Indianapolis mayoral candidates differ on visions for downtown
Whoever is elected mayor will have to tackle the challenges of a decrease in office workers, an increase in homelessness and crime, and the continued decline of Circle Centre Mall.
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Bill targeting ‘noncompliant’ prosecutors appears dead for 2023 session
The measure would have established a prosecutor commission and review board with the goal of dealing with prosecutors who won’t pursue certain cases. Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, for instance, has pledged not to prosecute simple marijuana possession cases.
Biden set to propose toughest-ever rules on car pollution to spur EVs
Automakers are cautioning that the trajectory for EVs and emission reductions depends on factors outside their control, including investments in charging infrastructure and critical mineral production.
Indiana lawmakers debate bill allowing parents to challenge ‘obscene and harmful’ library materials
A bill that seeks to ban materials deemed “harmful to minors” in school and public libraries drew sharp debate Wednesday at the Indiana Statehouse, especially from librarians, who argued that such a policy would open them up to criminal charges.
Indiana Senate committee advances pared down anti-ESG bill
A bill designed to prevent the state’s pension fund from working with asset managers that use environmental, social and governmental considerations in their investment strategies was advanced by the Indiana Senate Pensions and Labor Committee on Wednesday.
Significant changes made to drug-pricing, hospital-cost bills
Two committees navigating thorny health care pricing bills at the Indiana Statehouse incorporated significant amendments Wednesday before moving the bills forward—with lawmakers expressing reservations about both measures.
Pence won’t appeal order compelling grand jury testimony
A spokesman for Mike Pence said Wednesday that the former vice president will not appeal a judge’s order compelling him to testify in the Justice Department’s investigation into efforts by Donald Trump and his allies to overturn the results of the 2020 election.
UPDATE: Holcomb signs ban on gender-transition health care for minors
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana filed a lawsuit rapidly after Holcomb signed the Indiana legislation—something the group had promised to do after Republican supermajorities advanced the ban this session.
Indiana Senate passes bill that would double juror pay
Proponents of the bill hope better pay will increase jury turnout and lead to getting more attentive jurors.
Indiana mental health bill advances out of House committee
A sweeping bill that would create a new mental health care system in Indiana drew tears and personal testimony Tuesday–from both the public and elected officials.
Lawmakers step back from Indy takeover, add $8M in road funding
An Indiana House committee on Tuesday voted to send additional road funding to Indianapolis and to consider a give-back of numerous former state highways.
Indiana trans health care ban ‘clear as mud,’ governor says
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb faces a Wednesday deadline to make a decision on a bill that would prohibit transgender youth from accessing hormone therapies, puberty blockers and surgeries in the state.
Trump pleads not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records
The case involves payoffs through an intermediary to an adult-film actress to conceal an alleged affair ahead of the 2016 election.
Indiana Senate advances license plate speed camera pilot despite pushback
Republican state lawmakers were divided over the measure, however, with some arguing that such “Big Brother” technology amounts to government overreach and could lead to later legislation allowing for other types of camera surveillance.
DeLaney calls for property tax reform in wake of increases
Many Hoosier homeowners have already received their latest property tax bill—or will in the coming days–and discovered the jump, which ranges from zero change in one county to more than 20% in four counties around the state.
Four attorneys assigned to abortion-related litigation resign from Indiana AG’s office
With key hearings scheduled in licensing and civil litigation against Indianapolis OB-GYN Dr. Caitlin Bernard this month, the Indiana Attorney General’s Office will be down four attorneys who worked on the case but have now resigned.
Indiana Senate backs GOP bill tightening mail voter rules
A proposal that would require Indiana voters to submit more identification information to obtain mail-in ballots was endorsed Monday by the state Senate despite objections from opponents that it would make voting more difficult for many people.
GOP plan to boost Indiana pre-grad training facing pushback
House Bill 1002, a priority bill for the House GOP caucus and the leading high school reform measure moving through the legislature, seeks to expand work-based learning in Indiana high schools, like apprenticeships and internships.
Bill pits animal welfare activists against breeders and pet stores
The high-stakes battle pits the Humane Society of the United States and its efforts to protect animals against some national pet store chains, which say they simply want to be able to continue to sell puppies from USDA-licensed breeders.
Three Westfield candidates state their cases to be city’s second mayor
Republicans Kristen Burkman, Jake Gilbert and Scott Willis will compete in the May 2 primary election. No Democrats have filed to run for mayor.