Indiana House panel backs smoking-ban bill
The House health committee voted 9-3 in favor of the bill Wednesday after adding an exemption for retail tobacco shops. The bill would prohibit smoking in most public places and workplaces, including bars.
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Indiana Senate backs tougher sex-trafficking law
The Indiana Senate has approved a bill to toughen penalties for sex trafficking, and supporters hope it will become law before football fans converge on Indianapolis for the Super Bowl in less than a month.
New push set for broad Indiana smoking limits
The bill announced Thursday by Republican Rep. Eric Turner of Cicero would prohibit smoking in most public places and workplaces, including bars.
Daniels rescinds crowd limits at Indiana Statehouse
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels has rescinded new Statehouse security rules that put a 3,000-person limit on the number of people allowed in the building at any one time.
Indiana officials standing by Statehouse crowd limits
State officials vigorously defended a new 3,000-person Statehouse capacity limit on Tuesday, saying it was driven by public safety concerns and not by political motives as labor unions and other opponents maintain.
Indiana Statehouse capacity limit angers Dems
A plan by Indiana officials to limit the number of people who can be inside the Statehouse at any given time has angered Indiana Democrats and union officials.
New ban on texting while driving yields few tickets
In its first five months on the books, Indiana's texting-while-driving ban has led to only a few dozen citations by state troopers—a trend police blame on restrictions in the law that make it difficult for them to enforce.
House Speaker: State lawmakers may seek smoking ban
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma says lawmakers may seek passage of a statewide smoking ban before the nation's attention turns to Indianapolis for the February Super Bowl.
Group plans another push for Sunday alcohol sales
A coalition of convenience and grocery stores said Wednesday that they will renew their push for Sunday carry-out alcohol sales and cold sales of beer, but with a twist.
City-County committee nixes tougher smoking ban
The City-County Council's Rules and Public Policy Committee voted 6-2 Tuesday night against sending a tough smoking-ban proposal to a full council.
Consultant: IPL’s downtown network needs closer eye
Atlanta firm says IPL underground system "well designed and regularly maintained" but may need upgrades to avoid more explosions.
Downtown getting blast-resistant manhole covers
Utility crews are installing about 100 new manhole covers in downtown Indianapolis that are designed to reduce the extent of damage from underground explosions and fires.
DeLaney calls for action to boost safety at convenience stores
State Rep. Ed DeLaney, an Indianapolis Democrat, said at a Wednesday morning press conference that he has asked the Indiana Department of Labor to convene a forum about worker safety with police, convenience store operators, Department of Labor officials and other interested parties.
City-County Council Republican to propose tougher smoking ban
The Republican president of the City-County Council in Indianapolis says his party plans to introduce an expanded smoking ban that would take effect before the Super Bowl.
Presidential visit to Super Bowl would up security ante
Security for Indianapolis’ Super Bowl—already ramped up from regular-season NFL games—could get even tighter. Sources said there has been talk of President Obama attending the February event.
Small claims court could move from City-County Building
Citing budget cuts and a rent increase, Center Township Trustee Eugene Akers wants to move the small claims court into the Julia Carson Government Center, against the judge’s wishes.
Pan Am Plaza damage subject of court battles
The owner of Pan Am Plaza’s parking garage, which the city partially closed on Wednesday over safety concerns, has fought legal battles over the damage with Indiana Sports Corp. and Central Parking System.
Costs of State Fair stage collapse investigation could be steep
Officials say it’s too early to know how much the state will pay for the investigation of the tragedy. But fees stipulated in contracts with investigators show costs easily could surpass seven figures.
Sheriff’s department concerned about budget crunch
Officials from the Marion County Sheriff’s Department say they are concerned that a $10 million gap in this year’s budget will hurt their ability to pay critical bills.
Fire heavily damages Aristocrat restaurant
The restaurant at 5212 N. College Ave. sustained $1.5 million in damage. Firefighters were called to the two-story, 6,000-square-foot building early Thursday morning.