Election board issues ruling against senator
(Indianapolis) — Indiana Republican senator Richard Lugar has been found to be ineligible to vote in what he has considered his home precinct for years. Lugar sold his westside home in Indianapolis back in 1977 and moved to Virginia after being elected to the Senate, but had continued to list the Indianapolis address on voter registration documents. The Marion County Election Board this week voted 2-1 to find Lugar and his wife ineligible to vote. Lugarsays he plans to appeal the board’s decision with his office calling it a political move that’s based on the wrong analysis of the law.
Audit proposed for city’s public safety department
(Indianapolis) — City-County Council member William Oliver wants an audit conducted on the public safety department, as officials say they’re looking at a $30-million dollar budget deficit. During a special meeting held Wednesday night, the council discussed the money problems faced by IMPD and the Marion County Sheriff’s office. Yesterday Mayor Greg Ballard’s office blamed higher insurance and fuel costs are the reasons behind the deficit. Spokesman Mark Lotter says work is needed to get all the city budgets in line with reality, as the city and county are facing “critical funding shortages.”
Man arrested under new human trafficking law
(Indianapolis) — Marion County Prosecutor Terry Curry says a man has been taken into custody for violating the state’s human trafficking law. James Martin, 29, was arrested for allegedly prostituting a 14-year-old girl. The teen also claims she lived with Martin. According to court documents, the teen says she would give Martin money she earned from turning tricks. The girl’s mother reportedly posed as a potential client and turned over the teen’s text messages to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department which led to the arrest.
Teen hospitalized after lightning strikes
(Seymour) — A teenager is recovering this morning after she and three others were struck by lightning while getting ready for softball practice. The lightning struck the girls at around 4:15 p.m. Thursday afternoon. Witnesses say the sky was clear and then turned threatening and lightning cracks could be heard. Emily Bobb, was taken to Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis, while the others were treated and released from Shenck Medical Center in Seymour. Bobb was in critical condition Wednesday night, by doctors have upgraded her to good condition.
Hoosiers advance in NCAA tournament
(Portland, OR) — It’s on to the third round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament for the Indiana Hoosiers after a 79-66 win over New Mexico State. Jordan Hulls led Indiana with 22 points, while Cody Zeller, Will Sheehey and Christian Watford each had 14. The Hoosiers will play 12th seed VCU on Saturday. This is the first year since 2008 that Indiana has played in the NCAA Tournament.
