A look at which Herald-Times stories were read by the most people in 2022
During 2022, our readers in Bloomington and beyond took in stories about the weather, the economy, elections, crime and whatever that loud boom in the sky was in March.
They read our in-depth coverage of local topics, including Indiana University sports, a school referendum and the biggest health care system in the state. They also voted on top performers in high school sports, followed along in the controversial court case surrounding a lakefront property and submitted letters and columns expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Here's a look at the stories we posted that the most people read over the course of the year.
Most read stories of the year, overall
Up to 8 inches of snow with freezing rain, sleet from winter storm (Feb. 1)
High gas prices push delivery drivers to drop Door Dash, seek out larger tips (June 9)
Timber rattlesnakes in Deam Wilderness captured on video in hypnotic dance for dominance (Aug. 5)
My Favorite Ride: Bidding stops at $283 for an old Ford Ranchero no one wanted (Dec. 9)
My Favorite Ride: Almost 40 years ago, 16-year-old Mike Boyd bought his 1964 GTO for $800 (July 20)
My Favorite Ride: Grandson hopes someone knows the whereabouts of a certain 1959 Impala (Feb. 5)
Delta 8 THC: Relief from pain and anxiety or a legal way to get high? (Jan. 25)
Was that big 'boom' heard Wednesday in southern Indiana a meteor? (March 31)
Threats, vandalism and the First Amendment: Indiana town divided by LGBTQ Pride display (June 29)
Catalent workers to see 'disruptive' changes; about 200 temp jobs to be eliminated (June 9)
Bloomington family fights for transgender daughter amid bill banning her from girls' sports (June 23)
Most read stories of 2022, by month
JANUARY: Delta 8 THC: Relief from pain and anxiety or a legal way to get high?
Although it's illegal to buy marijuana in Indiana, Delta 8 THC products are legal and for sale. While some states regulate or ban the sale of delta 8 tetrahydrocannabinol, Indiana is one of 30, from Maine to Wyoming, that has no limitations on the hemp-derived compound.
Some claim delta 8 THC helps relieve pain, reduces anxiety and can bring a calming euphoria. Others, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, urge caution when considering the use of products containing THC, even minute amounts. We took a look at what the FDA and dispensaries have to say about delta 8.
Read the full story:Delta 8 THC: Relief from pain and anxiety or a legal way to get high?
FEBRUARY: Up to 8 inches of snow with freezing rain, sleet from winter storm
Weather experts urged residents to stay home as a winter storm was expected to dump rain, snow and sleet on Monroe County.
Read the full story:'Going to be a mess': Up to 8 inches of snow with freezing rain, sleet from winter storm
MARCH: What was that noise?
Residents in several southern Indiana counties heard a loud noise on a weekday afternoon. What was it? Officials ruled out an explosion at nearby military facilities.
Read the full story:Was that big 'boom' heard Wednesday in southern Indiana a meteor?
APRIL: Gift from IU Health to Indiana University leads to questions
A $416 million gift Indiana University Health made to the IU School of Medicine left critics wondering whether the nonprofit health system tried to sidestep uncomfortable questions about how much it is charging Hoosiers for health care.
Read the full story:Indiana House speaker: $416M 'gift' from IU Health to IU 'raises eyebrows and speculation'
MAY: Monroe County primary winners celebrate before turning toward general election
Our reporters headed to the polls for the 2022 Indiana primary election. They spoke with candidates who won their nominations ahead of the general election in November.
Read the full story:Monroe County primary winners celebrate before turning toward general election
JUNE: High gas prices affecting delivery drivers
As gas prices soared above $5 a gallon in the summer, DoorDashers and other gig-economy workers felt the hit. The surge in costs cut into their income and made some rethink whether the job was worth it. "It's definitely taken a lot more of my paycheck, to the point it's not even worth it to DoorDash," one driver said.
Read the full story:High gas prices push delivery drivers to drop DoorDash, seek out larger tips
JULY: Joe Huff continues fighting for Lake Monroe project
A legal back-and-forth continued between the owner of a Lake Monroe property and Monroe County officials. Joe Huff shared what he wanted to build on his land during a battle over local zoning laws.
Read the full story:What Joe Huff wants to build on his property at Lake Monroe
AUGUST: Timber rattlesnakes captured on video
A hiker in the Charles C. Deam wilderness came across two rattlesnakes doing a hypnotic dance. He later learned they were males fighting for dominance.
Read the full story:Timber rattlesnakes in Deam Wilderness captured on video in hypnotic dance for dominance
SEPTEMBER: Police spend hours searching for man in sewer system beneath Bloomington
Police told residents to shelter in place during an hours-long standoff near a large storm drain in Bloomington. A man had been reported swinging a steel rod at people in a park, and witnesses also said he was armed with a hatchet. He then climbed into the storm drain, threatening to shoot police. He was arrested later that day.
Read the full story:Wanted Indiana man arrested after hourslong search of city's sewer system
OCTOBER: Crane whistleblower says Army failed to address safety concerns
A whistleblower and former safety chief at Crane Army Ammunition Activity said after he warned a federal agency of possible explosions and deaths at the facility, government agents destroyed evidence and fired him in retaliation.
Read the full story:Crane whistleblower alleges safety violations with explosives at Indiana base
NOVEMBER: Judge issues ruling in Lake Monroe property dispute
After a years-long legal battle over property at Lake Monroe, a judge said the property owners violated the terms of an agreement with county officials. Joe Huff, one of the owners, said he disagreed but was pleased to have a path to move forward.
Read the full story:Judge issues ruling in dispute between Monroe County, property owners at Lake Monroe
DECEMBER: Bidding stops at $283 for an old Ford Ranchero no one wanted
A few years ago, Evan Derry wanted to purchase a Chevrolet El Camino at an auction in Fairmount but ended up buying a Ford Ranchero GT instead. The Ford went for a low price, about $30 more than the scrap price for the car. Now it's the vehicle his girlfriend drives every day.
Read the full storyMy Favorite Ride: Bidding stops at $283 for an old Ford Ranchero no one wanted
This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Bloomington Herald-Times top stories of the year for 2022
