FEBRUARY 23-MARCH 1, 2015

Back in early 2008, ChaCha Search Inc. seemed like it was poised to become a major player in the digital search market. Voice mail pioneer Scott Jones was the prime mover, and some big names in tech were providing funding. In this week’s issue, Jared Council answers the question, “How did ChaCha lose its mojo?” Also this week, Scott Olson examines the sudden disappearance of thousands of downtown parking lots. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Tinker Street, the new eatery from restaurant veteran Peter George.

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How ballyhooed ChaCha lost its mojo

February 19, 2015 |

Early enthusiasm for ChaCha Search Inc. was so high that at one point it reportedly received a $100 million buyout offer. But today, with ChaCha’s workforce down to 15, the jubilance is gone, Web traffic continues to drain, and founder Scott Jones appears ready to move on.

Viewpoints on Brainard define races in Carmel

February 19, 2015 |

There aren’t two political parties in Carmel, but there are two camps. One aligns with five-term Mayor Jim Brainard. The other, well, they say it isn’t personal.

Downtown projects set to soak up thousands of parking spaces

February 19, 2015 |

Parking on the east side of downtown is becoming harder to find—enough to prompt some rates to rise—thanks to a trio of real estate developments replacing surface parking lots.

Former St. Francis Beech Grove hospital attracts suitors

February 19, 2015 |

Franciscan St. Francis Health has finally found a buyer for its former hospital campus in Beech Grove. Trouble is, it’s found two.

Pence seeks $86M fund to enhance quality of life

February 19, 2015 |

Gov. Mike Pence wants to create an $85.6 million fund to help metro areas improve their quality of life, a new kind of economic development strategy for a state that historically plays up low taxes and highway access.

Menard: Toss Hilberts’ attorneys for wrongdoing

February 19, 2015 |

Lawyers for Indianapolis power couple Steve and Tomisue Hilbert are slinging “ludicrous allegations” of witness tampering just to cover up their own wrongdoing, according to the latest broadside from the attorneys representing John Menard, the Hilberts’ former business partner.

$22M HQ to raise profile of asset-rich Liberty Fund

February 19, 2015 | Greg Andrews

Liberty is one of the richest foundations in the state, with $332 million in assets—firepower it devotes to publishing books and staging some 200 all-expenses-paid conferences a year.

Angie’s List shares soar 50 percent after rare quarterly profit

February 18, 2015 |

The provider of online consumer reviews benefited in the fourth quarter from a sharp increase in advertising revenue from service providers. Shares jumped in early-morning trading Wednesday.

Indy Eleven officials reveal new details on stadium financing

February 16, 2015 |

A bill that would provide state and local tax revenue for a new soccer stadium in downtown Indianapolis sailed through the House Ways and Means Committee Monday morning.

New Indy transit center balances utility, dignity, design

February 19, 2015 |

The team charged with designing and engineering downtown’s $20 million transit center—which has begun to emerge south of Washington Street between Delaware and Alabama streets—took on three core challenges.

Buyer of mostly vacant office complex scores 3 tenants

February 17, 2015 |

After buying 500 N. Meridian in June, Ambrose Property Group has snagged three major tenants from OneAmerica Tower.

EDITORIAL: Circle Centre mall needs help

February 19, 2015 |

The city should lead stakeholders to turn around one of the downtown’s jewels.

MORRIS: Much at stake in FCC net neutrality vote

February 19, 2015 |

Government involvement in the Internet could preserve it as is or introduce web of regulations.

FREELAND: Fix the way Indiana funds public schools

February 19, 2015 |

Seldom is being average something to strive for, but with regard to Indiana’s school funding formula and how it affects my school district and many others throughout the state, just being average would be an improvement.

KENNEDY: Indiana Legislature should debate real issues

February 19, 2015 |

The General Assembly is in session, and citizens who follow legislative matters are watching this year’s antics with reactions that run the gamut from bemusement to impatience to you’ve-got-to-be-kidding-me.

FEIGENBAUM: Education debate gathers energy, sharp edges at Indiana Statehouse

February 19, 2015 |

As the session began, we warned you to pay close attention to education issues, because they would drive the political and fiscal discussion.

SKARBECK: Beware of the strategists who see more gains ahead

February 19, 2015 |

The strength of the U.S. stock market has almost every “strategist” predicting that stocks will continue their upward trajectory this year.

BOHANON & STYRING: Economic laws will push gas prices back up

February 19, 2015 |

Demand for petroleum products has stagnated because the global economy slowed. Supply, primarily driven by U.S. shale oil, has soared.

Convenience store would hurt neighborhood

February 19, 2015 |

I oppose a convenience store at the northeast corner of German Church Road and East Washington Street in Cumberland,where the St. John United Church of Christ is located. The proposal to demolish a church with such a significant heritage involving so many is a travesty.

Indianapolis Business Journal