-profile case in which the landlord of the four affordable apartment properties in Indianapolis collected money from tenants but failed to pay Citizens Energy Group for services from October 2019 to April 2022.
Indiana could rake in millions more off legalized Internet gambling than previously estimated, report says
The updated report found that Indiana could bring in between $413 million and $929 million over the first three years of legalization in “average” conditions at different possible tax rates.
Bills to regulate large water withdrawals in Indiana face uncertain fate
The legislation comes in response to a state proposal to withdraw as much as 100 million gallons of water per day from aquifers connected to the Wabash River for the LEAP Research & Innovation District in Boone County.
Judge cuts probation for Indiana lawmaker after drunken driving plea
Republican Rep. Jim Lucas of Seymour asked Jackson Superior Court Judge Bruce MacTavish earlier this month to end his probation after six months, stating in court filings that he “performed very well on probation with no violations” and “all fees and financial obligations have been satisfied.”
Small businesses face new regulations in 2024
Regulations are created to improve business dealings, discourage unfair or illegal business activity, and protect workers. But, for small business owners, they often mean more red tape, higher costs and possible penalties for failing to comply.
City-County Council committee advances artificial intelligence proposal
The proposal from Republican Councilor Michael-Paul Hart, which would create a study commission on the city’s usage of AI, was passed unanimously by the Rules and Public Policy Committee.
On second try, Westfield City Council OKs move to second-class city status
The change in status means voters in 2027 will elect a city clerk and two additional city council members—one at-large and another representing a sixth district.
Democrats keep supermajority on Indy’s City-County Council
Election results show Democrats capturing 19 of the council’s 25 seats and Republicans gaining one post.
Hogsett wins third term in most expensive mayor’s race in Indianapolis history
Democratic Mayor Joe Hogsett beat back his best-funded Republican challenger ever in businessman Jefferson Shreve, winning a third term Tuesday in what was the most expensive mayoral race in Indianapolis history.
Indiana business leaders form coalition to boost civic engagement
The group hopes to improve civic education in a state that ranks among the bottom nationally when it comes to voter registration and turnout.
Buttigieg says he’s wary of overdependence on China for EV materials
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said he didn’t want the U.S. to be in a situation in which it was dependent on any one country for the resources that are needed for electric vehicles.
Indiana to receive $19M in opioid settlement funds this year
This year is the second year Indiana has received money from a national settlement with opioid distributors and manufacturers for opioid-related harms.
Justice Department says it won’t charge Pence over classified documents
No evidence ever emerged suggesting that Pence intentionally hid any documents from the government or even knew they were in his suburban Indianapolis home.
Braun, Crouch land big donations since legislative session’s end
The two frontrunners in the race for the GOP nomination in the 2024 governor’s race aren’t wasting anytime courting donors in what is expected to be a fiercely competitive and expensive primary election cycle.
UPDATE: Bill Oesterle, influential leader in politics and business, dies at 57
Oesterle’s long list of accomplishments included co-founding and serving as CEO of Indianapolis-based Angie’s List and persuading Mitch Daniels to run for governor.
Revised state budget expands school voucher funding, accelerates income tax cuts
The $44.5 billion spending plan restores measures coveted by Republican leaders in both chambers, a reflection of the April state revenue forecast that showed Indiana is expected to receive an additional $1.5 billion in revenue over the next two fiscal years.
U.S. officials seek to crack down on harmful AI products
FTC Chair Lina Khan joined top officials from U.S. civil rights and consumer protection agencies to put businesses on notice that regulators are working to track and stop illegal behavior in the use and development of artificial intelligence.
Indiana bill targeting ESG investing heads to governor’s desk
House Bill 1008 has been significantly watered down since it was first introduced, but Republicans say the anti-ESG legislation still accomplishes its intent.
Wetlands protections remain intact after pushback from environmental groups
Indiana lawmakers removed controversial language from a bill that would have effectively stripped protections for certain wetlands, but Republican leadership in both the House and Senate expressed support for reviving the language.