Trump, GOP soften on opposition to $600 jobless benefit
Both sides say the talks have not produced much progress but they could be nearing a critical phase over the weekend and into next week.
Politics & Government
Articles
Rep. Greg Pence criticized for race-related items sold at his mall
The Exit 76 Antique Mall in Edinburgh has more than 4 million items for sale by the merchants who rent booths, but sprinkled throughout the mall’s 72,000 square feet are also dozens of objects that trade in Jim Crow-era caricatures and stereotypes.
Former presidential candidate Herman Cain dies of COVID-19
Before becoming a political pundit and candidate, Cain was a highly successful food industry executive. He earned a master’s degree in computer science from Purdue University in 1971.
Notre Dame withdraws as host of first presidential debate
The university was set to host the inaugural contest between President Donald Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden on Sept. 29.
Holcomb says he remains confident he can impose mask mandate, despite AG’s opinion otherwise
The Republican governor’s comments came a day after he announced the requirement, which is to take effect Monday, and less than a day after Attorney General Curtis Hill said the governor did not have the authority to enforce a mandate.
Lawmakers start debating possibilities for a virtual or hybrid 2020 legislative session
At issue is how to meet obligations under the Indiana Constitution that lawmakers hold a session in 2021—and meet at the capitol building—as well as the need to let the public participate in the process.
Two senators who asked for AG opinion say they won’t sue to stop Holcomb’s mask mandate
Attorney General Curtis Hill said in an advisory opinion—requested by five Republican senators—that state law doesn’t give the governor specific authority to require face coverings or to create penalties for failing to wear a mask. The opinion came just a few hours after Holcomb said a statewide mask mandate would take effect on Monday.
Democratic lawmakers call for special session, but House speaker says it’s not needed
The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus, Indiana House Democratic Caucus and Indiana Black Legislative Caucus announced Tuesday during a press conference that they want lawmakers to come back to Indianapolis in August.
Bosma stepping down early, after 34 years as state lawmaker
Brian Bosma, the longest-serving House speaker in state history, was set to submit his resignation letter Friday morning, stating that he would end his 34-year career as a state lawmaker on July 31.
Biden unveils $2 trillion climate plan with energy revamp
The proposal doesn’t include specifics on how the ambitious plan would be paid for. Senior campaign officials said it would require a mix of tax increases on corporations and the wealthy, and deficit spending aimed at stimulating the economy.
Todd Rokita to replace Curtis Hill on GOP ticket for Indiana attorney general
Former U.S. Rep. Todd Rokita will be the Republican Party’s nominee for Indiana Attorney General, narrowly topping embattled incumbent Curtis Hill in a vote of delegates, the Indiana GOP announced Friday.
Supreme Court says Congress can’t get Trump records, for now
The outcome is at least a short-term victory for Trump, who has strenuously sought to keep his financial records private.
High court upholds cellphone robocall ban
Political consultants and pollsters were among those asking the Supreme Court to strike down the 1991 law that bars them from making robocalls to cellphones as a violation of their free speech rights under the Constitution.
Supreme Court: States may require presidential electors to support popular-vote winner
Justice Elena Kagan wrote for the court, saying states may punish or replace electors who will not abide by the popular vote.
Buttigieg co-leading group to help mayors with COVID-19 strategies
Presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg has been co-chairing the Pandemic Resilience Working Group for America’s Mayors, which is focused on providing accessible guidance to both policymakers and the public on how to target and suppress the spread of COVID-19.
National elections analyst calls 5th District race a toss-up
Sabato’s Crystal Ball at the University of Virginia’s Center for Politics on Thursday announced it had moved the open race between Democrat Christina Hale and Republican Victoria Spartz from “leans Republican” to “toss-up.”
Governor’s race not top of mind in Black community
Democrat Woody Myers is the state’s first Black gubernatorial nominee from either major political party, but Black community leaders say his campaign is getting lost in the barrage of news about COVID-19 and protests over police brutality and racial inequity.
Dollar General to bring new urban-concept DGX store to Mass Ave
DGX represents a new direction for Dollar General, which has traditionally focused on small-town and rural locations. Also this week: Quaff ON!, Bru Burger, Jiffy Lube, Tire Discounters, 16 Bit Bar + Arcade.
IBJ Podcast: Indy Black Chamber of Commerce wants city support
Host Mason King talks with the Black Chamber’s Larry Williams about why he thinks the city should be working more with his organization—and providing it funding. And King also talks with Angela Smith Jones, the deputy mayor of economic development, about the reasons the city is working with Indy Chamber.
Andre Carson: Let’s seize this moment to make lasting change
we must dramatically reimagine and reconstruct policing. The Justice in Policing Act, introduced this month in Congress, is a good start.