Democrat Melton drops out of race for Indiana governor
Sen. Eddie Melton of Gary announced his candidacy in October, becoming the third Democrat to seek the party’s nomination to challenge Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb.
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GOP lawmakers differ slightly from governor on 2020 priorities (including on swine barn funding)
Like Gov. Eric Holcomb, Indiana Senate and House Republicans are focused on health care, education and spending one-time dollars on capital projects this year. But lawmakers have slightly different views on how those surplus dollars should be spent.
Two veteran Indiana House members not seeking reelection
Reps David Wolkins of Warsaw and Rep. Ron Bacon of Chandler said they plan to retire after this year’s legislative session.
Ed Feigenbaum: Health care, education, criminal justice will dominate Legislature
Much of the 2020 legislative work will be directed to helping shape (and immunize against) election debate and making a head start on some of the tougher, long-term issues that will be ripe for resolution in 16 months.
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Lawmakers OK funding plan for arena updates, soccer stadium
The law, which passed with bipartisan support in April, created funding plans for most of a $360 million renovation of Bankers Life Fieldhouse and the construction of a $150 million soccer stadium for the Indy Eleven by diverting millions of dollars in annual state tax revenue to the Capital Improvement Board.
2019 YEAR IN REVIEW: Big year for Hogsett, Buttigieg and Dems in Boone, Hamilton counties
Despite no state or federal elections in 2019, Indianapolis and its suburbs made plenty of political news. Voters across the state cast ballots in municipal elections, re-electing Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett plus three Hamilton County mayors. The year also brought plenty of 2020 news.
10 news events that changed central Indiana in 2019
There was no shortage of huge news stories in central Indiana this year—with Roger Penske’s purchase of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the launching of the Red Line and the closing of trucking giant Celadon.
Art house cinema, restaurant close to debut in Windsor Park
The project, whose backers include father/son developers Tom and Ed Battista, has been in the works for more than two years. Also this week: Jimmy John’s, Taste of Havana, Marco’s Pizza and Best Buy.
Buttigieg health plan hinges on ‘supercharged’ version of Obamacare mandate, critic says
Democratic presidential hopeful Pete Buttigieg sells his health-care plan as a moderate alternative to “Medicare-for-all”—offering a government-sponsored plan to those who want it while letting others keep their private and employer-sponsored insurance.
Presidential election could stall Indiana judgeships
The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana is the state’s most overworked and ranks second in the nation for highest caseload—an issue Sen. Todd Young wants to tackle now.
Buttigieg shifts to the center, embodying the Democratic primary’s rightward drift
The evolution is arguably working for Buttigieg, who now regularly polls in the top tier of the Democratic candidates. But it’s also given rise to complaints that the mayor of South Bend is carefully calculating his positions rather than passionately expressing his principles.
Buttigieg-Warren clash on campaign trail spills into debate
The long-festering feud between Elizabeth Warren and Pete Buttigieg erupted Thursday night in a high-stakes debate that tested the strength of the Democratic Party’s shrinking pool of presidential contenders just six weeks before primary voting begins.
Canada-based fitness chain set to enter Indianapolis
30 Minute Hit will open its first Indiana gym in Indianapolis’ Wanamaker community early next year. Also this week: Burn by Rocky Patel, Wei Ramen, City Bytes Coffee, Gina’s Grill, Rise ‘n Roll and more.
Trump impeached by U.S. House on charge of abuse of power
The historic vote split along party lines, much the way it has divided the nation, over the charges that the 45th president abused the power of his office by enlisting a foreign government to investigate a political rival ahead of the 2020 election.
House passes bill to empower Medicare to negotiate drug costs
The legislation has no chance of passing the Republican-controlled Senate, and the White House has issued a veto threat. Still, Democrats saw a victory in the message their bill sends to voters.
Warren ‘wealth tax’ estimates too optimistic, analysis says
Elizabeth Warren’s signature “wealth tax” would bring in at least $1 trillion less in new government revenue than the Democratic presidential candidate estimates while ultimately shrinking the economy over the next 30 years, according to a new academic analysis.
Pence traveling to Indiana for private event with governor
Vice President Mike Pence’s office announced Wednesday that Pence will fly Friday afternoon into Indianapolis International Airport and take part in what it calls a roundtable for Gov. Eric Holcomb, who is seeking reelection next year.
Controller Qaddoura to leave Hogsett administration, run for state Senate
City Controller Fady Qaddoura is set to leave his job with the city at the end of the year. Part of his plans include a run for political office.
Buttigieg tries to court minority voters by focusing on their health
Pete Buttigieg unveiled a proposal Tuesday to correct troubling health disparities among African-Americans and Hispanics—a crucial constituency to win over to have any hope of securing the Democratic presidential nomination.
Republicans tap deputy speaker to replace departing Bosma
Todd Huston, of Fishers, became co-chairman of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee during the 2019 session and played a big role in crafting the 2020-2021 state budget.