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 DJIA 7929.58 +9.40 / S&P 500 840.04 -1.46 / NASDAQ 1605.14 -20.58
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 Tonight: Clear and cool, fog developing. Low 39. Tomorrow: Turning sunny. High 65.
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 Wednesday, April 15, 2009 |
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Half of state's schools fail progress report
Only half of Indiana's public schools met federal rules for "adequate yearly progress" this year, down from 54 percent a year ago - when the standards for success were lower, the Indiana Department of Education announced today. About 83 percent of school corporations met the standard, which comes from the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. A year ago, 84 percent of school corporations met a lower federal goal, according to the Associated Press. 
State CIB plan changed to mirror Ballard's
Alcohol taxes would double only in Marion County - not the whole state - under a plan advanced by the Indiana Senate yesterday aimed at rescuing the Indianapolis Capital Improvement Board, which expects to be $47 million short in its operation of the city's professional sports stadiums and convention center. Mirroring a proposal suggested by Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard on Monday, the revised Senate plan would allow Marion County to raise its alcohol, car rental, hotel and ticket taxes. The Senate will likely vote on the revised proposal today. |
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Finalists named for state tech awards
TechPoint today announced the finalists for its annual Mira Awards, which honor the state's top-performing companies, schools and individuals in technology-related pursuits. Four panels of independent judges narrowed a record number of nominees down to 63 finalists in 11 categories for the technology-focused business-development group's 10th annual honors. The winners will be announced May 16 at the Mira Gala at the Westin hotel in downtown Indianapolis.
Senate budget proposal may be short-lived
The Indiana Senate has approved a budget that would rely on federal economic stimulus money to boost school spending, but a top senator says the funding increase might be short-lived. A new state revenue forecast expected Friday would give lawmakers a better idea of how much the state can spend over the next two years. Senate Appropriations Chairman Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville) said the proposed increases for education could be out the door if the forecast is bad enough.
Consumer prices dip unexpectedly in March
Consumer prices dipped unexpectedly in March, leaving inflation over the past year falling at the fastest clip in more than a half-century. The U.S. Labor Department said today that consumer prices edged down 0.1 percent last month as a drop in energy prices offset the biggest rise in tobacco prices in more than a decade. It was a better performance than the 0.1-percent rise in the Consumer Price Index that economists had expected.
Cultural Trail announces gifts, public art
The Indianapolis Cultural Trail yesterday announced major donations from the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation and Indiana Pacers. It also unveiled three public art works that will be exhibited in the Northeast Corridor stage of the trail, which is now under construction. The DeHaan foundation gave $250,000 and the Indiana Pacers $100,000 toward the Cultural Trail's fund-raising goal of $55 million.
50 speakers highlight U.S.-China biz conference
More than 50 speakers are expected to participate in a three-day conference about U.S.-China business relations that kicked off today in Indianapolis and finishes Thursday and Friday in Bloomington. "U.S.-China Business Cooperation in the 21st Century: Opportunities and Challenges for Entrepreneurs" is taking place today at the University Place Conference Center, 850 W. Michigan St., on the IUPUI campus. The conference will move to the IU Bloomington campus Thursday and Friday.
Wind power picks up in Indiana
The first phase of a wind farm being developed in Indiana by Richmond-based Dominion Resources Inc. and BP Wind Energy is operational, the companies announced today. The companies said the 222 turbines at the Fowler Ridge Wind Farm in Benton County can generate 440 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 120,000 average homes. Meanwhile, another energy company expects to have the first of hundreds of wind turbines in operation by this fall at a new wind farm in northwestern Indiana, near the town of Chalmers. | |
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IU reorganizes its athletic department
Indiana University is reorganizing its athletic department and splitting student development and compliance into separate offices. Athletic Director Fred Glass said IU Administrative Services Director Mary Ann Rohleder will become associate athletic director for compliance, and Associate Athletic Director Grace Calhoun will now be in charge of student development and academics. The reorganization announced today also eliminates the positions of associate athletic director for facilities and director of administrative services.
Angel investors taxed too much?
One investor says the code should reward risk. NewsTalk
Castroneves, IRL await verdict
If he's cleared, driver could cast shadow over May in Indy.
The Score
From IBJ staff - Compiled by Jeff Newman |
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Tea party protest to rally against high taxes
Protesters are planning a modern-day tea party on the steps of the Indiana Statehouse today from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Organizers of the event expect about 8,000 people to attend the event to voice opposition to irresponsible government spending. More than 700 similar events are scheduled around the country, including at least 10 in Indiana. Fox 59 will have more at 10 p.m.
Car crashes into state trooper's house
Two people are in custody after police say they slammed a car into an Indiana state trooper's home last night about 10:30 in the 1700 block of Pleasant Run Parkway in Indianapolis. Investigators think the driver of the car had been drinking before the crash. He and a female passenger allegedly left the car and took off on foot, but were caught a short while later.
Fire guts Bargersville building
Bargersville firefighters spent more than an hour last night battling a fire that continued to smolder six hours later at the RMP Rubber Mulch storage building across the street from their fire station. The fire gutted the Johnson County building after engulfing 40,000 pounds of mulch.
Home sales fall, but inventory improves
Central Indiana pending home sales dropped 2.7 percent in March compared to the same period last year, according to the latest statistics from the F.C. Tucker Co., yet brokers say they remain optimistic as the inventory of available homes begins to balance out.  | |
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