AG Rokita continuing business advisory roles
Indiana’s new attorney general is being paid by private businesses for consulting work, including $25,000 a year for advising a Connecticut-based pharmaceutical company, according to a newspaper report.
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Restaurants are big beneficiaries of COVID-19 relief bill
Restaurants devastated by the coronavirus outbreak are getting a lifeline from the pandemic relief package that’s awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.
COA splits on whether email was contract between apartment owner, vendor
A settlement offer received via email between a former apartment owner and a service vendor was an enforceable contract, a majority of the Indiana Court of Appeals has affirmed. A dissenting judge, however, would reverse the order requiring the parties to be bound by the terms of a March 2016 email exchange.
Candy maker entitled to judgment, but not fees, after woman’s employment sours
A northern Indiana sweets shop whose relationship with an employee turned sour is entitled to summary judgment in the former employee’s lawsuit filed after her smartphone was wiped clean by the company. However, the confectionery has not demonstrated that it is entitled to attorney fees.
Casino exec Ratcliff permanently banned from Indiana gambling industry
Longtime Indiana casino executive Rod Ratcliff has been permanently banned from the state’s gambling industry. Ratcliff, who previously served as chairman and CEO of Centaur Gaming and as CEO and chairman of Spectacle Entertainment, has been entangled in a battle with the Indiana Gaming Commission for months, as the state agency has been investigating Ratcliff and his companies.
Restaurant, bar capacity limits in Marion County to increase March 1
More people will be allowed into Marion County restaurants, bars and gyms starting March 1, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett announced Thursday morning, citing improving local COVID-19 pandemic conditions.
Justices take up disputes over teachers contracts, online user data
Members of the state’s highest court last week turned away nine cases on petition for transfer but agreed to hear arguments in three cases, including disputes over the legality of teacher contracts and two media companies’ litigation over the use of consumer data.
Taft builds new lobby group with Ice Miller transplants
Taft Stettinius & Hollister is making a big push into public affairs and lobbying in both Indianapolis and Washington, D.C., and has nabbed seven attorneys and nonlawyer professionals — including several big names in Indiana politics — from rival Ice Miller to do it.
Interrupted coverage: In tangle over insurance terms, businesses’ and nonprofits’ COVID interruption claims being denied
Since the COVID-19 public health emergency began in March 2020, businesses and nonprofits nationwide have had business interruption claims denied. The COVID Coverage Litigation Tracker at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School reported 1,099 federal lawsuits seeking insurance coverage because of the pandemic had been filed as of Jan. 25. To date, courts have granted insurers’ motions to dismiss in 147 cases and insurers motions for summary judgment in seven lawsuits, according to CCLT. Policyholders have scored a few victories with the courts denying the motions to dismiss in 29 lawsuits and granting the plaintiffs’ motions for summary judgment in five cases.
COVID-19 lawsuit immunity bill heads to Holcomb
Legislation that aims to protect businesses from COVID-19-related lawsuits is heading to Gov. Eric Holcomb’s desk.
Splenda maker sues Speedway chain over knockoff sweetener
The Carmel-based maker of Splenda sweetener is suing the convenience store chain Speedway LLC for trademark infringement, alleging the retailer offers its customers a knockoff sweetener in yellow packets that look too much like Splenda’s packaging.
60 executives urge lawmakers to resist ‘heavy-handed limits’ on Indianapolis government
Sixty business and not-for-profit executives are publicly criticizing the Republican-controlled General Assembly for action on multiple bills that would strip control away from Indianapolis city government.
House panel advances pregnancy accommodations bill with virtually no mandates
Indiana lawmakers are moving forward with a pregnancy accommodations bill that won’t require businesses to make any adjustments for workers. Some legislators advocated for a measure that they said would offer pregnant workers more meaningful protections.
Fowl investment gone foul leads to reversal at COA
Despite ruffled feathers among parties involved in a bird investment project, a nearly $40,000 judgment for the investor has been reversed after a split Indiana Court of Appeals determined the trial court applied the wrong law in awarding relief.
Taking a stand for lemonade
A bill in the 2021 Indiana General Assembly would make clear that lemonade stands are legal in the Hoosier state, thanks to two LaPorte boys who wanted to tackle an issue near to their hearts.
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.
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.
Anthem paying $594M to settle antitrust litigation, but deal terms might fuel growth
Some investment analysts and health care observers say changes to Blue Cross Blue Shield rules that are stipulated in a half-billion-dollar settlement are so favorable to Indianapolis-based Anthem’s growth prospects that they view the deal as a huge win for the company.
Justices rule for company in dispute with ex-officer over share value
A dispute over the valuation of shares has been resolved in favor of a company after the Indiana Supreme Court upheld the discounts that were applied to the valuation. The former company partner who sued previously won a Court of Appeals ruling that increased the value of his shares by more than $1 million.
Holcomb relaxing coronavirus limits on crowd sizes
Indiana’s crowd size limits will be relaxed starting next week after recent improvements in the statewide COVID-19 infection and hospitalization rates, the governor announced Wednesday.