U.S. Senate confirms financier Howard Lutnick as commerce secretary
At his confirmation hearing last month, Lutnick dismissed as “nonsense” the idea that tariffs contribute to inflation.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Tariffs could reach deep into manufacturing-heavy Indiana
While consumers across the country could pay higher prices on all sorts of goods, Indiana’s economy is especially vulnerable to the uncertainty from tariffs and retaliatory tariffs between nations, economists say.
Uncertainty over impact of tariffs leaves aftermarket manufacturer anxious
Anderson-based StagUSA Services Inc. manufactures aftermarket products allow vehicles to run on alternative fuels like compressed natural gas and propane. The company imports propane tanks from Mexico and other components from Poland.
Nashville distiller says Trump policies may present new opportunities
When the Trump administration announced tariffs on Feb. 1 for most Canadian, Mexican and Chinese goods, Hard Truth Distilling Co. co-owner Jeff McCabe was worried but said his Indiana whiskey producer will be fine.
Portage plastics parts maker fears trade ‘chaos’
Konrady Plastics Inc. CEO Leah Konrady says President Trump’s trade proposals are creating uncertainty.
Despite building concerns, IEDC transparency bills died without hearings. Why?
Lawmakers’ unease with the Indiana Economic Development Corp. culminated in at least four transparency-focused bills this session—all filed by Republicans—seeking to add more guardrails.
Indiana House passes bill to create state agency supporting small businesses, entrepreneurs
House Bill 1172 has broad support from the business community, including the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and the Indiana chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Bill to overhaul regional development funding awaits committee vote as deadline ticks closer
Senate Bill 377 introduces a new framework and requirements for regional development funding, shifting the focus from place-aligned projects to more industry-focused development.
Federal judge blocks ‘catastrophic’ Trump administration cut to NIH grant funding
A judge on Monday prevented the National Institutes of Health from changing the percentage that universities and medical schools are paid in facilities and administrative costs in 22 states.
NCAA changes transgender competition policy for women’s sports
The NCAA policy change is effective immediately and applies to all athletes regardless of previous eligibility reviews under the NCAA’s prior transgender participation policy.
Economic enhancement district fee headed toward spring tax bills. Here’s what it will pay for.
Downtown Indy Inc. and the nine-member Downtown Economic Enhancement District Board of Directors have proposed a $4.53 million budget for 2025.
Trump pausing planned tariffs on Mexico, but not for Canada, China
U.S. President Donald Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum put their planned tariffs on hold Monday for a month to give time for further negotiations.
Indiana has the juice to fuel surge in data centers
When it comes to large-scale data center activity, the Hoosier state has gone from what feels like zero to 60 in a little over a year.
Trump’s moves rattle immigrant advocates
Since his Jan. 20 inauguration, the new president has fired off a flurry of executive orders and immigration-related announcements.
Cumberland seeks through state legislation to split from Unigov
Leaders for the town, a suburban enclave of just under 3 square miles that straddles the line between Marion and Hancock counties, want to separate from Indianapolis government.
Trump administration’s proposed funding freeze causes uncertainty, delays in central Indiana projects
Although the White House’s planned federal funding freeze was temporarily paused by a judge late Tuesday afternoon and rescinded Wednesday, it’s already delaying some central Indiana-based projects.
Proposed federal rule change reflects challenges, opportunities for Indiana’s disabled workers
The state has for several years been moving toward competitive integrated employment, in which people with disabilities work alongside non-disabled people for the same wages and benefits.
Hogsett team remains upbeat as MLS discussions grow quiet
There’s been little public movement on the pursuit of a Major League Soccer club since the city last August asked the state to create a new taxing district to pay for a soccer-specific stadium.
For large law firms, Statehouse lobbying is a must-do
Many of Indiana’s largest law firms find it imperative to offer government lobbying for their clients in order to provide a full line of services, especially true in Indianapolis, home to all of state government and the Legislature.
U.S. defense contractor to build 4,000-worker advanced manufacturing facility in central Ohio
Republican Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said it is the largest single job-creation and payroll project that Ohio has ever announced.