NCAA’s March Madness will be test Indy was ‘made for’
The herculean effort over the next 2-1/2 months will involve city and state officials, tourism and civic leaders, and likely thousands of volunteers.
Featured
Articles
Indiana House Republicans seek to expand several grant programs
The list of top priorities for Indiana House Republicans this year includes establishing or beefing up several one-time grant programs aimed at improving public health, expanding rural broadband and supporting small businesses and the hospitality industry.
Pacers, city rethink massive change to fieldhouse exterior as part of renovations
Plans for a grand, glass-wrapped entry pavilion as part of the $360 million renovation to Bankers Life Fieldhouse have been tabled, in favor of minimal updates that largely keep the existing facade intact.
NCAA books big chunk of downtown hotels for March Madness
Nearly all of downtown’s nearly 7,600 hotel rooms could be used for the tournament, as well as additional hotels in other parts of the city as well.
Trump supporters storm U.S. Capitol; one woman fatally shot, three others dead
Throngs of protesters pushed past police who were trying to block them from entering the U.S. Capitol as Congress inside debated the certification of the presidential election.
Sahm’s to reopen 96th Street restaurant with new concept
Sahm’s Bar & Grill, which has been closed since March due to the pandemic, is reopening as Hoss Bar & Grill, a modern highway diner concept offering burgers, sandwiches, salads, a dinner menu, beer and cocktails.
Indianapolis state senator files bill to take control of IMPD away from Hogsett
Senate Bill 168, authored by Republican Sen. Jack Sandlin, would create a five-member board that would oversee and govern the police department.
Holcomb avoiding stance on GOP’s Biden challenge
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said he wasn’t taking a stance on the challenge that’s picked up support from Indiana Sen. Mike Braun and at least two of the state’s seven Republican U.S. House members.
Eddie Bauer to close Circle Centre location
The closure is another hit to the struggling mall overseen by Simon Property Group. Last month, clothing retailer Express confirmed it also was closing its Circle Centre Location after 25 years there.
UPDATE: NCAA to host entire men’s basketball tournament in Indiana
The organization said it is “closely monitoring” the pandemic and will continue evaluating the feasibility of some fan attendance at some of the games.
IBJ Podcast: What we know about the COVID-19 vaccine in Indiana
IBJ reporter John Russell has been looking for answers to basic questions about the vaccine, including: When can I get a vaccine? So we invited him onto the podcast to tell us what he’s learned.
Republican leaders squabble over ‘scheme’ to undo election for Trump
President Donald Trump has enlisted support from a dozen Republican senators and up to 100 House Republicans to challenge the Electoral College vote when Congress convenes in a joint session to confirm President-elect Joe Biden’s 306-232 victory.
Neighborhood groups may be scanning your license plate
Homeowners associations across Indianapolis are increasingly partnering with private companies to surveil their neighborhoods with automated license plate readers.
Martinsville expects downtown traffic boom from I-69-related highway closure
A five-mile stretch of State Road 37 will be closed most of this year because of work on Interstate 69, and many local businesses expect a big influx of traffic through downtown as a result.
Black residents near Indiana Avenue want projects in tune with neighborhood
A $70 million mixed-use proposal—later withdrawn—by Buckingham Cos. for property at 719 Indiana Ave. owned by the Walker Center met significant opposition.
IBJ’s top-clicked stories of 2020 focused on pandemic, restaurants
Stories with some connection to the pandemic dominated the list, but the top story was actually about Cracker Barrel’s move to open a “ghost kitchen” pilot in Indianapolis.
Industrial-solar-farm boom hits Hoosier backlash
Thousands of acres of farmland are being developed or eyed for massive solar farms that would install hundreds of thousands of solar panels as far as the eye can see. And not everyone is pleased.
40 influential people, 40 ideas in honor of IBJ’s 40th anniversary
Plus, read stories about the past 40 years in central Indiana and see a timeline of IBJ’s history.
Lafayette Square Mall sold to local real estate firm
Indianapolis-based Perez Realty Group acquired the 113-acre retail property on Dec. 18 for a yet-undisclosed price.
Punch Bowl Social restaurant chain files for bankruptcy
The company, which opened a location in downtown Indianapolis in 2016, describes its business as being in a “mothballed period” and said that it anticipates reopening venues “once it is safe to do so.”