Biden taps Julie Su to lead Labor Department
Su quickly emerged as a clear favorite of organized labor and the Democratic Party establishment in recent weeks after Marty Walsh announced his resignation from the post.
Politics & Government
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FBI director says COVID-19 ‘most likely’ originated from lab incident
Christopher Wray’s statement follows a Department of Energy analysis for a new government-wide intelligence assessment that a lab accident in Wuhan was most likely responsible for the deadly pandemic.
Holcomb objects to EPA’s decision to ship toxic materials from train derailment to Indiana landfill
Gov. Eric Holcomb also decried a lack of communication from federal officials, saying he first learned about the shipment on Monday through a third party.
Supreme Court takes up challenge that threatens consumer watchdog agency
U.S. Solicitor General Elizabeth B. Prelogar requested the court step in. But conservatives also urged the court to act.
Administration to toughen enforcement of child labor laws as cases mount
As part of the effort, the Departments of Labor and Health and Human Services will coordinate investigations and ensure the safety of migrant children.
White House: No more TikTok on gov’t devices within 30 days
Congress passed the “No TikTok on Government Devices Act” in December as part of a sweeping government funding package.
Biden’s student loan forgiveness program comes before Supreme Court
President Biden’s far-reaching initiative to forgive student loan debt will be debated this week before a Supreme Court that is skeptical of the administration’s bold claims of power—a nearly half-trillion-dollar showdown that could affect more than 40 million Americans.
Indiana lawmakers discard illegal immigrant driving cards proposal
A state Senate committee had endorsed the bill in early February but it failed to advance through another committee before a deadline this week for action.
Bill aims to keep state from releasing non-resident prisoners in Indianapolis
House Bill 1087, authored by Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis, would require the Indiana Department of Correction—with some exceptions—to return offenders to the county where they lived when they were convicted.
House passes $43.4B budget with no Democrat votes
Democrats denounced the budget for taking funding away from traditional public schools. Under the new proposal, families making up to 400% of the federal poverty level, roughly $220,000, qualify for vouchers.
Candidate challenges hack away at City-County Council primary field
A hotly contested Democratic primary to represent City-County Council District 8 is down from five candidates to just two after a series of candidacy challenges and withdrawals.
Bills on underused school buildings, cursive writing advance
Meanwhile, Hoosiers have their first new law for the year—and it’s a retroactive business tax deduction in time for tax season.
Indiana lawmakers back defunding Kinsey sex institute
The Indiana House voted 53-34 to block state funding toward the Kinsey Institute, which has long faced criticism from conservatives
Republicans back bill for tighter Indiana mail voting rules
Indiana voters would have to submit more identification information to obtain mail-in election ballots under a bill Republicans are advancing through the state Legislature.
Indiana lawmakers advance ban on gender-transition procedures for minors
The bill, which moves to the full state Senate, would ban all gender-transition care for Indiana minors. That care could range from taking puberty blockers and hormone therapy to social transition at schools.
Indiana bill to criminalize nefarious GPS tracking advances to Senate
Although the proposal advanced 8-0, lawmakers cautioned that the bill still needs more work. More amendments are expected in the full chamber.
Anti-ESG bill clears financial panel with new $5.5M price tag
House Bill 1008 seeks to block the Indiana Public Retirement System, the Indiana State Police Pension Trust and their respective publicly traded financial managers from making investment decisions based on environmental, social or corporate governmental policies, or ESG.
Communications staffer for state Democrats to lead Hogsett mayoral campaign
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s reelection campaign announced Tuesday that Blake Hesch, interim communications director for the Indiana Democratic Party, will lead the primary campaign beginning in March.
Indiana Senate passes legislation protecting retail dog sales
If approved, the legislation would interfere with a proposal banning dog, cat and rabbit retail sales—introduced just this month—making its way through the Indianapolis City-County Council.
SALT deduction bill heading to Indiana governor’s desk
Senate Bill 2 is expected to provide a state and local tax, or SALT, deduction for what are known as pass-through entities, which are businesses that are not subject to corporate income tax.