Justices publicly reprimand Greenfield, Indianapolis lawyers
The Indiana Supreme Court has handed down public reprimands against two Indianapolis-area attorneys, including an action against a partner at a major law firm.
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Holcomb signs bill expanding aid to small businesses hurt by pandemic
Additional relief from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will soon be on the way to Hoosier small businesses, as Gov. Eric Holcomb signed a bill Monday creating a grant program that extends and expands existing aid.
COA: No duty owed to couple struck by drunk driver in grocery store parking lot
A Sullivan County grocery store’s landlord had no duty to protect a couple from being struck by a drunk driver on its premises, the Indiana Court of Appeals concluded in a Monday decision.
Web Exclusive: NCAA, broadcaster in contract dispute over COVID cancelation of March Madness 2020
After the fanfare of the 2021 NCAA March Madness Tournament, the Indianapolis-based college athletics organization is heading back to the court — this time, an actual courtroom in the Circle City — in a contract dispute over a radio broadcast contract canceled during the pandemic.
Evolving law addresses coverage after hack
In what one justice described as an “emerging area of law,” the Indiana Supreme Court recently issued an opinion that insurance lawyers say provides, for the first time, concrete guidance in Indiana on how far computer fraud insurance can extend against hacks.
Inventing opportunity: IP attorneys see more patent filings during pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic killed millions worldwide and uprooted livelihoods and industries in the past year. But at least one industry has emerged relatively unscathed, if not stronger. Some Indiana intellectual property attorneys have seen an increase in patent requests and inventions during the pandemic as individuals utilized their creative skills while quarantining.
Pence inks two-book deal, launches political advocacy group
Former Vice President Mike Pence has a book deal. His autobiography, currently untitled, is scheduled to come out in 2023. In addition, the former Indiana governor on Wednesday launched an advocacy group, Advancing American Freedom, which will promote the Trump administration’s record and could serve as a springboard for a Pence presidential run in 2024.
Will dispute between siblings over family business assets remanded
A son who inherited the family business from his father must make his assets available for an appraisal after the Indiana Court of Appeals determined he may have received a “gift” subject to an abatement.
Indiana House OKs bills to give local officials, churches more say over public health restrictions
The Indiana House on Tuesday approved two bills giving local and county government officials more say over restrictions imposed during health emergencies and protecting churches from state or local orders more restrictive than those imposed on other essential businesses.
Indiana Senate OKs optional pregnant worker accommodations
Indiana legislators gave final approval to a bill that won’t require businesses to make accommodations for pregnant workers, despite an appeal from Gov. Eric Holcomb for a law requiring more protections.
Justices uphold FCC’s easing of local media ownership limits
The Supreme Court of the United States on Thursday unanimously upheld federal regulators’ decision to ease ownership limits on local media, rejecting a claim that the change would hurt minority and female ownership.
Judge rejects Dish TV’s motion to dismiss WISH-TV discrimination lawsuit
A federal judge on Wednesday rejected Dish TV’s motion to dismiss a discrimination lawsuit brought against it by WISH-TV Channel 8 parent Circle City Broadcasting.
Indianapolis businessman pleads guilty in $11M Ponzi-style investment scheme
An Indianapolis businessman accused of inducing at least 100 individuals to sink more than $11 million into a fraudulent, Ponzi-style investment scheme has agreed to plead guilty to two counts of federal wire fraud and one count of money laundering.
Boost Mobile kiosk vendor booted from grocer boosted on appeal
An appellate panel has reversed for a cellphone kiosk owner subleasing space in an East Chicago supermarket after finding a Lake County judge erred in granting a motion for immediate possession by a new sublessor.
Caesars puts pandemic losses at $2B, wants insurers to pay
Casino giant Caesars Entertainment Inc. is putting its losses because of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020 at more than $2 billion, and is suing a long list of insurance carriers it accuses of balking at paying its business interruption costs at its casinos in Indiana and across the nation.
Indianapolis keeping mask mandate, virus precautions for now
Indianapolis is keeping its mask mandate and other coronavirus precautions in place for now despite Gov. Eric Holcomb’s decision this week to end Indiana’s statewide mask mandate in early April, Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday.
Marion County health officials shut down two clubs for COVID-19 violations
The nightclubs Casba Bar in Broad Ripple and After 6 in downtown Indianapolis have been ordered to close immediately for violating pandemic-related health orders, the Marion County Public Health Department says.
ALJ attorney fees bill heading into opposition at Senate hearing
After sailing through the House without a single vote in opposition, a bill that would enable individuals to recoup attorney fees from state agencies could hit a stiff wind Wednesday as public interest organizations are aligning to try to block the legislation from moving any further through the Statehouse.
SCOTUS seems ready to rule against unions in farm case
The United States Supreme Court appeared ready Monday to side with two California agriculture businesses that want to bar labor organizers from their property, a case that could be another blow to unions.
Smith: Your old noncompete form agreement may miss the mark
Cases over the past two decades have eroded the enforceability of certain noncompete agreement terms (aka restrictive covenants). Thus, a standard form noncompete agreement drafted in the 1990s may not withstand a court challenge if used today.