Dear Indy,
Helping people who are homeless is a really big task.
But for Katelyn White, sometimes a “micro solution” can make a difference.
She’s the director of Westside New Day Center, which is open two days a week inside a westside church.
There, people can find a safe space to be themselves while doing laundry and grabbing some food. “Just to be a human and be held in that,” she said, “that’s huge.”
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The latest on “Trapped”
A lot has happened since we shared the experiences of Caroline Ellert, Lauren Roberts and a third woman as part of our “Trapped” investigation last week.
Most notably: Several Democratic city-county councilors, led by President Vop Osili, said they plan to create a branch of human resources that is separate from Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
Our investigation detailed that Hogsett first learned about some of his former top aide’s behavior as early as 2017 but retained him — and that aide went on to repeat the behavior.
But the Democratic councilors did not show support for an investigating committee — which is something that Republican councilors are calling for.
Meanwhile: Jennifer McCormick, the Democratic nominee for governor, released a statement condemning Hogsett’s former aide, saying “Mayor Hogsett’s apparent failure to address these issues appropriately highlights a systemic problem that demands a systematic solution.”
As for what Hogsett is thinking right now, it’s unclear. Late last week Fox59 reporter Russ McQuaid tried to interview the mayor as he walked into an IMPD ceremony. “I think everything has been said,” Hogsett told him, without stopping.
Next we’ll look to see what happens tonight at the City-County Council meeting. We’ll be there.
In other news
- ICYMI: Indiana Pride of Color’s BLQ+ Pride Fest took over Monument Circle earlier this month. While we were grooving to 5laphouse from inside the Mirror Indy tent, photographer Nichelle Short was busy making magic with her camera. See her photos here.
- Our latest Culture Journal comes from the owner of Dream Palace Books & Coffee, so it’s appropriately full of entries for nosy bookreaders like me (and probably you).
- This month, eastsiders can make sure their kids are caught up on vaccines at a free event in Warren Township. Get the details here.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Clouds will gradually increase today and there’s a chance of some showers later into early Tuesday morning. A warming trend will kick in later this week.
What’s going on around the city
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: From 5-7 p.m., the Fay Biccard Glick Neighborhood Center, 2990 W. 71st St., will host its monthly farmers market. Local produce, crafts and baked goods are available. Free.
- Friday, Aug. 16: A Back to School Bash will be held from 5-10 p.m. at Waterman’s Family Farm, 7010 E. Raymond St. The event will include an all-age dance party led by DJ Rio, outdoor games and concessions. Tickets are $2.
- Saturday, Aug. 17: Local bands Sweet Poison Victim and Skaaholics are on the lineup for a celebration of music and beer from noon to 11 p.m. at Fountain Square Brewing Co., 1301 Barth Ave. Local arts vendors and food trucks will also be at the event. Live music starts at 3 p.m. Tickets are $20 at the door and $15 ahead of time.
— Breanna Cooper, arts and culture reporter
Looking for other things to do? Check out Mirror Indy’s events calendar.
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What else we’re reading today
- Chalkbeat: Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The FAFSA won’t be available for families in October.
- State Affairs Indiana: Public Access Counselor Luke Britt is not filling two vacancies in his office right now because he anticipates turnover with the election of a new governor in November.
Notes from our Documenters
This week, we have six meetings on our schedule.
Today, we’re covering the Citizens’ Police Complaint Board, Perry Township school board and the Indianapolis City-County Council.
Tomorrow, we will cover the council’s Administration and Finance Committee.
On Wednesday, we will cover the council’s Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee and the Washington Township school board.
What other meetings should we cover? Let me know at ariana.beedie@mirrorindy.org.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
Because I’m not Chris Sikich, I don’t have any adorable stories to share from my family today.
But on a difficult workday last week, I left my house and paused near the small tea garden that my wife grows.
That’s when a flash of yellow caught my eye and I saw a goldfinch land next to the purple coneflowers, peeking at me.
To some, goldfinches represent resilience and hope.
See you tomorrow.
Ryan
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at ryan.martin@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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