Indiana Governor Privatizes Programs

Fox 28 News:

"Governor Mitch Daniels signed a controversial 1.1 billion dollar contract with private companies to help run programs for food stamps, Medicaid and other assistance for the needy.

The contract calls for the state to pay an IBM Corporation-led team to help process applications for the programs and lend technical support to the state's Family and Social Services Administration, which now handles the work.
"

Indiana Sen. Evan Bayh Decides Not to Seek Democratic Nomination for President

FOXNews.com :

"Bayh made the decision depsite having made several visits to test states like Iowa and New Hampshire, and raising millions of dollars toward a possible White House run.

FOX News has learned that Bayh raised more than $10 million, making him compettive with other top possible Democratic presidential candidates like New York Senator Hillary Clinton and former North Carolina Senator John Edwards. However, future fundraising considerations may have been a factor as it is believed that Clinton will get a large share of financial support from party backers in 2007.

Personality issues may have been a concern as well as some insiders told FOX News that Bayh showed very little 'fire in the belly' as a presidential prospect. Some of his supporters have acknowledged that his relaxed demeanor and calm tone lacked presidential charisma, even though Bayh has been re-elected by large margins in a red state over the past 20 years."

Indiana Barrister: Not so Great Moments in Recent Black History

Indiana Barrister:

"2006 has not necessarily been the year of the Black politician and public figure in Marion County. Look at the list, Heather Bolejack, Ron Gibson, Ken Ackles, Eugene Akers, Carl Drummer and Monroe Gray, well I'm not 100 percent convinced on the last one."

Barking Moonbat Early Warning System: Barking Mad In Indonesia

Barking Moonbat Early Warning System:

"Let me see if I’ve got this straight ... the Indonesian edition of Playboy contains no nudity but “the models had inviting expressions on their faces” and “the magazine included lascivious and lustful comments”? Does that just about sum it up?
"

Advance Indiana: Abduallah Takes Reno Junket While Selling Out Constituents On 300 East

Advance Indiana:

"Adding further insult to injury, City-County Councilor Patrice Abduallah (D) decided to take a junket to a National League of Cities convention in Reno, Nevada during the MDC vote on the zoning variance for 300 East yesterday after dropping his opposition to it, claiming he never got a clear answer from his constituents."

Study Shows Indiana Teen Pregnancy on the Rise

WISH-TV :

"A teen watchdog group is sounding an alarm. Teen pregnancy is inching up in the state of Indiana. No one is quite sure why but the state's overall teen birth rate increased by one tenth of one percent. Leading the way are young white females."

Hoosier Headlines

Indiana a contender in Rolls-Royce plans: Rolls-Royce North America President James Guyette phoned Gov. Mitch Daniels on Friday, inviting Indiana to bid on new plants that could create a wave of precision manufacturing and engineering jobs.

Duke Energy Selling Indiana Power Unit: Utility owner Duke Energy Corp. said Friday it agreed to sell a unit in an Indiana power plant to the Wabash Valley Power Association for between $110 million and $120 million.

Homeland Security Director Visits Indiana Anti-Terrorism Center: US Department of Homeland Security Director Michael Chertoff says a new Indiana anti-terrorism center is part of an effort to more quickly detect threats.
Chertoff visited the Indiana Intelligence Fusion Center in Indianapolis Friday. He says such intelligence centers are the equivalent of radar for the 21st century.

Privatizing welfare: On Wednesday, Daniels announced the completion of a contract with an IBM-led consortium to take over the state’s welfare eligibility system. Then he announced there would be a public hearing Dec. 8.

Man Gets 65 Years For Behrman Slaying: A man convicted of killing an Indiana University student who disappeared in 2000 was sentenced Friday to 65 years in prison -- the maximum sentence possible.
John Myers II, 31, had been found guilty of killing Jill Behrman after a 10-day trial in October.

Indiana 1976 championship ring for sale on eBay

AP Wire:

"A ring commemorating Indiana's 1976 NCAA basketball championship is being auctioned on eBay.

The seller has remained anonymous but says the ring belonged to the late Harold Andreas, who was one of Bob Knight's assistants in 1976, the last time a Division I team finished unbeaten.

The bidding, which ends Sunday, started at $2,500 on Nov. 23 and was up to $33,300 by Thursday afternoon.

'I am the only person who has owned it besides Harold,' the seller told The Herald-Times in an e-mail exchange.

'Yes, the ring has sentimental value to me because of my relationship to Harold Andreas,' he wrote. 'However, with this being the 30th anniversary of that perfect season, as well as the season in which Knight will no doubt eclipse Dean Smith's record (for career coaching wins), I figured I had to put the ring out there to see what it would command.'"

Indiana nears big welfare contract with IBM group

Reuters.com:

"Indiana would award an IBM coalition a 10-year $1.16 billion contract to take over back-office services for the state's welfare eligibility program, under a plan accepted Wednesday by Gov. Mitch Daniels.

The plan, which is aimed at improving customer service, while reducing fraud and waste, was expected to save Indiana $500 million in administrative costs over 10 years.

'We will make America's worst welfare system better for the people it serves, a much fairer deal for taxpayers, and for its own employees,' Daniels said in a statement. 'Simultaneously, we will bring 1,000 jobs and new great high-tech assets to the Indiana economy.'"

Indianapolis FOP Chooses New Leader

WISH-TV :

"The Indianapolis Police Department's union has a new leader.

Eight-year veteran Aaron Sullivan got the nod from the rank and file to head up the Fraternal Order of Police.

He replaces Vince Huber who has been a vocal opponent of Mayor Bart Peterson's proposal to merge IPD with the Marion County Sheriff's Department."

Indiana senators comment on Iraq

WTHR :

"President Bush says he will soon hold face-to-face meetings on ways to end the violence in Iraq. Many lawmakers are already offering their advice.

President Bush took off for a round of foreign diplomacy with pressure building at home for a change in policy, and with the level of uncontrolled violence in Iraq so severe that more news organizations are ignoring White House objections and calling it civil war. NBC News announced that 'the change in terminology is warranted.'

Because Baghdad wasn't considered safe enough, the President will meet with Iraq's Prime Minister in Jordan. Over the weekend he pleaded for an end to the sectarian conflict, and Bush is expected to step up the pressure on the Iraqi government itself to do more."

INShape Indiana Health Summit 2006 at Convention Center

WISH-TV :

"Monday in Indianapolis the focus will be on the health of our state as a part of the ongoing INShape Indiana campaign.

The health department is sponsoring the INShape Indiana Health Summit 2006. They are bringing together people from all over the state to talk about progress made to get Hoosiers to stop smoking, eat better and lose weight.

'At the summit there will be what we call trailblazers and folks will be able to hear from successful groups in the state that have taken the initiative to fight obesity looking both at nutrition and physical activity,' said Dr. Judith Monroe of the Indiana State Health Department. "

Local leaders have questions over Daniels' tollway plan

WTHR :

"Some local officials have plenty of questions about Governor Mitch Daniels' proposal for a 75-mile tollway bypass of Indianapolis.

The plan announced by the governor on November 9th calls for a tollway to run from Interstate 69 northeast of Indianapolis and loop east and south of the city to link up with I-70. Many people living in the five counties through which the highway would run are waiting for details about its route.

Dave Mohr, who will take office in January as a Shelby County commissioner, says he has heard talk of least three possible routes the tollway could take through Shelby County, southeast of Indianapolis.
"

Indiana lawmakers divided over elimination of gasoline sales tax

Palladium-Item :

"It appears the Statehouse is divided on a proposal to do away with the sales tax on gasoline.

Democrats who control the Indiana House want to eliminate tax on gasoline, but Republicans who control the Indiana Senate are skeptical.

Senate Republicans say it's unlikely the proposal would become law. Exempting gasoline from the state's 6 percent sales tax could cost the state as much as $300 million a year, Republicans say, while saving drivers only a few cents at a time.

Indiana charges the 6 percent sales tax on the base price of gas, not including the state and federal excise taxes. Democrats said eliminating the state sales tax would save drivers about 16 cents per gallon if the pump price is $3 a gallon. Democrats estimated the average driver would save about $150 a year."

Now Mayor Peterson Supports Election Reform

Advance Indiana:

"We saw today what is becoming a pattern on the part of Marion County Democrats. If a Republican proposes a change, oppose it regardless of the merit in the change. If a Democrat proposes the same change, embrace it wholeheartedly. That's what it looked like today when County Clerk-elect Beth White proposed a serious of election reforms.

White proposed reducing the number of precincts in Marion County by one-third, reducing the number from 914 to about 600. It's a good idea, but when Republican County Clerk Doris Ann Sadler proposed the same idea two years ago, Mayor Peterson refused to implement the change. White, who has been a deputy mayor and the administration's point person on election issues, had no good explanation for Peterson's lack of support in the past. We're only supposed to consider the fact that he now supports it because she's going to be running the office."

Indiana lawmakers elect new leaders

Indiana lawmakers elect new leaders:

"The Indiana Recount Commission - controlled 2-1 by Republicans - will oversee the recounts. However, regardless of their decisions, the House has the authority to seat whichever candidate the majority chooses.

Democrat incumbent Ed Mahern filed a request for a recount Tuesday with the Indiana Election Division in his race with Republican Jon Elrod, who won by just a handful of votes.

Mahern also filed a contest of the results, which means he is challenging the validity of some of the ballots or of the election process. That allows the recount commission to do more than simply re-tally the votes.
"

Michigan gears up for Ohio State with pounding of Indiana

Seattle Post-Intelligencer:

"Chad Henne passed for 159 yards with two touchdowns and Mike Hart rushed for another score, as second-ranked Michigan defeated Indiana 34-3 at Memorial Stadium.

The Wolverines (11-0, 7-0 Big Ten) will travel to Columbus for a showdown with top-ranked Ohio State next Saturday. The Buckeyes also remained unbeaten with a 54-10 victory over Northwestern.

'It's going to be another great Ohio State-Michigan game,' said Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. 'A few things are a little bit different and I don't think there is any question that it can't be any more special than Ohio State and Michigan. This one has everything that a fan could want and for the teams involved. The players and coaches have everything that they want. It's great for the Big Ten conference and it's great for every college football fan. It will be an exciting week.'"

G.O.P. Collapse in Indiana Emblematic of Larger Loss

New York Times:

"As he campaigned for re-election, the Republican who lost his seat in the House of Representatives here on Tuesday threw several incendiary barbs suggesting that the opposition was beyond the mainstream of these placid southern Indiana environs: “Homosexual agenda”; “San Francisco liberal Nancy Pelosi”; “New York liberal Charlie Rangel”; “Detroit liberal John Conyers.”

The attack backfired, and the Republican incumbent, John Hostettler, lost, as did two other incumbent Indiana Republicans in what proved to be a crucial state for Democrats in winning the House.

The mechanics of those defeats offer insights into the larger loss, and point to traps that Republican candidates appeared to have unwittingly entered: In all three cases, to demonstrate being a Washington insider was to court doom, no matter how much the incumbents railed against the ways of the capital. "

State to collect Lehe-Sutton ballots

Northwest Indiana News:

"INDIANAPOLIS: Move comes in preparation of likely recount

The Recount Commission on Friday also granted Bock's request to impound ballots in District 31, where Rep. Tim Harris, R-Marion, leads Democrat Larry Hile by 25 votes. A problem with electronic voting machines has stalled counting in District 97, where Republican challenger Jonathan Elrod has a 75-vote advantage over state Rep. Ed Mahern, D-Indianapolis.

Party officials say that all but a handful of provisional ballots have been counted in the Lehe-Sutton race, though county election officials could not be reached for confirmation Friday, the Veterans Day holiday.

Nov. 17 is the deadline for counting military absentee votes and provisional ballots, which require voters who went to the wrong precinct on Election Day to confirm their ballot at the county clerk's office.
"

Indiana War Memorial to house museum recounting USS Indianapolis' tale

WTHR :

"One of Indiana's largest war memorials will house a museum dedicated to the USS Indianapolis, the cruiser sunk by Japanese torpedoes in the closing days of World War Two.

Governor Daniels announced today during a Veterans Day address that the Indiana War Memorial will become home to a museum recounting the 13-year story of the USS Indianapolis, her crew, accomplishments and tragic end.

He says the exhibit is expected to be ready in late July 2007 to begin telling the story of the vessel, which was sunk on July 30th, 1945, in the Philippine Sea's shark-infested waters by two torpedoes fired by a Japanese submarine."

Road plan roadblock? Getting the land

IndyStar.com:

"In many cases, farms likely would be gobbled up by the highway, while in some areas, existing homes, businesses and even recent developments might have to be razed.
Some landowners might be more than willing to sell their parcels. Others, however, are likely to put up a fight.
Those land battles, along with approval from the Indiana General Assembly, could be the largest roadblocks to Daniels' plan.
Eminent domain -- the government's seizure of private land -- almost certainly would have to be used to acquire land for the tollway. It would be built and operated by a private company at a cost estimated at $1 billion to $1.5 billion."

Top Indiana Democrat issues warning

United Press International:

"Sen. Evan Bayh, a veteran Indiana Democrat, said Tuesday's election was a vote against the status quo and not an affirmation of his party's agenda.

In an interview Bayh, a potential 2008 presidential candidate, said most Americans don't really know what Democrats stand for, Gannett News Service reported.

'And if we serve up a highly partisan, ideologically extreme, Democratic version of what they just voted against, we're not going to do very well.'

Instead Bayh urged his party to focus on issues of concern to the middle class like health care, pensions, job security and making higher education more affordable."

Harrah's plans renovation after license renewal

AP Wire:

"Harrah's Entertainment plans to start work on a $50 million renovation of the former Caesars Indiana riverboat casino now that the state gaming commission has renewed its license.

Work was expected to begin in about a month on the riverboat along the Ohio River, 10 miles west of Louisville, Ky. The Indiana Gaming Commission unanimously approved the license renewal with little discussion Thursday.

Renovation plans include upgrading the fourth-floor cafe into a more upscale lounge, a new deli, a high-limit gambling area and a stage for live entertainment."

Governor proposes 75-mile tollway bypass of Marion County

WTHR :

"Governor Mitch Daniels wants to build a 75-mile long tollway around Indianapolis. He wants a public-private partnership to build the outer-belt tollway. It would run through six counties and connect several interstates from I-69 in Hamilton County to I-70 at Indianapolis International Airport.

The hope is the 'Indiana Commerce Connector' will attract new jobs, create six new job zones, alleviate traffic in high traffic areas and bring the communities all the road closer to the national economy, all without raising taxes.

The connection points for the proposed tollway - ambitiously dubbed the Indiana Commerce Connector - include Pendleton, Greenfield, Shelbyville, Franklin and Martinsville, as well as the airport.

'This would be a toll road built with my favorite revenue source- other people's money,' said Daniels."

Indiana transportation commissioner resigns

Courier-Journal:

"Indiana Department of Transportation Commissioner Tom Sharp has resigned his job and will be replaced by another member of Gov. Mitch Daniels’ cabinet, the governor’s office said Thursday.

The announcement comes just hours before Daniels is expected to announce details of a major transportation project at a meeting in Indianapolis of the American Council of Engineering Companies.

Sharp has been commissioner of the department since Daniels took office in January 2005 and developed the governor’s Major Moves program, which outlines 10 years of transportation investment and includes the lease of the Indiana Toll Road to a private firm.
"

taking down words: Federal Races: Looks Like Those Pelosi Talking Points Really Did The Trick

taking down words:

"Now that you've performed the woulda/coulda/shoulda ritual, let's talk about one of the two big news stories to come out of our state last night: Indiana's Congressional delegation is now comprised of more Democrats than Republicans. So, too, is the entire United States House of Representatives.

'The war in Iraq and battles closer to home cost three Republican congressmen their seats Tuesday as Indiana helped propel Democrats to control of the U.S. House.

'Voters ousted incumbents in the 2nd, 8th and 9th Districts, giving Democrats three of the 15 seats they needed to retake the House."

Mommy & Daddy Know Best:

~Mommy & Daddy Know Best~:

"Well, those crazy Dems have finally done it. They've taken control over the House, and we will find out later today if they have claimed the two seats they need in the Senate to have the majority of both.

In our fab state of Indiana, the Dems have also won control over state congress. This is big news in a very RED state. However Melina Kennedy was defeated by incumbent Carl Brizzi, as I had hoped. I just didn't like her, especially after I read her involvement in causing one of my theaters in downtown Indy to shut down. Of course old-man Lugar has won again, our only U.S. Senator up for re-election. The Dems didn't even run anyone against him.. probably thought it was a waste of time.
"

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » Democratic control of the Indiana House

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana:

"Mike Smith has an article for the Associated Press discussing the Democratic control of the Indiana House. Because of his decisive vote in the Daylight Saving Time vote after having promised his constituents he would “never” vote for it, I am most pleased that Troy Woodruff lost to Kreg Battles. I am less pleased about the loss of Steve Heim, the other incumbent who appears to be a DST casualty. Rep. Heim’s critical pro-DST vote was one of those where he could have kept the DST bill dead but instead voted in favor of a motion to reconsider. On all the substantive votes, he voted against it. But he enabled Speaker Bosma to take unusual procedural steps that allowed passage even though the vote initially went against DST."

Left In Aboite: Good News from all over

Left In Aboite:

"From the country's heartland, voters sent messages that altered America's culture wars and dismayed the religious right — defending abortion rights in South Dakota, endorsing stem cell research in Missouri, and, in a national first, rejecting a same-sex marriage ban in Arizona.

Almost 79 million people voted in Tuesday's election, with Democrats drawing more support than Republicans for the first time in a midterm election since 1990, according to a private analysis."

State Chairman's Report: A Win in Wayne County - A Win in Henry County - A Close Call in Another Race - And Initial Analysis of the Rex Bell Race

State Chairman's Report:

"Conley Tillson was elected to the Wayne County Clay Township Advisory Board!

Steve Coffman was elected to the Henry County Liberty Township Advisory Board!

And Julie Stout missed being elected by only 17 votes. Here's the unofficial results in her race:"

UnCivil Defence: A Fitting End

UnCivil Defence:

"Many, many years ago I cast my first vote ever for a Libertarian Presidential candidate and yesterday I cast what is likely to be my last vote for Libertarians. Even tho I knew most of the people for whom I voted I didn't feel good about casting a ballot. There was no excitement and no sense of fulfillment , only a sense of unease, futility and disgust with the system that my vote was perpetuating. Today I saw the results of that vote, and all the others like it. The Socialist Left has become the dominant force on the American political scene by ousting the Socialist Right and nothing will change in any substantive manner. No libertarians were elected, indeed the votes across the board screamed out for more government and less freedom."

Resist...: I Need A Little Breather (name the movie)...

Resist...: :

"Election Day has come and gone. The shows at work went fantastic! The bosses were happy and we did some excellent coverage. AND we were prepared!!! That was what made all the difference! It was a great day and I felt very good about it."

Marked Hoosier: Donnelly Won

Marked Hoosier:

"It was nice to vote for someone and to have that vote be part of the majority to elect that person to Congress. I am not quite sure how the election ended for our statehouse in Indiana, but it is nice to see a new majority in the US House of Representatives.

And I am taking the bet that the Virginia recount will make Florida 2000 look like a cakewalk. "

Indiana Pundit: How Clear Was my Crystal Ball

Indiana Pundit:

"Overall though, my record was pretty good this fall I predicted 13 of 14 races.

There were other races that I did commentary on before the election but didn't do the numbers breakout. Here's how I did on those. (Each one is a link to its pre-election analysis)."

Indiana Barrister: My Post Election Advice

Indiana Barrister:

"Instead of writing some long, drawn out piece about the election and statistics and analysis on results and numbers on the Democratic sweep, I decided to give a little advice to the major players in town. Here it is.

Indiana Democrats -- Congrats! Emotional appeals always win over logic. It worked!

Indiana Republicans -- Just like with gay marriage, emotional appeals work over logic. See Democratic message."

Advance Indiana: State Representative Jon Elrod

Advance Indiana:

"Unofficially, AI has learned that Republicans and Democrats are in agreement that Jon Elrod (R) has ousted long-time State Rep. Ed Mahern (D) in Indianapolis' District 97. While the clerk's office has yet to track down those missing memory cards from about 66 precincts, party workers were able to provide printouts of vote results in those missing races. In the case of the 97th District, the unofficial results put Elrod up about 60 votes, a large enough lead to survive any recount. There is a bit of irony in Elrod's victory. Mahern was the person who master-minded the House Democrats legislative map which gerrymandered the districts to heavily favor Democrats. Apparently, he didn't do a good enough job drawing the boundaries of his own district."

Bauer chosen as Speaker of the Indiana House

WNDU-TV :

"With Democratic control of the Indiana House next session, B. Patrick Bauer has been chosen, once again as the Speaker of the House.

House Democrats gained at least a 51 to 49 majority in Tuesday's election.

Bauer says Democrats will seek more money for schools and a nonbinding statewide referendum to gauge public opinion on daylight-saving time.

'I believe that we'll try to have a referendum on that, have the views of the people. We've said that one of the things that we thought was to listen to the people, and I think they need a little improving on that. And we'd like to improve that and I’ll think we'll try for a referendum, on the direction the people would like to have in that area,' explains Representative B. Patrick Bauer."

Indiana Sending More Dems than Republicans to Washington

WISH-TV :

"For the first time since 1994, Indiana's congressional delegation will have a Democratic majority. There are currently seven Republican districts and two Democratic. But because of what happened Tuesday, there will be more blue districts than red from Indiana when the 2007 Congress convenes.

Republican Mike Sodrel's 9th District will soon be Democrat Baron Hill's.

'I don't think I could have worked any harder or slept any shorter,' Sodrel said."

Information for Indiana voters

Northwest Indiana News: nwitimes.com:

"The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. today.

Voters in Indiana will need to present an ID at their polling places to vote.

If you don't have an ID, you can get one at state license branches, which will be open while the polls are open. To obtain a driver's license or a free state ID card, you will need to present three documents: a primary document, such as a birth certificate or passport; a secondary document, such as a pay stub or bank statement; and proof of residence, such as a utility bill."

The IN-KY Five

Real Clear Politics - News - Mid Term Elections - Elections 2008 - Opinion - Commentary - TIME:

"If you want a good place to focus on Tuesday night, watch the House races in Indiana and Kentucky. Polls close early in both states, and all five of the seats (IN-2, IN-8, IN-9, KY-3, KY-4) feature incumbent Republicans in very tough races.

If Republicans get swept or lose four of the five, they'll be in for a very long night. But if the GOP can hold onto three or more seats in this group of five, they'll have a shot at holding onto the House.

The most likely holds right now look to be Davis (KY-4), Northup (KY-3), and Sodrel (IN-9), in that order. Chocola has closed the gap in IN-2 and seems like he might be within striking distance. Hostettler in IN-8 is the only one of the five who appears to be headed for almost certain defeat on Tuesday."

Indiana University Honors Interactive Intelligence with Entrepreneurial Award for Innovation - MSN Money

Business Wire Business News:

"Interactive Intelligence Inc. ININ, a global developer of business communications software, has received the Indiana University Entrepreneurial Award of Distinction (IUEAD) in the category of Innovation.

The Innovation Award identifies companies that have pioneered new systems, products, or best practices to adapt to the ever-changing business climate, according to Donald F. Kuratko, executive director of the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and The Jack M. Gill Chair of Entrepreneurship in the IU Kelley School of Business.

'Interactive Intelligence clearly met our criteria for the Innovation Award with its ground-breaking IP-based unified communications software, which was first released nearly a decade ago to address the costly integration requirements introduced by the large legacy telephony vendors,' Kuratko said."

Former Evangelical Leader from Indiana

WISH-TV :

"Ted Haggard spent his childhood years in Delphi, then his family moved to the Yorktown area. He graduated from Yorktown High School in 1974. Haggard's fellow students elected him vice president of his senior class. He developed an interest in journalism before deciding to pursue a life in the ministry. Years later, Haggard appeared in a documentary on evangelicals in America.

'We are the ones with the role to say there is a moral line and we need to rise up to it. And that's why secular people are so concerned when the church does not fulfill its own moral standard,' Haggard said in the HBO documentary 'Evangelicals in America.'

That same concern now extends to the small town which the reverend once called home."

Indiana Statehouse: Up for grabs?

WTHR :

"In the Senate, half of the seats are up for grabs. Eighteen Republicans and seven Democrats will retain their seats. This election, five Republicans and two Democrats are running unopposed. That means Republicans need only three wins to retain control of the state Senate.

But the Indiana House is a different story. All 100 seats are up for grabs. Sixteen Republicans and 17 Democrats are running uncontested. That leaves two-thirds of the seats up for grabs.

Jon Elrod, 29, has worked the soles of his shoes walking the 97th district. His yard signs mark his path. His own party - the GOP - told him to go out and earn his stripes in the 97th district. He did, and he was rewarded with nearly $100,000 for television ads in his hope to unseat ten-year incumbent Ed Mahern."

Torpor Indy: Indianapolis Monthy

Torpor Indy: Indianapolis Monthy:

"The latest issue of Indianapolis Monthly has a feature article on several local blogs. Torpor Indy made the cut of six highlighted in the magazine's November issue. The article is found in the magazine's Circle City Essential Indiana feature, which is on page 44.

The feature makes note of four things you need to know about the blog. These include the blogger, the likely reader, choice words (a quote from the blog), and why bother (the magazine's reasoning why a person should check out the blog). The magazine indicated that the blogger for this site is 'a lawyer with a distaste for Indy.' It also noted that the likely reader of this blog was a fellow misanthrope.

Those who read this blog with some consistency know that this blog includes commentary about local and national politics but is also, in part, a lifestyle blog about living in Indianapolis. Those who read this blog are also aware that this blog is not mine but is simply in my steward while Torpor is out of the country on business."

Indiana Barrister: Media Manipulation

Indiana Barrister:

"Under the right set of circumstances, I don't mind being manipulated. It usually involves two Brazilian strippers, good scotch whiskey and a box of cigars and chocolate. However, since none of those things have shown up on my door step lately, I really wish some people in this town would politely tone things down and just quietly go turn out the vote.

In case you're wondering, I'm referring to efforts by Council Democrats to go after Carl Brizzi a few days before the election in the race for County Prosecutor. Council Democrats have been fuming about Brizzi since this summer's hearings on jail overcrowding.

Earlier this week, the Democrats instructed Council Attorney Aaron Haith to investigate whether Brizzi misled the council during hearings on jail overcrowding. I would take the 'investigation' more seriously if the Democrats hadn't been sitting on this information for months. I reached that conclusion based on several factors."

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » All Your Children Are Belong To Us

Masson’s Blog - A Citizen’s Guide to Indiana » All Your Children Are Belong To Us:

"Couldn’t resist the obscure title. Anyway, a reader flagged this issue for me, and I’m kind of creeped out by all the donations going from All Children Matter to Indiana Republicans. But these folks aren’t local, they spread their money around the country. The organization is funded by Dick DeVos out of the DeVos Amway fortune (and, to some extent, apparently the Wal-Mart fortune.) All Children Matter is devoted to privatizing our educational system through use of vouchers and similar schemes or, to use their characterization, offering “school choice.”

First, I’m a little leerie, perhaps unjustifiably so, of the connection between Amway — a business that apparently has characteristics similar to a cult — and educating our children. Second, the amount of money going into Indiana campaigns is remarkable. I previously mentioned $50,000 going to Tom Dermody.

But it looks like ACM is spreading it around liberally. (Oh, and hey, what do you know? They are affiliated with social conservative election law attorney James Bopp, Jr.). In the 12 key house races that Mary Beth Schneider called Hot races:"

Viva Bush: Stop lying about the FairTax!

Viva Bush: Stop lying about the FairTax!:

"I just received this email from the FairTax movement:

Subject: Stop Lying About the FairTax!

To counter the avalanche of misinformation in races in Georgia, Montana, Nebraska, Michigan, Minnesota, and elsewhere, FairTax.org has organized a concentrated effort to appear on radio talk shows, to place guest editorials, and to send letters to the editor. We have also asked FairTax supporters to challenge candidates and incumbents to support the FairTax legislation and to stop distortions to the voting public."

Fort Wayne Left: Intercepted from the Indiana GOP

Fort Wayne Left: Intercepted from the Indiana GOP:

"From the 'one trick pony' department: Boys (or should I say good 'ol boys), Nancy Pelosi will be the new Speaker of the House in a few days no matter what happens here in the state of Indiana. I know that's difficult for you to accept, and that you prefer to distort her record in an attempt to ape the national GOP strategy of scaring people into voting for you against their own best interests. Do you understand the term 'exercise in futility'? Apparently not. Hill, Ellsworth, Donnelly, and Hayhurst are Indiana moderate Democrats. Do these men agree with Nancy Pelosi on the issues? I would ask 'Do the Republican imcumbents agree with George W.Bush on the issues'?"

INDY UNDERCOVER: NEWS FLASH!!! Pot Calls Kettle Black!

INDY UNDERCOVER: NEWS FLASH!!! Pot Calls Kettle Black!:

"Julia Carson managed to crawl out of bed this morning and 'attack' the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for its racist mailer it put out this week attacking Eric Dickerson. Julia says she was outraged! Maybe Juila should have thought about this before she dropped the info in a meeting with the Indy Star editorial board. "

Fort Wayne Libertarian Mike Sylvester: Election 2006 Predictions

Fort Wayne Libertarian Mike Sylvester: Election 2006 Predictions:

"The 2006 Election has been the most interesting that I have ever watched... The Republicans have been rocked by scandals and have done little in the last two years for their voting base.

The Democrats have ran on the theme 'We are NOT Republicans.'

My predictions are:
1. The Democrats will take The House. I think they will pick up 20 seats and have a very narrow majority.
2. I think the Republicans will maintain the senate; however, not by much. I think the Dems will pick up 4 of the 6 seats they need. I do NOT think we will know who controls the senate until Thursday or Friday of next week."

Advance Indiana: Elrod Upset In The Making Over Mahern?

Advance Indiana: Elrod Upset In The Making Over Mahern?:

"While state and Marion County Democrats have focused their attention on knocking off two long-time incumbent Republicans and saving one of their own in a tight race, a Republican upstart in another race may be poised to upset a long-time Democratic veteran. Democrats have been focusing on the legislative races between Rep. David Orentlicher (D) and Kathryn Densborn, Rep. Larry Buell (R) and John Barnes (D) and Sen. James Merritt (R) and Russell Brown (D). Flying almost undetected under radar, is local attorney Jon Elrod, who is challenging Rep. Ed Mahern (D)."

Beech Grove mayor touts improvements

IndyStar.com:

"John Mellencamp's 'Crumblin' Down' was the soundtrack Thursday night for part of Beech Grove Mayor Joe Wright's state of the city address.

The song was a fitting metaphor as the first-term mayor touted economic development initiatives -- beginning with the demolition of a concrete wall on Emerson Avenue.
The wall that for 30 years served as a barrier between Main Street and the rest of the world is gone. Wright used the project to highlight an economic development plan that includes several initiatives:"

Castleton loses parking spaces to construction

WTHR - Indianapolis News and Weather - Castleton loses parking spaces to construction:

"Mall parking during holiday shopping is already tight enough, but what happens when you take away a big portion of a parking lot?

Castleton Square Mall is central Indiana's reigning retail champ. The 1.4-million-square-foot mall is a regional shopping draw, a destination that's evident especially during the holidays.

Courtesy may be a luxury this holiday season at the busy mall. Simon Properties, the Indianapolis-based mall owner, is replacing the former Ayres department store with a so-called lifestyle center mix of movie theatres, bookstores, restaurants and specialty shops. It's the sort of popular retail layout found at Carmel's Clay Terrace."

Union Federal Bank Converts to Sky Bank This Weekend

Yahoo! Finance:

"Sky Financial Group, Inc. announced today the merger of Union Federal Bank of Indianapolis into its banking affiliate, Sky Bank, effective at today's close of business. Union Federal Bank was acquired by Sky Financial Oct. 17. Union Federal Bank, the fourth largest bank in Indianapolis, will convert to Sky Bank's name, products and operating systems this weekend, Nov. 4-5, 2006.

ADVERTISEMENT
'We are pleased that Union Federal is officially becoming a significant part of Sky Bank,' said Marty E. Adams, chairman, president and CEO of Sky. 'We have looked forward to this day for some time and we couldn't be more pleased that it has now arrived. Our new Central Indiana Region provides us a wonderful growth opportunity and we are looking forward to serving its clients and the community.'"

Dickerson blasts mailing that cites his 1991 arrest

IndyStar.com:

"Republican congressional candidate Eric Dickerson is complaining about a new campaign flier that brings up his arrest 15 years ago on domestic violence charges.

The mailer, sent out by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, asks, 'What's worse? A candidate for Congress who beats his wife, bites his kid, gets arrested and goes to jail . . . or a candidate who lies about it?'
Dickerson, who is challenging incumbent U.S. Rep. Julia Carson, D-Indianapolis, faced preliminary charges of battery and disorderly conduct in the 1991 incident, based on allegations that he beat his wife and bit his teenage daughter. But the case was dismissed after his wife and daughter declined to testify."

Republic Airlines wants flight attendants

Republic Airlines wants flight attendants:

"Republic Airways, which is based in Indianapolis, said Thursday it will hire 350 flight attendants.

All three of Republic's carriers -- Chautauqua Airlines, Republic Airlines and Shuttle America -- expect to add flight attendants next year thanks to the company's 'strong partnerships' with legacy carriers, Republic said.
"

State of Tech in Indiana – “Radically Different”

MidwestBusiness.com:

"“This is not the same Indiana,” said voice mail-inventor and GraceNote Chairman Scott Jones to Midwest Business October 31. “We’ve made huge progress and things are radically different than a decade ago.”

Jones made his remarks to Midwest Business following his annual state of technology address at the TechPoint Technology Summit, referencing the environment he confronted when returning in the early 1990s from his work at MIT and as the founder of Boston Technologies, Inc.

His words echoed that of Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, who earlier addressed the group of 1,000 technology and business executives. The advances of information technology, the Governor said, “are essential to the future of this state…and complete fulfillment of the potential of Indiana.”"

Missing northern Indiana girl, 16, found dead

Journal Gazette | 11/01/2006 | Missing northern Indiana girl, 16, found dead:

"Authorities found a missing 16-year-old northern Indiana girl dead Wednesday night.

Investigators found Stephanie Wagner'’s body about 8 p.m. after a co-worker who had served time in prison for murder told them where they could find her body, police said during a news conference at the Cass County Jail.

Authorities were holding Danny R. Rouse, 55, the co-worker who was described as a person of interest in the case.

Wagner was last seen leaving her job at 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Indian Head Restaurant in Winamac about the same time as Rouse, Indiana State Police Sgt. Tony Slocum said."

I think there is no greater suffering that a parent can experience than the loss of a child. I think there is no greater crime that society can experience than when our most innocent are lost to our the barbaric.

Hi-Tech Surveillance Cameras Coming to Indianapolis Neighborhoods

WISH-TV :

"When you shop or go out in public, you are probably used to being under the close watch of security cameras. But pretty soon, do not be surprised to find them in some Indianapolis neighborhoods.

What looks like the face of a robot is actually the latest in video surveillance. The cameras are already installed at the Village of West Clay in Carmel, and could be on their way to a neighborhood near you. One local candidate is making it a campaign issue.

'I get a sense from looking at the township's budget that the money's there to do this,' said Jeff Bennett, Warren Township Trustee candidate."

‘Spring ahead, fall back’ means Indiana won’t fall behind

‘Spring ahead, fall back’ means Indiana won’t fall behind - The Bluffton News-Banner:

"I have to admit that I was similar to most Hoosiers last year when lawmakers voted to bring Indiana up to date by making us the 48th state to observe daylight-saving time.

Hoosiers do not welcome change too well, particularly if we have to modify the way we have been doing something for 30 years (in this case, telling time).

But on April 2, we reluctantly “sprang forward” by moving our clocks one hour ahead with the rest of the country to observe daylight-saving time."

Indiana’s Wine industry Continues to Expand

Hoosier Ag Today - News:

"Whyte Horse Winery recently opened for business in Monticello. Owners Larry and Connie Pampel opened their tasting room in a renovated 1886 farmhouse. The tasting room retains much of its charm with elegant woodwork and antique fixtures. The 2-acre vineyard grows two different varieties of grapes; Traminette and Vignoles.
Located just 25 minutes north of Lafayette, in White County, the winery is selling a variety of dry wines including Chardonnay, Chambourcin and Meritage. Customers who enjoy sweeter wines will want to buy their Traminette, Harvest Harmony, Chautauqua Red, made from concord grapes, and Tranquility, made from niagara grapes. The winery is also selling cheese and wine accessories. Future plans call for a gazebo that will seat over 200 people. The Pampel’s will also be making Cabernet Sauvignon, Blackberry and Sangiovese wines, for release in 2007."

World Series of Poker Circuit: Caesars Indiana - Event #11

PokerPages.com Poker News - World Series of Poker Circuit: Caesars Indiana - Event #11:

"“I am a very selective, very tight player,” Yong “A.Y.” An said after his victory in event 11 of the Harrah’s Circuit tour at Caesars Indiana. That helped him build his stacks until, almost halfway through the final table, he broke Ed Corrado in a big hand and moved into a commanding lead which he held to the end, finally beating professional player Thomas “Moon” Fuller. First place in the $2,000 no-limit event paid $67,884. It was his first major cash.

An, 36, is originally from Korea and manages a Japanese restaurant in his current hometown of Dallas , Texas . (Jay Chang, a restaurant owner he had previously worked with, finished sixth in the $5,000 championship event at Tunica.) He is single, enjoys playing basketball and baseball, and started playing poker five years ago with family and friends. He prefers tournaments but also plays $2-$5 and occasionally $5-$10 no-limit. Last night he was very short-stacked with two tables left but got going when he won two pots with pocket pairs."

Indiana town lets economic hopes ride on new casino

Indiana town lets economic hopes ride on new casino:

"A long-awaited moment will arrive today in French Lick when investors snip the ribbon on Indiana's 11th casino and unveil a refurbished century-old hotel.

The opening of the $382 million French Lick Springs Resort & Casino is viewed as a huge step in a decade-long push to revive gambling and reverse Orange County's woeful economic fortunes.

'We've been waiting for a long time for this,' said Marilyn Fenton, the owner of a French Lick antiques and gift store."

City still owes $75 million on soon-to-be demolished RCA Dome

South Bend Tribune:

"Indianapolis residents will be paying for the RCA Dome for more than a decade after the Indianapolis Colts leave their longtime home for a new stadium that will open in 2008.

The city still owes about $75 million in principal on bonds related to the construction of the RCA Dome, which opened in 1984.

The debt was supposed to be paid off by 2013, but because it has been refinanced several times and its term extended, those bonds won't be retired until 2021 — 13 years after the dome is razed and the Colts have moved into their new digs at nearby Lucas Oil Stadium."

Bizarre Case Of Revenge In Indiana Prison

News::Bizarre Case Of Revenge In Indiana Prison:

"A cousin of a murdered Indiana girl faces battery charges, for allegedly placing a tattoo on the forehead of the man convicted of killing her.

22-year-old Jared Harris admits acting out of revenge in the September 22nd attack on Anthony Stockelman.

Prison officials say Harris put 'Katie's Revenge' on Stockelman's forehead.

The 39-year-old was sentenced to life in prison in March after pleading guilty to abducting, molesting and killing Katie Collman last year."

Slatkin to Join Indiana U. Faculty

Slatkin to Join Indiana U. Faculty - washingtonpost.com:

"Conductor Leonard Slatkin, who will step down as music director of the National Symphony Orchestra at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season, has joined the faculty of Indiana University, effective next fall.

Slatkin, 62, will spend 'several weeks' conducting student orchestras and working intensively with conducting and composition students, the university said in a statement Thursday. The initial appointment is for three years, but Gwyn Richards, dean of the university's Jacobs School of Music, said that as far as he was concerned, it was an 'open-ended' commitment. Slatkin will be named the Arthur R. Metz Foundation Conductor."

National Watchdog Group Predicts Indiana Voting Problems

WSBT South Bend:

"Election Day is less than two weeks away, and a watchdog group is predicting problems in Indiana.

The group electionline.org claims the state’s new photo ID law and a new computer voting system could cause troubles. It also says mistakes could have been made when 120,000 voters in Indiana were deleted from polling lists because they were either deceased or registered in another county.

In St. Joseph County, poll workers are taking extra precautions -- using two computer systems to prevent problems."

Don't forget to ‘fall back' this weekend

The Daily World - News:

"For the first time since the Indiana General Assembly decided to put the whole state on Standard Time earlier this year, clocks will change for Greene County residents early this Sunday morning.

At 2 a.m. on Sunday, all Indiana clocks will “fall back” one hour. Next April, clocks will “spring forward” one hour.

But that doesn't mean all Indiana counties will be on the same time after Sunday.

Greene County, situated in the Eastern Time Zone, will still be one hour ahead of neighboring Daviess and Martin counties, which observe Central Time.
"

Daniels names next week 'Entrepreneurship Week'

Evansville Courier Press:

"Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, the Indiana Economic Development Corp. and Techpoint have named Oct. 30 through Nov. 3 “Entrepreneurship Week.”

Officials will use the week to celebrate entrepreneurship in Indiana and encourage the next generation of Hoosier entrepreneurs to build their next business in Indiana.

“Indiana has a rich tradition of entrepreneurship and innovation. From its earliest days, our state has been a hotbed of innovation, invention and entrepreneurship,” Daniels said in a statement. “It’s time to briefly set aside our traditional Hoosier modesty and celebrate Indiana’s entrepreneurial success stories.”"

Indiana Supreme Court declines to hear Knight firing suit

Indiana Supreme Court declines to hear Knight firing suit - Wire Services - Basketball - MSNBC.com:

"The Indiana Supreme Court has declined to hear a lawsuit accusing Indiana University of violating the state's open meetings law in the days leading up to the firing of basketball coach Bob Knight.

That kills the suit filed by 46 fans six years ago, with the university's actions being upheld."

Sorry there isn't better news to report on this today. Happy Birthday Coach.

School Safety Specialists Meet in Indianapolis

WISH-TV - Indianapolis News and Weather - School Safety Specialists Meet in Indianapolis:

"School safety specialists from every Indiana school corporation are meeting in Indianapolis Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss keeping students safe. The recent national shootings have them eager for updated training.

'We want to make sure that Indiana's got the safest schools,' said Eric Dietz, Indiana Homeland Security Director.

Dietz tells Indiana's school safety specialists that three recent school shootings in Colorado, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania are a wake up call for them to conduct frequent emergency drills."

Indianapolis rolls out red carpet for FFA

Brownfield: Indianapolis rolls out red carpet for FFA:

"For the city of Indianapolis today is a day that has been circled on the calendar for a long time. The capital city is decked out with Blue and Gold banners, street names have been changed and everywhere you look, Blue and Gold jackets are walking the downtown streets. “This is a big day in Indianapolis, we want to welcome this organization, we’re proud of this organization and the young people it represents,” said Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson.

The 79th National FFA Convention brings to town 55,000 visitors, the largest convention in this city’s history. Mayor Peterson says that while the economic impact to the city is significant, estimated at $30 million, just having the National FFA in town is special. “We won’t take the FFA students for granted, they’re going to find we have rolled out the red carpet for them,” says Peterson."

Myers' Former Girlfriend, Co-Workers Testify In Behrman Trial

TheIndyChannel.com :

"Jurors in the Jill Behrman murder trial heard from the defendant's former girlfriend and some former co-workers as week two of the trial got under way on Monday.

John Myers II, 31, is accused of killing Behrman, 19, more than six years ago. The Indiana University student went missing during a bike ride.

Myers was in a rocky relationship in 2000 with Carly Goodman, who wanted to break up with him after eight months of dating."

24-Hour News 8 Indiana Poll Shows Changes in Marion Co. Prosecutor's Race and 7th District

WISH-TV :

"A new 24-Hour News 8 Indiana Poll shows some changes in two important races, the race for Marion County prosecutor and the 7th District Congressional race.

In the prosecutor race, Democrat Melina Kennedy is not just going door to door, she is also making personal phone calls to independent voters. The 24-Hour News 8 Indiana Poll shows she has ground to make up. Kennedy trails Carl Brizzi 50-to-42, but she says the race is not over.

'Continuing to get the message out that we have been underperforming in the prosecutor's office and we need a change because we have a rise in crime in this city and something's got to change,' Kennedy said."

Deer hunts will begin again at Indiana Dunes State Park - October 23, 2006

WNDU-TV: News:

"Deer hunting will once again be allowed at Indiana Dunes State Park.

The Department of Natural Resources says deer are eating too many plants in the park.

Generally, hunting is not allowed in state parks. However in the 1990s, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management noticed how much damage the deer were causing. "

Man Denies Shooting At Park Ranger During Manhunt

TheIndyChannel.com - Local News - Man Denies Shooting At Park Ranger During Manhunt:

"An extensive manhunt came to a dramatic end late Saturday on Indianapolis' southwest side with the arrest of a man police said had a stolen SUV and fired a gun at a park ranger.

The incident began at about 6:30 p.m. when a park ranger who was checking license plates began chasing a man, identified as Timothy Tucker, after the SUV he was in came back as stolen, 6News' Tanya Spencer reported."

Indianapolis buying cameras to help fight crime

AP Wire | 10/22/2006 | Indianapolis buying cameras to help fight crime:

"Indianapolis police soon will be able to monitor activity around the city via 22 pole-mounted, bulletproof cameras, plus others that can be moved from location to location.

A $1 million grant from the Department of Homeland Security will be used to buy the 22 cameras that will be placed permanently outside stadiums, water treatment plants and other places.

The city also will purchase an undetermined number of mobile cameras, The Indianapolis Star reported.

'We are adding officers to the streets and performing saturation patrols in high-crime areas,' Mayor Bart Peterson said. 'These cameras will be a great tool to complement those additional resources and increase police presence in neighborhoods.'"

Pence's next move depends on options

Pence's next move depends on options | IndyStar.com:

"Congressman Mike Pence could get a promotion into House leadership in the wake of Republicans' declining fortunes. But he may be tempted to decline offers to move up in anticipation of better political weather.

If Republicans lose the House, Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., is not likely to continue as minority leader.
Pence would be an obvious candidate for top leadership in several respects."

City might need more of your pay, study finds

City might need more of your pay, study finds | IndyStar.com:

"The study suggests expenditures will outpace revenues by $126 million by 2010. Unless city officials act, the report said, the result could be enormous property tax increases that will have a negative effect on business and the entire city.
The challenges the report identifies include the rapidly rising cost of public safety and child welfare, the elimination of the inventory tax, diminishing fund balances and a state law that limits property tax increases.
Potential solutions include a regional sales tax, privatization of the jail, fire consolidation, nonresident income taxes, garbage fee increases, and more food and beverage taxes."

Vulnerabilities emblematic of GOP's nationwide woes

Vulnerabilities emblematic of GOP's nationwide woes - USATODAY.com:

"The conservative Midwestern state of Indiana is an unlikely battlefield in the Republicans' larger war, and the irony is that Republican Senator Richard Lugar is running for a sixth six-year term without Democratic opposition. Even that troubles some Republican strategists, who say a more active race at the top of the ticket would help Congressman Chris Chocola, who is in re-election trouble, as well as Congressmen Mike Sodrel and John Hostettler.

Like other endangered incumbents, Chocola has had difficult races in the past, and he's even run — and won — against Democratic challenger Joe Donnelly before. In a nearby Indiana district, Sodrel and Democratic former Congressman Baron Hill are rivals for the third straight campaign in a district so divided that each man has won once.

Of the three Republicans, Hostettler has trailed by a significant margin in the polls for weeks and appears likely to lose. The district that Sodrel represents is virtually guaranteed to be close because of its makeup."

Wal-Mart Set To Offer Discount Prescription Drugs In Indiana

TheIndyChannel.com - Local News - Wal-Mart Set To Offer Discount Prescription Drugs In Indiana:

"A discount prescription drug program debuted Thursday at Wal-Mart stores in Indiana.

The retail giant will now offer select generic drugs for just $4 for a one-month supply at its Indiana stores. Stores in 13 other states are also rolling out the drug plan, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

The drug plan began in Florida and was supposed to be unveiled in other states next year. Company executives said they sped up the timetable because the program was working so well."

Federal appeals judge questions Indiana voter ID law challenge

JURIST - Paper Chase: Federal appeals judge questions Indiana voter ID law challenge:

"Judge Richard Posner of the US Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit expressed skepticism Wednesday that an Indiana law requiring voters to show ID cards at the polls would prevent some citizens from casting ballots. During oral arguments in a lawsuit challenging the Indiana law as disproportionately burdensome for the poor, elderly, minorities, and individuals who are handicapped, Posner identified the failure of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana to find a single person who would be disenfranchised by the new law. Republicans say requiring ID cards at polls will prevent voter fraud, which Democrats dispute by pointing out that voters do not require ID cards to cast absentee ballots. Opponents also contend that the law will burden voters, particularly the elderly and the poor, who possess driver's licenses or passports in fewer numbers."

Summit to explore Indiana's logistics opportunities - Business First of Louisville:

Summit to explore Indiana's logistics opportunities - Business First of Louisville::

"The fourth annual Indiana Logistics Summit on Nov. 14 will is expected to draw more than 250 experts from government, business and academics to discuss opportunities for the state, including expanding and improving transportation infrastructure to grow existing business and growing the advanced manufacturing and biofuels industries.

'The terms distribution and logistics mean deciding where you need something and when you need something, and a major issue for Indiana is how to effectively use all of our transportation modes together, seamlessly integrating freight movement on ships, trains and trucks,' John Schneider, Purdue University's assistant vice president for industry research and outreach, said in a news release. 'We must work to maximize our current resources and strategic geographical location.'"

Advance Indiana: Kennedy Sinks To New Low In Latest Attack

Advance Indiana: Kennedy Sinks To New Low In Latest Attack:

"Melina Kennedy's latest attack on Marion Co. Prosecutor Carl Brizzi (R) is deceitful and unbecoming of anyone seeking to become the state's most important prosecutor. Her campaign is currently running a television ad which accuses Brizzi of moving his staff to 'plush, private offices' with new office furniture, using a 'gas-guzzling, luxury SUV' and taking a $20,000 pay raise. If these were facts Kennedy was attempting to present to a jury in a criminal case, the accused Brizzi would win a dismissal from the judge and questions would be raised about prosecutorial misconduct."

Local agencies to distribute nearly $44 million in heating aid

ABC7Chicago.com: Local agencies to distribute nearly $44 million in heating aid:

"Local community action agencies will distribute nearly 44 (m) million-dollars to help low-income households across Indiana stay warm over the winter months.
The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority says the local agencies will receive shares of the state's block grant from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

A second program provides funds to weatherize homes.

The largest heating grants went to agencies in the Indianapolis metro area, northwest Indiana and northeast Indiana."

Former Muncie Mayor Carey dies

Former Muncie Mayor Carey dies | IndyStar.com:

"James Carey, who led several development projects in downtown Muncie as the city's mayor for eight years, has died. He was 79.

Carey died Monday at the Waters nursing home in Yorktown after a long illness, according to The Meeks Mortuary.
Carey had a public career that spanned a half century, spending 21 years as a city police officer before being elected as Delaware County sheriff in 1970. He was tried on bribery charges while sheriff, but was acquitted in 1972 and went on to win re-election two years later."

Crime issues fuel prosecutor debate

Crime issues fuel prosecutor debate | IndyStar.com:

"Marion County prosecutor candidates Melina Kennedy and Carl Brizzi debated for a third time this afternoon, discussing gun laws and solutions to rising crime.

They also discussed experience, which has been the centerpiece of the campaign so far.

The 40-minute debate was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Indianapolis. Several hundred attended the luncheon at the Murat Arabian Room, 502 N. New Jersey St., and Dennis Ryerson, editor of The Indianapolis Star, asked the candidates questions.

Brizzi, the Republican incumbent, and Kennedy, the Democratic challenger, agreed that collaboration between different agencies in city and county government will be key to warding off crime."

Indiana Republicans make insurance proposals

Indiana Republicans make insurance proposals:

"Indiana House Republicans made three proposals Tuesday meant to reduce the number of Hoosiers without health insurance.

But they acknowledged the ideas fall short of the kind of comprehensive plan that could significantly improve the situation.

About 800,000 people in Indiana are uninsured. That’s about 13.5 percent of the state population. And lawmakers from both parties say they are interested in reducing the number.

House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, said the problem “is one of the most complicated” the General Assembly will deal with. And he said the GOP caucus program “isn’t the solution” but simply a starting point for discussion."

Indiana races could help tip balance of Congress

AP Wire | 10/17/2006 | Indiana races could help tip balance of Congress:

"Two years ago, Democrat Joe Donnelly challenged Rep. Chris Chocola with little cash and even less name recognition. His campaign 'ads' consisted of standing along a busy street, handing out fliers to passing motorists.

Chocola largely ignored him and won easily.

This election season, Chocola is paying more attention. Democrats need just 15 seats to regain control of the U.S. House, and three Indiana districts - Chocola's 2nd in northern Indiana and southern Indiana's 8th and 9th - are among the nation's most vulnerable on Nov. 7.

It's a rare twist for Indiana, often seen as a GOP haven. Seven of the state's nine congressional delegates are Republicans, and GOP Sen. Richard Lugar is arguably the state's most popular politician. The state hasn't supported a Democrat for president in more than 40 years, and Republicans control the governor's office and Legislature."

Second name discovered missing from county ballots

Second name discovered missing from county ballots:

"A second name has been discovered missing from Hamilton County election ballots.

While voting absentee at the Hamilton County Government and Judicial Center, Robert Threlkeld, a Democratic candidate for county council's first district, realized his name wasn't on the ballot.

He said he witnessed two voters from his district, which represents two-thirds of Clay Township, being turned away and told they could vote later when the error was fixed.

It's the second time this month a name has been discovered missing on the ballot. On Oct. 5, the election board realized Christine Altman's name had been left off absentee ballots. She is running unopposed as a Republican for county commissioner."

Indiana Records First Human Rabies Case In 47 Years

TheIndyChannel.com - Health - Indiana Records First Human Rabies Case In 47 Years:

"State health officials said Tuesday that a 10-year-old Marshall County boy has contracted rabies, marking the first known human rabies case in Indiana since 1959.

Officials said the boy, who wasn't immediately identified, is in stable condition after contracting the virus when a bat bit him. Rabies attacks the brain and nervous system of humans and other mammals.

'Although rabies is rare, it is nearly always fatal,' State Health Commissioner Dr. Judith A. Monroe said. 'If anyone is bitten by a bat or other suspected rabid animal, they should seek medical attention immediately.'"

Indianapolis Selected to Host 2008 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials

Lane 9 News Archive: Indianapolis Selected to Host 2008 U.S. Olympic Diving Trials:

"INDIANAPOLIS has been selected to host the 2008 U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Diving, USA Diving announced on Monday.

USA Diving made the decision following final bid presentations from four cities on Saturday. The other cities making presentations were Columbus, Ohio; Huntersville, N.C.; and Seattle, Wash.

The Trials will be held June 18-22, 2008, at Indiana University Natatorium on the campus of IUPUI.

“USA Diving was fortunate to be presented with outstanding bids from four great cities. It was a difficult decision, but we’re excited to announce that Indianapolis will host the 2008 Trials,” Todd Smith, Executive Director of USA Diving, said. “It’s a great sports city that has truly embraced diving, and the numerous cultural and entertainment opportunities in the downtown area make Indianapolis an attractive location for the Trials.”

Indianapolis served as the site of the U.S. Olympic Team Trials in Diving in 1984, 1988, 1992 and 1996, and the 2006 Speedo U.S. Open and Kaiser Permanente National Diving Championships also were held at the IU Natatorium.
"

Indianapolis Toddler Hospitalized After Ingesting PCP-Laced Juice

WISH-TV - Indianapolis News and Weather - Indianapolis Toddler Hospitalized After Ingesting PCP-Laced Juice:

"An Indianapolis toddler is in critical condition at Methodist Hospital Monday, a day after he drank from a juice cup that contained the hallucinogenic drug PCP. Police say his mother's boyfriend hid the drug in the twister cup during a police stop.

The toddler's mother, 22-year-old Tamara Vaughn was pulled over Saturday night around 11:15; she was driving with a suspended license. In the car with her was her boyfriend, 27-year-old Montiez Mann. Mann reportedly recognized the officer pulling over Vaughn and knew the officer knew he had a drug history. He reportedly had PCP and hid it in the juice cup belonging to the child of Vaughn. The car was towed and Tamara cited.

'The next morning the mother, Miss Vaughn, not knowing that he had chosen to put his stash in that juice cup gave the child some juice in that same cup,' said Major Lloyd Crowe, Indianapolis Police Department."

Indiana attorney criticizes Gorcyca

Indiana attorney criticizes Gorcyca - 10/14/06 - The Detroit News Online:

"An Indiana attorney is upset over an 'unprofessional' e-mail response he received from Oakland County Prosecutor David Gorcyca over the Stephen Jackson case.

Attorney Don Poynter e-mailed Gorcyca's office Thursday to express his 'shock' that Jackson, an Indiana Pacer who pleaded no contest for his role in the infamous 2004 brawl at The Palace of Auburn Hills, was not being found in violation of his probation after an Oct. 6 incident in which police said Jackson fired a handgun five times into the air outside an Indianapolis strip club.

Poynter -- not knowing Gorcyca's office had hours earlier filed a probation violation -- scolded and lectured Gorcyca's office in the e-mail about the law and implied Gorcyca did not have 'enough guts to do the right thing'"

First Lady Visits South Bend

News::First Lady Visits South Bend:

"The First Lady of the United States paid a visit to Michiana to stump for Congressman Chris Chocola Thursday.

It was an invitation-only event at the Century Center. The 2nd District race between incumbent Republican Chris Chocola and Democrat Joe Donnelly is a highly contested race that is making a lot of headlines here and being watched across the country.

The candidates disagree on poll results but some have shown Donnelly pulling ahead. This visit by Laura Bush in the home stretch is meant to boost support for Chocola.

The First Lady said, 'In the house, Chris' leadership helped pass President Bush's tax cuts. These tax cuts have fueled our economy and they've helped add 5.75 million new jobs since 2003.'"

Students to attend Mother Guerin canonization

WTHR - Indianapolis News and Weather - Students to attend Mother Guerin canonization:

"Meggie and her sister Maria are on their way to the Vatican in Rome. They are among 44 people from Guerin Catholic High school who will witness the canonization of their school's namesake, Mother Theodore Guerin.

'I can't even put it into words. It's a once in a lifetime experience,' Meggie said. 'But it's even more rare to experience the canonization of the patroness of your school. That just doesn't happen.'

Michael Puza will be an altar server during the ceremony. 'It's a great honor to be that close to the Holy Father, but I'm still very nervous that I might screw up,' he said."

Indiana plant will manufacture Cummins engines

Indiana plant will manufacture Cummins engines - Memphis Business Journal::

"Cummins plans to spend approximately $250 million on machinery, equipment and facility upgrades at the plant, which was the company's first full-fledged manufacturing facility. It currently employs 630 people. Preparation for the new lines are expected to create an additional 200 jobs by the end of next year, and the company expects the new line to employ between 600 to 800 people within two years of the product launch.

Cummins expects the manufacturing lines for the new engine to occupy approximately 500,000 square feet of the plant's 1.4 million square feet of manufacturing space."

Failing Indiana students

IDSnews.com:

"The grades have been given, and the report cards are out. In its biannual 'Measuring Up' report, the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education graded each state on a series of indicators regarding the accessibility of post-secondary education for their respective residents. But while other states might be scampering home to show their parents the results, Indiana has proven to only be 'average' in the categories of preparation (the quality of high school education), participation (the percentage of young people in school) and benefits (the amount that graduates contribute to the economy). Worst of all, Indiana has failed in the affordability category. In fact, the state hasn't experienced a change in affordability since 1992."

AT&T gets $22 million pact from Indiana

AT&T gets $22 million pact from Indiana:

"Telecom service provider AT&T Inc. said Tuesday it received a four-year, $22 million voice, data and networking services contract from the state of Indiana.

Under the terms of the deal, AT&T will provide Indiana with a statewide managed communications network that will allow for the secure transportation of voice, video and data.

AT&T's shares rose 18 cents to $32.36 in morning trading on the New York Stock Exchange."

Volunteers Hand Out Smoke Detectors to Promote Fire Prevention Week

WISH-TV - Indianapolis News and Weather - Volunteers Hand Out Smoke Detectors to Promote Fire Prevention Week:

"Each year fire kills more Americans than all natural disasters combined. But the chance of dying in a fire is cut in half if there is a working smoke detector in your home. A group of concerned citizens handed out smoke detectors for free. It's become an annual event.

'It's fire prevention week and we're in the neighborhood making sure that everyone has a working smoke detector,' one volunteer told residents.

Firefighters along with insurance agents from State Farm are going door to door in Indianapolis neighborhoods passing out free smoke detectors to residents who need them. "

Louisville pairs with Cincy, Indy to help with future disasters

Louisville pairs with Cincy, Indy to help with future disasters:

"Louisville, Cincinnati and Indianapolis city officials have agreed to offer each other emergency resources in case of natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic events.

In one of the first agreements of its kind nation-wide, the cities have pledged to help each other when a disaster overwhelms one of them.

“While we wait for the bureaucracy to make a decision about whether or not (to issue) a disaster declaration, you can get immediate help,” said Doug Hamilton, director of emergency management for Louisville.

The agreement comes a year after the U.S. Conference of Mayors first proposed mutual-aid agreements. The conference included them as a key component of its National Action Plan for Safety and Security in America’s Cities. "

INDIANA 34, ILLINOIS 32: Illini quickly run out of juice

CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Colleges :: INDIANA 34, ILLINOIS 32: Illini quickly run out of juice:

"So Illinois' 23-20 shocker at Michigan State last week was just a tease after all.

The upset shoe was on the other foot Saturday. Indiana marched down the field and kicked a field goal with no time left to beat Illinois 34-32.

''I don't think we're back to starting over,'' middle linebacker J Leman said of the Illini's quest for respectability under second-year coach Ron Zook. ''But this sure ain't a step forward. So it must be a step back.''

What hurts about this one is that Illinois (2-4, 1-2) was playing a fellow Big Ten doormat in the Hoosiers (3-3, 1-1), who looked vulnerable in home losses to Connecticut and Division I-AA Southern Illinois, not to mention a butt-kicking from Wisconsin."

2 Indiana soybean groups complete merger

Palladium-Item - www.pal-item.com - Richmond, Ind.:

"Indiana's two farmer-led soybean organizations -- the Indiana Soybean Board and the Indiana Soybean Growers Association -- completed a merger last week that moves Indiana to the national forefront in providing effective and efficient service to Indiana's soybean farmers.

'As farmers today, we have to find more efficient ways to get our business done - whether that business is planting, harvesting, or working together to represent our industry,' said Posey County farmer Mark Seib, ISB president and president of the new alliance. 'The focus of the alliance is on creating opportunities for Indian farmers - regardless of whether those opportunities come about as a result of check off-funded research or through the political efforts of our Soybean Alliance members.'"

Daniels leery of I-69 toll plan

Daniels leery of I-69 toll plan : Local News : Evansville Courier Press:

"Responding to a proposal by two Democratic state lawmakers to make Interstate 69 a public toll road from Evansville to Indianapolis, Gov. Mitch Daniels said he would listen to the idea, but suggested the proposal was 'just another political stunt.'

State Reps. David Crooks, D-Washington, and Trent Van Haaften, D-Mount Vernon, said their proposal to change portions of last spring's Major Moves law would prevent delays in construction of the I-69 extension through Southwestern Indiana."

New plan for Indiana schools

WNDU-TV: News Story: New plan for Indiana schools - October 07, 2006:

"State schools Chief Suellen Reed has announced a new strategic plan that she hopes will improve the Indiana Department of Education.

The plan released Friday calls for performance based pay raises for department employees, the creation of a division of best practices and a data warehouse to track education information.

Reed says changes will be implemented immediately.

Reed did not say how much the plan would cost, but says money could be shifted from elsewhere in the department to fund parts of it."

Pacers' Jackson fires gun outside club

Pacers' Jackson fires gun outside club:

"Indiana Pacers guard Stephen Jackson fired shots in the air in apparent self-defense after he was hit by a car outside a strip club early Friday _ the latest blow to a team struggling to rebuild its image.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said Jackson and teammates Jamaal Tinsley, Marquis Daniels and Jimmie Hunter committed an 'error in judgment' by staying out late during training camp. No one was"

Payton officially resigns from IPS board

Payton officially resigns from IPS board | IndyStar.com:

"Long-time Indianapolis Public Schools Board member W. Donald Payton officially submitted his resignation this afternoon, two days after he became aware that a felony drunken driving conviction in 2005 made him ineligible to continue serving on the board.

In a brief note, Payton said he would 'retire' effective Monday. The note is dated Wednesday but was received by the School Board secretary this afternoon. In a postscript, Payton wrote, 'I will miss all of you.'

Payton was convicted of felony drunken driving in 2005 after he made an improper U-turn and caused an accident. His blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit to drive in Indiana. It was his fourth alcohol-related conviction in 11 years. Indiana laws bars felons from holding office."

2006 Accountability Report on Charter Schools Released

WISH-TV - Indianapolis News and Weather - 2006 Accountability Report on Charter Schools Released:

"The report rates 12 charter schools in Indianapolis, four new ones created this fall aren't included. At the heart of the report is what charter schools are doing well, but the report says there's also room for improvement.

The good news is charter school ISTEP test scores are improving. They are up seven percent during the 2004-2005 year and 22 percent since 2003. The report also shows that 87 percent of charter school parents like the schools along with 81 percent of staffers.

Yet the report says charter schools are lacking in accountability. That includes proper administration, documentation and even turning in state reports on time."

Indianapolis fans treated to IndyCar future

Motorsport.com: News channel:

"Firestone Tire officials brought their testing gear and truckloads of high- performance racing tires to Indianapolis' world-famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway on October 2nd and 3rd.

The annual autumn tire-testing session is a first-chance for Indy Racing League teams to evaluate the different combinations of tire and chassis looking forward to the resumption of IndyCar racing in Spring 2007.

Taking part in the four-car, four driver testing session were Andretti/Green Racing's Tony Kanaan, Rahal/Letterman's Jeff Simmons, Target/Chip Ganassi Racing's Dan Wheldon and Marlboro Team Penske's Helio Castroneves."

City of Indianapolis Agrees to Make $1.86 Billion in Improvements to Sewer System

City of Indianapolis Agrees to Make $1.86...:

"The city of Indianapolis has agreed to make an estimated $1.86 billion worth of improvements to resolve longstanding problems with overflows from its sewer system, the Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced today. Indianapolis will make the improvements over 20 years to reduce the number of overflows- which currently occur approximately 60 times per year-to four or fewer times per year. The city will also pay a penalty of $1,117,800, which will be divided evenly between the United States and Indiana. The city also will spend $2 million on a supplemental environmental project to eliminate failing septic systems.

Under the consent decree, Indianapolis has specifically agreed to implement a Long Term Control Plan (LTCP) designed to greatly reduce overflows from its combined sewer system (CSOs) and will implement another plan designed to eliminate overflows from its sanitary sewer system (SSOs) and perform various other remedial measures. The consent decree also provides that the city can reduce the portion of the penalty to be paid to the state by undertaking further reductions in the number of failing septic systems. All of these improvements will provide major public health and environmental benefits. The injunctive relief provided under the settlement will be among the highest-cost municipal Clean Water Act settlements to date and will ultimately"

Federal court puts Indianapolis sex offender ban on hold as lawsuit progresses

Federal court puts Indianapolis sex offender ban on hold as lawsuit progresses - iht,america,US Sex Offender Ban - Americas - International Herald Tribune:

"A federal judge on Thursday temporarily suspended a city ordinance that banned some sex offenders from coming within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of parks, playgrounds and other sites when children are present.

U.S. District Court Judge Richard Young granted a preliminary injunction to several sex offenders who sued Indianapolis after the City-County Council passed the ordinance in May.

The ordinance constitutes a form of retroactive punishment prohibited by law, Young found, and was too vague. Young also ruled that it hindered the right to vote for one sex offender whose polling place is in a school and within 1,000 feet (300 meters) of a playground.
"

Indiana Taking Up to 1,200 Ca. Prisoners - MSN Money

Associated Press Business News: Indiana Taking Up to 1,200 Ca. Prisoners - MSN Money:

"The state of Indiana plans to house up to 1,200 prisoners from California in unused portions of the New Castle Correctional Facility, a move that Gov. Mitch Daniels said Thursday would create up to 200 jobs.

The announcement came a day after California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in that state's critically crowded prisons, a step that allows him to use his executive powers to ship inmates elsewhere.

Daniels said the arrangement will benefit both states. Under a contract between California and Florida-based GEO Group Inc., the company Indiana hired to operate the New Castle prison will be paid $63 per day to house each California inmate, but $15 of that will go to Indiana state government."

Schools punishing kids for what they say online

Schools punishing kids for what they say online | IndyStar.com:

"A growing number of school officials in the Indianapolis area are trying to punish students for Internet commentary they deem inappropriate -- including postings on home computers -- drawing outrage from teens and free-speech advocates.

One student has been expelled at one school, another suspended. One school district has warned students they are legally responsible for postings; another will vote on a similar policy this month.

"Kids look at the Internet as today's restroom wall," said Steve Dillon, director of student services for Carmel Clay Schools. "They need to learn that some things are not acceptable anywhere."

Indianapolis Star Plant to Print Marion, Ind., Chronicle-Tribune

'Indianapolis Star' Plant to Print Marion, Ind., 'Chronicle-Tribune':

"The Marion, Ind., Chronicle-Tribune has announced it will close its pressroom in January, when printing will move to Indianapolis. News and business operations will remain in Marion.

Thanks to deliveries of the Indianapolis Star to Marion, subscribers are expected to continue receiving the morning Chronicle-Tribune by 6:00. The change, however, will eliminate 41 jobs, 18 of which are full-time positions, the paper reported yesterday.

Approximately 70 miles from Marion, the Star plant already also prints The Star Press, based in Muncie. All are Gannett dailies. In contrast to the Chronicle-Tribune's 35-year-old Goss Urbanite offset press, the Star's newer, larger press will allow more and better color to appear in the Marion paper. Operations Director Gary Stofer, whose tenure with the Chronicle-Tribune dates from letterpress days, told his paper that it was the state's first 'to run a process color picture on Page One every day.'"

Lawsuit says dozens defrauded in Indiana real estate case

USATODAY.com - Lawsuit says dozens defrauded in Indiana real estate case:

"The nation's largest home lender, Countrywide Financial (CFC), is suing an Indianapolis man for allegedly orchestrating a mortgage fraud scheme in which dozens of Virginia residents were tricked into buying homes in Indiana at inflated prices.

The company alleges that Robert Penn worked with relatives in Virginia and associates that included appraisers and mortgage companies to defraud the victims in a case that could total about $80 million in loans.

In a lawsuit filed in Marion County, where most of the Indianapolis-area properties are located, Countrywide claims the defendants duped their victims by inviting them to take part in either an 'investment opportunity' or a 'real estate investment club.'

The victims were not required to make down payments or cash contributions."

Delayed Opening For First Ethanol Plant In NW Indiana

WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY :: Delayed Opening For First Ethanol Plant In NW Indiana:

"The opening of the first ethanol production plant in northwest Indiana is being delayed a month as the plant waits for a start-up crew.

Dozens of new ethanol plants are nearing completion nationwide, so the traveling crews skilled at inspecting equipment and training plant workers are in high demand.

Iroquois Bio-Energy is building the plant outside Rensselaer, about 50 miles south of Gary. The company had hoped to open the $66 million plant in December."

Indiana hoping coach's return provides boost

SportingNews.com - College Football - Indiana hoping coach's return provides boost:

"When Terry Hoeppner left the Indiana Hoosiers two weeks ago to have brain surgery, he instructed his 2-0 team not to use his absence as an excuse.

When he came back this week, Indiana was 2-2 and trying to pull itself out of a self-inflicted funk.

Whether it was Hoeppner's absence, the emotional rollercoaster or something else, the Hoosiers' second-year coach knows it will take more than his mere presence on the sideline to turn things around against Wisconsin (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten)."

Controversial Indiana BMV Chief Steps Down

WAVE 3 TV Louisville, KY :: Controversial Indiana BMV Chief Steps Down:

"Bureau of Motor Vehicles' Commissioner Joel Silverman, who angered many lawmakers, local officials and residents when he closed more than 20 license branches and completed a computer overhaul that resulted in weeks of problems, is resigning.

Silverman, probably the most polarizing agency head appointed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels, will step down on Oct. 16, Daniels said Wednesday. His resignation was among four leadership changes Daniels announced in executive agencies and one in his office, although at least one had been previously reported.

Ron Stiver, commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development, will become the new BMV commissioner. He will be replaced by Andrew Penca, Workforce Development deputy commissioner for strategic research and development."

Toronto Police Looking For Missing Indiana Man

CityNews: Toronto Police Looking For Missing Indiana Man:

"Toronto Police are asking for the public's help in tracking down an Indiana man who has been missing in this city for several days.

Ronald 'Ryan' Taylor was last seen at a hotel near Bloor St. and Avenue Rd. on Sunday night. The 56-year-old was here on business and was scheduled on a return flight Monday. But Taylor didn't make that flight and his luggage is still at the hotel."

DaimlerChrysler Looks at Indiana for $560 Million Transmission Plant

DaimlerChrysler Looks at Indiana for $560 Million Transmission Plant - Daily Auto Insider - Car and Driver - September 2006:

"DaimlerChrysler says it is considering Kokokmo, Indiana, as a site for a new $560 million transmission plant, The Associated Press reported.

DaimlerChrysler already has two large manufacturing complexes in the city, which is some 40 miles north of Indianapolis, and the new plant would be part of a joint venture with Getrag Corporate Group of Germany. It would produce a new line of wet dual clutch transmissions, Chrysler spokesman Dave Elshoff told the Kokomo Tribune.

The memorandum of understanding between DaimlerChrysler and the UAW obtained by the Tribune says the companies would invest $560 million in the new plant, a sum that would include tooling, machining and equipment, with the plant opening in 2009."

Police: Indianapolis store owner killed robber

ABC7Chicago.com: Police: Indianapolis store owner killed robber:

"Indianapolis police say a jewelry store owner fatally shot one of two brothers as they tried to rob the business.
The two men entered Rosco Jewelry on the city's east side with guns and said they were going to rob the store.

But store owner Roscoe Parmley pulled out a handgun and shot 18-year-old Corey Artry. Artry died at the scene.

His 20-year-old brother, Nicholas Artry, was arrested by police officers on preliminary charges of robbery and felony murder."

BMO buying Indiana bank

TheStar.com - BMO buying Indiana bank:

"BMO Financial Group announced this morning that its U.S. subsidiary will buy First National Bank & Trust for $290 million (U.S.).

First National has 32 branches and 33 ABMs in and around Indianapolis.

They will be folded into the 200-plus branches and nearly 550 ABMs that the Bank of Montreal’s subsidiary, Harris Financial Corp., has in what the bank calls 'Chicagoland.'"