APRIL 9-15, 2021
The state of Indiana has an estimated $3 billion in federal funding coming its way, with few restrictions on how to spend it. IBJ’s Lindsey Erdody took a look at three of the state’s longtime—but neglected—priorities to gauge the impact of a $3 billion windfall. Also in this week’s issue, Susan Orr explores how adult entertainers in Indiana are trying to get to the bottom of a legal question that affects many Hoosiers: When is an independent contractor really an employee, covered by minimum wage and overtime laws. And Kurt Christian reports that the president of the Westfield City Council is now questioning whether to move forward with a $15 million project to widen State Road 32 that’s been in the works for more than a decade.
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Exotic dancers raise veil on job-classification issue
Two lawsuits filed against Indianapolis strip clubs are putting a spotlight on an increasingly common question: When is an independent contractor really an employee?
Read MoreCould Indiana spend its $3B from feds on a one-time, impactful investment?
The state has an estimated $3 billion in federal funding coming its way. IBJ decided to ask what would happen if officials did something big and bold with the money.
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Aging water systems, increasing demand require heavy investment
For nearly a decade, voices across Indiana have raised warning flags about the need to repair the state’s aging water-utility systems and make plans to meet the growing water demand.
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Broadband ‘imperative for our professional and educational lives’
Most Indiana leaders and politicians agree that providing every Hoosier with a high-speed broadband connection is a worthy goal, if not a high priority. But they disagree over how to accomplish and pay for it.
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White River could become a national-park-like amenity
Improving a 58-mile stretch of the White River and taking advantage of the natural resource that flows through the Indianapolis area has been on local leaders’ wish list for years.
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Indy hopes to capitalize on tournament successes
Throughout March Madness, tourism and sports leaders entertained dozens of prospective clients, pitching the city as a safe place for those groups to host their own big events.
Read MorePublic companies using SEC filings to talk up diversity, but few sharing data
Eli Lilly and Co. included in its proxy statement an intricate graphic breaking down the presence of women and minorities in its overall workforce and in management.
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Financial concerns cast doubt on State Road 32 project
The Westfield City Council president is questioning whether to move forward with a road-widening project more than a decade in the making over concerns that it will exceed its budget.
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Q&A with Cahmelan Porter of Cargo Streetwear Boutique: ‘We sell culture’
Cargo traditionally operates out of a shipping container that it is moving to Fountain Square, but for now, it’s in a pop-up shop in the former Pearings Cafe in downtown Indianapolis. IBJ talked with Porter—who owns the clothing brand Komäfi—about how business is going.
Read MoreIndiana House OKs bills to give local officials, churches more say over public health restrictions
Under one proposal, county commissioners or city councils would be allowed to approve or reject restrictions called for by local health departments, if those restrictions were more stringent than the governor’s.
Read MoreIndy Beacons: Heinrich Schliemann, archeological pioneer
Schliemann acquired wealth in a variety of fields, including the dye business and military contracting.
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Hybrid workers mean more ‘hoteling’ in offices
Given the revolution in staffing, it’s safe to say office redesigns will deal with two new normals—accommodating fewer full-time workers and making workspaces more resistant to the spread of disease.
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Engineering company marks first business to open in Sheridan business park
The first development in the park ends a years-long dry spell and leads several other projects.
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Editorial: Kudos to local officials who staged a memorable NCAA Tournament
Congratulations to the Indiana Sports Corp., Visit Indy, city officials, the NCAA and all those responsible for hosting a Men’s Basketball Tournament that should make Hoosiers proud. Was it without incident? No. One of the 68 teams had to drop out when players tested positive for COVID-19. A group of officials left even before the […]
Read MoreLesley Weidenbener: Correcting mistakes in print and online
Acknowledging mistakes and correcting them quickly is key to rebuilding trust with skeptical or frustrated readers.
Read MoreMark Howell: Championships are a catalyst to collaborate for greater good
March Madness is serving as continued inspiration for the Indianapolis Host Committee as we move forward plans for Indianapolis’ next signature event—the College Football Playoff National Championship game on Jan. 10, 2022, at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Read MoreJim Merritt: Connecting during COVID—Indiana must close digital divide
We know that many Hoosiers who have access to digital infrastructure are unable or unwilling to subscribe. When so many in our state are struggling to put a meal on the table, they will inevitably struggle to have devices and a broadband subscription. Building new infrastructure will not bridge this gap. We must also invest in broadband adoption and digital literacy programs.
Read MoreIn the workplace: How to write more inclusive job postings
First impressions can be lasting impressions.
Read MoreMickey Kim: Bond investors face a statement sticker shock in first quarter
This was the worst quarterly performance for the UST market in more than 40 years.
Read MoreBohanon & Curott: Is income inequality actually income envy?
We are all much more likely to believe we are not getting what we should be getting and that the other guy is getting more than what he rightfully deserves.
Read MoreBill Oesterle: State needs to recruit new talent to Indiana
Unlike many other states, Indiana has its fiscal house in order so this federal money is a rare opportunity for thoughtful new investment.
Read MoreGreg Porter: The American Rescue Plan can change the course of Indiana
It is up to the state to get relief into the hands of those who need it most.
Read MoreLetter: Senate structure is not unfair
The United States is a representative republic, not a democracy, with constitutional limitations on centralized power.
Read MoreLetter: Bravo to Indiana’s vaccination system
I have asked folks I encounter about their experience with Indiana’s vaccination sites. Everyone praised the sign-up system and the excellent organization at the places where they got their shots.
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Eleven Fifty Academy aims to make ‘transformational impact’ with Lilly Endowment grant
Eleven Fifty Academy and several partners will use the grant money to implement strategies designed to improve the livelihoods of individuals and families facing complex and varied challenges associated with poverty and financial insecurity.
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Holcomb signs police reform, school funding bills into law
Bills aimed at increasing police accountability and ensuring Indiana’s public schools receive full funding for all students during the coronavirus pandemic were among 19 measures signed into law by Gov. Eric Holcomb on Thursday.
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Health department cites two downtown bars for COVID-19 violations
The South Meridian Street bars, Tiki Bob’s Cantina and The Patron Saint, were cited for multiple violations including not requiring masks and social distancing. Both establishments corrected the violations, the health department said.
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UPDATE: St. Elmo reopens as officials say no customers were at risk of COVID exposure
On Monday, St. Elmo reported a COVID-related death to the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Read MoreLocal podcast software firm Casted raises $7M in capital
The funding will be used to expand Indianapolis-based Casted’s staff and grow its platform with new integrations and partnerships, company officials said.
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Dr. Richard Feldman: End of Indiana’s COVID-19 restrictions was premature
This was a political decision. The governor is in a tough situation with continuing pressure from the right wing of his party to eliminate mitigation requirements.
Read MoreKyle Reynolds: With vaccines for all, it is time to end mask mandates
People who are fearful of contracting the virus or who feel they’re in a high-risk demographic can choose to wear a mask.
Read MoreCurt Smith: Falling church membership should be societal concern
God help us if this trend continues and is not reversed by the faith community’s extraordinary success in helping us navigate the pandemic and the cultural crosswinds that come from growing secularization.
Read MoreMarshawn Wolley: It’s time to recognize powerful Black women
It’s also important to recognize quiet-but-emerging powerhouses in the Black community.
Read MoreDana Black: Take the time to learn about the history of racism
Mamie Till shared the images of her son because, as she said, “I wanted the world to see what they did to my baby.”
Read MoreUna Osili: We must work together to stop violence, hate
Here in Indiana, we must raise awareness and deal with the legacy of discrimination and other forms of exclusion. Asian Americans span vastly different migration experiences and socio-economic backgrounds.
Read MoreJennifer Wagner: Session’s end marks time for credit taking—let’s not
Our Founding Fathers set up a political system where one person actually can’t do it all.
Read MoreAbdul-Hakim Shabazz: Who can call special legislative session? Not lawmakers
The state constitution makes it clear that only the governor has the authority to call a special session.
Read MoreJim Shella: There’s no crisis; elections are secure
Our democracy is under attack from the inside.
Read MoreRiley Parr: Political apathy in U.S. continues to grow
They say the mark of a failed relationship is when there’s no more fighting, because that means at least one side has stopped caring.
Read MorePierre Atlas: Finding common ground on guns won’t be simple
The most vocal advocates on either side of the divide articulate mutually exclusive views.
Read MoreKaren Celestino-Horseman: There’s no ignoring the children at our Mexican border
Studying the problems in these countries can help us better understand how to find solutions.
Read MoreDeborah Daniels: It’s time for reasonable gun restrictions
Unfortunately, our polarized politics make it difficult to come to agreement on solutions.
Read MoreJennifer Rubin: Are primaries the primary problem?
Eliminating partisan primaries in favor of ranked-choice voting has been widely supported by scholars seeking to address polarization.
Read MoreBrad Rateike: NCAA, hope for Indy 500 give reason to be optimistic
As indicators point to the Indianapolis 500 taking place as scheduled, the pressure is on for Hoosiers to step up and be responsible.
Read MoreClaire Fiddian-Green: Banding together to fight challenges brings hope
These examples of can-do attitudes and togetherness are especially powerful in countering other recent instances of divisiveness and hate.
Read MoreMichael Leppert: Human contact, connecting are on the ropes
I don’t think I have shaken anyone’s hand in over a year and, honestly, I miss it.
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Lopresti: 20 keeper moments from the NCAA tourney in Indianapolis
How to remember the past three weeks in Indianapolis?
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