A state Senate committee gutted language in a controversial coal bill on Thursday. The bill aimed to keep coal plants open until Indiana can develop a statewide energy plan.

Incumbent Democrat Joe Hogsett collected more than 71 percent of the vote to win a second term as Mayor of Indianapolis. Democrats also picked up six seats on the Indianapolis City-County-Council, adding to their majority.

Democratic incumbent Mayor Joe Hogsett and his opponent, Republican State Sen. Jim Merritt, made their last push in the race for Indianapolis mayor Tuesday.

Indianapolis mayoral candidates Democratic incumbent Joe Hogsett, Republican State Sen. Jim Merritt and Libertarian Douglas McNaughton participated in the races final debate Monday night.

The African American Coalition of Indianapolis held a debate on issues that affect the black community.

Voters will decide the next mayor of Indianapolis on Nov. 5. Ahead of that decision, WFYI City Reporter Darian Benson spoke with the candidates.

Benjamin, a Democrat, was publicly offered the position by Republican mayoral candidate Jim Merritt last week.

Republican State Sen. Jim Merritt said Tuesday if he becomes mayor of Indianapolis, he will appoint a deputy mayor of education to promote quality schools, invest in minority-owned businesses and create more affordable housing to drive down racial inequalities.

Republican mayoral candidate State Sen. Jim Merritt announced Thursday he will ask former IMPD deputy chief, and Democrat, Bill Benjamin to serve as police chief under his administration.

The Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention, CHIP, gave the candidates five questions -- including how they would address racial disparity in the barriers to housing.