Indiana governor declines to meet with Syrian refugees
Pence spokeswoman Kara Brooks said Friday the governor had “graciously declined” to meet with the refugees due to a prior commitment to take part in another event.
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Indiana Senate Republicans offer plan to improve local roads
Republican leaders in the Indiana Senate would like to give $418 million to local governments to help improve their roads—a proposal that comes after Gov. Mike Pence was criticized for leaving local road funding out his recent infrastructure plan.
Critics vindicated by Carmel cash woes
A budget shortfall at Carmel Utilities has led to a deficit in the city’s general fund—a problem critics of Mayor Jim Brainard have been warning about for months.
Lawmakers to consider ISTEP-related accountability
At issue this year is what to do about test-score-based school accountability measures now that the state is expecting much lower scores.
Counties push another look at big-box tax appeals
County officials say a legislative fix for the issue passed earlier this year wasn’t strict enough. They say big-box stores are skirting their tax burden by using using vacant buildings to determine the value for taxation of brand-new stores.
LGBT rights promises to be the hottest debate in a 2016 legislative session
Proponents and opponents of putting sexual orientation and gender identity into the state’s civil rights law say they expect to spend tremendous time and energy on the issue—but not money. They say individual conversations are what will sway lawmakers.
Suit challenges constitutionality of RFRA fix, local gay rights laws
In their efforts to prevent discrimination against gays and lesbians, state and local governments are violating a host of constitutional rights of religious citizens and organizations, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday by two Christian organizations.
ACLU moves forward with refugee suit despite Pence’s remarks
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana said Wednesday that it will continue to press a lawsuit against Pence despite a softening of his stance on Syrian refugees.
Prosecutors to seek ban on over-the-counter pseudoephedrine
Prosecutors urged Indiana legislators Wednesday to ban over-the-counter sales of a common cold medicine used to make methamphetamine and to stiffen sentences for convicted drug dealers.
Groups seek to amp up Indy’s star power with TV, film initiative
The two-year, $300,000 initiative will court production crews for movies and TV commercials and shows. A consortium of city, civic and tourism groups think it could have a $6 million annual impact.
Tax caps: Savings for taxpayers, but mixed bag for cities
New analysis from the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute shows property tax caps, which were first applied in 2009, are having drastically different effects on Indiana cities.
Hogsett appoints Troy Riggs to be new IMPD chief
Citing a “public safety crisis,” Mayor-elect Joe Hogsett picks a major player from Mayor Greg Ballard’s administration.
Teacher panel calls for raises, pay for advanced degrees
A 49-member panel comprised mostly of teachers from across the state on Monday refined its recommendations for how the state should mentor, train, recruit and pay teachers.
Church group brings Syrian family to Indiana over Pence wish
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis says it has brought a Syrian refugee family into the state despite Indiana Gov. Mike Pence's request that it not do so.
Councilor to ditch proposal to raise mayor’s pay
Outgoing councilor Mary Moriarty Adams, who co-authored the proposal, said she would seek to drop a proposed salary increase for the mayor but would still pursue higher pay for city-county councilors.
Northern Indiana prosecutor says he will seek AG nomination
Four-term Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill Jr. is seeking to replace Greg Zoeller, a Republican who has announced he is running for the southern Indiana congressional seat that Republican Rep. Todd Young is vacating.
Oesterle starts PAC to counter social conservatives
Free Enterprise Indiana is Bill Oesterle’s new political action committee. It will support economy-focused Republican candidates through election cycles.
Indiana GOP wants answers from Gregg on hot button issues
Indiana's next gubernatorial election may be nearly a year away, but Republicans leery of Pence's low approval rating are showing a newfound willingness to go on the attack.
Orentlicher to run for Bucshon’s southwest Indiana seat
David Orentlicher, who served in the Indiana House for six years, said he plans to move from Indianapolis to Terre Haute, where he teaches at IU's regional medical school.
Johnson gets 5-year sentence in Indy Land Bank case
David Johnson, who was found guilty of wire fraud and money laundering as part of the Indy Land Bank scandal, was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison Friday by U.S. District Judge William T. Lawrence.