NOVEMBER 27-DECEMBER 4, 2017
One little bar, barely the size of a rail car, has anchored mighty Mass Ave throughout its 35-year renaissance—and arguably has been its single most important property. Sam Stall explores the significance of The Chatterbox and gets the lowdown on what owner David Andrichik has planned for the future. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Inside the Hall has become one of the most important sources of information on IU hoops. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews Prodigy Burger & Bar in Carmel.
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Chatterbox, a bar that’s barely changed, has helped transform Mass Ave
When David Andrichik bought the Chatterbox in 1982, it sat on a street pocked with second-floor sleeping rooms and grungy storefront businesses.
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Entrepreneur parlays IU hoops hysteria into thriving website
Alex Bozich’s Inside the Hall, one of the most popular websites covering IU basketball, has a considerable following not only in central and south-central Indiana but throughout the Midwest.
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After bumpy year, retailers see cause for holiday optimism
The National Retail Federation is projecting holiday retail sales will increase 4 percent over last year, to $682 billion, on stronger employment and rising incomes.
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Kinetrex plans third natural-gas plant to meet exploding customer demand
Kinetrex Energy, which distributes liquid natural gas, has roughly doubled its workforce to 40 people. and pushed from its core market—trucking companies—into agriculture, power generation, asphalt production and other sectors.
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State looks down the road at autonomous vehicles
Gov. Eric Holcomb will ask lawmakers in 2018 to authorize the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles on Indiana roads.
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GOP losses in Virginia buoy Indiana Democrats’ hopes
Democrats in Indiana wield little to no influence at the Statehouse but see recent electoral victories for Democrats in Virginia, Oklahoma and Georgia statehouses as welcoming signs ahead of the 2018 midterm election.
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CNO CEO Bonach has left mark on far more than his company
Ed Bonach became active in the community partly to send a message to the company’s beaten-down workforce that “you don’t have to hang your head about being part of this company. We are doing a lot of good things, and we will be doing more of them.”
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Once-swanky downtown apartment building receives $5.7M makeover
The 88-year-old, seven-story Wyndham is available for occupancy after owner the Pearl Cos. bought the building and tore the interior down to its studs.
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Plan to develop 211 acres at Fishers airport site takes flight
Local officials say the land, part of Indianapolis Metropolitan Airport, could house up to 1 million square feet of new commercial development under a plan approved on Friday.
Read MoreLDI to lose ownership of motorsports firm that’s filed for bankruptcy
In a deal called “one of the most important” stories in the motorcycle industry this year, a company controlled by Indianapolis-based business-holding firm LDI Ltd. has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after racking up about $440 million in debt.
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International studies school reignites IU’s global focus
Enrollment at the school has grown 55 percent since its 2012 formation. Today, 631 undergraduates and 162 graduate students are enrolled, according to IU.
Read MoreLilly funds program for religion professors
More than 160 faculty have gone through the program, which began in 1991 and has been funded by Lilly since 2002.
Read MoreUniversity of Evansville opens Changemaker Incubator
Funding for the space came from a $20,000 Ball Venture Fund.
Read MorePurdue launches ‘affordability grant’ to help tackle college costs
Purdue University is rolling out a grant program to help lower- and middle-class Indiana students afford college.
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EDITORIAL: Give casino deal a thorough review
If the deal goes through, Caesars will own four of the state’s five highest-revenue casinos. It will generate roughly 54 percent of the tax revenue casinos pay to state and local governments.
Read MoreMORRIS: Giving thanks and looking ahead
The Thanksgiving holiday is good prep for finishing the year strong.
Read MorePATCH: Uncertainty puts damper on manufacturing
Even with all this optimism, many manufacturers feel a chill in the air as a result of a lack of clarity surrounding a few big issues.
Read MoreTHANAWALA: Women in IT—from the classroom to the boardroom
Simply put, girls need to see more women in IT.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Patrick Industries soars after surviving recession
A great example of a management team that skillfully navigated the brutal economy of 2008-2009 and, over the ensuing nine years, grew a spectacular business is Elkhart’s Patrick Industries.
Read MoreBOHANON & CUROTT: Be thankful for our private property rights
The pilgrims discovered the hard way the weaknesses in the communal-property-rights model.
Read MoreLETTER: Personalized learning helps students achieve
Many states have accountability standards that rate “schools” rather than academic progress achieved by virtual students.
Read MoreLETTER: City must take lead on Circle Centre
Circle Centre mall’s decline or failure would have a devastating effect on downtown Indianapolis, the convention center, the hospitality industry and the state of Indiana.
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Insurance giant adding 400 jobs in $14M expansion in Carmel
The Boston-based insurer said it will lease 56,000 square feet in the Parkwood Crossing office complex to accommodate the expansion.
Read MoreMaker of opioid treatment planning Indy-area expansion
Innovative Health Solutions Inc. recently received FDA approval for a device that treats opioid withdrawal symptoms.
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