Indiana adoption advocates optimistic about legislation
The leader of an advocacy group for Indiana adoptees says there’s a good shot that state lawmakers will endorse a bill to expand access to sealed adoption records.
Government & Economic Development
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Judge limits discovery Pence sought in Syrian refugee case
A federal judge has signaled unwillingness to permit wide-ranging discovery that the administration of Gov. Mike Pence sought as it continues to oppose a charity’s resettlement of Syrian refugees in Indiana.
Missed vote puts spotlight on Brainard’s business trips
Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard traveled out of state using public money nearly every month this year. His trips aren’t lavish, but he was gone on city business a total of 79 days, raising questions about both the hard and soft costs.
No relief in sight for shortage of affordable housing in area
Marion County is suffering from a severe shortage of affordable housing and the inventory is not expected to increase anytime soon. The most popular financing option to help build affordable housing projects is so limited that only a small fraction of the developments get built.
Michigan’s minimum wage rising to $8.50 an hour
Michigan workers making the minimum wage will see a 35-cents-an-hour raise starting Friday. Indiana’s minimum wage will remain $7.25 per hour.
Ballard wrapping up 8 years as Indianapolis mayor
Greg Ballard, 61, ends eight years as Indianapolis mayor on Thursday, capping a period during which he oversaw the city’s hosting of the Super Bowl while also struggling with violent crime problems.
Indianapolis ends curb-side Christmas tree pickup
The city of Indianapolis tried curb-side pickup of Christmas trees last season, but it's going back to asking residents to resume dropping trees off at city parks.
State plans $50M revamp of I-465/I-69 interchange
Reconfiguring the interchange is meant to ease congestion, improve safety and reduce travel times for drivers on the northeast side’s crowded commuter corridor.
Archaeological finds boost transit center costs, delay opening
Construction work on the IndyGo transit center, which is expected to become a hub for most of Indianapolis’ bus lines, has been delayed by seven months. The project’s estimated cost has risen from $20 million to $26.5 million.
Ivy Tech possibility for Ellspermann could affect Pence bid
If Lt. Gov. Sue Ellspermann is offered and accepts the job, it would shake up Gov. Mike Pence’s re-election effort, allowing the Republican to find a new running mate to join him on the November ticket.
Indiana bill targets transgender bathroom use
Sen. Jim Tomes' bill would send people to jail for up to a year and fine them as much as $5,000 if they were convicted of entering a bathroom that does not match up with their birth gender.
U.S. applications for jobless aid continue decline
The U.S. job market continues to appear strikingly robust. Over the past 12 months, the number of people collecting unemployment benefits has dropped 7.7 percent to 2.2 million.
Pence authorizes $42M in raises for state workers
The pay increases will be based on performance evaluations that are completed in January, and could reach as high as 6 percent for outstanding work.
State audit expresses doubts about Terre Haute’s future
The audit of Terre Haute’s finances raise doubts about its ability to continue to operate as a municipality. It notes that the city is one of those hardest hit by reductions in property values and property tax caps.
Carmel on road to $217M in infrastructure projects
The list of projects slated over three years includes about 30 more roundabouts, other street improvements, and land acquisition. It would lead to property tax increases for most residents.
Renewable-energy firm to invest $180M in new facility
The operation, which is expected to employ 136 in Steuben County by 2019, will convert scrap plastic into ultra-low sulfur diesel and gasoline blendstocks.
State awards $135K in federal funds for tree programs
Recipients for tree inventory and analysis included Elkhart, $20,000; Kendallville, $17,425; West Lafayette, $18,562; and Pendleton, $11,575.
UPDATED: University Loft reaps $3.5M from unfair-competition claims
The Greenfield-based furniture maker blew the whistle on a Dallas-based rival that failed to pay duties on furniture imported from China, the Justice Department said.
Governor backing Ellspermann for Ivy Tech presidency
The lieutenant governor says she's been approached about becoming president of Ivy Tech Community College, and Gov. Mike Pence's spokesman says Pence has encouraged her to seek the job.
Indiana regions passed over for state money continue search
Officials in four Indiana areas that failed to win a share of the tens of millions of dollars in the Regional Cities competition are looking to other sources fund their dream projects.