Library plans to restore hours at some branches
The financial picture for Indianapolis’ struggling public library system is expected to improve enough for leaders to consider restoring operating hours at 10 of its 23 locations next year.
Government
Articles
‘Buy local’ law doesn’t sting Indy sewer project
A new state law that could add to the cost of public works projects didn’t impact one of Indianapolis’ most sizable bids this year.
City gives $82,000 for IndyFringe theater project
The grant from the city’s parking meter fund will be used to rebuild a nearby alleyway, repair sidewalks and install access curbs at the organization’s theater building on Saint Clair Street.
WellPoint spent $1.3M on federal lobbying in 2nd quarter
WellPoint lobbied on issues tied to the overhaul's implementation and regulations for accountable care organizations, which are networks of hospitals, doctors, rehabilitation centers and other providers that coordinate a patient's care.
Indiana hires outside firm to review state fair disaster
Indiana has hired an outside firm to help with its investigation into a fatal stage collapse at the state fair after questions were raised about the state's ability to conduct an objective probe itself.
Racinos ask federal court to lower their tax liability
If Indiana Live and Hoosier Park prevail, the racetrack-casinos may cut they could cut their combined tax bill by $30 million a year.
Education battle unleashed torrents of money in Indiana
Education reformers dramatically outspent opponents on lobbying, advertising and grass-roots campaigning during the past legislative session.
Parking deal netting city more meter money
In the quarter ended June 30, the city’s share of revenue from parking meters totaled $498,273 compared with $108,265 in the same time frame of 2010, a 360-percent increase.
I-465 renamed USS Indianapolis Memorial Highway
The interstate loop around Indianapolis was formally renamed for the cruiser sunk in shark-infested waters of the Pacific Ocean during the closing days of World War II.
State Fair stage that failed may not have been inspected
A spokesman for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security said neither the fire marshal nor Homeland Security officials conduct inspections. And the city does not have the authority to inspect items on state property.
Daniels says smoking ban has chance to pass next year
The governor says he wants to see the percentage of adult Hoosiers who smoke drop to 20 percent by the end of his term. A recent report put the state's smoking rate at a historic low of 21.1 percent.
Foreign students fear impact of new immigration law
The law that took effect July 1 states that "public assistance" for postsecondary education is only available to U.S. residents or "qualified aliens."
City to cut $20 million from most departments in 2012
Indianapolis will shed 200 positions next year to help cut $20 million from non-public safety agencies.
Fundraising starts slowly for Indiana student loan program
The slow economy is hurting progress on an endowment that would help pro bono lawyers repay debt.
Local lawyers specialize in representing lawyers
Kevin McGoff and Don Lundberg are go-to guys for Indiana attorneys needing counsel.
City plans to put $80M from utility sale into new fund
The money would be used as a safeguard to help Indianapolis maintain its AAA credit ratings. But Democrat mayoral challenger Melina Kennedy is criticizing the move.
Green group: I-69 will drain money from other projects
Indiana's 142-mile extension of Interstate 69 between Indianapolis and Evansville will siphon hundreds of millions of dollars away from other road and bridge projects in coming years, according to a report from an environmental group.
Cummins OK with new federal fuel standards for trucks
U.S. truck makers are expected to improve tractor-trailer fuel economy by about 20 percent by 2018, saving $50 billion in fuel costs over five years and decreasing carbon-dioxide emissions, President Barack Obama said.
1,300 Hoosiers eligible for United Financial restitution
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller said more than 1,300 Hoosiers are eligible for restitution from United Financial Systems Corp. in the wake of a court ruling against the Indianapolis-based company. The company also faces at least two class-action lawsuits.
Indiana federal aid target in national debt deal
The federal deal targets "discretionary funding," which is where a good chunk of the roughly $9 billion the state collects from the federal government each year falls.