Most states falling short on early projections for sports betting
For a variety of reasons, most of the states that moved quickly to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court cleared the way are still waiting for the expected payoff.
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Tiny-house enclave by Lucas Oil Stadium offers tourists pint-sized lodging
The so-called Tiny House Hotel is a big part of an effort to attract fans of miniature abodes to the city.
Report: Gov. Holcomb got private flights from casino magnate
An Indiana casino CEO treated Gov. Eric Holcomb to two private jet flights last year and made big contributions to Holcomb’s largest 2016 campaign donor, all while he was pushing for changes to state law that would benefit his business, according to a newspaper report.
Downtown hotel coalition launches ad campaign against CIB funding bill
A coalition opposed to the development of two downtown convention hotels plans to launch a “significant” multimedia advertising campaign Thursday with hopes of swaying the public—and lawmakers—on the issue.
Lawmakers make major changes to casino, sports-betting bill
State lawmakers significantly amended a major gambling bill on Wednesday, removing language that would have allowed mobile sports betting and adding a huge relocation fee for the owner of the Gary’s casinos.
Symphony explores office move from Washington Street landmark
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is conducting a feasibility study on its office space needs that could lead it to leave the 17-story, 107-year-old building it owns behind Hilbert Circle Theatre.
Apple announces long-awaited streaming TV service
Apple on Monday announced a new streaming service, Apple TV Plus, which will house its original shows and movies and could compete with Netflix, Amazon and cable TV itself.
UPDATE: Children’s Museum dino project to include two massive Jurassic skeletons
With a budget of $27.5 million, The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis is heading a research project that will include excavation of fossil-rich land in Wyoming and big additions to its Dinosphere exhibit.
$3M grant puts Big Car on fast track
The Lilly Endowment is paving the way for the renovation of a 40,000-square-foot vacant factory in the Garfield Park area into artist studios, performance spaces, a public cafe and more.
Professional leagues make pitch for official data in sports wagering
The House Public Policy Committee heard roughly five hours of testimony on Senate Bill 552—legislation that touches nearly every aspect of gambling in Indiana—during a hearing on Wednesday.
Disney closes $71B deal for Fox entertainment assets
Expected to reshape the entertainment landscape, the blockbuster deal puts famous properties including “Cinderella,” ”The Simpsons,” ”Star Wars,” the Pixar movies, the X-Men and the original Marvel cinematic universe all under one corporate roof.
Newfields receives $10M grant to upgrade 100 Acres park
The grant from the Indianapolis-based Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation is designated to improve infrastructure such as bike paths and walking trails, add parking and bathrooms, and create an endowment for maintenance and new art commissions.
NCAA can’t keep tournament games away from legal gambling
The Indianapolis-based NCAA is preparing for its first basketball championships since the Supreme Court allowed legal sports betting to expand. Its board of governors will be considering new gambling policies at its next several meetings.
Hotel owners voice concerns over Pan Am Plaza project to state lawmakers
Some of the most prominent hotel operators in downtown Indianapolis told state lawmakers Wednesday that the process that led to developer Kite Realty Group Trust and Hilton being selected for the Pan Am Plaza project was unfair.
One case settled in tourist boat sinking that killed 17, including nine from Indiana
The owner of a tourist boat that sank in a Missouri lake and killed 17 people has reached a settlement with relatives of two brothers from Indiana who were among the victims.
Soccer stadium likely would find other uses—especially if it’s downtown
The Indy Eleven would likely need the $150 million soccer stadium proposed by owner Ersal Ozdemir for only about 20 matches a year.
Candlewood Suites lands $10M in financing
Candlewood plans to use the money for extensive renovations at its 142-room property.
Hoteliers oppose legislation that’s tied to convention center expansion
Some of the biggest hotel operators in Indianapolis say the city would not be able to absorb the 800-room and 600-room hotels planned by Kite Realty Group Trust alongside the proposed expansion of the Indiana Convention Center at Pan Am Plaza.
Kurt Vonnegut Museum planning to buy building on Indiana Avenue
The Kurt Vonnegut Museum and Library is hoping to raise $1.5 million to acquire the building, which would house the museum and a cafe operated by the owners of Bluebeard restaurant.
Don’t expect comedian Sasheer Zamata to pull any punches
The former “Saturday Night Live” cast member and Indianapolis native is planning the followup to her debut 2017 stand-up special, “Pizza Mind,” and honing her act on the road.