NOV. 12-18, 2021
Twenty months into the pandemic, it has become clear that there won’t be a rush of white-collar workers back to the office once the threat has passed. Susan Orr digs into the wide range of responses from local companies to the question of maintaining a remote workforce. Also in this week’s issue, Emily Ketterer explores the rise in Indiana of the Delta-8 THC, which has effects similar to traditional marijuana and is being sold in shops across the state thanks to a legal gray area that many state officials would rather not talk about. And Leslie Bonilla Muñiz reports on long-awaited cleanup of the Black Mountain industrial site on Indianapolis’ near-east side.
Front PageBack to Top
Millennials, Gen Z put pets first in search for housing
Providing pet accommodations has become a top priority for apartment complexes seeking younger tenants, and new-home construction is also seeing an uptick in pet-friendly perks.
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Some firms have nixed the office; others are doubling down
No matter which path companies choose, they’ve had to figure out new ways to keep employees connected now that their co-workers might not be in the same room—or even the same state.
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Delta-8 derivative gaining popularity at hemp and CBD shops across Indiana
Despite the state’s long-standing refusal to legalize marijuana, the Delta-8 THC derivative is being sold thanks to a legal gray area that many state officials would rather not talk about.
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City takes next step in Black Mountain cleanup
After years of environmental studies and planning, remediation work is at last scheduled to begin next year on the former industrial site in the 3500 block of East Washington Street.
Read MoreQ&A: Jeremy Rogers, a digital guru who connects hospitals and patients
Rogers, 44, is executive director of digital marketing and experience, meaning he plans and implements ways to keep patients informed and to hear what’s on their minds.
Read MoreIU Health sues Methodist Sports Medicine, claiming trademark infringement
Indiana University Health, the parent of Methodist Hospital, wants the sports medicine group to drop “Methodist” from its name.
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Long-delayed Speedway hotel project slated to get new developer
A Georgia-based development firm said Monday it hopes to take the reins of the Wilshaw hotel project across from Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with hopes of completing construction by early 2023.
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Fast-growing Sweetgreen, ‘the Starbucks of salads,’ to debut in Indiana with north-side restaurant
The national fast-casual salad chain is in expansion mode as it prepares to become a public company. Filings with the state show that it’s also considering a downtown Indianapolis location.
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Mark Montieth: College basketball moves far from amateur era
Forget NCAA, the most relevant acronym now is NIL—name, image and likeness. It means that formerly amateur athletes can now be compensated for their popularity in a myriad of ways with a myriad of dollars.
Read MoreFocusBack to Top
Many pandemic college trends will stick around
During the pandemic, online learning options have exploded at Indiana colleges, as have the numbers of non-traditional students. And most experts agree the revolution is just getting started, with more new takes on the college experience to come.
Read MoreOpinionBack to Top
Editorial: AG Rokita is right to sue Biden administration over vaccine rules
We believe vaccinations are our community’s best defense against an overwhelmed health care system—and a wrecked economy.
But we don’t favor government mandates.
Lesley Weidenbener: We’re always mentoring, even unintentionally
Thinking back about my own career illuminates how often people became my mentors without any formal effort—or, in some cases, without my even knowing it was happening.
Read MoreJeff Mittman & Ann Murtlow: Companies that hire people with disabilities thrive
We encourage all those with an authentic interest in inclusion to consider the disabled in their DEI discussions and initiatives.
Read MoreJill Long Thompson: Congress must pass Build Back Better plan to fulfill Biden agenda
Indiana has 1,111 bridges that need major repair; we have 5,478 miles of roads in poor condition; and we need to replace every lead pipe in the state.
Read MoreSamantha Julka: Draw conclusions, predictions from the unsaid
To make the best predictions possible, one skill we need to hone is seeing the unsaid.
Read MoreJalene Hahn: Closing the complex financial gender gap
The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute identifies five distinct financial gaps between men and women: wages, wealth, retirement needs, retail investing and institutional investing.
Read MoreBohanon & Curott: Let’s hope unrealized capital gains tax is never reality
We’re sure the progressives will assure us they are only proposing going after billionaires and other fat cats who are able to pay.
Read MoreLetter: Widening 38th Street caused community disconnect
I have clear memories of sitting on the mini-hill in front of the Oxford Gables Apartments, watching the construction of 38th Street as it is now—or should I say, the destruction of Maple Road.
Read MoreLetter: Vaccinations, masking help protect children
The facts are simple and irrefutable. Vaccinations are safe and effective. Almost all of the patients being treated for COVID-19 across Indiana hospitals are unvaccinated.
Read MoreIn BriefBack to Top
Doughnut destination on North Keystone Avenue ends 59-year run
A bakery and restaurant that traces its roots in Indianapolis to 1962 has closed permanently following the death of the owner.
Read MoreCaesars plans $34 million expansion at Anderson casino
The company plans a 38,000-square-foot expansion at Hoosier Park that will result in 100 more slot machines, along with restaurant and bar space and a new drive-through area for valet parking.
Read MoreGrand to step down as managing partner at Barnes & Thornburg
Andrew Detherage, partner in the firm’s litigation group, will take over as managing partner.
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‘Bob & Tom,’ syndication company agree to new 3-year deal
Two weeks after releasing details about a contract extension with 18 radio stations, “The Bob & Tom Show” announced Monday a new deal with syndication company Westwood One.
Read MoreEnergy Systems Network plans next autonomous racecar competition at CES
ESN, which organized the recent Indy Autonomous Challenge, announced Friday that five university teams will take part in a head-to-head passing competition at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Read MoreForefrontBack to Top
Dr. Richard Feldman: More regulations needed to curb youth vaping
Vaping products are today’s candy cigarettes.
Read MoreClaire Fiddian-Green: We must do more to help Hoosiers quit smoking
Quitting cigarettes and other nicotine products is hard, but it is achievable through proven cessation tools.
Read MoreCurt Smith: Indiana should emulate Texas abortion law
By choosing a simple standard to establish when abortions are banned, cardiac activity … the law forces Americans to confront the humanity of the unborn child.
Read MoreLaKimba DeSadier: Abortion restrictions hurt vulnerable communities
If Indiana instituted a total abortion ban, we would see a 21% increase in the number of pregnancy-related deaths and a 33% increase among Black women.
Read MorePierre Atlas: Romanticizing the Wild West revises history
The Old West was awash in guns, but actual gun violence was rare.
Read MoreAbdul-Hakim Shabazz: Rokita banned me from his press conference
If Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is a big believer in the First Amendment, as well as openness and transparency in government, he sure as heck has a funny way of showing it. Just to get you folks up to speed, a couple of weeks ago, I got a media advisory from the AG telling […]
Read MoreUna Osili: Giving to racial justice causes on rise
Looking ahead, we need to ensure that this influx of funding to support racial equity reaches grassroots organizations.
Read MoreShariq Siddiqui: We all must step up giving to civil rights groups
Despite the national, regional and local examples of systemic racism, civil rights causes continue to be left behind by American philanthropy.
Read MoreJim Shella: Biden shouldn’t be denied communion
My perspective is that this has nothing to do with religion. It’s all about politics.
Read MoreBrad Rateike: Use best judgment when checking phone
How do you find the proper balance between being responsive and being present, especially during a time of enhanced digital connectivity?
Read MoreKaren Celestino-Horseman: Let’s all practice more patience
Seeing the impatience in others has led me to start dealing with the impatience in myself.
Read MoreDeborah Daniels: Commission seeks equity in court system
If we do our job properly, we will come closer to realizing our nation’s goal of justice for all.
Read MoreRep. Ed DeLaney: The current GOP has been neglectful
Without accountability and political competition, there is no way to keep continuing neglect or ideological fanaticism in check.
Read MoreJennifer Wagner: Indiana should beef up legislative staff
Lawmakers aren’t at the Statehouse most of the year, but it’s not like constituents’ needs cease … at the end of session.
Read MoreMichael Leppert: There is one key reason I wrote ‘Flipping the Circle’
My goal is for people to learn a little about government and then think about it.
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