Proposal to ban sitting, lying down in Mile Square withdrawn
Minority Leader Mike McQuillen, who said the purpose of the proposal was intended to curb panhandling and increase the sense of safety downtown, withdrew the proposal.
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Firms could hire marginalized workers to keep economic growth humming, expert says
The unemployment rate is so low that the U.S. economy risks slipping into recession due to lack of labor. Businesses should consider hiring ex-offenders and other prospects that they previously have avoided, according to a chief economic strategist for Fifth Third Bank.
Trump administration finalizes birth control opt-out policy
The Trump administration on Wednesday finalized a policy change that allows some employers with religious or moral objections to opt out of providing no-cost birth control for female workers.
State study panel makes no recommendation on medical marijuana
Indiana lawmakers listened to more than three hours of testimony Thursday afternoon about whether Indiana should allow for medical marijuana usage but did not come to any consensus on the issue.
Analysis finds sheriff’s department underfunded, facing big overtime cost jump
A preliminary audit of the sheriff’s office budget and operations, being conducted for the city by consulting firm KPMG, follows a dispute last year over the agency’s budget.
Billboard from Seattle aimed at recruiting Indianapolis officers
Local Fraternal Order of Police President Rick Snyder called the billboard a "canary in the coalmine," saying that the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been losing officers to other cities at an alarming rate.
Purdue researchers develop software to make big events safer
The platform is designed to track social media posts and use that information to alert emergency responders and event organizers of problems or potential problems within a specified geographical area.
Indiana’s sheriffs push for more funding to keep felons jailed
Indiana's sheriffs say they need more state money to cover the costs of holding low-level nonviolent felons in county jails.
Products distributed by local company recalled for possible parasite
The Agriculture Department's Food Safety and Inspection Service said lettuce in the products, distributed by Indianapolis-based Caito Foods LLC, might be contaminated with cyclospora. The parasite causes intestinal illness.
IBJ Podcast: Will Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett seek re-election?
IBJ reporter Hayleigh Colombo talks to the mayor about whether he’ll seek a second term and why he says the job is the hardest he’s ever had.
Court: Indianapolis isn’t obligated to pay police officer’s legal fees
A federal appeals court says Indianapolis doesn't have to pay the legal fees of a police officer who successfully defended a lawsuit accusing him of negligence.
Supreme Court: Police need search warrants to track cellphones
Chief Justice John Roberts, joined by the court’s four liberals in the 5-4 decision, wrote that “an individual maintains a legitimate expectation of privacy in the record of his physical movements” as they are captured by cellphone towers.
UPDATE: Holcomb pledges action on DCS problems outlined in new report
A review of the state’s child welfare system found that dysfunction, a perceived lack of resources and a "culture of fear" contributed to widespread problems.
Salmonella linked to pre-cut melon from local distributor sickens 60 in Midwest
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the fruit was distributed to numerous retailers in eight states, including Indiana. At least 30 people have been hospitalized.
Study: Gun removal law reduces suicides in Indiana
An Indiana law allowing authorities to temporarily remove guns from those considered a risk to others or themselves has helped reduce the state's firearm-related suicides, according to a University of Indianapolis study.
Indiana fraudsters sentenced for stealing, reselling $1.2M in merchandise from Amazon
In the scheme, a husband and wife would assume false identities and scam consumer electronics from Amazon, prosecutors said. They would sell the goods to an associate, often in parking lots in Indianapolis.
After 4 years, Indiana fully embraces text-to-911 in emergencies
Residents in all 92 of the state's counties can now send texts during emergencies if they're unable to speak to dispatchers.
Indianapolis official announces halt to merit board changes
The Indianapolis City-County Council president has halted plans to revamp the city's civilian police merit board in the wake of its recent vote clearing two officers of wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of an unarmed black motorist.
Several issues unresolved as General Assembly nears ending point
Still left to address is legislation involving school safety programs, professional licensing for young immigrants referred to as “Dreamers,” sex education, school takeovers, handgun fees and workforce development leadership.
Indiana lawmakers put finishing touches on gun rights legislation
Law enforcement groups voiced serious concerns about the bill because license fees are a major source of funding for training, including active shooter response training.