DECEMBER 19-25, 2011
This week, find out why a powerful lawmaker wants to revise Indiana's charity gambling law and read about the real estate implications of the region's latest mass-transit plan. In Focus, our legislative preview offers a look at the forces gathering for the right-to-work showdown. And in A&E, Lou Harry shares state film critics' picks for the best flicks of 2011.
Front PageBack to Top
Warnings about broker’s tactics went unheeded
Several state employees openly questioned how John Bales' real estate brokerage did business long before the FBI launched an investigation that led to his indictment.
Read MoreNFL’s new TV deals are big score for Colts
The NFL’s new broadcast agreements with CBS, Fox and NBC will make the league by far the richest in terms of professional sports broadcast pacts. The Colts will get close to $218.8 million a year from the deals starting in 2014.
Read MoreIndependent doctors fear loss of referrals
Independent health care facilities, like Body One Physical Therapy, are seeing referrals from physicians beginning to slacken as more and more doctors become employees of hospitals. The hospitals request that doctors send patients to their in-house physical therapy practices.
Read MoreTop StoriesBack to Top
Transit plan may boost real estate investment
A proposed $1.3 billion transit system might bring redevelopment to urban neighborhoods. Yet transit proponents have surprisingly little to say about how much the system could generate in new real estate investment.
Read MoreIs China headed for ‘soft-landing slowdown’
An oasis of growth for some Hoosier manufacturers, China’s economy is headed for a slowdown. That affects both Indiana companies that have outposts in China, and the firms that export to the Asian powerhouse.
Read MoreLawmaker: Lift ban on paying people to run charity gambling
State Sen. Ron Alting, chairman of the Public Policy Committee, wants to let charities pay people to run their bingo, poker and other games, a practice that has led to disciplinary action for some organizations.
Read MoreBill would loosen rules on gambling licenses
Lawmakers are preparing to file a bill that would make it easier for charities to obtain gambling licenses.
Read MoreValuing ExactTarget a hit-or-miss exercise
Appraisals of private companies are inherently dicey, especially if they're not making money.
Read MoreThe Fan winning sports-talk radio war by wide margin
Radio station WFNI-AM 1070 is challenging some FM music stations in the battle for male listeners.
Read MoreTurnaround company wants to launch feeder schools
Charter Schools USA, the Florida-based company tapped by the state government to turn around Howe and Manual high schools in Indianapolis, also wants to launch two charter elementary schools to help feed students into those schools.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Indiana may be ground zero for right-to-work fight
Indiana’s anticipated battle next month over a right-to-work law is expected to rival last year’s epic Wisconsin union fight that drew 180,000 protestors to Madison rallies and became the focus of national media attention.
Read MoreFEIGENBAUM: Indiana General Assembly will be known for trading paint
Expect scores of Democratic amendments, particularly if right-to-work hits the House floor.
Read MoreSHELLA: Indiana Legislature likely to deliver the unexpected
If you want to know what really matters in the upcoming legislative session it’s likely impossible to find out now.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: It’s time to jump on the transit train
The leading regions of the 21st century won’t be those that just keep adding roads to accommodate the glut of gas-chugging vehicles.
Read MoreMORRIS: From politics to hoops, my 2012 wish list
As another year comes to a close, I’m going through my customary reflection of accomplishments for the past 12 months and prioritizing goals for the upcoming year.
Read MoreKENNEDY: We could build our way out of this funk
It will never be less expensive to fix our decaying infrastructure than it is now.
Read MoreUPDIKE: What millennials look for in urban cores
I’m among the firstborn of the millennial generation—that group of young folk who grew up with the Internet and can’t really remember life without spell-check—and I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to engage my budding generation.
Read MoreHICKS: Is U.S. economy example of capitalism or free market?
For some time, I have been unhappy with using the term “capitalism” to describe the ascendant form of economic organization. I prefer “free market” to describe the workings of the United States and much of the world.
Read MoreALTOM: You think you have problems? It could be worse
Another year has gone by, which means it’s time for my annual gift to you: examples of bumbling, hacking and physical disaster to make you feel much better about whatever technology snafu might have you disgruntled during Yuletide.
Read MoreSKARBECK: Hidden 401(k) fees can kill retirement savings
Remarkably, a recent AARP survey found that seven out of 10 participants (employees) incorrectly believe they do not pay any fees for their 401(k) plan.
Read MoreState manages risk
Ken Skarbeck’s column [Nov. 19] addressed a new strategy the Indiana Public Retirement System is using to diversify its portfolio. T
Read MoreSmoking is antiquated
Keep up the writing on smoking [Nov. 28], and mention the contiguous counties, as well.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
City avoids foreign brands in adding to its fleet of hybrid vehicles
The Department of Public Works bought Ford Fusion hybrids after the purchase of Toyota’s a few years ago stirred controversy.
Read MoreIndiana Humanities wins top prize for food-related program
The group won the Helen and Martin Schwartz Prize for the innovative way it engaged new audiences in thinking, reading and talking about food.
Read MorePlanned Parenthood of Indiana brings on new lobbyists
The new hires could be important following last year’s legislative session, in which state lawmakers passed a law to cut off Medicaid funding to groups that offer abortions.
Read MoreZionsville-based Just Marketing signs deal with Nissan
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but motorsports business experts estimated it’s probably worth $1 million to $5 million a year.
Read MoreDittoe Public Relations gets Atlas Van Lines contract
The Evansville-based mover hired the local firm as its public relations agency of record.
Read MoreHumane Society continues campaign for spay-neuter clinic
The facility would offer reduced prices to low-income pet owners in an attempt to reduce the number of strays that come from neighborhoods surrounding downtown.
Read MoreNFP of NOTE: Flanner House of Indianapolis
Flanner House of Indianapolis supports, advocates for and empowers individuals, children and families by applying educational, social and economic resources that move the community toward self-sufficiency.
Read MoreHoliday Wish List – Dec. 19, 2011
The following is a list of Indianapolis-area not-for-profit organizations and the things each needs most.
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