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.
Public Safety
Articles
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.
City seeks to close south-side hotel on nuisance charges
The owners of the Traveler’s Inn on Bluff Road face public nuisance charges and are accused of operating without a proper business license, according to a lawsuit filed by the city on Monday.
Can’t stand the heat? Get off the job site
The combination of rising temperatures and humid air have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for central Indiana through 8 p.m., but some area workers can’t stay out of the elements.
Indiana first to require drug tests for job training
The U.S. Department of Labor says Indiana is the first state to require drug testing of people seeking job training. But at least 30 states have considered requiring drug tests for those receiving government assistance.
Indiana fireworks tax raises millions for training
State budget officials said Indiana took in $2.5 million from the special 5-percent public safety tax on fireworks during the 2011 fiscal year that ended June 30. That indicates about $51 million in retail fireworks sales around the state during that time.
Judge grills attorney for state over immigration law
A federal judge grilled an attorney for the state of Indiana on Monday about the state's new immigration law, questioning how police would enforce the law and saying one of its provisions conflicts with federal law.
Critics: City’s effort to help ex-offenders ineffective
Three years after Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard launched a city office designed to help ex-offenders avoid a repeat prison visit, some of those original supporters say the city’s Office of Re-Entry Initiatives not only has fallen short of that goal but has accomplished little else.