George Stoya

Dining out in Hammond may soon cost more. The city council voted Monday to adopt a one-percent food and beverage tax on restaurants.

A Hammond beverage business may get some help from the city with its expansion efforts.

The Hammond City Council has agreed to borrow $9.6 million, to settle a lawsuit. A jury had awarded $25.5 million to James Hill for civil rights violations, but the city ended up negotiating a $9 million settlement while preparing for an appeal. On Monday, council members passed ordinances authorizing the city to issue the necessary bonds and spend the money.

A lawsuit aiming to change the way judges are selected in some of Indiana's largest counties is gathering support.