View of health rollout improves, but only slightly
Negative perceptions of the health care rollout have eased, a new poll finds. But overall, two-thirds of Americans say things still aren’t going well.
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Minimum wage bills pushed in at least 30 states
A pitch last week from Indiana Democrats was a nonstarter. But a Quinnipiac University poll this month found 71 percent of Americans in favor of raising the minimum wage—including more than half of Republicans polled.
State panel backs bill for welfare drug testing
The bill would require Indiana residents to be screened through a questionnaire and drug tested if they show a likelihood of addiction.
Obamacare small-biz plan lags as employers stand pat
Greeted by higher premiums, less generous coverage and more paperwork, small businesses are choosing to renew existing health plans rather than buy them through President Barack Obama’s program.
Indiana joins Feds in reviewing merger of Sysco, US Foods
Sysco, with annual revenue of about $44 billion, is the top operator in the U.S. food distribution business. Adding No. 2 US Foods would create a corporation in charge of at least a quarter of the North American market.
U.S. Senate ready to send $1.1T spending bill to Obama
The Democratic-controlled Senate planned to give final congressional approval to the immense spending measure, possibly as early as Thursday. The Republican-run House passed the package Wednesday in a lopsided 359-67 vote.
Jobless-benefits extension bill stalls in U.S. Senate
Legislation to resurrect long-term jobless legislation stalled in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, triggering recriminations from both sides of the political aisle and putting Indiana Sen. Dan Coats in the middle of the battle.
Lawmakers confused by cut in state’s tobacco funds
A hearing about tobacco funding Wednesday in the House Public Health Committee left many legislators still searching for answers.
FEMA rejects Indiana’s appeal of tornado aid request
Indiana may seek low-interest federal loans for six counties hit by tornadoes and other severe November weather now that federal officials have rejected the state's disaster aid request.
Showdown set on unemployment bill in U.S. Senate
The new year looks a lot like the old one in the Senate, with Democrats scratching for votes to pass an agenda they share with President Barack Obama, and Republicans decidedly unenthusiastic about supporting more spending.
Justice delays health law’s birth control mandate
The Supreme Court has thrown a hitch into President Barack Obama's new health care law by blocking a requirement that some religion-affiliated organizations provide health insurance that includes birth control.
Indiana population growth continues to lag behind U.S.
Census Bureau estimates released Monday show Indiana’s population grew by about 33,000 people from 2012 to 2013, topping out at about 6.57 million residents.
FAA rejects Indiana’s bid for drone test site
Indiana had teamed with Ohio to secure one of the highly coveted test sites for unmanned aircraft.
With website on mend, Obamacare enrolls 2 million so far
The windfall comes at a critical moment for health care reform, which becomes “real” for many Americans on Jan. 1 as coverage through the insurance exchanges and key patient protections kick in.
Former congressman Andy Jacobs dies at age 81
The Indianapolis Democrat served in the Indiana House of Representatives in 1959-60, and then the U.S. House from 1965-73, and again from 1975-97.
Pence, other guvs urge progress on trade agreements
Pence says international trade is vital to Indiana’s economic growth and fiscal prosperity. In 2012, Indiana exported $34.4 billion to countries around the world.
Feds extend Obamacare deadline as customers rush site
The deadline to enroll in plans that begin Jan. 1 now is midnight Tuesday for most of the U.S. On Monday, healthcare.gov fielded nearly 50,000 simultaneous visitors, triggering a queuing system.
Obama names IU law prof to environmental panel
Eric Dannenmaier of the Indiana University Robert McKinney School of Law in Indianapolis will join a federal committee that promotes enforcement of evironmental laws.
Bipartisan budget agreement clears Congress
Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation Wednesday scaling back across-the-board cuts on programs ranging from the Pentagon to the national park system.