Commentary

Reading dozens and sometimes hundreds of nominations for an awards program provides insight into organizations, companies and even industries I had no idea existed. Often

I was startled when some extended family members recently expressed shock that I continue to come downtown every day—and that I worked in the IBJ office on Monument Circle regularly through the pandemic. They assumed it was too unsafe.

Anthony Schoettle, who is leaving IBJ after 23 years, reminded me that the idea that we’re all replaceable—an oft-repeated phrase in business—is not accurate and it denies people the humanity they deserve at work.

I am ridiculously eager to have everyone back. I miss the collaboration that comes with quick meetings to address a sudden problem or opportunity. I miss the moments when one reporter overhears a snippet of another reporter’s interview or conversation and makes a connection that is helpful to getting a story.

Just like most of us don’t really understand how a manufacturing process works or how molecules in a lab become medicine, readers generally don’t understand how journalists take in information and send it back out for public consumption.

And so Whitten might initially seem like a surprising choice. But of course, Whitten’s career has been about more than the three years she spent at Kennesaw State. In fact, her resume is filled with schools that are IU’s peers.

Acknowledging mistakes and correcting them quickly is key to rebuilding trust with skeptical or frustrated readers.

If you haven’t been downtown for a while, this might be good time to make the trip. Check out the art set up throughout downtown. Check out the Indiana-themed pop-up store on Meridian Street. Breathe in some of that joyful air!

We were so fortunate not to be hit financially by the pandemic. Now, there’s nothing I want to do more than go spend some of that cash in the restaurants and other businesses that make Indianapolis a place I love living.

I don’t know whether the legislation at issue—which addresses school district boundaries—is a good idea. I don’t know whether the Democrats’ description was spot on or was an exaggeration. But I know this: Booing another lawmaker who is making a sincere argument at the podium is never appropriate.