Indianapolis Local Pulse: Pacers Stumble, Downtown Development Booms, Spring Weather Arrives

Good morning, this is Indianapolis Local Pulse for Thursday, March 19. We start with sports as our Pacers fell to the Portland Trail Blazers last night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 127 to 119. Deni Avdija led Portland with 32 points and 11 rebounds, while our guys fought back late but couldnt close the gap. Tough loss after their New York battle, but they stay in playoff contention. Shifting to business buzz, the Simon family plans to merge two South Meridian Street buildings into one entertainment spot with a restaurant, bar, and live music, closing Bad Axe Throwing after eight years. Across from Central Library at 817 North Pennsylvania, Buckingham is building an 11 million dollar four-floor office with Rdoor Housing as the main tenant and a street-level bank. At the airport, Chef Steve Oakleys culinary incubator opens in Civic Plaza to boost local talent. And COhatch settled their rent dispute to stay at Circle Centre. Real estate heats up with a Broad Ripple funeral home site eyed for new apartments, like its neighbor The Ripple. Jobs look strong too, with Governor Brauns push for 100,000 high-wage spots in agriculture and life sciences. City Hall updates include the Indy stadium board surveying fans on that MLS dream at the Downtown Heliport, though some lawmakers doubt funding and businesses fight the closure. FAA is reconsidering after Attorney General Rokitas nudge. Weather today brings a slight chance of rain before 2 pm, cloudy turning mostly sunny with highs near 60. South winds stay mild, perfect for outdoor plans, though watch for slick spots from yesterdays chill. Spring kicks off Friday with upper 60s, 75s this weekend, scattered Sunday showers. Upcoming, the Final Four road starts tomorrow with 60s and 70s aiding events downtown. Forklift safety training hits March 31. Schools note IU launching IU Inc. for real estate and life sciences. Crime stayed low past 24 hours, no major incidents or alerts from IMPD. And a feel-good nod: Marion County Emergency Management urges tornado prep as season nears, with state rebates for safe rooms opening April 1, keeping our families secure. Thanks for tuning in, listeners, and subscribe for more. This has been Indianapolis Local Pulse. Well see you tomorrow with more local updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI.