Indianapolis Business Journal

An ongoing effort to attract nonstop flights between Indianapolis and places like Asia, Mexico and Europe is in line for a big boost: $20 million in state incentives to lure new international flight service here. Susan Orr reveals what destinations are on the city’s wish list. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody charts the rise of the Patachou Foundation, founded several years ago by restaurateur Martha Hoover. And Hayleigh Colombo explores how the creation of the criminal justice center will change both the Twin-Aire neighborhood and downtown.

The Indianapolis hotel market is booming, with about 2,800 new rooms slated to come online in the next five years. That’s impressive—and perhaps too ambitious. Hayleigh Colombo reports on what current room prices and occupancy rates are telling us about the need for more hotels. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Indianapolis became one of two proving grounds for both AT&T and Verizon’s new 5G service—and why it’s a big deal for a city aggressively pushing its status as a tech hub. And Samm Quinn previews the changes in store for Carmel’s second iteration of its splashy Christkindlmarkt.

Recycling advocates have been waiting more than two years for the Hogsett administration to propose a comprehensive, countywide recycling program. Hayleigh Colombo reports that city officials soon will suggest some options. Also in this week’s paper, Lindsey Erdody examines the state’s plan to help extend broadband into rural areas. And in Explore, Mike Lopresti profiles Mike Jansen, the at-home and in-stadium announcer for the Indianapolis Colts.

When Andrew Luck came into the NFL as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2012 draft, local and national experts saw a bright future for him both on the field and as a billboard for sponsors. Now that he’s back from a prolonged injury, his careers as a quarterback and a product pitchman are both in question, Anthony Schoettle reports. Also in this issue, Lindsey Erdody examines the balancing act attempted by Sen. Joe Donnelly to both keep his Democratic base and appeal to conservatives. And Samm Quinn outlines how Noblesville is trying to attract new development while playing off of its historic charm.

In this week’s issue, Russell takes a close look at Eli Lilly and Co. and the property taxes that the Fortune 500 company pays to Indianapolis. Lilly has appealed its annual tax bill every year since 2012, and a recent request for more than $9 million in tax breaks has cast a rare spotlight on tensions within Mayor Hogsett’s administration between accommodating one of the city’s largest companies and protecting the cash-strapped city’s tax base. Also, Lindsey Erdody details a fundamental shift in how United Way of Central Indiana funds local not-for-profit groups. And in the latest entry for her “One City, Worlds Apart” series, Hayleigh Colombo examines how dental care has become an out-of-reach expense for many Hoosiers.

Despite the yellow warning flags flying all around NASCAR, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has its foot on the gas as it prepares for the Brickyard 400 on Sept. 9. Anthony Schoettle explain the major changes planned for the race and the days leading up to it. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody has an in-depth examination of the money flowing into Indiana’s closely watched U.S. Senate race through joint fundraising committees and Super PACS. And Susan Orr details what’s in store for fans of the Golden Arches when McDonald’s spends $6 billion nationwide to update its stores.

Business leaders are rallying behind a social issue they say could affect economic development—and they’re optimistic their efforts can persuade the GOP-controlled Indiana General Assembly to pass a bill that has failed the past five legislative sessions. Lindsey Erdody examines the chances that a hate crimes bill can pass this help with the help of big business. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores how the Hamilton Crossing retail center in Carmel has struggled since intensive roadwork began nearby in 2011 and altered traffic flow. And John Russell explains how Riley Children’s Foundation has been able to raise $500 million over the last 20 years.

Mayor Joe Hogsett vowed to tackle poverty when he announced his run for office, and again when he was sworn into office. His record more than halfway through his tenure includes some concrete programs as well as some missed opportunities, Hayleigh Colombo reports. Also in this week’s issue, John Russell delves into complaints from the organizers of Gen Con that the Indiana Convention Center needs technology upgrades. And Lindsey Erdody explores how heavily U.S. Senate candidate Mike Braun has been leaning on the Republican ad firm that helped put Donald Trump into the White House.

Karen Laine and Mina Starsiak are well-known as agents of change. The stars of the Indianapolis-based home-rehab show “Good Bones” tell Erica Irish about their shifting priorities in the fourth season of the HGTV series. Also in this week’s issue, Hayleigh Colombo outlines the latest plans for Indy Go’s Purple Line rapid transit route. And in Explore, Lou Harry dives into central Indiana’s independent bookstore scene, which has found a niche alongside the mammoth internet retailers.

The Central Indiana Community Foundation, the philanthropic powerhouse behind quality-of-life initiatives such as the Indianapolis Cultural Trail, is shifting its mission with an ambitious goal in mind: dismantling institutional racism. As part of her series on poverty in Indianapolis, Hayleigh Colombo explores how far CICF can go toward its goal. Also in this week’s issue, Erica Irish explains how a new owner and chef are working to revitalize the Le Peep breakfast chain. And in Explore, Mike Lopresti checks the resumes of the Colts’ new coaches.

The massive American Senior Communities fraud case might never have come to light were it not for a nearly century-old Indianapolis company that had a chance to participate in the overbilling and kickback scheme but called the FBI instead. Greg Andrews has the story. Also in this week’s paper, Hayleigh Colombo reports that Mayor Joe Hogsett isn’t ready to say whether he’ll run again for the job he calls “the hardest I’ve ever had.” And in Focus, Anthony Schoettle explains how the much-heralded Indiana IoT Lab is helping small businesses get access to hardware, talent and capital.<

In this issue, John Russell profiles Dr. Dan Skovronsky, the new head of R&D at Eli Lilly and Co., who's facing intense pressure to churn out more drugs faster. Also, Samm Quinn looks at Conner Prairie's ambitions to better connect to the White River, and Anthony Schoettle assesses how Angie's List has performed since it was acquired last year.

The hospitality market is booming, so is it finally time for Indianapolis International Airport to add an on-site hotel? Airport leaders are examining pitches from four developers that think it is, Susan Orr reports. Also in this week’s issue, Samm Quinn explores the process for determining how residents along the Nickel Plate Line—a portion of which is slated to become a pedestrian trail—could be compensated for their property. And Erica Irish expands on Gary Brackett’s plans to expand the Stacked Pickle sports-bar chain.

At least 32 people with strong ties to Indiana, either through a professional career or personal connections, are currently serving in the Trump/Pence administration. Lindsey Erdody takes roll call for the Hoosiers shaping policy on the federal level. Also in this week issue, Hayleigh Colombo continues her series on poverty in Indianapolis, focusing on neighborhoods trying to generate revivals from within for fear that outside interests will gentrify their areas. And in Focus, Scott Olson sends dispatches from the Indy area’s wild, high demand/low inventory housing market.

IndyGo officials are expected to back off plans to purchase electric buses this year as part of a long-term effort to replace the mass-transit system’s older diesel fleet, saying electric-vehicle technology is not yet good enough to meet its needs. Susan Orr explains what’s behind the reversal. Also in this issue, Scott Olson fleshes out the surge in development activity on downtown’s once-forgotten south side while Samm Quinn outlines the blossoming variety in new home styles in Noblesville. And in the latest edition of Forefront, three columnists weigh in on the Indiana GOP’s battle over its definition of marriage.

Downtown’s 360 Market Square apartment tower opened in March on part of the former Market Square Arena site and is leasing up nicely, but the $120 million project continues to be plagued by legal disputes related to its construction. Scott Olson has the latest. Also in this week’s issue, Anthony Schoettle explains how Studio Science grew from a one-person web-design company to a virtual Swiss Army knife for tech firms from coast to coast. And in Explore, Lou Harry extols the pleasures of a low-key canoe cruise on Sugar Creek.

A downtown parking lot that for nearly 25 years has sat undeveloped—despite a zoning rule barring surface lots in the area—finally is poised to be built upon. Scott Olson has the scoop on a new seven-story project on Pennsylvania Street, and why it took so long. Also in this week’s issue, Lindsey Erdody explains what’s behind a spike in leadership turnover among local not-for-profit groups. And in Focus, Hayleigh Colombo explores the frustrations felt by some Indiana teachers and whether they might follow the lead of striking teachers in several states across the country.

In our fourth annual Innovation Issue, IBJ staffers are focusing on technologies rife with promise but that haven’t yet exploded in the mainstream. “Blockchain,” for example, only recently became a buzzword. Susan Orr explains how it could become transformative in the business world by providing a secure way of conducting all kinds of transactions. Virtual reality has been in the popular consciousness for decades, but its applications for business—and, in particular, training employees—are still evolving, Lesley Weidenbener reports. And cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have been making headlines for their big moves in market value, but the man on the street still isn’t likely to use them to buy a hamburger. Anthony Schoettle explains their appeal and why some folks are still skeptical about their utility.