South Bend fails to override veto of anti-abortion rezoning
The South Bend Common Council failed to override the mayor’s veto of its decision to allow an anti-abortion rights center to open next to a proposed abortion clinic.
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Appeals court orders Yorktown clerk-treasurer’s removal
The Indiana Court of Appeals has ordered the removal of the Yorktown clerk-treasurer from office after determining that her failure to properly reconcile the town books for four consecutive years warranted her removal. In response, the elected office holder has pledged to take her case to the Indiana Supreme Court.
Indiana joins lawsuit against Gary sanctuary city ordinance
A judge has allowed the state of Indiana to intervene in a lawsuit alleging the city of Gary’s sanctuary city ordinance violates state law. Attorney General Curtis Hill sought to have the state added as a plaintiff in the case against Gary officials.
7th Circuit rejects Hustler Hollywood’s zoning denial appeal
An adult entertainment business cannot set up shop at its desired Indianapolis location after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a city ordinance that prohibits such businesses from operating in certain zoning districts.
South Bend must pay ex-female officer $80K in retaliation case
A federal judge has ordered a city in Indiana to pay more than $80,000 to a former female police officer who alleged the department illegally retaliated against her for accusing a male supervisor of sexual harassment.
Indiana Transportation Museum sues Noblesville, Fishers, Hamilton County
The Indiana Transportation Museum has filed two lawsuits against Hamilton County government officials, including one that alleges Noblesville is planning to evict the museum from Forest Park by June 1 to seize the museum’s equipment.
Indiana cities, counties sue over opioid epidemic
Dozens of Indiana towns, cities and counties have sued drugmakers and distributors, joining more than 500 nationwide who claim pharmaceutical giants disregarded the risks of the addiction by placing profits above public health.
Porter County buying back old jail for use as office space
Porter County in northwestern Indiana is spending $3.6 million to buy back an old jail for use as office space.
Prosecutor opposes Portage mayor’s bid to dismiss charges
A federal prosecutor says an indicted northwest Indiana mayor hasn’t proven his corruption charges should be dismissed because of how case-related emails were handled.
Cumberland mental health crisis team among first in state
The Cumberland Police Department initiated the Cumberland Assertive Response and Engagement Team in January. The CARE Team is designed by Chief Michael Crooke to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction by providing resources to them and their families.
Judge strikes down Hamilton County sign restrictions
A judge in Noblesville struck down Hamilton County’s sign ordinance and said that the restrictions created a chilling effect on free speech. A county official said it’s unlikely the county will appeal.
Council votes to prohibit new jail from being privatized
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday night approved an ordinance that restricts the city’s new jail and criminal justice center from being run by a private operator once it eventually opens.
Hamilton County approves funds for government, judicial center expansion
Hamilton County is moving forward with plans to expand its government and judicial center in Noblesville, with the county council paving the way for the multi-million-dollar project.
Brownsburg loses appeal of order blocking annexation
The Indiana Court of Appeals has upheld a special judge’s ruling that prohibited the town of Brownsburg from annexing nearly 4,500 acres of land in Hendricks County, halting proposed plans to use the land for infrastructure, residential and school development.
Delaware County officials end fight against 10,000-hog farm
Officials in Delaware County are dropping their fight against a proposed 10,000-hog farm after threats of legal action since a state agency has approved the project. County commissioners had put a hold on building permits for the farm in the northern part of the county.
Carmel thumbs nose at Indiana’s new short-term rentals law
Officials in one of Indiana’s wealthiest cities are thumbing their noses at a new state law intended to curtail local governments’ authority to regulate short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, raising the possibility of a court fight.
Judge holds climate change class in suits against big oil
A federal judge presiding over lawsuits that accuse big oil companies of lying about global warming to protect their profits is turning his courtroom into a classroom in what could be the first hearing to study the science of climate change.
Miami County considers wind farm restrictions
Miami County in northern Indiana is considering new restrictions that could hinder a proposed wind farm that would bring 75 power generating turbines to the area.
Indianapolis approves ordinance to crack down on high-crime hotels
The Indianapolis City-County Council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance to hold accountable hotels and motels that are magnets of crime, creating a nuisance for local police and fire departments.
ACLU of Indiana sues county over ‘not my mayor’ sign
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a lawsuit against Randolph County after a Winchester resident was ordered to remove a sign from her yard expressing opposition of an elected official in her city.