Indiana lawmakers reach halfway point of legislative session
Here’s a look at bills that are alive, those that died—and what to look forward to in the second half.
Associated Press
Articles
Kokomo, Howard County considering broader smoking ban
Local leaders are expected to vote Monday on proposals that would end smoking in all bars and restaurants.
Yellen signals Federal Reserve likely to raise rates this month
Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in a speech in Chicago that the Federal Reserve expects steady economic improvement to justify additional rate increases.
Caterpillar offices raided by feds
The exact reason for the raid was unclear, but the manufacturer told the SEC in a filing last month that the IRS believes it owed $2 billion more in taxes for the years 2010 to 2012 due to profits from its Swiss unit.
Pence used private email account to conduct state business
Vice President Mike Pence used a private email account to conduct public business as Indiana's governor, according to public records. The practice raises security questions, but doesn’t violate Indiana law.
Trump’s nominee to run Medicare, Medicaid advances
Indiana health care consultant Seema Verma was approved by the Finance Committee on a 13-12 party-line vote.
U.S. jobless claims drop to lowest level since 1973
Unemployment claims have come in below 300,000 a week for two straight years, the longest such streak since 1970.
Republicans in Indiana warn of potential health repeal fallout
Republican legislative leaders in Indiana are warning that repealing the Affordable Care Act could unravel a program for poor residents that Vice President Mike Pence implemented as governor.
Stocks have record day as Dow closes above 21,000
The Dow Jones industrial average rose above 21,000 points for the first time in what was the biggest gain for the blue-chip index so far this year. The S&P 500, the Nasdaq composite and the Russell 2000 also reached record highs.
Two Wisconsin judges to help Indianapolis division with cases
Two federal judges from Wisconsin are helping their counterparts in the Southern District of Indiana tackle their large caseload.
GOP divisions emerge as Senate passes pre-K funding plan
Republicans who control the Statehouse are deeply divided on how—or if—Indiana should move forward on a proposed expansion of a state-funded preschool program for low-income children.
Target pulls down other retailers with tepid quarter, outlook
Target Corp. reported a 43 percent drop in fourth-quarter profit as weak store sales overshadowed an improving online performance.
Latest GDP figures show weak quarterly, yearly growth
Economic growth for 2016 overall was just 1.6 percent, the poorest showing in five years. Since the recession ended in mid-2009, annual growth has averaged 2.1 percent, the worst performance for any recovery in the post-World War II period.
Report: Child homelessness, poverty drop in Indiana
A report on Indiana youth found other problems persist, including rising infant mortality rates and instances of child abuse and neglect, mostly due to parental substance abuse.
Indiana Senate approves bill to reduce solar incentive
Much of a financial incentive for installing solar panels would be eliminated in the coming years under a bill passed Monday by the Indiana Senate.
White House: Trump budget will hike defense spending by $54B
To counter defense-spending increases, the president plans to propose corresponding cuts to domestic programs and foreign aid.
PwC’s hard-won reputation under threat after Oscars mistake
The accounting firm’s colossal mistake at the end of Sunday night’s Academy Awards threatens to undo decades of goodwill.
New efforts push for revival of historically black church
Despite a concerted effort from preservationists and other supporters, West Baden Springs’ First Baptist Church still needs lots of work and isn’t out of the woods yet.
Inaccurate statements by lawmaker on solar bill stir backlash
At least one lawmaker said that inaccurate testimony by Sen. Brandt Hershman during a recent Statehouse hearing led him to back a bill that would reduce financial incentives for installing solar panels.
Lacking enough support, South Bend mayor withdraws before DNC chairman vote
After Pete Buttigieg pulled out, party activists elected former Labor Secretary Tom Perez to lead the Democratic National Committee.