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 DJIA 10,668.6 +59 / S&P 500 1,161.4 +5.0 / NASDAQ 2,099.1 +-0.2
 |  |  Tonight: Clear and cool. Low 57. Tomorrow: Continued sunny and dry. High 80.
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|  Thursday, September 18, 2008 |
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Regional banks surge amid Wall Street turmoil
As stock prices of Wachovia Corp. and other big names in banking take massive hits, regional banks like Integra and Old National in Evansville are quietly racking up big gains. An analysis of the best-performing Indiana stocks since Sept. 1 reveals regional banks atop the list. "People are leaving the big national banks to the regionals," said Paul Coan, managing partner at the Indianapolis investment firm Wealth Planning & Management LLC. Regional banks "master the basics." 
Conseco provides reassurance after shares sink
Conseco Inc.'s chief executive reassured investors today, a day after its stock fell 42 percent in value, that business fundamentals at the insurance company have not changed since its announcement of second-quarter earnings last month. "The company continues to have adequate liquidity in its insurance companies and at the holding company, with strong capital levels at the insurance companies and a positive cash flow at the holding company," CEO Jim Prieur said in a statement. |  | | | |
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Prieur's remarks came during a previously scheduled investor conference a day after the insurer saw its stock plummet on the disclosure it held more than $100 million in securities of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. and two other troubled companies.
Forbes: Cook still richest Hoosier
Bloomington billionaire Bill Cook placed 68th on this year's Forbes 400 list of the richest Americans, the same rank he held last year, retaining his spot as the wealthiest Indiana resident. However, the medical device maker needed $500 million more to keep the placing. Last year, the 77-year-old had $4.5 billion; this year he hit $5 billion. Other Indiana residents making the list were shopping mall magnates Mel and Herb Simon and Dean White, who made his wealth through billboards and hotels.
Financing for new Centaur casino collapses
A consortium of financiers led by Credit Suisse has turned down an attempt by Centaur LLC to build a $455 million harness race track near Pittsburgh, the company announced yesterday. Centaur said it has immediately begun seeking an investment bank to help it move ahead with the $445 million project, called Valley View Downs. "We believe there is tremendous value in launching Valley View," said spokeswoman Susan Kilkenny.
Clarian beats out St. Vincent at Bedford hospital
Competition between Indianapolis-based health care giants Clarian Health and St. Vincent Health to take over Dunn Memorial Hospital in Bedford has tipped in the direction of Clarian, according to the Bedford Times-Mail. Dunn's board voted unanimously last night to enter exclusive merger talks with Clarian-operated Bedford Regional Medical Center. Also yesterday, St. Vincent informed Dunn that it would withdraw its offer to lease Dunn for five years.
Lilly CEO Lechleiter to become chairman
Eli Lilly and Co. announced today that CEO John Lechleiter will also gain the additional title of chairman on Jan. 1. Lechleiter will replace Sidney Taurel, who is retiring. Lechleiter took over for Taurel as CEO on April 1. Lilly directors today also named Taurel as chairman emeritus.
Aztar casino to be auctioned Nov. 18
Casino Aztar, the riverboat docked at Evansville, will be sold at auction Nov. 18, according to the Evansville Courier & Press. The casino had been sold to Reno, Nev.-based Eldorado Resorts LLC in March for as much as $245 million, but then the owner, Tropicana Entertainment LLC, sought bankruptcy protection, negating the sale. A Delaware judge overseeing the bankruptcy turned down a request by Eldorado to force Fort Mitchell, Ky.-based Tropicana to accept or reject the original purchase deal. | | | |
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Court: Property owners on hook for fees
Owners of rental property are responsible for paying sewer fees if their tenants fail to pay the bills, the Indiana Supreme Court said yesterday. Municipalities can transfer delinquent balances to property owners without notice because the owners ultimately are responsible for paying the fees, said the unanimous ruling, which upheld lower court decisions. Pinnacle Properties Development Group, a Jeffersonville company that owns rental property in southern Indiana, challenged the authority of the city to transfer unpaid sewer bills. Pinnacle tenants are billed directly for sewer use.
AG candidate wants state probe on gas prices
The state attorney general's office should investigate pricing practices for gasoline in Indiana, especially due to a spike at the pump in recent days, Democratic attorney general candidate Linda Pence said yesterday. "The people of Indiana need someone who will advocate for their interests and not roll over for Big Oil," said Pence, an Indianapolis attorney. Attorney General Steve Carter said his office examines all consumer complaints about high prices at stations and monitors daily the relationship between pump prices and wholesale prices in Indiana.
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| Gas prices boosting cost of illegal drugs
A northern Indiana man facing drug charges allegedly told a police informant he's charging customers an extra $25 because high gas prices have boosted his delivery expenses. According to Porter County court records, 18-year-old Anthony Salinas of Hammond told a confidential source for the county's drug task force in June that with rising gas prices, he had to add the extra charge to the $215 he allegedly was charging for 7.2 grams of cocaine.
Three theatre reviews
Thoughts on the latest from ATI, the Phoenix and Civic. Lou Harry's A&E
Following the heart to a 'real job'
A prof says most students have the wrong priorities. NewsTalk
Izod racing IRL-themed clothing to stores
Macy's and other chains to carry men's and women's lines. The Score
From IBJ staff - Compiled by Norm Heikens
Fox 59 lands Obama interview
Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama will join Fox 59's Bob Donaldson via satellite this afternoon for an exclusive interview. Hear what the Illinois senator has to say about the economy and other issues tonight at 10 p.m.
Lawmakers discuss changing driving rules
Twelve legislators are meeting with AAA and several accident victims at the Statehouse today to talk about setting new driving requirements for teenagers. One teen shares a story about being paralyzed in a driving accident. Those participating will make recommendations for a bill to be presented in January. AAA has been pushing lawmakers to raise the minimum age required to obtain a driver's license.
Daniels honors Hoosier Olympians
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels this morning presented several local members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team with Distinguished Hoosier Awards. Samantha Peszek, Bridget Sloan, David Neville, Kara Patterson, Lauren Cheney, Gerek Meinhardt, Mariel Zagunis, David Boudia, Mary Beth Dunnichay, Thomas Finchum, Haley Ishimatsu and Ariel Rittenhouse were among the athletes and coaches expected to attend.
Murder suspect to be sentenced
Desmond Turner is scheduled to be sentenced this afternoon on battery charges. Turner was convicted last month of felony battery after spitting on a prison guard. Turner also will have a pretrial conference this afternoon in connection with the 2006 shooting deaths of seven people in the 500 block of Hamilton Avenue. That trial is scheduled for February 2009.
Clarian claims third of Indy hospital market
It's no secret that Clarian Health is the largest hospital system in Indianapolis. But have you ever wondered what proportion of hospital patients end up at a Clarian facility? Clarian accounts for 33 percent of all hospital discharges in the Indianapolis metro area, according to a handy market share table prepared by Clarian officials as part of a bond-offering document.  
If a parent leaves the work force for a number of years to raise a child, how much of an effect do you think that has on his or her career?  | | | |
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