Ex-Portage mayor gets 21 months in prison for seeking bribe
A former northwestern Indiana mayor who was found guilty of taking a $13,000 bribe from a trucking company and illegal tax evasion was sentenced Wednesday to 21 months in prison.
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Hammerle on… “Titane,” “Venom: Let There Be Carnage” and infrastructure
Indianapolis defense lawyer Bob Hammerle reviews “Titane” and “Venom: Let There Be Carnage,” then shares his frustrations with infrastructure policies at the local and national levels.
Boone County considering income tax hike to expand jail
The clock is ticking for Boone County officials to decide whether they’ll increase local income taxes to pay for a proposed $45 million to $50 million jail expansion and justice center to alleviate overcrowding that leaves many prisoners sleeping in plastic cots on cell floors.
Hogsett: ‘It only makes sense’ for prosecutor’s office to move to new justice campus
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett said Tuesday he would “prefer” that the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office relocate to the county’s new Community Justice Campus.
Westfield’s latest lawsuit against clerk-treasurer alleges she compromised city data
The city of Westfield is once again suing Clerk-Treasurer Cindy Gossard, this time for giving an outside information technology contractor unauthorized access to the city’s computers.
Judge upholds bribery conviction against ex-Portage mayor
A federal judge has upheld the conviction of a former northwestern Indiana mayor that he solicited and accepted a $13,000 bribe from a trucking company.
Justices suspend Portage attorney, former clerk-treasurer for conflict of interest conviction
A northern Indiana attorney and former Portage clerk-treasurer has been placed under an interim suspension after being found guilty of felony conflict of interest.
Carmel council’s harassment investigation won’t include details of city settlement
A Carmel City Council investigation into a complaint of harassment against former city attorney Doug Haney will not include a subpoena that would make details of the city’s settlement with the accuser public.
Expelled county councilman loses appeal
A former Starke County Council member who was expelled from public office for allegedly making bigoted statements while attending the Association of Indiana Counties conference in Indianapolis lost his attempt to regain his seat after the Indiana Court of Appeals found his arguments challenging his expulsion were “incomprehensible.”
Justices accepting briefs in AG’s bid to stop Holcomb’s lawsuit against General Assembly
The Indiana Supreme Court is calling for briefs in the attorney general’s bid to stop proceedings in the governor’s lawsuit against the Indiana General Assembly.
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.
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.