JULY 12-18, 2019
In this week's issue, John Russell profiles MindX, a startup aiming to revolutionize the measurement of pain—a notoriously tough challenge. The issue also features a profile by Susan Orr of Royal Pin Leisure Centers, which has diversified in response to the declining popularity of league bowling. And Hayleigh Colombo throws the spotlight on a not-for-profit that pays cash bail for poor people. Its motto is, "Freedom should be free."
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Startup claims breakthrough in gauging pain
MindX founders think they’ve found a scientific way to measure pain and other hard-to-quantify mental health conditions, such as suicide risk, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Royal Pin bowling center scores big with push into group events, other games
The company spent $4.2 million to upgrade its north-side facility, adding non-bowling attractions, then worked to host corporate fundraisers, company parties and team-building retreats.
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New group antes up cash to help poor make bail
The Bail Project is challenging the cash bail system that keeps poor people awaiting trial locked up in Marion County jails, often putting their jobs and homes at risk.
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They’re going for it: Indy to make pitch for NFL Draft
Visit Indy has held preliminary talks with the NFL about the city’s hosting the three-day event as soon as 2024.
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New owner to push Indiana Limestone into global markets
The newly merged company has big plans for broad rollout of the natural stone, which is considered superior to other types of limestone quarried throughout the world.
Read MoreQ&A with Lorraine Ortiz, Riley Hospital’s VP of HR
Ortiz spent years in retail before jumping into health care.
Read MoreState education officials vote to recover $40M from virtual schools
The state education board voted unanimously to try to recover about $40 million from Indiana Virtual School and Indiana Virtual Pathways Academy after the state examiner found the schools inflated enrollments with inactive and out-of-state students—and, in one case, a student who had died.
Read MoreDevelopers team up on $12.5M apartment project on near-north side
A north-side community group and a locally based development company are partnering on the two-building project slated for the southeast corner of Illinois and 22nd streets.
Read MoreElanco in merger talks with pharmaceutical giant Bayer, sources say
The multibillion-dollar merger would combine Elanco, the fourth-largest global player in animal health, with Bayer’s pet-health division, which ranks fifth in veterinary medicine, Reuters reported. The combination would create a dominant force in the industry.
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Pete Buttigieg has money. Can he turn it into a 2020 win?
Buttigieg still faces questions about his experience and whether his appeal extends beyond wealthier donors and white voters.
Read MoreIndyGo taps new chief executive from Silicon Valley
Inez Evans will become IndyGo’s top executive next month, the Indianapolis transit agency announced Tuesday.
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Former state health commissioner running for governor
The first Democrat has jumped into the 2020 gubernatorial race. Dr. Woody Myers on Wednesday morning said he would focus on education, health care and job creation during the campaign.
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Developers embrace challenging rehab projects but foresee fewer opportunities ahead
A number of major projects are underway now, but developers say activity might slow when those projects wrap up.
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East-side not-for-profit plans $9 million, 51-apartment mixed-use project
To be known as St. Lucas Lofts, the project proposed by Englewood Community Development Corp. would include at least 10 units designated for individuals who are recovering from homelessness.
Read MoreStorage company to add location
Indianapolis-based Commercial Self Storage is in growth mode, with plans to expand its Castleton facility and open a site in Noblesville in the next several months.
Read MoreGlick honored for north-side project
Indianapolis-based developer Gene B. Glick Co. was recognized in late June by the National Apartment Association for a project near Keystone at the Crossing.
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Morton Marcus: Fixing problems requires finding common ground
What does it take to make progress? Unclench the jaws and remove the fangs of the contesting opponents; play the harp and silence the trumpets.
Read MorePETE THE PLANNER: Opting for a 30-year mortgage often a mistake
The 30-year mortgage is the default. It shouldn’t be. A 15-year mortgage should be the default. You should choose a 30-year only if you have an incredibly compelling reason not to go with a 15.
Read MoreLetter: Quality education isn’t about politics
Washington’s partisan posturing and reluctance to collaborate and cooperate, exhausts many Hoosiers. I, too, have become disenchanted and find this type of representation less than desirable. However, I am newly optimistic and encouraged.
Read MoreGREG MORRIS: Expo’s Summer Celebration gets into full swing
Black Expo includes business and networking events that aren’t to be missed.
Read MoreMark Maddox: State must begin to combat financial illiteracy
Thanks to a timely study conducted by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation titled “The State of U.S Financial Capability,” we are reminded that about half of our citizens are benefiting greatly from this robust economy, while the other half are still struggling.
Read MoreSantiago Jaramillo: Here’s how you can be a great manager
Peter Drucker had it right when he said, “Management is doing things right; leadership is doing the right things.” The struggle for many employers, however, is identifying and replicating what those things are that make managers successful.
Read MoreEditorial: Fiasco over virtual charter schools raises big oversight questions
With freedom and choice comes responsibility. And so as Indiana has expanded the types of schools that students and their families can attend on the state’s dime—from traditional public schools to specialty schools called charters to even private and religious schools—so too has it created new obligations for those involved in the system.
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Downtown steakhouse closes; owners plan conversion to event venue
For the second time in less than three years, restaurateur Gary Brackett is forming a new business strategy for the downtown space he leases at 14 E. Washington St.
Read MoreNew IPS leader Aleesia Johnson to be paid on par with predecessor
The figure aims to walk the line between being fiscally responsible and ensuring the district’s first African-American woman leader is paid fairly, said school board President Michael O’Connor.
Read MoreLocal business owner charged in tech startup scam, accused of bilking investors
Prosecutors say David Betner of Indianapolis misled investors by saying his company—Darepoint—was on the verge of a profit-generating buyout.
Read MoreMarketing software firm Perq raises $6 million in capitals
The most recent funding is expected to fuel the growth of Perq’s artificial intelligence-driven marketing cloud for big-ticket retailers, company officials said.
Read MoreIBJ, Indy Chamber team up to host mayoral debate
The debate is scheduled to take place during the chamber’s annual HobNob event, in August at the Crowne Plaza Indianapolis Downtown.
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Randall T. Shepard: Free-tuition proposals are problematic
If all tuition is free, how will it be decided what tuition rates should exist at colleges?
Read MoreRyan Dvorak: It’s time to stop the insanity of college debt
I am not set on any single idea—but I need more partners to get the job done.
Read MoreGlenda Ritz: The Buttigieg argument for debt-free college
In the past 20 years, our largest public universities have accepted more and more out-of-state and foreign students.
Read MoreAbdul-Hakim Shabazz: The problems with reparations
I have a problem trying to hold people accountable for something they either didn’t do or had nothing to do with.
Read MoreCurt Smith: Undermining the freedom of religion
Who defines what it means to be Catholic? The short answer is Catholics.
Read MoreRiley Parr: Americans recognize something isn’t right
Whether we can—or even want—to discover the root causes and fix them remains to be seen.
Read MoreJim Shella: Trump is vulnerable but are Democrats ready?
Donald Trump is somebody. Most of the Democratic candidates are currently nobodies.
Read MoreMichael Leppert: Political labels have become tools for a lazy citizenry
Being conservative is as complicated as being liberal is.
Read MoreTom LoBianco: The flip sides of the invisible primary
If you decide to run for office at any level, getting your name known is the bedrock of success.
Read MoreJennifer Wagner: Let’s think more about what we have in common
If we’re ever going to revive trust in government … we have to remind people that, despite our geographic vastness, we’re all in this together.
Read MoreDeborah Daniels: Thank Brooks for service, admire her for choices
Susan Brooks has been tireless in her advocacy for Hoosiers and vulnerable populations throughout the country.
Read MoreRichard Feldman: Single-payer health care might be only future choice
America is the only highly developed country in the world that does not guarantee health care coverage for all people.
Read MoreChristina Hale: New project helps build Latino leaders
At the heart of this program is an opportunity to learn and be paired with a mentor of community significance.
Read MoreMarshawn Wolley: Mayoral candidates must make schools a priority
Both candidates have to have the courage to say the status quo isn’t good enough.
Read MoreShariq Siddiqui: Lawmakers must act now to encourage giving
Pluralism has long been one of the important purposes of the charitable deduction.
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MIKE LOPRESTI: Remembering Indiana’s tennis giant
Todd Witsken took down Connors, McEnroe and the record for Wimbledon’s longest match
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