Brainard won't seek reelection | abortion ban starts

It’s the end of an era.

After more than 26 years in office and transforming the city of Carmel, Mayor Jim Brainard announced this week that he won’t run for reelection at the end of his term that ends next year.

Brainard was known, among other things, for pedaling roundabouts, rebuilding Keystone Avenue and of course spending lots of money to rebuild the downtown area. Here are five things for which he's particularly known.

His departure is certain to trigger a slew of candidates interested in filling the now wide-open position. Democrats argue now is their shot to attempt to win the seat.

So what’s Brainard going to do next? He has no plans to run for higher office.

What you need to know: Indiana abortion law started Thursday

Indiana’s near-total ban on abortion took effect Thursday. Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the new policy into law in early August after the Indiana General Assembly passed the measure during a two-week special session.

As Indiana enters new territory in the area of abortion law, it's hard to know exactly how the law will play out, especially with two lawsuits filed so far. However, here's what we know at this time.

Holcomb received more than 1,600 calls, 700 emails on abortion

Indiana’s near-total ban on abortion took effect Thursday. Gov. Eric Holcomb signed the new policy into law in early August after the Indiana General Assembly passed the measure during a two-week special session.

According to an analysis by IndyStar of emails obtained in a records request, Holcomb's office received roughly 700 emails regarding abortion between the June 24 Supreme Court decision overturning Roe v. Wade and Aug. 8, the date the request was made. About 450 came from Hoosiers who support abortion rights. Roughly 250 were from those who are opposed to abortion.

Holcomb's office also recorded 1,631 constituent calls, but did not share the contents of those calls. The unusually high number of calls and email shows how important the issue was to Hoosiers.

In a statement, Gov. Holcomb said he will always believe it's a good thing when citizens share their viewpoints and indicated he heard from people on both sides of the abortion issue in a variety of ways.

"The number of emails received is but only one example of registering constituent input," Holcomb said. "After reviewing this specific majority passed piece of legislation, I could in all good conscience sign it and did."

Here are 5 takeaways from IndyStar's analysis.

Election 2022: Sen. Todd Young builds bipartisan reputation in Senate

As part of IndyStar’s election coverage, we’ll be publishing profiles of both Republican Sen. Todd Young and his Democratic opponent Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr.So who is Young? He’s built a reputation as someone willing to work on bipartisan issues in the Senate, while still maintaining goodwill with Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, voting against many of Biden's proposals and helping pump cash toward Republican candidates during his stint as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee in 2020.

"I didn’t come here just to make points, I came here to actually solve problems," Young said. "And oftentimes in the process of making points, people undermine their ability on behalf of their constituents to solve problems.”Check back at IndyStar for McDermott’s profile next week.

Biden officials visit Indiana

Speaking of Young’s bipartisan bona fides, U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo joined Young in a tour of Purdue’s Birck Nanotechnology Center this week to highlight the passage of the CHIPS Act. Young had worked with the Biden administration on the passage of the bill.

Gov. Eric Holcomb and Purdue President Mitch Daniels also welcomed the trio.

“What we’ve seen this morning is to me an incredible source of optimism," Blinken said after the tour. "Optimism about the future of our country, optimism about the leadership of our country around the world on the most important technology that is going to power this century and beyond.”

State lawmaker found on Oath Keepers list

Another state lawmaker has ties to the Oath Keepers, a far-right antigovernmental militia group.

Indiana House Rep. Christopher Judy, R-Fort Wayne, was among at least 23 Indiana elected officials, first responders, military or law enforcement members the Anti-Defamation League found with alleged connections. Last year IndyStar reported that Sen. Scott Baldwin, R-Noblesville, was also on the list.

In a statement, Judy said he had not been affiliated with the group for seven years.

"I stand by the oath of office I took when I entered the State Legislature, and the oath I took before I deployed to defend my country in Iraq," Judy said. "I will always stand by the rule of law."

Myla Eldridge elected as the first Black Marion County Democratic Party chair

Outgoing Marion County clerk Myla Eldridge has been elected in a landslide victory as the new Marion County Democratic Party chair, making her the first Black leader to hold the position, according to party spokesperson Jeff Harris.

A party caucus was called Tuesday night to fill former party chair Kate Sweeney Bell's seat after she resigned earlier this summer. Eldridge won about 96% of the votes cast by 287 precinct committee chairs and vice chairs present at the caucus — a little over half of eligible voters cast ballots at the meeting.

"This is a win for all of us," Eldridge, who campaigned for two weeks leading up to this election, said in her victory speech at the caucus.

Stressed about property taxes? Indy homeowners may get up to $150 credit

Homeowners hit hard by the increase in property taxes over the past year will find some help in a tax relief ordinance passed unanimously Monday by the City-County Council.

Eligible Marion County homeowners will receive a one-time property tax credit for their Spring 2023 bill.

The city is using $27 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act money to fund the credits.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Brainard won't seek reelection | abortion ban starts