Energy Sciences Network to 0pen new office in Bloomington’s Trades District
Bloomington’s Trades District announced the signing of a lease to establish a Bloomington office for Energy Sciences Network (ESnet), the provider of high-performance networking and innovative services to the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) scientific research ecosystem. ESnet’s decision to build a presence in the Trades District marks a significant milestone in the district’s evolution into a thriving center for technology and innovation.
ESnet is funded by the DOE Office of Science and stewarded by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in Berkeley, CA, where ESnet’s central office is located. Its hybrid workforce is spread across all six U.S. time zones. ESnet is a nationwide network connecting the DOE’s 17 national laboratories and 28 user facilities, including multiple large-scale scientific instruments. Its experts work on advanced and emerging IP, high-speed optical networking, network automation, cybersecurity, data measurement and analysis, and more on behalf of ESnet’s vision: to free scientific progress from the constraints of the physical location of instruments, people, computational resources, or data.
The Trades District, formerly an industrial area, is undergoing a transformation into a dynamic center for technology and innovation through public and private investment. Home to a burgeoning tech sector, startups, and coworking spaces, the district continues to attract leading organizations like ESnet, further solidifying its role in shaping Bloomington’s economic landscape.
Former Bloomington Mayor John Fernandez will present the lease resolution to the Redevelopment Commission on Monday, May 20th, seeking their approval of the agreement.
Opioid settlements total over $925 million Hoosier communities
Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita is dispensing more than $8.8 million secured from companies that allegedly contributed to the state’s opioid epidemic through irresponsible and/or unlawful actions, to Indiana cities, towns, and counties in the next round of opioid settlement funds distributed under his leadership. In total, Rokita has reached settlements worth more than $925 million with companies involved in some aspects of making, selling, distributing or advertising opioids.
This round of distributions includes a one-time payment representing communities’ share of a settlement with Publicis Health to resolve investigations into the global marketing and communications firm’s role in the prescription opioid crisis. Publicis helped Purdue Pharma and other opioid manufacturers market and sell opioids.
In addition, this round of payments includes settlement funds from two distributors — AmerisourceBergen (now known as Cencora) and Cardinal Health. Additional distribution payments are expected in the fall of 2024 from AmerisourceBergen (now known as Cencora), Cardinal Health, McKesson, Teva, Janssen, CVS, and Allergan.
Besides the tragic personal toll on families, the opioid crisis has imposed significant costs on Indiana’s health care, child welfare, and criminal justice systems. Local governments have discretion in choosing exactly how to use the opioid funds. Guidelines can be found on Attorney General Rokita’s website. The settlement framework continues to be a 50-50 split between the state and local governments. A listing of the payments estimated for each community for the full 18 years can be found on the Office of Attorney General website.
IU Columbus and BCSC partner to simplify college admissions
Local high school students now have a seamless, direct-admit path to college, thanks to a Memorandum of Understanding between the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation and Indiana University Columbus.
The program is modeled after the seamless admission program introduced in September 2023 offering automatic admission to IU Indianapolis for Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) high school students who meet certain criteria.
High school seniors from Columbus East, Columbus North and Columbus Signature Academy New Tech graduating in the class of 2025 who meet admission criteria will receive a letter in the fall telling them they are eligible to be admitted to IU Columbus and directing them to complete a brief form to accept their admission. These students will not need to complete a traditional college application, nor will they need to request their high school transcripts or pay any fee.
Additionally, there is still time for class of 2024 BCSC high school seniors who are interested in attending IU Columbus; these students will be notified in the coming weeks about their option to direct-admit if they meet the criteria. However, class of 2024 seniors don’t need to wait for their direct-admit letter; they can submit an online application anytime (currently at no cost) at columbus.iu.edu/admissions. Prospective students can also schedule a campus tour and connect with an advisor at columbus.iu.edu/admissions.
Griffey Lake Activities
It’s finally Standup Paddleboard season at Griffy Lake! Sign-up for their upcoming SUP Learn to Paddle or SUP Over 50 programs on May 24th to acquire the skills necessary to be successful on the water! Paddleboards, lifejackets, and paddles are all provided. For more information, visit the program webpage:
- bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12333 (Learn to Paddle)
- bloomington.in.gov/recreation/programs/12335 (Over 50)
Griffy Boathouse is OPEN everyday of the week from 8am – 8pm unless closed due to inclement weather. Call the boathouse to make your next watercraft reservation! (812) 349-3732
Summer Training for Classroom Educators to Build Creative Teaching Strategies
Are you an innovative, non-arts educator looking to find new ways to engage students in learning? Research shows arts integration can be a powerful way to connect with students through creative approaches to learning. Getting equipped with this strategy can improve the possibilities for your classroom. The Indiana Arts Commission, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, is hosting a three-day workshop to assist teachers in implementing creativity-centered innovation in the classroom. Through hands-on experiences and collaboration with peers, participants will learn effective and innovative teaching strategies. The program includes engaging artistic activities and opportunities to explore how creative teaching can enhance curriculum.
The Summer Institute for Creative Teaching will take place on July 10-12, 2024 in Lebanon, IN. Learn more about the program and how to register.
In-person Veterans event helps explain benefits
This Week in Hoosier History
1976 – Reginald “J.R.” Edwards 10th American, after the Apollo 11 crew and other notables, and the first Hoosier to be inducted into the International Astronautical Federation Hall of Fame, born in Indianapolis Indiana.
For more local news . . . Check out our archived episodes of What’s Happenin’ and Talkin’ Sports with Nick Jenkinson