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.
Public Safety
Articles
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.
State launches program to help employ ex-offenders
The state is launching an initiative aimed at helping ex-offenders find jobs, particularly with large businesses that tend to have the most trepidation about hiring them.
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.
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.
Marion County prosecutor plots white-collar strategy
Terry Curry expects his creation of a task force will start paying off with new cases—ranging from employee theft and investment fraud to political corruption—in the next few months.
Experts tell state panel marijuana prohibition has failed
A state panel heard from a parade of experts Thursday as it began studying whether to legalize marijuana in Indiana or reduce criminal penalties on small amounts of the drug.