DECEMBER 12-18, 2016
Hoosier power brokers are anxious to develop the state’s technology sector and trumpet its successes so far. The next folks they need to get on board are their state legislators. Jared Council reports on nascent efforts to bring lawmakers up to speed. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr examines the possible repercussions of the state’s incentives deal to retain Carrier Corp. workers. And in A&E Etc., Lou Harry lauds Josh Kaufman’s turn in “Yuletide Celebration.”
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After Carrier deal, will more manufacturers threaten to leave?
The state rarely has to dole out incentives to retain jobs. Experts differ on whether that’s likely to change in the wake of the $7 million deal state officials cut to keep an Indianapolis HVAC plant open.
Read MoreTechies team with chamber to gain clout in Legislature
Organizers of the Indiana Tech & Innovation Council say a number of factors led to its creation, including the Religious Freedom Restoration Act that Gov. Mike Pence signed into law in 2015.
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ISTA reboots after rough election
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz’s re-election loss in November was a big setback for the Indiana State Teachers Association, leading some observers to wonder how much clout the organization still holds.
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City shifts more TIF risk onto developers
The Hogsett administration has begun using TIF financing for neighborhood projects, but the developers have to agree to back the bonds.
Read MoreFinish Line proves again how hard it is to diversify
Finish Line's decision to give up on its JackRabbit running-shoe chain and try to find a buyer marks the fourth time the company has stumbled badly while trying to diversify.
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Zionsville using aesthetics to give office park competitive edge
Creekside Corporate Park, which is filled with trees and a mile of winding trails, could accommodate more than 400,000 square feet of office space.
Read MoreHOOSIER BEACONS: Landis, the man who cleaned up baseball
Kenesaw Mountain Landis became one of the most famous men in America.
Read MoreSonic cooks up new plan to blanket Indianapolis area with drive-ins
Sonic is the nation’s largest drive-in chain and has solid name recognition, but has struggled to gain a major foothold in central Indiana.
Read MoreMilano Inn to close after more than 80 years
The sisters who co-own the restaurant say they’re in negotiations to sell it and will serve their last customers on New Year’s Eve.
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Brothers helping to rebuild Fountain Square intersection with new homes
Nick and Alex Burrow, who operate TKW LLC, are constructing three upscale houses at Orange and Spruce streets with plans for as many as 10.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
State won’t have enough cash to fulfill wish lists
Legislative leaders have sounded alarm bells over state revenue figures, saying lawmakers will need to take a cautious approach to investing in new programs such as expanding state-funded preschool and raising teacher pay.
Read MoreHolcomb to keep Vincent as budget office director
Micah Vincent has served as director of the Office of Management and Budget since 2015 after he was tapped for the role by Gov. Mike Pence.
Read MoreLawmakers propose collecting DNA for felony arrests
State Sen. Erin Houchin, R-Salem, announced Dec. 6 that she plans to introduce a bill next year that would require people arrested for felonies to submit a DNA sample along with fingerprints. The measure has support from the Indiana Prosecuting Attorneys Council, the Indiana Association of Chiefs of Police and the Indiana Sheriffs Association. Boone […]
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
TIF strategy shows savvy
Under Joe Hogsett’s new approach for neighborhood projects, the developer backs the bonds and is on the hook if revenue isn’t enough to cover bond payments. We think the mayor is on the right track.
Read MoreMORRIS: Milano Inn a landmark worth keeping
Owned by just two families in its 82 years, the restaurant is a downtown institution.
Read MorePETERSON: A Dem’s advice for our new GOP governor
Taking office without a plan is like trying to cross the Atlantic in a small boat without navigation equipment.
Read MoreLETTER: Leaders must pay attention to poverty throughout city
This report should make us think that we are living in a state and a city that values the balance sheet more than the welfare of its citizens.
Read MoreBOHANON & STYRING: Look beyond those happy Carrier employees
The $7 million benefit over a 10-year period is peanuts compared to the near $65 million in annual savings Carrier would garner from the Mexico move.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Active managers thrived in 2016’s strong market
In contrast to the trend of the last several years, a significant number of active managers this year will outperform the market.
Read MoreAMSTUTZ: Embracing history to shape the Next Indiana
In 1825, nine years into statehood, Indiana underwent a governmental change for the sake of shifting demographics. With the state’s bicentennial just a few days away, we face similar shifts in demographics and other economic and cultural realities, so we might want to consider lessons learned from that change.
Read MoreLETTER: Vaping is a viable way to quit smoking cigarettes
Smokers deserve access to reduced-harm alternatives, and they deserve the truth about the safety of vaping.
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Longtime Indiana Bankers Association leader set to retire
S. Joe DeHaven, a 47-year banking industry veteran, is handing the reins to the Amber Van Til, the first woman to serve as CEO and president of the association.
Read MoreU.S. Soccer delays decision on fate of Indy Eleven’s league
The U.S. Soccer Federation’s board of directors met in New York City on Tuesday and decided to postpone a decision about the North American Soccer League, where the Eleven have played since their first season in 2014.
Read MorePharmaceutical firm plans $10.4M in new equipment, 60 jobs
The company has requested a tax break from Indianapolis officials on the project that would save it about $484,000 over eight years.
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