Indianapolis Business Journal

The battle for Indiana’s open U.S. Senate seat could become the most expensive general election race in the state’s history, political observers say—but only if republican Todd Young proves he can compete with Democrat Evan Bayh. IBJ’s political team explains that the result of the race could determine control of the Senate, and thus could attract national resources. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell explains how the choice of a business lawyer as the new CEO of IPL signals a change in approach at the utility. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle details how hoteliers are coping with new rules for overtime.

It’s a troubling discovery for a city that stakes so much of its reputation on hospitality. A new report finds that the number of events at the Indiana Convention center and Lucas Oil Stadium—and the total attendance for those events—fell sharply in 2015. Anthony Schoettle huddles with tourism honchos to get to the bottom of the decline. Also in this week’s issue, Max Gabovitch examines the chances that Paul George’s stint on the Olympic team will pad his sponsorship earnings. And check out Fast 25—IBJ’s collection of profiles of the fastest-growing companies in the Indy area.

The Pence administration is brawling with federal officials over evaluating the HIP 2.0 health insurance plan for needy Hoosiers. John Russell explains the fuss over the ways proposed to tell if it’s working. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo reports that officials finally are closing in on a location for the $25 million state archives project. In Focus, Cory Schouten examines the plan to preserve elements of the art deco Coca-Cola bottling plant on Mass Ave. And in Forefront, thought leaders debate the cost of expanding mass transit in central Indiana is worth it.

A flurry of capital projects totaling more than $100 million is proposed for Hamilton County over the next several years, but tensions between the executive and fiscal bodies might delay some of them. Lindsey Erdody reports on the disconnect between the County Commission and County Council. Also in this week’s issue: John Russell profiles Matthew Cook, the new CEO of Riley Hospital for Children, and the challenge of spreading the brand. And in Focus, IBJ checks in on how state officials are lowering the unemployment rate for black Hoosiers.

The Hoosier Lottery is having a banner year and is projecting that it will return more money to the state than in any other year. But was it mostly due to the $1.6 billion Powerball jackpot? Hayleigh Colombo examines the circumstances. Also in this issue, Scott Olson marks the return of home flippers to the real estate market as sales improve. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry reviews a new pizza outpost for Chicago-based Aurelio’s.

A decade-long struggle by Zionsville to keep Wal-Mart outside the town’s boundaries might be coming to an end. Lindsey Erdody details the ruling that will pave the way into the wealthy burg. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell reports on the mounting number of lawsuits plaguing Cook Medical related to its blood-clot filters. And in A&E Etc., we have a double-shot for fans of the Windy City. Lou Harry reviews the new Rush on Main eatery in Zionsville, and Mike Lopresti checks in with gleeful by wary Cubs fans.

Startups in Indianapolis often have barely grown after five years in business, according to a new study. Jared Council reports that the finding has rekindled criticism of the local venture capital landscape. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson details why Broad Ripple advocates expect daytime retail traffic to finally pick up. Anthony Schoettle explains why meeting planners and hospitality officials are embracing gender-neutral restroom facilities. And in Forefront, Gov. Mike Pence and John Gregg debate school-choice issues.

A prominent Indianapolis developer is pursuing two projects totaling $32 million that would bring a grocery and 200 apartments to a neglected stretch near 38th and Meridian streets. Scott Olson has details, including relocation of the United Way of Central Indiana headquarters. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody charts the wild success of Zoobilation, the Indianapolis Zoo fundraiser now in its 30th year. Hayleigh Colombo explains how 87,000 Hoosier could be affected by new overtime rules. And in Focus, Lindsey has a blowout feature illustrating how the U.S. 31 corridor north of 96th Street is poised for surge in development.

In IBJ’s second annual innovation issue, we approach the titular topic from several angles. Biochemist Richard DiMarchi proves entrepreneurism isn’t solely for the young, having started five companies since retiring from Eli Lilly and Co. Reporter Jared Council takes an aerial view, tracking the growing roster of tech companies located in the heart of downtown. The masterminds behind concert-promotions firm MOKB Presents explain how they created a cluster of entertainment-related companies to help seed local culture. And a Purdue professor leverages the promise of the space age by placing experiments aboard suborbital rockets.

A savvy tax-avoidance maneuver put in place by the late IMS owner Anton "Tony" Hulman has helped pave the way for continued family ownership of the storied track. Also in this issue, an ombudsman appointed by a bankruptcy judge has found more patient-care problems at Nightingale Home Healthcare, and AMC is the latest theater operator with plans to spend millions of dollars to upgrade the movie-going experience.

Tech talent and naming rights on the state’s tallest building were key factors that helped Indianapolis secure an 800-employee hiring commitment from Salesforce.com this month. Jared Council has details from the negotiations. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle examines the effect of tee-time brokers—a kind of variation on travel-booking websites—on area golf courses. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry looks at how Tube Factory Artspace is trying to boost the Garfield Park neighborhood.

This month, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway completed one of the three largest renovations in its 107- year history. Anthony Schoettle has a complete rundown of $92 million in improvements. Also in this issue, Scott Olson details a feud between a local country club and neighbors who oppose plans to turn some unspoiled land into a housing development. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry hits the new mini-links at Indianapolis Museum of Art.

In the wake of two key departures from “The Bob & Tom Show,” advertisers and radio stations nationwide are keeping a close watch on the ratings. Anthony Schoettle explains what’s at stake. Also in this issue, Scott Olson outlines the city’s approach to making $750 million in sidewalk improvements when only $3 million in earmarked in the annual budget. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry takes the wheel at Speedway Indoor Karting in an installment of “Try This.”

Roughly half of the big-money donors who helped propel Republican Mike Pence into the Governor’s Office in 2012 appear to be sitting out his re-election effort this year—or are at least waiting to see what happens in his battle with Democrat John Gregg. Hayleigh Colombo digs into the campaign finance records. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson reports on a proposed development in Broad Ripple that could become the Village’s tallest. And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle explains how Indianapolis Motor Speedway is working to meet revved-up demand for hospitality events.

After years with little construction activity at City Center in Carmel, four projects are expected to break ground this year that will bring more parking, housing and retail to the city’s core, Lindsey Erdody reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle forecasts the deluge of political ad money headed for Indiana in advance of the May 3 presidential primary. And in A&E Etc., Mike Lopresti analyzes the Pacers’ chances of advancing in the NBA playoffs.

Hoosiers have more than Donald Trump’s bellicose campaign rhetoric to consider when they vote in the Republican presidential primary. Trump has worked on several projects in Indiana, leaving behind big fans and detractors, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s IBJ, Scott Olson explores how the $1 billion Methodist Hospital revamp could spur a housing rush in the area. And Lindsey Erdody examines five major road projects with overlapping timelines along the I-69 corridor.

Plans for a massive Fishers sports complex that its developers said would attract Olympic athletes, NCAA Division II and III teams and a minor-league hockey franchise have seen almost no progress since being unveiled a year ago. Lindsey Erdody takes stock of the project. Also in this week’s issue, Scott Olson details plans for a new downtown hotel that would incorporate the city’s oldest African-American church. And in A&E Etc., Philly-phile Lou Harry weighs in on Hoagies & Hops.

Eli Lilly and Co. is making a play for a market expected to grow to $80 billion by 2020. But to make a dent with its new drug for arthritis, the pharmaceutical giant must prove it’s better than the proven medicines already prescribed, John Russell reports. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle takes stock of Visit Indy’s strategy to sink all of its marketing funds for city tourism into digital content. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry explores the blockbuster exhibit dedicated to 200 years of Indiana art.