Federal student loan interest rates are set to increase next week, and an Indiana nonprofit is looking to help students navigate the loan process. InvestEd Chief Executive Officer Joe Wood says rates for undergraduates will increase from 3.76 percent to 4.45 percent, resulting in average payments of about $10 more per month, or $1,100 over the life of a loan.

Key stakeholders from the state's agriculture sector have released a strategic plan designed to boost the sector over the next decade. The major priorities include supporting infrastructure improvement efforts, extending high-speed broadband to all parts of the state and better coordinating ag education standards between educators and the industry.

The Ports of Indiana is calling the move a “game-changer.” The nation’s oldest port operator, Metro Ports, is expanding to the Great Lakes for the first time at the Port of Indiana Burns Harbor. Exclusive details on a deal that some say could double bulk cargo business.

Cutting edge opportunities for teachers to get out of the classroom and into the workplace to sharpen their computer science skills.  Details on Nextech’s Educator Externship Program and other teacher-focused initiatives.

Geoffrey Mearns has been in his new role as president of Ball State University since May, and has big plans for the Muncie school. In our (i) on Education segment, he talks about his strategic plans with a focus on economic development and cultural vitality. 

Hoosier lineworkers returned to Central America to bring electricity to the impoverished region and improve quality of life. It was the Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ third trip to Guatemala, and the team electrified 60 homes, a school, a church and a clinic for Project Indiana. 

Each week a group of Insiders offers perspective on the week’s top stories. This week we’re sounding off on big news in the Indiana logistics sector, another nonstop flight at Indianapolis International Airport and Paul George is ready to pack up.

Former Butler Basketball All American Chris Miskel recently became CEO of Versiti, a Midwestern healthcare company affiliated with the Indiana Blood Center. He discusses his role and the organization’s work in blood services and genomic research. 

The Indiana Sports Corp is gearing up for two signature events: the 30th anniversary of the Youthlinks Charity Golf Tournament and the second annual Indy Ultimate, an urban adventure race through downtown Indianapolis. 

Women & Hi Tech is partnering with Fishers-based Eleven Fifty Academy to help mentor women pursuing technology-related careers. Members of the nonprofit organization will meet each week with women currently enrolled in the Academy’s software development course.

Cutting edge opportunities for teachers to get out of the classroom and into the workplace to sharpen their computer science skills.  Details on Nextech’s Educator Externship Program and other teacher-focused initiatives.

Hoosier lineworkers returned to Central America to bring electricity to the impoverished region and improve quality of life. It was the Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ third trip to Guatemala, and the team electrified 60 homes, a school, a church and a clinic for Project Indiana. 

Former Butler Basketball All American Chris Miskel recently became CEO of Versiti, a Midwestern healthcare company affiliated with the Indiana Blood Center. He discusses his role and the organization’s work in blood services and genomic research. 

Ivy Tech is undergoing a major statewide makeover. The college will no longer operate on a regional basis, but instead as 19 self-sustaining campuses, each with their own chancellors. Ivy Tech President Sue Ellspermann and COO Andy Bowne weigh-in on the new structure. 

The nation’s largest hat retailer, based right here central Indiana, is getting ready to roll out a new commercial with the help of American Film Director Spike Lee. The Emmy-award winning director and his production crew spent 24-hours in Indianapolis last month to shoot a promotional video for Lids Sports Group. 

Large urban school districts around the country face challenges when it comes to keeping students in classrooms and graduating them. IPS Superintendent Lewis Ferebee weighs-in on those challenges and thelooming closure of three high schools.

Hoosier lineworkers returned to Central America to bring electricity to the impoverished region and improve quality of life. It was the Indiana Electric Cooperatives’ third trip to Guatemala, and the team electrified 60 homes, a school, a church and a clinic for Project Indiana.