The Courier-Journal (Louisville)
From Indiana
East Chicago drops ‘welcoming city’ ordinance
The City of East Chicago repealed its so-called “welcoming city” ordinance in response to a lawsuit filed earlier this month by Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita, who was recently given new authority to challenge municipalities that become sanctuaries for unauthorized immigrants.
Rokita has also sued Monroe County for the same reason.
“Due to the city of East Chicago common council voting to completely repeal its ‘Welcoming City Ordinance’ and Mayor Copeland approving its decision, our office has officially dismissed the lawsuit we filed on this issue,” Rokita said in a statement. “We are pleased East Chicago will no longer operate as a sanctuary city, giving safe harbor to illegal aliens, and are now following state law.”
East Chicago’s ordinance was one of several passed across the U.S. in 2017 in reaction to former President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. But Rokita has alleged that the policies violate Indiana law by restricting “the enforcement of federal immigration laws to less than the full extent permitted by federal law.”
— Indy Star
Carry-out alcohol coming soon to downtown Carmel businesses
Carmel is following in its Hamilton County neighbors’ footsteps with plans to allow patrons to carry alcoholic beverages out of certain restaurants and bars downtown.
About a dozen businesses, including Fork and Ale House, 101 Beer Kitchen and Bazbeaux, have opted to participate if state regulators approve plans for Carmel’s Central Designated Outdoor Refreshment Area (DORA).
A city ordinance approving Carmel’s plans for the DORA district was approved by a vote of 8-1 Monday evening. Carmel now must send its plans to the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission for final approval.
The bill allowing for the creation of DORA districts was lobbied for by Noblesville starting in 2021 and passed the Indiana General Assembly last year. More than a dozen Indiana municipalities have already been approved or applied for DORAs, including Noblesville, Westfield and Fort Wayne.
— Indy Star