City says it has blown past goal of transforming 2,000 troubled homes
In the two years since the initiative started, the city of Indianapolis has spent $24.3 million—largely in federal funds—to demolish, build or rehab more than 2,500 homes.
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Former Starbucks CEO Schultz blasts Trump in Purdue speech
Howard Schultz said Thursday that Trump’s presidency is “one of the most significant security threats America faces in the post-World War II era.”
Democratic hopefuls for City-County Council face concerns over party affiliation
At issue is that counties determine party affiliation in municipal elections by using candidates’ past primary votes—and neither ever has voted in a primary election.
Committee OKs bill that boosts age to buy cigarettes, e-liquids to 21
Senate Bill 425, authored by Sen. Randy Head, R-Logansport, would also prevent anyone under 18 from entering designated smoking areas in clubs and cigar stores.
Sports wagering, casino bill clears first legislative hurdle
Senate Bill 552, authored by Jasper Republican Mark Messmer and Terre Haute Republican Jon Ford, would allow the casinos in Gary to relocate, accelerate when horse-track casinos could begin offering live table games and legalize sports gambling.
Rokita lands job with Indianapolis health benefits company
Todd Rokita, who represented Indiana’s 4th district from 2010-2018 and served as secretary of state from 2002-2010, has taken a job as general counsel and vice president of external affairs for Apex Benefits.
Local tax prep firm barred from doing business for fraudulent returns
A federal judge says the firm and its owner filed hundreds of fraudulent returns that cheated the government out of more than $1 million in tax revenue.
Group launches $15M loan fund for housing near IndyGo stops
The goal is to preserve or spur development of 1,000 affordable housing units within close distance of an Indianapolis transit stop over the next five years.
Lawmakers consider changes to allow more alcohol permits in growing communities
The omnibus alcohol bill authored by Rep. Ben Smaltz, R-Auburn, would also create a special alcohol permit for a planned food hall at the Bottleworks development on Massachusetts Avenue.
Trump has solid U.S. economy to tout in address, but threats remain
As he delivers his second State of the Union address Tuesday night, the president likely will note Friday’s surprising jobs report and rising factory output.
Hamilton County councilor to challenge Brainard in primary battle for Carmel mayor’s office
Republican Fred Glynn, who recently was re-elected to the Hamilton County Council, will run against six-term Carmel Mayor Jim Brainard in May's primary.
Lawmakers move redistricting bill that would leave them in control of maps
Senate Bill 105, authored by Elections Chair Greg Walker, R-Columbus, would establish a series of standards lawmakers would use to redraw district lines following population reapportionment, which occurs each decade after the completion of the U.S. Census.
Bridge needs $120K in repairs even before completion
Work on the $13.5 million replacement span in downtown Anderson began in November 2017. Once work on the eastbound lanes is completed, the westbound lanes will be closed again.
Senate OKs bill to allow food, beverage tax in three Indy suburbs
The tax would have the biggest impact in Greenwood, where it could generate $2.5 million in 2020 and $2.6 million in 2021.
Counties could be required to have paper trail for voting by 2024
Senate Bill 570, authored by Columbus Republican Greg Walker, would require counties paper backups to electronic voting systems they use.
Indiana debate over teacher pay boost remains unsettled
House Republicans will release their budget proposal within the next couple of weeks, with the Senate then taking its turn before the deadline on a final agreement by late April.
Counties seek state relief from big-box retailer tax appeals
In Indiana alone, there are more than 300 pending tax appeals involving big-box retailers. County leaders are seeking a statewide legislative fix.
House OKs allowing wine, mixed drink sales from golf carts
Indiana residents would be able to sell wine and mixed drinks like margaritas from golf carts on the state's golf courses under a bill that's cleared the Indiana House.
Big business plans all-out blitz on Washington to end trade war
A coalition of more than 200 trade associations spanning agriculture, manufacturing, retail, technology, oil and even liquor will begin a new two-pronged attack next week to try to end the policies they see as damaging.
Trump targets drug middlemen with ‘devastating’ rebate overhaul
The Trump administration Thursday unveiled a plan to channel now-hidden prescription drug rebates directly to patients, saying it would bypass middlemen and lower prices for consumers.