MARCH 10-16, 2014
In this issue, Cory Schouten takes a hard, in-depth look at the business dealings of Ersal Ozdemir, whose development and construction firm Keystone Group has taken on projects benefiting from millions of dollars in public subsidies. Critics paint Ozdemir as a politically connected opportunist who has been able to bend the system for his benefit. Also this week, Kathleen McLaughlin explores planned changes to U.S. 31 that are worrying Carmel residents. And in A&E, Lou Harry gives northsiders a primer on enjoying ice cream purveyor Graeter's.
Front PageBack to Top
No-holds-barred tactics lifted developer Ozdemir
Ersal Ozdemir, who heads the development and construction firm Keystone Group, has charmed elected officials for years with big ideas—and hundreds of thousands of dollars in political contributions.
Read MoreDow AgroSciences nears jackpot from genetic engineering
Dow AgroSciences LLC is spending millions of dollars and racking up hundreds of patents as its expands ever deeper in the burgeoning global market for genetically modified crops and pesticides.
Read MoreFeds’ ITT lawsuit built on reports from mystery shoppers
The shoppers, who were hired by the Carmel-based operator of for-profit colleges, generated the bulk of the material cited in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s complaint.
Read MoreTop StoriesBack to Top
Changes to U.S. 31 cause worry in Carmel
A large section of Meridian Street in Carmel will be transformed to a limited-access highway by the end of this year.
Read MoreHamilton County considering solar energy for public buildings
Hamilton County might soon join the growing ranks of large utility users looking to hedge against rising prices by producing some of their own power.
Read MoreCollection firm Deca accused of not paying bills
Creditors are trying to force the company, which just two years ago was touting ambitious expansion plans, into bankruptcy.
Read MoreIndy hip-hop station dethrones country crooners in radio ratings
WHHH-FM rises to the top of the dial with some recent fine-tuning, and as the top two country stations in the market duke it out for listeners.
Read MoreAuto auctioneer invests big in tech as sales go online
KAR Auction Services Inc. expects to spend as much as $125 million on technology this year as its focus continues to shift to the Web and apps.
Read MoreFeds find numerous issues at state workplace-safety agency
The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration uncovered problems in several areas of Indiana’s workplace safety program during an investigation. In a report issued Wednesday, OSHA issued 22 recommendations for the state agency.
Read MoreUIndy looking for developer for health sciences center
UIndy would be the main tenant in the 134,000-square-foot building, which is expected to cost as much as $30 million.
Read MoreCity announces short list for creating justice complex
Indianapolis officials Tuesday named three development groups that will be invited to submit proposals to create a new criminal justice complex.
Read MoreIU prof DiMarchi to join Inventors Hall of Fame
Richard DiMarchi is being honored for his work on Eli Lilly and Co.'s Humalog, which has been used by millions around the world to address the complications of diabetes.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Brokers trying to reverse vacancy in downtown Indy offices
The vacancy rate for Class A space approached 20 percent in 2011 for the first time in at least 15 years and kept trending upward, settling at 21.4 percent at the end of last year.
Read MoreIndiana Landmarks rescues endangered Jewish landmark
The preservation group paid $50,000 to rescue the near-north side temple on Ruckle Street, which was first occupied by the Beth-El congregation. After a roof replacement, officials hope to find a tenant for the historic building.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
EDITORIAL: Polytechnic plan makes sense
One of the most promising planks in Mayor Greg Ballard’s agenda for the coming years is a new school his staff is calling Indianapolis Polytechnic.
Read MoreMORRIS: Government overreach at all-time high
You’ll see the intrusions clearly in the kind of car you drive and how much you pay for power.
Read MoreKENNEDY: We’re getting what we deserve
Anyone who has ever written a book, mounted a PR campaign or started a new business has confronted a threshold question: Who’s your audience? Who will read your book, be persuaded by your campaign, or buy your widget?
Read MoreLEONARD: Rooting for a Pence-Sebelius agreement
A medical epidemic is one of the worst scenarios a hospital can face—when a significant portion of the population is suddenly struck with a life-threatening illness.
Read MoreFEIGENBAUM: Region has much at stake as session closes
Local governments have loudly fretted about the potential loss of tax dollars from a reduction or elimination of the business personal property tax, and raised concerns about forcing intrastate competitions for business relocations.
Read MoreSkarbeck: Tactics have proliferated to gain edge in trading
Critics are divided on whether Regulation NMS has achieved its stated purpose, or whether it has produced unintended consequences.
Read MoreHicks: Choke Russian ambitions with a Fed strategy
The Soviet, er … Russian, invasion of Ukraine offers a nice reminder of JFK’s old dictum that domestic policy can defeat us, but foreign policy can get us killed. As we pay higher gasoline prices, we ought to think about the world as it is and our options.
Read MoreRotten foundation
Mike Hicks [Feb 3] identifies the decisions made by individuals that almost guarantee poverty—quitting high school, using drugs and having children out of wedlock.
Read MoreDowntown justice complex would spur city’s center
The stated preferred location for the new criminal justice center, 6600 Kentucky Ave., is attractive on a first-cost basis because it is bare farm ground. However, looking at the benefits of this project long-term, this site would be a mistake.
Read More