Indianapolis Business Journal

The novel coronavirus has much of our attention for the time being, but there are more high-stakes decisions to make on the horizon. Republican Congresswoman Susan Brooks isn't seeking reelection this year, which has led to a deluge of candidates in the 5th District. Fifteen of them are in the GOP, and Lindsey Erdody has profiled each one while also outlining what is so different about this year's election. (The Democrats are next week.) Also in this week's issue, John Russell delves into the growing effort to beat back the coronavirus by tracing the personal contacts of people who have tested positive. And Samm Quinn explores the mounting crisis of unpaid apartment rent as millions of Hoosier file for initial unemployment benefits every week.

This week, as companies start to plan their reopenings, IBJ takes a comprehensive look at what post-pandemic workplaces will look like, from offices and restaurants to factories. We also feature a Q&A with an infectious disease specialist who shares insights on how to execute a reopening in the safest possible way. In other news, we profile Probo Medical, which is experiencing explosive growth, and run down the state's plans to encourage vote by mail in the June 2 primary.

Indianapolis businesses and not-for-profits are expected to file a deluge of lawsuits against insurance companies over their refusal to pay claims related to the COVID-19 crisis. Susan Orr examines the legal issues and digs into the arguments in two suits that were among the first to be filed. Also this week, Anthony Schoettle reports on the financial hit local TV stations are taking despite the boost in ratings caused by the coronavirus. And John Russell looks at the low levels of public health funding in Indiana and explores whether that has hindered the state as it battles COVID-19.

Government and public health officials for weeks have been saying the COVID-19 crisis in Indiana hasn't yet peaked. This week, John Russell delves into what goes into projecting the peak and when it's likely to hit. The issue also features a story from Lindsey Erdody exploring Lilly Endowment's outsized role in funding safety-net services for the state's most vulnerable during the crisis. And Mickey Shuey explores how the pandemic might affect the timetable for the $360 million Bankers Life Fieldhouse renovation project. In addition, Mark Montieth tells the tale of the Indianapolis Indians' 1955 stock sale. A share bought back then for $10 now is worth some $46,000.

We’ve blown up the typical lineup of the paper this week to bring you a wide-ranging package of profiles, focusing on small businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis. We ask the owners how they’re seeking to persevere—and potentially gain a competitive advantage when normalcy returns. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores how nearly $350 billion in federal money earmarked by the CARES Act could help keep Indiana small businesses going. And Mickey Shuey explains how Indianapolis’ major cultural institutions—such as the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra and Indiana Repertory Theatre—are assessing the damage and planning to survive big hits to their operating revenue.

Prior to March, Dr. Kristina Box was an almost anonymous public servant, despite her relatively high rank as state heath commissioner. Now she’s front-and-center every day as the state’s point person in batting the COVID-19 epidemic, which has claimed dozens of lives and threatens to overwhelm hospitals. John Russell profiles career-long obstetrician and gynecologist who now plays a key role in containing the spread of the disease and shaping the state’s recovery from a catastrophic event. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr explains how central Indiana banks are handling commercial customers who suddenly have found themselves unable to make loan payments because of pandemic-related business disruptions. And Greg Andrews examines how the coronavirus is thwarting years of hard-earned progress for Indianapolis-based Republic Airways.

Coverage of the repercussions of the COVID-19 crisis dominates our front page this week. Reporters Mickey Shuey and Kurt Christian hit the trenches to learn what small businesses are doing to survive. Samm Quinn explores the challenges facing low-wage workers, who typically have very little cushion for work stoppages. And Greg Andrews has a fascinating piece about the Indianapolis-based NCAA, which was forced to cancel March Madness. The group relies heavily on the hundreds of millions of dollars it earns annually through its TV contracts for the tournament. This raises the question of how the governing body for collegiate sports can function without that revenue.

Mickey Shuey surveys the city’s grand vision for the Castleton shopping center corridor. A new report on the potential for remaking the area calls for spending $93 million over several years on infrastructure to improve connectivity and walkability, encourage new housing and heightening the visitor experience. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores how Indianapolis leaders plan to root out historical inequalities of race, place and identity throughout city-county government. And Susan Orr has the latest on three housing and hotel projects that are in the works at the former Fort Benjamin Harrison site in Lawrence.

Anthony Schoettle reports that the long-planned 16 Tech Innovation District along Indiana Avenue has reached a pivotal moment. The first office building in the $500 million project will open in June, which could serve as a catalyst for tremendous growth on the 50-acre campus and elsewhere downtown. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey takes a close look at the effects so far of the coronavirus epidemic on Indianapolis’ tourism industry. And Lindsey Erdody unpacks the tensions between state lawmakers and Indianapolis officials as the Legislature considers several bills aimed directly the Circle City. Some folks say lawmakers are inserting themselves too far into local affairs.

This week, Kurt Christian takes a close look at the cost overruns for Carmel’s Hotel Carmichael project and whether they’re consistent with rising construction costs industrywide. Experts say material and labor costs have increased by 20 percent or more in recent years, but the 46 percent rise in the Carmichael project’s cost is definitely outside the norm. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody reports that Indiana could have a significant role to play in the Democratic primary process. The heated battle for the nomination suggests the state could have a contested primary on May 5, and that could pack a punch for the state’s economy in terms of campaign events, advertisements and staffing. And Susan Orr reports that the city of Indianapolis is looking at whether it can secure $72 million in funding for a long-planned Decatur Township road project that supporters say would spark economic activity along one of the county’s least-developed corridors.

John Russell has a story of dissension in one of central Indiana’s wealthiest neighborhoods. Geist Reservoir is in serious need of regular maintenance to clear out weeds and algae, and more than 1,400 households want the state to approve a special taxing district to pay for it. But others oppose the move, saying the taxes would mostly benefit lakefront property owners, not those who live a few blocks away. Also in this week’s paper, Samm Quinn reveals that the state’s schools for the deaf and blind in Indianapolis will need nearly $100 million in upgrades over the next 20 years, which has spurred officials to consider building new schools on a shared site. But some advocates, lawmakers and alumni worry that the state is motivated by the value of the real estate for the two campuses on the north side, which would be very attractive to developers. And Lindsey Erdody explores scenarios for the outcome of the investigation into a former Indianapolis gambling company and how two casinos planned for Gary and Terre Haute might be affected.

Lindsey Erdody takes a deep dive into the career and influence of Rod Ratcliff, a pivotal figure in Indiana's horse racing and casino industry for more than three decades. And at nearly every turn, Ratcliff or his companies or his associates have run into questions and concerns about the way they interact with the public officials who make the rules associated with the industry. Also in this week's paper, Susan Orr examines the prospects for the site of the Diamond Chain Co. factory downtown. Diamond Chain’s parent company plans to close the 102-year-old facility, which is dead center in the quadrant of downtown including White River State Park, Victory Field, the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. And John Russell reveals that the nation's largest retailer of beer, wine and spirits is looking for a foothold in Indianapolis now that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that residency requirements for liquor retailers are unconstitutional.

The can’t miss package this week is IBJ’s 28^th annual edition of Forty under 40, featuring the young leaders making names for themselves in central Indiana. From Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of the Richmond campus of Ivy Tech Community College, to Muhammad Yasin, executive vice president of marketing for software firm Perq, the Class of 2020 is especially strong and diverse. Also in this week’s paper, Samm Quinn discusses how the experience of running for Indianapolis mayor has informed the legislative priorities of state Sen. Jim Merritt. He’s filed bills in the current legislative session concerning food deserts and landlord-tenant relationship, and in next year's budget-writing session he plans to tackle roads and crime. And John Russell explores the future of Medicaid in Indiana now that the Trump administration has announced plans to allow states to add eligibility requirements, benefit changes and drug-coverage limits.

If you suspect your smartphone, tablet or digital personal assist is keeping tabs on you and sharing information with marketers, you're not being paranoid. Anthony Schoettle explains how the digital eavesdropping ecosystem works. Also in this week's issue, Susan Orr reports on Gary Brackett's latest underdog pursuit: producing a movie about his life in football. And Samm Quinn investigates the potential for Indianapolis to reuse the massive electric-car-charging infrastructure that Blue Indy is leaving behind.

IUPUI is trying to recruit more minority students, which is part of a nationwide trend among colleges and universities. Samm Quinn reports that it has made the most progress with Latinx students, whose numbers have more than doubled since 2010 while enrollment of black students has plateaued. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell examines how local hospitals are trying to beef up their options for cancer treatment and get an edge in one of the most competitive and high-stakes corners in health care. And Greg Andrews has the latest in the FAA’s investigation of a local private air carrier used by some of Indianapolis’ most prominent executives. The probe is entering its seventh year without any end in sight, which has prompted some of the executives to fight back.

The latest in a series of art installations in Carmel’s roundabouts has reinvigorated debate over how the city buys and locates works for public places. Kurt Christian reports that once city councilor wants to create a community commission that includes residents who would review and make recommendations for pieces. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn examines efforts by Indianapolis officials to address the potential effects of climate change on the city, as well as reduce the city’s impact on the environment. And Lindsey Erdody has our latest annual tally of philanthropic giving in Indiana and analysis of the big gifts. The winner this year was Indiana University, with three of 10 largest donations, and Lindsey has a deep dive into how IU and President Michael McRobbie made it happen.

As IndyGo continues to iron out problems with the Red Line, it’s also considering making big changes to its paratransit service, called open door, for riders with disabilities. Susan Orr reports that the Chicago-based contractor has never met its goals for on-time performance, and IndyGo is now mulling major changes, including reducing its service area or bringing it in-house. Also in this week’s issue, Greg Andrews reports that a decade after an FBI raid shut down a massive Ponzi scheme engineered by Indianapolis businessman Tim Durham, a lawsuit finally is going to trial that could recoup millions of dollars for the fraud victims. And Anthony Schoettle has the story of a recent Purdue student who dug up some long-forgotten technology developed by NASA with expired patents. Ian Hamilton has repurposed that tech to create a revolutionary device that converts heat into electricity with a wide potential for game-changing applications.

The leaders of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra have several momentous decisions to make in coming months, in addition to getting the organization back in the black. Lindsey Erdody explains how the ISO is approaching hiring a new concertmaster, beginning the search for a new conductor and negotiating a new contract with musicians—all while trying to avoid a deficit. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle has the inside story on the creation of the Indiana 5G Zone—one of two labs of its kind in the country—which will be tasked with developing revolutionary new wireless technology. And Mickey Shuey explores the public-private partnership being finalized to help the city finance a health care and community center in Broad Ripple Park.