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.
Local government
Articles
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.
City of Gary fighting sanctuary city lawsuit
The city of Gary is defending its welcoming ordinance, filing a motion for summary judgment last week in Lake Superior Court against plaintiffs who claim the municipal government violates the state’s “sanctuary city preemption law.”
Bill prohibiting neighborhood bans on solar panels stalls
Bills to restrict homeowners associations’ ability to prohibit solar panels have been filed, including Senate Bill 207 filed this year.
Inmate found dead at St. Joseph County Jail
A male inmate at the St. Joseph County Jail was discovered dead in his cell during a routine check Sunday. The inmate had been housed alone in a medical cell, according to Sheriff Michael D. Grzegorek.
Indiana town paying $150K to settle sex harassment claim
The northwestern Indiana town of St. John has agreed to pay a former police dispatcher $150,000 to settle her sexual harassment claim against a former police official and town councilman.
St. Joseph County Election Board seeks Braun investigation
The election board in the home county of Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly wants an investigation into whether Republican candidate Mike Brain filed bogus signatures to get on the primary ballot.
Indianapolis council members, ex-clerk sue Clay over firings
Eight members of the Indianapolis City-County Council and fired council clerk NaTrina DeBow on Thursday sued embattled council President Stephen Clay, alleging that his decision to fire DeBow and the council attorney was illegal.
Suit from truck driver shot by Merrillville police proceeds
The town of Merrillville and one of its police officers lost their bid for summary judgment on a truck driver’s excessive force claim after a district court judge determined questions of fact exist as to whether the officer was justified in shooting the driver during an altercation.
Hill joins 10-state amicus brief in defense of police officers
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has joined a 10-state amicus brief in a U.S. Supreme Court case he said could make police officers’ jobs more difficult.