Indianapolis Business Journal

A cavalcade of Black celebrities will be on hand next month as Indianapolis becomes a magnet for African-American culture during the NBA's All-Star Weekend. IBJ's Dave Lindquist explains how the event has become a celebration of how the league embraces the realms of Black music, fashion, cuisine, acting and art. Also in this week's issue, Daniel Bradley explores the growing housing trend toward active-adult communities for boomers and Gen Xers. And Peter Blanchard profiles Brad Chambers as he tries to leverage his experience in business and economic development into a term as Indiana's governor.

The NBA All-Star Weekend is just six weeks away, and it’s a much different event that what originally had been planned for 2021 but was canceled due to the pandemic. IBJ kicks off its coverage this week with two front page stories: Susan Orr details the new approach for entertaining non-ticketed fans and involving local businesses and volunteers; and Dave Lindquist chronicles how local hospitality venues are gearing up to host the many public, private and corporate events connected with the NBA’s midseason extravaganza. Also in this week’s issue, Daniel Bradley outlines the distance between what has been proposed for the Maurer Commons site in Whitestown and what some community members and town councilors would like to see.

IBJ's year-end issue introduces our 2023 newsmakers and is packaged with The Book, our annual compilation of industry top-25 lists and a look back at the year in news. It should be no surprise that David Ricks, CEO of Indianapolis-based Eli Lilly and Co., is IBJ's newsmaker of the year. As you'll read in reporter John Russell's story below, Lilly this year became the world's most valuable publicly traded drug company. Our other eight newsmakers for 2023 come from higher education, politics, sports and industry, and all made a big impact on central Indiana.

The plan to draft Hendricks Commercial Properties for the  redevelopment of struggling Circle Centre Mall was hatched in mid-2022 in hopes of breathing new life into the site. Reporter Mickey Shuey, who broke the story about the final deal, has all of the details behind the planned $600 million overhaul. Also in this week's issue, Daniel Bradley asks Jim Brainard to reflect on his 28 transformative years as Carmel's mayor. And Susan Orr reports that the founder of a real estate company with seven Indianapolis-area retail properties totaling nearly 500,000 square feet is facing federal allegations that he committed a $35 million fraud.

IBJ’s John Russell has confirmed that Chicago-based Village MD, which operates primary care medical practices, is pulling out of the Indiana market after just six years. As Russell reports, the former high-growth startup is retrenching and has notified thousands of Indiana patients that they’ll need to get new doctors—although that isn’t always the case. Also in this week’s issue, Taylor Wooten explains how the city of Indianapolis is preparing for more severe weather in years to come and devoting more people to the effects of climate change. And Dave Lindquist has the story of a former NFL SkyCam crew leader who has launched his own pizzeria featuring Detroit-style pies.

Eli Lilly and Co. has struck pharmaceutical gold with its obesity drug, Zepbound. But the new drug carries a hefty price of $1,060 per month, and insurers and health care plans are balking, questioning its affordability. John Russell explores the ramifications for patients and the health-care cost debate. Also in this issue, Susan Orr reports the banking industry foresees an end to the slump in financial stocks. And Mickey Shuey explains how Indy-area logistics companies are using drones to help them track inventory inside giant warehouses.

A renewed attempt to impose a fee on downtown property owners for initiatives aimed at public safety, cleanliness and homelessness in the Mike Square appears poised to succeed after gaining steam among democrats on the City-County Council. Taylor Wooten takes stock of the growing support. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell reports that Eskenazi Health has launched a $60 million fundraising campaign to address health disparities across central Indiana. And Dave Lindquist shines a spotlight on the resurgent Paramount Theatre Centre and Ballroom, which debuted in Anderson in 1929.

Consideration of a controversial pipeline that would pump massive amounts of water from Lafayette to a state-owned advanced manufacturing park in Lebanon has raised salient questions about Indiana's water laws and the lack of a regulatory framework. Peter Blanchard dives into the question of who controls the state's water. Also in this week's paper, John Russell explains how the 16 Tech innovation district is being elevated to the national stage. And Daniel Bradley has the buzz on alcohol-free bars.

Stephen Simon is expected to become majority owner of the Indiana Pacers after his father, longtime owner Herb Simon, passes away. But as a minority owner, Steve Simon already has become active in Indy’s entrepreneurial community and has followed his passions for civic engagement and philanthropy. IBJ’s Mickey Shuey has the story. Also in this week’s issue, Dave Lindquist has the story behind the transformation of the Christel DeHaan estate into a retail palace stocked with high-end home furnishings and featuring a restaurant, wine bar and design studio. And Susan Orr explains how Indiana colleges are using analytics to try to boost graduation rates.

How much money should hospital CEOs earn? In central Indiana, where high hospital prices and profits have come under the microscope, some consumer advocates are pointing to big executive pay packages and say the issue is ripe for review. John Russell has the story. Also in this week’s paper, Dave Lindquist has an accounting of the final set of grants from the Christel DeHaan Family Foundation, which is distributing its final $55 million. And Lesley Weidenbener reviews the distinguished career of former Purdue University President and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, this year’s recipient of IBJ’s Michael A. Carroll Award for impactful community service.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is poised to invest $9 million in COVID-19 recovery funds into more video cameras and other surveillance technology. Taylor Wooten reports that some critics are raising privacy concerns while police say the tools are helpful amid their staffing shortage. Also in this week’s issue, Peter Blanchard explores Curtis Hill’s campaign for governor after the 2018 scandal that derailed his political career. Some political experts say conditions are conducive for a comeback by the former state attorney general. And Daniel Bradley reports on the rise of “build-to-rent” communities targeted for folks who want to rent single-family homes.

For four months, the southwestern quadrant of Monument Circle has been closed to traffic in favor of hosting a temporary park intended to make downtown more comfortable for residents, workers and visitors. But Taylor Wooten reports that nearby businesses are split on whether “Spark on the Circle” is a worth continuing. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell reports on the growing use of therapy dogs in hospitals around central Indiana to reduce patient stress and help in the healing process. And Daniel Bradley details plans for the $250 million Grand Universe Science & Space Experience Campus in Westfield.

One of the sticking points in the battle between the United Auto Workers and the Big Three automakers is the UAW’s demand that the wave of new electric vehicle battery plants fall under its contract and pay demands. Neither Ford nor Stellantis has agreed, putting two planned Stellantis and Samsug SDI plants in Kokomo squarely in the middle of the melee. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey outlines the differences between mayoral candidates Jefferson Shreve and Joe Hogsett on the use of incentives to spur downtown development. And Dave Lindquist explores the life cycle of public art and specifically how communities deal with the loss of murals.

Election Day is just weeks away, and incumbent Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Republican Jefferson Shreve are making their last arguments to voters about why they should lead the city. IBJ's Taylor Wooten spent time with both to write stories about their proposals and goals for Indianapolis. Plus, Cummins Inc. started investing in hydrogen power four years ago with a lot of optimism but little uncertainty about whether those investments would pay off. Today, that hydrogen looks like an increasingly good bet. Also in this week's issue, Forefront and Indiana Lawyer's Diversity in Law publication.

Mayor Jim Brainard has had such a massive influence on the evolution of Carmel over his 27 years in office that the candidates now running to succeed him must figure out how to present their plans for a new era of leadership in ways that jibe with his legacy. Reporter Daniel Bradley has more. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey reports on efforts to craft a comprehensive redevelopment plan for Indiana Avenue. And Peter Blanchard examines concerns that Indiana still isn’t producing enough highly skilled workers to work in high-tech fields such as artificial intelligence, data visualization and cybersecurity.

The total eclipse that will be visible in central Indiana this April presents a huge opportunity for the area’s tourism industry. Susan Orr details how big cities and small towns are trying to take advantage. Also in this week’s issue, Peter Blanchard picks the brain of Vanessa Green Sinders, the first female president of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce in its 100-year history. And David Lindquist gets a read on the sudden reemergence of independent bookstores in Indianapolis.

The latest issue of IBJ is packed with stories on the new relevancy and accessibility of artificial intelligence, now that the technology has taken a transformative step. We have stories about AI’s potential impact on the Hoosier workforce, how artists and pharmaceutical developers are using the technology, how schools are preparing students for the future of AI, and how Indiana and other states are approaching potential regulation of AI.

Everybody loves vibrant neighborhoods and a good comeback story, but residents of the resurgent Riverside neighborhood are concerned about a corresponding rise in their property taxes. Taylor Wooten reports on a city pilot program that could grant them some grace. Also in this week’s issue, Mickey Shuey reports that Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration has decided against redeveloping the City-County Building and instead will consolidate offices from around the city into the 28-story monolith. And Peter Blanchard examines the national bidding war for big manufacturing projects that pits Indiana against states across the country and drives up the cost of incentive packages.