OCTOBER 8-14, 2012
This week, find out how city leaders are making sure expanding Indianapolis' downtown TIF district will mean more jobs for residents. And see what IndyCar officials think about the series' future. In Focus, read about a new vision for local waterways. And in A&E, Lou Harry weighs in on the Phoenix Theatre's past, present and future.
Front PageBack to Top
St. Vincent, Community team up, forming colossus
Three area hospital groups—St. Vincent Health, Community Health Network and Suburban Health Organization—have agreed to join forces to manage patients’ health and strike new kinds of contracts with employers and health insurers.
Read MoreGubernatorial rivals eager to cut taxes
Indiana’s major-party candidates for governor can’t bestow a job upon every unemployed Hoosier, but each has offered what he considers the next-best thing: at least $500 million in tax cuts.
Read MoreResurgent Pacers see lift in ticket sales
The Indiana Pacers continued scoring long after last season ended in the second round of the NBA playoffs. The Pacers sales staff hit high-water marks during the off-season that the franchise hasn’t seen in five years. And with almost four weeks until the regular-season home opener Nov. 3, the Pacers are shooting for more.
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City asks developers to make local hires in downtown TIF
Indianapolis city-county councilors hope expanding the downtown TIF district will mean more jobs for their constituents. Developers, city contractors and other firms benefiting from the expanded economic-development zone must try to ensure that 40 percent of their work force comes from within the expanded TIF area.
Read MoreIndyCar execs say distractions mask progress
IndyCar Series officials insist the open-wheel circuit is on the right track despite a drop in its television ratings, tepid attendance and persistent rumors that it will be sold and its CEO will be fired.
Read MoreT2 Systems might tap cash hoard for acquisitions
Fast-growing T2 Systems has been biding its time since scoring a $28 million equity infusion a year ago, but the maker of parking management software could soon be towing competitors out of its space.
Read MoreJudge tosses out lawsuit blasting Irwin executives
A judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Irwin Financial Corp.'s bankruptcy trustee, saying the only party with the right to bring suit was the bank’s receiver, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. It didn't do so by last month's deadline.
Read MoreCitizens’ Westfield utility acquisition will help with broader system needs
The $91 million water and sewer deal is expected to improve water distribution between northeast and northwest suburbs.
Read MoreSmall charity eases struggles of breast cancer patients
With volunteer leader Nancy Shepard at the helm, IWIN Foundation has distributed $875,000 in grants to breast cancer patients. Recipients have ranged in age from 18 to 90.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
City waterways initiative floats economic development ideas
More than 100 local groups are joining forces to rehabilitate neglected rivers and streams in Marion County in the hope of sparking redevelopment.
Read MoreNew Alzheimer’s unit stresses soothing elements
The 36-room wing at Hoosier Village Retirement Center includes antiques and minimizes confusing shadows among other design elements.
Read MoreDeveloper targets long-empty College Avenue retail building
Teagen Development Inc. has a purchase agreement for the 6,600-square-foot building at 1101 N. College Ave., rescuing it from an attempt—since withdrawn—to demolish the structure.
Read MoreBROWNE: Finishing touches just now coming to Georgia Street
Time didn’t permit final upgrades before Super Bowl crowds descended on stretch.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Residents’ health a weighty issue
The projections released last month by Trust for America’s Health were sobering: By 2030, more than half of Hoosiers will be obese.
Read MoreMORRIS: Republicans face hard Senate choice
One prime example of a candidate who promises more gridlock in Washington can be found right here in Indiana. Of course, you know I’m speaking of Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, Richard Mourdock.
Read MoreKENNEDY: Phoenix stays true to its mission
In this space, I’ve referenced studies confirming the “instrumental” value of the arts—especially economic growth and better academic performance. A new study from Rand argues for greater recognition of the intrinsic benefits as well: growth in individual capacities such as empathy for other peoples and cultures, enhanced powers of observation, and fuller understanding of the world in which we live.
Read MoreTEASLEY: Extend clarity to vouchers, charters
State schools superintendent Tony Bennett was right to celebrate the achievements of the past three years of his administration during his recent State of Education address. He made it clear that all Indiana schools are now a “school of choice” and that access to most any school is now an option for all Hoosiers.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Debt, deficit need work even if crisis is averted
Just what is this so-called “fiscal cliff” that is regularly injected into discussions as the political season heats up?
Read MoreHICKS: Bernanke sheds light on Fed during Indy speech
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke spoke in Indianapolis on Oct. 1, and I was lucky enough to sit with a group of smart folks during his talk. I found three elements particularly interesting.
Read MoreALTOM: Excel can be used as database in a pinch
Microsoft Excel has features that are reminiscent of a database, although it’s not a database application and never will be.
Read MoreArticle overlooked part-time MBAs
A [Sept. 10] article cited evidence of a drop in MBA applications as part of a nationwide trend among prominent business schools. While the article specifically names decreases in applications to highly regarded MBA programs at Indiana University and Purdue University, it overlooks the significant growth within part-time MBA programs like the one offered here at the IU Kelley School of Business in downtown Indianapolis.
Read MoreConsumption tax would spark growth
Elections are close by and the rhetoric from all sides is heating up. Tax the rich! 47 percent of Americans do not pay income taxes!
Read MoreVote for change
The recession was not caused by George W. Bush. It was caused by liberal sub-prime mortgage practices at financial institutions, backed by government-sponsored Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac since 1993. The independent Federal Reserve System saved the banks, but in addition to foreclosures, millions of home values are now worth less than the mortgages owed.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
MainSource making most of prime downtown spot
Part of former Borders bookstore space is marketing opportunity for Greensburg-based bank. The other half could be turned into lobby for Barnes & Thornburg.
Read MoreKeystone Group picked for Butler mixed-use project
The university chose Keystone over Kite Realty Group and Lauth Property Group to build housing, retail and parking worth up to $45 million.
Read MoreSledge’s exit will keep IU program mostly intact
The departure of Dr. George Sledge likely will sap the breast cancer research program at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center of about $500,000 in annual funding. But the program Sledge built over the past three decades mostly will remain intact.
Read MoreLongtime insurance agency acquired by local rival
Property-casualty and employee benefits firm MJ Insurance buys Mead & Co., which dates to the 1860s.
Read MoreGerdt Furniture closing Castleton location
The 26-year-old store at 8602 Allisonville Road is liquidating its merchandise and is marking down prices as much as 70 percent. Gerdt’s original and lone remaining store, in Southport, will stay open.
Read MoreStartup aims to help relieve business leaders’ stress
No job is too small for Simply Helpful, which provides office-support services on a contract basis.
Read MoreNFP of NOTE: Perry Senior Citizens Services
Perry Senior Citizens Services's mission is to maintain and enhance the lives of Perry Township's senior citizens.
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