Judge grants The GOAT another hearing to determine if Carmel bar can stay in business
The GOAT restaurant and bar has won the latest round in its legal fight with Carmel, but the victory might prove to be short-lived.
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Public access counselor: Carmel BZA violated transparency laws
Indiana’s public access counselor found the Carmel Board of Zoning Appeals violated state law when its members formalized a ruling to close The GOAT restaurant and bar outside of a public meeting.
Indianapolis to lift most remaining COVID-19 restrictions on July 1
Indianapolis will drop its remaining COVID-19 safety measures July 1, officials said Tuesday, including social-distancing rules and capacity limits. Unvaccinated people will no longer be required to wear masks.
Franklin mayor sued for blocking resident on Facebook after BLM video
The mayor of Franklin has been sued by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana after he allegedly blocked an individual from accessing his Facebook page.
COA affirms denial of summary judgment to Howard Co. after botched 911 call
A genuine issue of material fact still exists on the willful or wanton exception to governmental immunity for the use of a 911 system in the case of mishandled Howard County emergency call that resulted in a woman’s death, the Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed.
New laws: Legislature makes moves despite COVID
The Indiana General Assembly convened in-person for its 2021 session with COVID-19 protocols in place. Here’s the full list of legislation it enacted this year.
City-County Council votes to ditch mask mandate for vaccinated residents
Indianapolis’ mask mandate will end Tuesday for fully vaccinated residents as part of the City-County Council’s ratification of a new public health order Monday evening.
Westfield mayor, clerk treasurer end legal battle over access to city records
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook and Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard have agreed to end a legal battle over the administration’s access to city records and how those records were handled as part of an investigation into the city’s finances.
Boone County judge rules Zionsville mayor needs council OK to demote fire chief
A Boone County judge ruled Friday that Zionsville Mayor Emily Styron does not have the power to demote the town’s police chief or fire chief without town council approval.
Monroe, St. Joseph counties lifting mask orders with new CDC guidance
Two Indiana counties are lifting their local mask mandates after federal health officials eased mask-wearing guidance for those fully vaccinated against COVID-19. The health departments for the counties that include South Bend and Bloomington are rescinding those local orders, while Indianapolis officials are keeping the city’s mask mandate in place.
7th Circuit reverses conspiracy convictions for trustee’s administrative assistant in official misconduct case
The administrative assistant to the former Calumet Township Trustee who pled guilty to federal charges has had her own convictions related to wire fraud reversed after the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals found she should have been granted a mistrial on Fourth Amendment grounds.
Suit seeks direct election of Lake County judges, says merit selection discriminatory
A federal lawsuit filed by the Democratic mayor of Hammond and a Lake County attorney argues that Indiana’s judicial nominating system that appoints judges in the state’s four most diverse counties is racially discriminatory. Judges in Lake County should be directly elected or judges statewide should be appointed through merit selection, the suit says.
Indiana health officials plead with Legislature not to overturn Holcomb veto
Some of Indiana’s top public health leaders are pleading with the Legislature not to overturn Gov. Eric Holcomb’s veto of a bill they say would dramatically weaken the authority of local health officials during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Holcomb signs bill recognizing Pokagon tribal courts
Indiana courts will soon be required to recognize court orders from the Pokagon Band of the Potawatomi Indians after Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill extending full faith and credit to the tribal courts.
Lawmakers to return to Statehouse with chance to override two vetoes
Lawmakers are set to return to the Indiana Statehouse on Monday to make technical corrections — a session in which they could also vote to overturn two vetoes by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Justices reject appeal to make public Indianapolis’ Amazon HQ2 offer
The Indiana Supreme Court has declined to hear an appeal from a tax trade publication that sought disclosure of tax dollars and incentives Indianapolis and the state offered Amazon in the city’s failed attempt to lure the online retail giant’s coveted second headquarters project known as HQ2.
COA: Landowners violated ordinance by building ‘pond,’ but attorney fees not supported in ordinance
Two homeowners who built a pond in an airport district without a permit violated a local ordinance, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday, affirming judgment in favor of the local plan commission. However, an award of nearly $8,000 in attorney fees for the commission must be vacated.
Talks end, Kids’ Voice to take over GAL/CASA program
Like a couple deciding not to marry, Kids’ Voice of Indiana and Child Advocates were unable to work out a prenuptial agreement after weeks of negotiations and are now focused on who will take care of the children.
All eyes on Holcomb’s decision on bill that would allow local officials to overrule health officers
Two of the largest health organizations in Indiana are pleading with Gov. Eric Holcomb to veto a bill they say would hamper the ability of local health officials to respond to emergencies.
IU, Bloomington renaming road named after eugenics backer
Indiana University and the city of Bloomington are turning to the public as they seek a new name for a thoroughfare named after a late IU president who was a proponent of eugenics.