Thursday Morning News with Kim Wells
House Could Vote On Bipartisan Budget Deal Today
The U.S. House could vote Thursday on a bipartisan budget deal, funding the federal government for two years. If approved by the House and Senate, the plan would avert another spending showdown in January. Senate and House negotiators said the proposal does not raise taxes, lowers the deficit and raises spending above levels set by the so-called sequester of mandatory, across-the-board cuts.
Nation Prepares to Remember Sandy Hook Tragedy
A vigil for the Newtown school victims and all other victims of gun violence is scheduled today at the National Cathedral in Washington DC. The vigil comes two days before the first anniversary of the attack on Sandy Hook Elementary School by Adam Lanza that killed 20 first graders and six educators.
No Charges Against Zimmerman—Again
Prosecutors in Florida say they won’t file charges against George Zimmerman following his arrest last month in a domestic violence case with his girlfriend. Earlier this week, Samantha Scheibe submitted an affidavit saying that the former neighborhood watch volunteer never pointed a gun at her and she said that she overreacted when police came to their home to break up an argument.
HERE AT HOME…
Indy’s Latest Shooting Victim Waits For No One
A man shot in his car last night, sought help by driving himself to an Indianapolis area fire station. Metro police are investigating this shooting that occurred in the 3600 block of North Whitter Place. The man, whose identity has not been revealed, drove to IFD station Number 24 in the 5500 block of East 38th around 11 p.m. Medics took him to Eskenazi Hospital where he’s listed in critical condition.
Three Arrested For Counterfeit Money
Money doesn’t grow on trees and you can’t print it at home either. This is the lesson three people allegedly connected to a counterfeiting operation are learning. The trio of Brandon Clark, Timothy Deutsche and Jessica Fisher are now facing forgery charges after they were arrested Wednesday. Police confiscated several items of evidence from an Indianapolis Eastside home allegedly connected to the operation. Evidence included drugs, several guns, a box of ammunition, fake 100-dollar bills, along with assorted electronics and paperwork.
Criminal Justice Complex Proposed
Mayor Greg Ballard wants to bring Marion County’s criminal justice system under one roof. The mayor announced plans Wednesday for a new complex that would house all criminal courts, jail facilities, the prosecutor’s office, the public defender’s office and the juvenile detention center. The city says their timeline includes breaking ground in early 2015 and completing the facility around 2018.
Judge Offers To Serve Suspension
A Marion superior court judge is in a bit of hot water. Judge Kimberly Brown faces more than 40 counts of official misconduct but she is apologizing and offering to serve a 60-day suspension. In a filing with the Indiana Supreme Court, Brown noted that she didn’t agree with all of the allegations, but has made changes in the operation of her court. She’s accused of inadequately staffing her court, neglecting her judicial duties and creating a hostile work environment.
Indianapolis Pastor Sentenced for Child Molestation
An Indianapolis pastor has been convicted of child molestation. According to WTHR.com, a jury found 71-year-old Otis Jetter guilty on all three counts Tuesday. He’d been working as a pastor at Pilgrim Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. You may recall, a 29-year-old man came forward, claiming Jetter had molested him in the mid-1990s. He was arrested last December but has always denied the allegations. His sentencing is next week.
FEMA Rejects Aid For Howard County
FEMA is rejecting Governor Mike Pence’s request for assistance here in Indiana. Tornado’s ripped through Howard County leaving more than 190 homes around Kokomo destroyed. The damage totals are estimated at nearly three-million dollars. The state Homeland Security Department is not taking “no” for an answer. They are filing an appeal so that Hoosiers can receive assistance and low interest loans to cover repairs and rebuilding.
Allegion Building Headquarters In Carmel
Jobs are coming to the area. A company that produces mechanical and electronic security products worldwide is basing its North American headquarters in Carmel. Allegion made the announcement Wednesday, adding that up to 100 new jobs will be created by 2014. The company already has a manufacturing facility on Indianapolis’ east side.
National Guard Soldiers Return Home
More than 100 Indiana National Guard soldiers deployed in Afghanistan for nearly a year are back home. The members of the 1438th Transportation Company arrived at Indian Creek High School Wednesday night, where they were met by their family members. You may recall, this company lost a member. Staff Sergeant Randal Lane died during deployment from a heart attack.
Protecting Pets In Freezing Temperatures
Family pets are in need of protection along with their owners when temperatures drop into the freezing zone as they have done across Indiana. Two dogs reportedly died overnight in Terre Haute after being left outside. Indianapolis Animal Care volunteers are urging people to bring their pets indoors when Old Man Winter brings freezing weather to the neighborhoods.
Indy Teams Are Gearing Up
Indiana native Cody Zeller and the Charlotte Bobcats will make their lone visit of the season to Bankers Life Fieldhouse Friday night to take on the 19-and-3 Indiana Pacers in NBA action. Meanwhile the Indianapolis Colts hit the practice field Thursday to prepare for Sunday’s game against the Texans. Thought the Colts already have the division locked up, they aren’t expected to rest players down the stretch.
Indy Weather:
Sunny Today, Cold, High of 21.
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Source: Wire Services
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