Ownership fight could leave new Gary casino empty
The legal fight over ownership of a new $300 million casino in northwestern Indiana could leave it sitting unused for possibly months after construction work is completed.
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Senate set to confirm Buttigieg for transportation secretary
The Senate is poised to approve former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be transportation secretary, the first openly gay person ever confirmed to a Cabinet post, tasked with advancing President Joe Biden’s wide-ranging agenda of rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure and fighting climate change.
Indiana House approves COVID-19 liability protection bill
The Indiana House has approved legislation that would protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits. The measure slightly differs from a liability protection measure passed last week by the state Senate.
Indiana Republicans differ over governor’s COVID-19 powers
Indiana is nearing a year under the coronavirus public health emergency issued by Gov. Eric Holcomb as some of his fellow Republicans in the state Legislature aren’t letting up on attempts to rein in the authority he’s used to impose mask rules and restrictions on businesses and crowds.
Biden to meet with GOP lawmakers to discuss virus relief
President Joe Biden is set to meet Monday with a group of 10 Republican senators, including Indiana’s Todd Young, who have proposed spending about one-third of the $1.9 trillion he is seeking in coronavirus aid, though congressional Democrats are poised to move ahead without Republican support.
Virus aid package tests whether Biden, Congress can deliver
More than a sweeping national rescue plan, President Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package presents a first political test — of his new administration, of Democratic control of Congress and of the role of Republicans in a post-Trump political landscape.
COVID liability immunity bills advance, but questions of scope remain
Legislation in the Indiana Senate that would protect businesses from COVID-related liability is one step closer to becoming law, having reached the full Senate floor for a successful vote on an amendment offered by the bill’s author. Meanwhile, companion legislation in the Indiana House passed out of committee this week.
Biden pick for transportation, Buttigieg, advances in Senate
A Senate panel on Wednesday easily advanced President Joe Biden’s nomination of former South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg to be transportation secretary, setting up a final confirmation vote for a key role in Biden’s push to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure and confront climate change.
Former judge, ATC chair Cook named Indiana inspector general
A former Marion County judge and the current chairman of the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission is moving to a new public service position next month, transitioning to the role of Indiana inspector general.
Biden more bullish on vaccines, open to 1.5M daily shot goal
President Joe Biden appeared to boost his goal for coronavirus vaccinations in his first 100 days in office, suggesting the nation could soon be injecting 1.5 million shots on an average per day.
Trump impeachment goes to Senate, testing his sway over GOP
House Democrats delivered the impeachment case against Donald Trump to the Senate for the start of his historic trial, but Republican senators were easing off their criticism of the former president and shunning calls to convict him over the deadly siege at the U.S. Capitol.
COA rules against gun range owners despite officials’ failure to take oaths
Though certain Jefferson County officials failed to take their oaths of office, that failure does not invalidate the officials’ zoning complaint against a local couple, the Indiana Court of Appeals has ruled.
Biden ordering stopgap help as talks start on big aid plan
President Joe Biden plans to take executive action Friday to provide a stopgap measure of financial relief to millions of Americans while Congress begins to consider his much larger $1.9 trillion package to help those affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Schumer: House to send Trump impeachment article Monday
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to send the article of impeachment against Donald Trump to the Senate on Monday, launching the start of the former president’s trial on a charge of incitement of insurrection over the deadly Capitol riot.
Democrats ask ethics panel to investigate Sens. Cruz, Hawley
Seven Democratic senators on Thursday asked the Senate Ethics Committee to investigate the actions of Republican Sens. Ted Cruz and Josh Hawley “to fully understand their role” in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol by supporters of former President Donald Trump.
Time, transparency needed as Biden inherits frazzled census
Battered by criticism that the 2020 census was dangerously politicized by the Trump administration, the U.S. Census Bureau under a new Biden administration has the tall task of restoring confidence in the numbers that will be used to determine funding and political power.
Ratcliff sues Indiana Gaming Commission for suspending his license
Longtime casino executive Rod Ratcliff is suing the Indiana Gaming Commission for suspending his gaming license last month. The suit alleges the situation has jeopardized a the opening of a new casino in Gary.
On Day One, Biden to undo Trump policies on climate, virus
In his first hours as president, Joe Biden will aim to strike at the heart of President Donald Trump’s policy legacy, signing a series of executive actions that will reverse his predecessor’s orders on immigration, climate change and handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Pence returning to Columbus hometown after Biden inaugural
Vice President Mike Pence will be returning to his southern Indiana hometown of Columbus on Wednesday afternoon following the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Trump’s exit: President leaves office with legacy of chaos
Donald Trump walked out of the White House and boarded Marine One for the last time as president Wednesday morning, leaving behind a legacy of chaos and tumult and a nation bitterly divided.