MORNING NEWS with KIM WELLS
Hit and Run on Friday Morning
IMPD is investigating a pedestrian hit and run on Westlane Road on the northwest side. According to media reports, police dispatch reports a possible fatality. Investigators closed Westlane just east of 71st and Michigan Road. Two witnesses reportedly found the victim in the road after they were struck. Emergency crews transported the victim to a local hospital in extremely critical condition. Avoid the area.
Marsh Closing Eight Stores
Marsh Supermarkets is closing eight stores by the end of January. The company cited declining customer bases and expiring leases as the reason. They also said the closures are step one in a three-year plan to position the company for growth and profitability. The stores closing in the Indianapolis are are at 2802 Lafayette Road, 5249 East Thompson Road and at 6121 Crawfordsville Road in Speedway.
Rolls-Royce Cutting 400 Jobs
Rolls-Royce is cutting more than 400 jobs from its global defense business and most of the cuts will happen in Indianapolis. The company says voluntary buyouts will be offered to salaried employees and manufacturing workers. The company added that layoffs might be necessary. Company officials say the reduction is needed to increase efficiency and “drive further improvements in the affordability of its products.”
Judge Kimberly Brown Suspended
A Marion Superior Court judge accused of judicial misconduct is suspended pending a disciplinary investigation. The state Commission on Judicial Qualifications says Judge Kimberly Brown created a hostile work environment, and failed to properly staff and train her court, resulting in delays of inmate releases. The Indiana Supreme Court ruled Thursday to immediately suspend Brown while they review the case.
Indiana Blood Center, Colts’ Blood Drive Today
The Indiana Blood Center and the Colts want you to “Light the Town Blue.” They’re teaming up for a blood drive to help rebuild the supply that was affected during this week’s severe weather. If you donate blood Friday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. or Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., you’ll get a free Colts playoff poster and a blue glowing necklace.
Police Sign New Contract With City
A new contract is approved between Indianapolis police officers and the city. The three-year agreement got a green light Thursday. The deal includes pay hikes in 2015 and 2016, and ensures adequate staffing levels at the department.
Plans To Cut Business Income And Property Taxes
Senate Republicans want to chop business incomes and property taxes. The bill introduced by Tax Chairman Brandt Hershman and Senate Appropriations Chair Luke Kenley hopes to boost economic growth and more jobs for Hoosiers. Hershman said, quote, “This effort will catapult Indiana into a leadership role nationally with respect to our tax rate.”
Hamilton County Declared A Disaster
Hamilton County is declared a disaster area due to snow and severe cold temperatures. The Board of Commissioners signed paperwork and a complete declaration will be announced at the next meeting on Monday. The request seeks reimbursement for storm-related expenses.
#Bridgegate Could Derail GOP Favorite Christie
New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is embroiled in a deepening scandal. This, over September’s gridlock at the George Washington Bridge. The lane blockages were reportedly an act of political retaliation against a mayor who did not support Christie’s re-election bid. Now, six Bergen County commuters have filed a lawsuit against Christie and the state assembly plans to post online more than 900 pages of documents Friday related to the case. Christie has apologized to Fort Lee’s mayor and fired a staffer connected to the bridge closure through a series of emails.
Jobs Report Due Today for December
The December jobs report is due to be released Friday morning and will help indicate which way the economy is heading. The December forecast for the Labor Department is expected to show the economy created about 200-thousand jobs. The unemployment rate is expected to stay at about seven percent.
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