Holcomb avoiding stance on GOP’s Biden challenge
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he wasn’t taking a stance on the challenge that’s picked up support from Indiana Sen. Mike Braun and at least two of the state’s seven Republican U.S. House members.
Politics & Government
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Loyal soldier Pence torn between Trump, Constitution
Vice President Mike Pence finds himself in the most precarious position of his tenure as he prepares to preside over Wednesday’s congressional tally of Electoral College votes.
Legislative leaders stress ‘flexibility will be key’ as session starts
During the first day of the 2021 session, House Speaker Todd Huston announced that the chamber will only convene on Thursdays, for now, to limit how often all 100 members have to be in the same room together.
Lawmakers to return to Statehouse for start of 2021 session
The COVID-19 pandemic has prompted lawmakers to make a handful of adjustments, such as moving the Indiana House of Representatives to the Government Center South building and installing plexiglass barriers in the Indiana Senate.
Pelosi narrowly reelected speaker, faces difficult two years
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., accused Pelosi of leading “the least productive Congress in nearly 50 years,” and said there was a clear message in last November’s elections, when Republicans gained seats by defeating a dozen Democratic incumbents.
Republican leaders squabble over ‘scheme’ to undo election for Trump
President Donald Trump has enlisted support from a dozen Republican senators and up to 100 House Republicans to challenge the Electoral College vote when Congress convenes in a joint session to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 victory.
Trump pressures Georgia secretary of state to recalculate vote in his favor
President Donald Trump urged fellow Republican Brad Raffensperger, the Georgia secretary of state, to “find” enough votes to overturn his defeat in an extraordinary one-hour phone call Saturday that legal scholars described as a flagrant abuse of power and a potential criminal act.
In a first, Congress overrides Trump veto of defense bill
The bill affirms a 3% pay raise for U.S. troops and guides defense policy, cementing decisions about troop levels, new weapons systems and military readiness, personnel policy and other military goals.
Hogsett chief of staff Cook stepping down after 5 years in job
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett on Wednesday announced turnover in the positions of chief of staff and deputy mayor of neighborhood engagement.
Gambling regulators suspend casino exec Ratcliff’s license as part of larger investigation
The Indiana Gaming Commission’s executive director said “issues of concern continue to emerge” as the agency investigates people associated with Spectacle Entertainment, which is building casinos in Terre Haute and Gary.
Congress sends $900B pandemic relief bill to Trump
The bill, approved late Monday by the U.S. House and Senate, will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and resources to vaccinate a nation confronting a frightening surge in COVID-19 cases and deaths.
Pence, wife Karen, surgeon general get COVID-19 vaccines
Vice President Mike Pence became the highest ranking U.S. official to receive the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine on Friday in a live-television event aimed at reassuring Americans the shot is safe.
Fort Harrison’s last historic building up for grabs
The building, which formerly served as the post exchange for soldiers stationed at Fort Benjamin Harrison, was offered for sale by the Fort Harrison Reuse Authority this week. Also this week: Tru by Hilton, Culver’s and more.
Holcomb’s agenda calls for increasing K-12 funding, continuing existing programs
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday morning announced his 2021 legislative agenda, which largely focuses on continuing projects and programs his administration has already been pursuing.
Biden says Buttigieg will play key role in rebuilding country after pandemic
The choice of Pete Buttigieg, who sought the Democratic presidential nomination and has an ardent following among some members of the party, will bring a dash of star power to what is normally a staid, if important, department.
State tax revenue outlook better than lawmakers expected, but cuts still possible
According to a revenue forecast presented to the State Budget Committee on Wednesday morning, tax receipts for the state’s general fund—essentially its main checking account—will total $34.95 billion for the next two-year budget, which will start in July.
Biden introduces ex-rival Buttigieg as transportation pick
President-elect Joe Biden introduced Democratic primary rival Pete Buttigieg on Wednesday as his nominee for transportation secretary, calling the 38-year-old ex-mayor of South Bend “a new voice, with new ideas determined to move past old politics.”
Biden to pick Buttigieg as transportation chief, sources say
Former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg, one of Biden’s rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination, was a breakout star of the primaries.
IBJ Podcast: Lawmakers in sticky situation making state’s next budget
Host Mason King talks with IBJ Statehouse reporter Lindsey Erdody about what legislative leaders are saying about the budget, which state programs could be on the chopping block and what spending the Republican-majority will prioritize.
Denied: Judges across political spectrum rejected Trump’s efforts to challenge votes
In a remarkable show of near-unanimity across the nation’s judiciary, at least 86 judges—ranging from jurists serving at the lowest levels of state court systems to members of the United States Supreme Court—rejected at least one post-election lawsuit filed by President Trump or his supporters.