JULY 19-25, 2024
This week's issue is packaged with IBJ Media's Indiana 250, the third annual list of the state's most influential business and community leaders. Also in this issue, Susan Orr ha a story about the post-pandemic slump that has hit the trucking industry. One trucking expert called it "unprecedented." Plus, Daniel Bradley has the latest on how rookie Mayor Scott Willis intends to make headway on creating a downtown district in Westfield. Dave Lindquist details what's new and different at Nora Plaza, while John Russell has a Q&A with IU Health officials about the organization's $4.3 billion downtown hospital project. Plus, the latest issue of Forefront explores whether Indiana has the energy resources it needs to fuel a growing economy.
Front PageBack to Top
Trucking industry on a bumpy road post-pandemic
The economic effects of the pandemic created boom times for trucking—but the industry has hit an extended bumpy patch since then, with no consensus as to when conditions will smooth out.
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Westfield starts designing long-awaited downtown
For years, transforming Westfield’s downtown into a vibrant, happening place has been a much-discussed but never-realized goal. Now, the first-term mayor is pushing to make the redevelopment of downtown more than just a talking point.
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Kite Realty gives new life to 65-year-old Nora Plaza
Five years after Indianapolis-based Kite bought the shopping center, the developer has invested in utilities, signage and infrastructure and is adding eye-catching tenants West Elm, Williams Sonoma and Bluemercury.
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IU Health’s massive hospital project is on schedule, should ‘top out’ next spring
Work on Indiana University Health’s $4.3 billion downtown hospital campus, one of the most expensive construction projects in Indiana history, is set to be finished in late 2027.
Read MoreIndiana 250: Jeff Smulyan
Jeff Smulyan is the founder of Emmis Corp., which started as an owner of radio stations but has transitioned to businesses that Smulyan believes have better growth potential. After selling most of its stations, Emmis is focused on newer acquisitions, including Lencore, which makes sound-masking products for offices and other commercial applications; Digonex, which provides […]
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Made in Indiana: Barbecue sauces by Shoup’s Country Foods Inc.
The product: Frankfort-based Shoup’s Country Foods has been making its original sweet and spicy barbecue sauce in Indiana since 1989 and has since added flavors Carolina Gold, Sugar Free and Teriyaki Glaze. The original barbecue sauce is sold in 19-ounce bottles and in half-gallon and gallon containers for food services. History: The origins of Shoup’s Country Foods Inc. […]
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Civic leaders praise Jim Morris for life of unselfish accomplishment
A long list of those who worked with Jim Morris and called him a friend expressed sorrow over his death while sharing gratitude for his leadership in Indianapolis over the past six decades.
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Biden administration awards $325M to upgrade Indiana plants for EV components production
The grants to Cummins and Stellantis are among $1.7 billion in funding the Energy Department announced Thursday morning.
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Marian University receives $29M gift for medical school
The donation, the largest individual gift in Marian’s history, came from Julie Wood—on behalf of the Tom & Julie Wood Family Foundation.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
A big play for youth, pro rugby is taking shape near downtown Indianapolis
Rugby Indy LLC expects to begin a $45 million revamp of Kuntz Memorial Soccer Stadium, at 1502 W. 16th St., this summer.
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Indy to host every major men’s college basketball championship in 2026
The NCAA on Thursday announced plans to conduct both the Division II and Division III men’s basketball championship games and the semifinals and final of the National Invitational Tournament in Indianapolis, in conjunction with the Division I men’s Final Four.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Ilya Rekhter: Why I’m not pivoting Megawatt to AI
But I would rather look back on this column a few years down the road and laugh than scrap the vision for Megawatt in favor of a splashy headline about pivoting to AI.
Read MoreEditorial: Morris offered an inspiring example of community service, compassion
Morris left behind an army of people who have been influenced by his life and his work.
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Derek Schultz: The big bucks
While Siakam’s deal might have reached the debate floor among fans on social media, the overwhelming majority of Pacers backers appeared to support and praise each of the team’s contract-extension decisions.
Read MoreJalene Hahn: Youngest boomers are unprepared for retirement
The Peak Boomers Impact Study details how most of the individuals in the last segment of the baby boomers are not financially prepared and cites different factors that contributed to their precarious financial position.
Read MoreCecil Bohanon and John Horowitz: Clock is ticking on getting federal deficit under control
Federal expenditures will increase from 23.9% of GDP in 2024 to nearly a quarter of the U.S. GDP by 2034.
Read MoreNate Feltman: Honoring Indiana’s most influential
This year’s list introduces nearly 70 new individuals, encompassing corporate executives, philanthropic leaders and notable personalities making significant contributions in Indiana.
Read MoreJo Ellen Meyers Sharp: How to react when your alma mater gets a divorce
The separation of these two universities makes me sad. Of course, the campus had to grow and change over its 55-year existence, but did it have to separate to become the best it could be?
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Sahm’s Tavern up next for Irvington spot associated with Black Acre, Scarlet Lane
Sahm’s Hospitality Group plans to resurrect its Sahm’s Tavern concept by taking over an Irvington address that’s been a taproom for two different Indianapolis craft breweries.
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State utility counselor urges regulators to slash Duke Energy’s rate hike request
Duke Energy Indiana, the state’s largest electric utility, in April filed a request with state regulators for permission to raise rates by about 16% over two years.
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Developers plan single-family houses, town houses at Maple Del site in Fishers
Mirtha Development LLC, and Carmel-based Old Town Cos. plan to build 10 single-family houses and 56 three-story town houses at East 116th Street and Maple Drive.
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Starbucks, Panda Express planned at Glendale Town Center
Orange chicken and Frappuccinos will be sold from standalone locations near the intersection of North Keystone Avenue and East 62nd Street.
Read MoreForefrontBack to Top
George Gemelas: Beware of crude solutions in our hot energy debate
Given the stakes, Hoosier residents and business owners deserve the clearest conversation possible.
Read MoreKerwin Olson: Let’s harness distributed energy sources to power grid
None of these benefits will be realized unless a complete overhaul of Indiana energy policy is initiated.
Read MoreMike Roeder: Remove federal barriers to new power generation
The federal government has created a challenging dynamic for the energy industry.
Read MoreRep. Ed DeLaney: Note to IEDC: Remember to look before you LEAP
The LEAP project takes the ever-growing idea of using public funds to spur private investment to a whole new scale.
Read MoreJim Shella: Here’s why Caitlin Clark matters to the WNBA
She sets an example for young girls to follow. That’s how you grow the game.
Read MoreJennifer Wagner Chartier: I wish politics were a bit more like swimming
These days, politics feels more like competitive eating, where you shove as much food as you can.
Read MoreAbdul-Hakim Shabazz: Is marijuana already legal in Indiana? Practically.
For all practical purposes, marijuana is legal in Indiana because our adjacent neighbors have legalized it.
Read MoreBrad Rateike: You don’t have to be a parent to impact kids
I learn from these young people as well.
Read MoreDeborah Daniels: Women are rising—but not fast enough
We are just not where we should be at this point in our nation’s history.
Read MoreDr. Richard Feldman: Society needs to be on guard for next pandemic
Influenza is an unpredictable virus; monitoring for worrisome genetic changes is essential.
Read MoreGeorge Hornedo: Combating extremism in Indiana
We saw how quickly too many in the Republican Party fell in line when Donald Trump entered the picture.
Read MoreDana Black: White Christian nationalism has no place in politics
In plain text, the Constitution states more than once that we are not a Christian nation.
Read MoreMarshawn Wolley: Police policy restricting, not banning, chokeholds is step back
The process used to determine how people are policed did not include civilians.
Read MoreClaire Fiddian-Green: A new pathway to prepare more students for careers
College serves less than half of each high school graduating class in America.
Read MoreBrian Schutt: The decline of parties has led to decline in politics
Beyond federal reform, instituting ideas like ranked-choice voting into the primary process could be beneficial.
Read MoreShariq Siddiqui: How houses of worships can increase giving
Find ways to create greater transparency and demonstrate impact. No one is perfect.
Read MoreCurt Smith: Beckwith’s win is affirmation of grassroots politics
Beckwith’s passionate patriotism prevailed over the pragmatic positions so often on display at GOP functions.
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