IBJ Staff

People will always make the case that Indianapolis doesn’t need any more chain or franchised restaurants. I understand the big-picture argument. I understand the desire for a greater regional culinary identity and the wish for a more adventurous restaurant clientele. To be honest, though, a good meal can temporarily dismantle my regional pride. It happened, […]

Lawmakers sometimes do their best work right after an election, when they have a fresh victory in hand and can think beyond their political self-interest. Same goes for the chief executive. Gov. Mitch Daniels won big last year in what was presumably his last political campaign. All of which adds to our disappointment at the […]

County health departments will start receiving shipments of antiviral drugs today as officials prepare to treat possible cases of the H1N1 swine flu virus. State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe says Indiana has a stockpile of more than 850,000 antiviral drugs. The Hoosier State also was among the first to receive extra medication from a federal […]

The 500 Festival Mini-Marathon Expo launches this afternoon. The event will give organizers a chance to unveil the new 500 Festival t-shirts, and runners a chance to start picking up their registration packets. Vendors will be on hand to show off the latest gear and get Hoosiers ready for the race. The expo begins at […]

Evansville-based utility Vectren Corp.’s first-quarter profit rose 12 percent, to $72.8 million, despite lower energy consumption from its commercial customers, the company reported yesterday. Earnings per share of 90 cents beat analysts’ estimates by 7 cents, and were 6 cents higher than at the same time last year. Revenue declined 13.4 percent, to $795.2 million. […]

Baldwin & Lyons Inc. swung to a profit and met analysts’ expectations in the first quarter, the trucking fleet insurer reported today. Indianapolis-based Baldwin earned $5.4 million, or 37 cents per share, as investment losses eased from a year earlier. In the first quarter of 2008, Baldwin lost $4.6 million, or 30 cents per share. […]

Cummins Inc. revised its 2009 revenue and earnings outlook downward today while reporting its first-quarter profit slid 96 percent compared to the same period a year ago. The Columbus diesel engine maker posted a profit of $7 million, or 4 cents per share, down from $190 million, or 97 cents per share, a year earlier. […]

Last week, I offered a pair of ticket to see Sandi Patty and the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Aug. 11 at the Indiana State Fair. I also asked you tell me your favorite Sandi, Sandy, Patti, or Patty. Here are some of your responses – besides the numerous Patti LuPone, Sandy-from-“Grease” and Peppermint Patty picks: Sandra […]

Troy, Michigan-based Noble International Ltd. informed Indiana officials today that it will close its Butler plant north of Fort Wayne by June 20 unless a buyer for the company can be found. The plant’s closing would result in the loss of 153 jobs.   Noble, a supplier of steel components to the automotive industry, is […]

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed the first U.S. death from the latest human strain of the swine flu: a 23-month-old child from Texas. The number of confirmed cases stands at 71 people across the country. State health officials announced the first confirmed case in Indiana yesterday – a University of Notre […]

An Indianapolis Public Schools teacher is under investigation, accused of hitting two students. Lt. Col. Vincent Johnson, a Reserve Officer Training Corps instructor at Manual High School, has been suspended pending the outcome of investigations by the school district, police and child welfare workers. IPS officials say two boys and a girl in a ROTC […]

Lilly Endowment will donate an additional $1.5 million to a local fund designed to address a recession-driven wave of demand for food, shelter and other basic needs, the United Way of Central Indiana announced today. The endowment’s latest gift will add to the $3.2 million Community Economic Relief Fund, set up in December and administered […]

Lilly Endowment will donate an additional $1.5 million to a local fund designed to address a recession-driven wave of demand for food, shelter and other basic needs, the United Way of Central Indiana announced today. The endowment’s latest gift will add to the $3.2 million Community Economic Relief Fund, set up in December and administered […]