Indianapolis Business Journal

Popular culture has tossed around the term “artificial intelligence” for decades, even though its meaning was murky and widespread adoption seemed far into the future. In IBJ’s fifth annual Innovation Issue, we show how the future has arrived for many industries in Indiana and is just around the corner in others. Anthony Schoettle has the big picture, while John Russell explains how AI fits—or doesn’t quite gel yet—with health care. Also in this issue, we explore the development of cutting-edge hypersonic weapons at the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Crane and how diesel powerhouse Cummins has adjusted its culture to compete with startups in the electric vehicle space.

This week, John Russell tries to get to the bottom of plans for a 60,000-square-foot rehab hospital in Carmel that was announced earlier this month but without a filed site plan, building permits or construction schedule. The two out-of-state companies that say they’re partnering on the project raise red flags, including a history of mass layoffs and and accusations of kickbacks and insurance fraud. Also in this week’s paper, Anthony Schoettle explores how local TV stations are adjusting to a huge demographic deficit in news viewership. Just in the last two years, viewership in the 18 to 34 age range has plummeted for evening and nighttime newscasts. And Mickey Shuey details the Indiana Fever’s plans to rebuild after two lackluster seasons.

In this week’s issue, Sam Stall explores how Oliver Winery and Vineyard become the largest winery in Indiana with product sold in 27 states. With an $8.5 million addition to its campus in Bloomington, Oliver could double capacity within five years. Also this week, Mickey Shuey runs through a plan to extend a recreational trail in Speedway that community leaders say will jolt property values and spur development in several aging neighborhoods. And John Russell explains why state officials, who long have boasted how Indiana is one of the most business-friendly states in the nation, are planning on raising permit fees from levels established 25 years ago.

Steak n Shake has been a mainstay in Indianapolis and the Midwest for many decades, but recent results at the burger chain are not encouraging. It’s operating at a loss and customer traffic counts are in a tailspin. Greg Andrews examines the signs that Steak n Shake is slipping into dangerous territory. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey investigates NBC’s plans for broadcasting the Indy 500 in its first year televising the IndyCar Series. And Lindsey Erdody examines why state legislators decided not to fund the groundbreaking Regional Cities Initiative, despite encouraging results from its first few years.

Lindsey Erdody explains all of the ways gambling could change in Indiana after a seismic legislative session, including how you could bet on sports. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn details the latest battle in Zionsville over proposed development downtown. This $40 million project is inspiring familiar opposition from a lot of the same folks who have fought previous proposals. But this one might have more momentum than the rest. And Anthony Schoettle reports that many companies are experiencing sticker shock from subscription software.

Some of the city’s biggest hoteliers are opposed to development of two Hiltons with more than 1,400 rooms on Pan Am Plaza, saying it would create a glut of lodging in the market. Greg Andrews reports that city officials say they are still committed to working toward a deal with the developer. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Champion drag racer Larry Dixon of Avon has filed a federal antitrust lawsuit against the National Hot Rod Association, alleging the California-based organization—which owns Lucas Oil Raceway in Brownsburg—wrongfully suspended and blacklisted him in 2017. And John Russell explains how Eli Lilly and Co. is donating part of its sprawling campus downtown to the city for use as a public park.

In this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody reveals that the city’s Capital Improvement Board, which owns downtown’s major sports and convention facilities, is facing a major crisis. If state lawmakers don’t approve legislation before them that will help pay for renovations to Bankers Life Fieldhouse, the CIB is headed for insolvency. Even if two key bills are passed, the CIB still faces some very lean years. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell explains how Eli Lilly and Co. is pushing hard and spending large sums to become a major player in the cancer drug business. And Susan Orr checks out the new Needler’s Fresh Market grocery downtown, which the firm is using as a prototype of sorts for future growth.

This week, Anthony Schoettle explores the possible repercussions of radio station owner Cumulus Media buying three more stations in the Indianapolis area, giving it six total and the reach to challenge locally based Emmis Communications. Samm Quinn examines complaints from residents of Fishers that the fast-growing city is growing too fast and losing its homespun charm—a train of thought that mayoral candidate Logan Day has decided to ride. And in Indianapolis, Republican mayoral candidate Jim Merritt is using potholes to attack Mayor Joe Hogsett as he tries to paint the incumbent as out of touch with everyday residents.

IndyGo says the electric buses it intends to use on the Red Line are falling short of expectations in an important way: Drivers have been unable to squeeze more than 256 miles out of a fully charged vehicle. Susan Orr reports on how IndyGo is dealing with the problem. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody reveals that the founder of FACE, a low-cost animal clinic in Indianapolis, is alleging the not-for-profit’s current leadership is misleading donors and mismanaging funds. And Anthony Schoettle explains how Bill Oesterle, a former CEO of Angie’s List and a confidant of Gov. Mitch Daniels, is using his new tech firm to persuade people with connections to the Hoosier state to move back.