Undaunted by internet, Indianapolis Public Library adds branches, boosts visits
The Indianapolis Public Library system is on a physical growth spurt, even in an increasingly digital age where a growing portion of its collection exists only online.
Government & Economic Development
Articles
Trump sees progress in Mexico talks, but ‘not nearly enough’
Mexican Foreign Secretary Marcelo Ebrard said immigration, not tariffs, was the main focus at the White House meeting, which included Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Vice President Mike Pence and other U.S. officials.
Indianapolis joins effort to turn Nickel Plate into trail
Indianapolis has joined Fishers and Noblesville in a quest to turn the Nickel Plate Railroad into a 17-mile trail connecting the three communities and is seeking millions in state funds to make it happen.
City orders Delco Foods to pay nearly $100,000 for breaking incentive deal
A local food distribution company that plans to move its operations to Whitestown next year will have to pay off $98,406 in tax breaks, the Metropolitan Development Commission ruled this week.
Republican caucus picks new Indiana House member
A former gubernatorial aide was selected by a Republican caucus Tuesday to serve out the remainder of State Rep. Dave Frizzell’s term in the General Assembly.
Powell hints Fed will cut rates if needed over trade wars
Expectations are rising that the Fed will cut rates at least once and possibly twice before year's end, in part because of the consequences of the trade war.
Urban Institute warns of population miscount in 2020 Census
According to a new report, the worst-case scenario in Indiana predicts the population could be undercounted by nearly 40,000 people.
Democratic state senator from Gary exploring run for governor
Sen. Eddie Melton said he will announce plans to form a gubernatorial exploratory committee and a statewide listening tour at an event Tuesday night in Gary.
Council OKs proposals to help fund CIB’s 25-year plan
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday overwhelmingly approved proposals to help fund the Capital Improvement Board’s long-term strategic plan, including chipping in $270 million to help fund a massive overhaul of Bankers Life Fieldhouse.
Developer investing $30M to buy, rehab Nora apartment complex
The 254-unit Nora Pines would be renamed but remain affordable housing. TWG Development is asking the city to issue $17.6 million in bonds for the project, which the developer would be responsible for repaying.
Trump digs in on Mexican import tariffs despite uproar
Despite pushback from U.S. business, Mexico and Capitol Hill, President Donald Trump is doubling down on his threat to slap a 5% tariff on Mexican imports.
Sports betting launch in Indiana could be delayed
Indiana Gaming Commission Executive Director Sara Gonso Tait said Thursday that state regulators might not be ready by Sept. 1 to allow sports betting, even though a law approved earlier this year makes it legal beginning on that date.
Area leaders balk at Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett’s regional infrastructure plan
Several area mayors say they’ve been meeting to discuss regional cooperation—talks that Hogsett has been a part of—but had not signed off on any plan like the one the Indianapolis Democrat proposed. The Hogsett plan would create winners and losers among counties.
Hogsett pledges 25-year plan to fight food insecurity, hunger in Indianapolis
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett outlined plans to tackle food insecurity in his state of the city address, stating that he would soon submit to the Indianapolis City-County Council a “significant investment for programming.”
Hogsett proposes ambitious, 9-county plan to fund infrastructure improvements
The mayor’s office says the strategy is a way to meet the city’s growing infrastructure needs—which amount to $160 million per year—without raising taxes. But the proposal would create winners and losers among area counties, even as it addresses what’s considered a regional problem.
Some Indiana educators disappointed about mental health funding
Jennifer McCormick, the state superintendent of public instruction and a Republican, said financial backing for mental health services didn't receive the attention it warranted.
City’s oldest municipal golf course to close at end of season
The impending closure of Riverside Golf Course—which opened in 1900 as only the fourth municipal golf course in the country—is part of the city’s master plan for Riverside Park. The city’s second oldest municipal course also is slated for closure.
Appeals court says Gary’s lawsuit against gun makers can proceed
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Thursday revived the city of Gary’s lawsuit against 10 handgun manufacturers, thwarting the Indiana General Assembly’s attempt to derail the legal action in 2015.
Buttigieg surges with Dems as some begin suffering ‘Beto overload’
Over the past two months, South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg has risen from a virtual unknown to the top tier of contenders among Democrats as Beto O’Rourke slipped down.
USDA researchers quit in droves as Trump administration plans relocation
A plan to move U.S. Department of Agriculture researchers out of Washington, D.C., has thrown two small but influential science agencies into upheaval. Indiana is one of three finalists to land the agencies.