Indianapolis Business Journal

Despite the yellow warning flags flying all around NASCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has its foot on the gas as it prepares for the Brickyard 400 on Sept. 9. Anthony Schoettle explain the major changes planned for the race and the days leading up to it. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody has an in-depth examination of the money flowing into Indiana’s closely watched U.S. Senate race through joint fundraising committees and Super PACS. And Susan Orr details what’s in store for fans of the Golden Arches when McDonald’s spends $6 billion nationwide to update its stores.

Business leaders are rallying behind a social issue they say could affect economic development—and they’re optimistic their efforts can persuade the GOP-controlled Indiana General Assembly to pass a bill that has failed the past five legislative sessions. Lindsey Erdody examines the chances that a hate crimes bill can pass this help with the help of big business. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores how the Hamilton Crossing retail center in Carmel has struggled since intensive roadwork began nearby in 2011 and altered traffic flow. And John Russell explains how Riley Children’s Foundation has been able to raise $500 million over the last 20 years.

Mayor Joe Hogsett vowed to tackle poverty when he announced his run for office, and again when he was sworn into office. His record more than halfway through his tenure includes some concrete programs as well as some missed opportunities, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell delves into complaints from the organizers of Gen Con that the Indiana Convention Center needs technology upgrades. And Lindsey Erdody explores how heavily U.S. Senate candidate Mike Braun has been leaning on the Republican ad firm that helped put Donald Trump into the White House.

Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak are well-known as agents of change. The stars of the Indianapolis-based home-rehab show “Good Bones” tell Erica Irish about their shifting priorities in the fourth season of the HGTV series. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo outlines the latest plans for Indy Go’s Purple Line rapid transit route. And in Explore, Lou Harry dives into central Indiana’s independent bookstore scene, which has found a niche alongside the mammoth internet retailers.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation, the philanthropic powerhouse behind quality-of-life initiatives such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is shifting its mission with an ambitious goal in mind: dismantling institutional racism. As part of her series on poverty in Indianapolis, Hayleigh Colombo explores how far CICF can go toward its goal. Also in this week’s issue, Erica Irish explains how a new owner and chef are working to revitalize the Le Peep breakfast chain. And in Explore, Mike Lopresti checks the resumes of the Colts’ new coaches.

The massive American Senior Communities fraud case might never have come to light were it not for a nearly century-old Indianapolis company that had a chance to participate in the overbilling and kickback scheme but called the FBI instead. Greg Andrews has the story. Also in this week’s paper, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Mayor Joe Hogsett isn’t ready to say whether he’ll run again for the job he calls “the hardest I’ve ever had.” And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle explains how the much-heralded Indiana IoT Lab is helping small businesses get access to hardware, talent and capital.<

In this issue, John Russell profiles Dr. Dan Skovronsky, the new head of R&D at Eli Lilly and Co., who's facing intense pressure to churn out more drugs faster. Also, Samm Quinn looks at Conner Prairie's ambitions to better connect to the White River, and Anthony Schoettle assesses how Angie's List has performed since it was acquired last year.

The hospitality market is booming, so is it finally time for Indianapolis International Airport to add an on-site hotel? Airport leaders are examining pitches from four developers that think it is, Susan Orr reports. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores the process for determining how residents along the Nickel Plate Line—a portion of which is slated to become a pedestrian trail—could be compensated for their property. And Erica Irish expands on Gary Brackett’s plans to expand the Stacked Pickle sports-bar chain.

At least 32 people with strong ties to Indiana, either through a professional career or personal connections, are currently serving in the Trump/Pence administration. Lindsey Erdody takes roll call for the Hoosiers shaping policy on the federal level. Also in this week issue, Hayleigh Colombo continues her series on poverty in Indianapolis, focusing on neighborhoods trying to generate revivals from within for fear that outside interests will gentrify their areas. And in Focus, Scott Olson sends dispatches from the Indy area’s wild, high demand/low inventory housing market.

IndyGo officials are expected to back off plans to purchase electric buses this year as part of a long-term effort to replace the mass-transit system’s older diesel fleet, saying electric-vehicle technology is not yet good enough to meet its needs. Susan Orr explains what’s behind the reversal. Also in this issue, Scott Olson fleshes out the surge in development activity on downtown’s once-forgotten south side while Samm Quinn outlines the blossoming variety in new home styles in Noblesville. And in the latest edition of Forefront, three columnists weigh in on the Indiana GOP’s battle over its definition of marriage.

Downtown’s 360 Market Square apartment tower opened in March on part of the former Market Square Arena site and is leasing up nicely, but the $120 million project continues to be plagued by legal disputes related to its construction. Scott Olson has the latest. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Studio Science grew from a one-person web-design company to a virtual Swiss Army knife for tech firms from coast to coast. And in Explore, Lou Harry extols the pleasures of a low-key canoe cruise on Sugar Creek.

A downtown parking lot that for nearly 25 years has sat undeveloped—despite a zoning rule barring surface lots in the area—finally is poised to be built upon. Scott Olson has the scoop on a new seven-story project on Pennsylvania Street, and why it took so long. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody explains what’s behind a spike in leadership turnover among local not-for-profit groups. And in Focus, Hayleigh Colombo explores the frustrations felt by some Indiana teachers and whether they might follow the lead of striking teachers in several states across the country.

In our fourth annual Innovation Issue, IBJ staffers are focusing on technologies rife with promise but that haven’t yet exploded in the mainstream. “Blockchain,” for example, only recently became a buzzword. Susan Orr explains how it could become transformative in the business world by providing a secure way of conducting all kinds of transactions. Virtual reality has been in the popular consciousness for decades, but its applications for business—and, in particular, training employees—are still evolving, Lesley Weidenbener reports. And cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have been making headlines for their big moves in market value, but the man on the street still isn’t likely to use them to buy a hamburger. Anthony Schoettle explains their appeal and why some folks are still skeptical about their utility.

Soon-to-close Broad Ripple High School and the 16 acres it sits on are highly coveted by developers, who could pay more than $6 million for the property. But a state law could prevent IPS from cashing in, Scott Olson reports. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo continues her series on income inequality in Indianapolis, focusing on the difficulty of low-wage earners to make financial headway. And in Focus, Samm Quinn explains why Westfield and Noblesville are expected to experience big population increases.

Kroger is seeking to sublease four former Marsh stores in central Indiana—a move fueling speculation that Kroger acquired control of at least some of the locations with no intent of operating stores. Scott Olson checks in on what has happened with the 18 Indianapolis-area Marsh locations that went up for auction. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell delves into why Anthem’s plans to set up a pharmacy-benefits unit have gotten off to such a rocky start. And in Explore, Lou Harry profiles some of the best places to dine al fresco this summer.

There are 36 zip codes in Marion County, and 46220 and 46218 are just a short jog apart. But their fortunes couldn’t be more different. In terms of incomes and property values, they’ve been straying further and further apart since 2000. They exemplify the growing gap between the affluent and poor in Indianapolis. This week, Hayleigh Colombo kicks off her series “One City, Worlds Apart.” Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how the “Bob & Tom Show” is trying to change with the times. And John Russell explores how Eli Lilly and Co.’s push into cancer drugs is playing out in its TV advertising.

Delta Air Lines Inc. is in line for up to $5.5 million in state economic development incentives when it launches its nonstop flights between Indianapolis and Paris on May 24—but earning the money will require some work. Susan Orr explains how the deal works. In Focus, the hospitality and tourism guide runs through new and improved attractions in 19 cities across the state. And in Forefront, Mike Ripley and Erin Macey debate whether companies should offer parental leave.

As the United States and China face off over tariffs and trade policy, some of Indiana’s most important industries are right at the center of the dispute. Susan Orr explains how the state could be affected by a trade war. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell examines how Carmel-based Mainstreet is shifting gears after its strategy in the elder-care business broke down. And Scott Olson looks ahead to the challenges of integrating Indianapolis’ massive criminal justice center into the struggling Twin Aire neighborhood.<