Dear Indy,
Mayor Joe Hogsett finally spoke.
Last night, after going through highlights from his 2025 budget proposal, Hogsett paused for just less than 10 minutes to acknowledge the behavior of his former top aide, Thomas Cook.
Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert sat in the council chambers, just feet away. At one point, Hogsett turned to speak to them directly.
“I want to tell you both, and the third anonymous individual who also shared her story, how sorry I am for the harm that has occurred, and I apologize,” Hogsett said.
Neither woman wavered. Roberts continued holding up a sign containing the words: “2017 investigation? Prove it.”
Last night’s remarks represent the mayor’s first extended public comments since the publication of investigations by Mirror Indy and IndyStar.
Many questions remain unanswered, however, such as: If there was an investigation into Cook’s behavior in 2017, why didn’t anyone interview Roberts?
Hogsett may finally have spoken, but the mayor still isn’t taking any questions.
On his way into the City-County Council chambers before his remarks, Hogsett rushed past me and other journalists without stopping.
He didn’t stop on the way out of the chambers, either.
The City-County Council, meanwhile, took action last night on the matter.
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In other news
- The Chreece hip-hop festival returns this month. So after you grab your tickets, check out organizer Jay Brookens’ new guide — including a list of can’t-miss acts.
- Vision Zero cleared the final City-County Council hurdle last night, paving the way for Indy to overhaul our approach to designing roads, bridges and sidewalks. As Mirror Indy first reported in May, the council’s efforts will lead to the creation of a Vision Zero task force and action plan.
- Indy high schoolers are launching a new zine that’s focused on food. The first issue — which touches on food justice, sustainability and community empowerment — will be featured at a launch party on Thursday at Dream Palace Books and Coffee. Get the details here.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Seasonably warmer in the 80s today with a mix of sun and clouds. Muggier air ahead Thursday and that will fuel scattered to numerous downpours and storms that day.
What’s going on around the city
- Friday, August 16: From 4-7 p.m., you can find artwork from local children and their parents at the 2 Generations Art Showcase at GoldLeaf Savory & Sweet, 1901 E. 46th St. Beverages and snacks will also be available. Free.
- Saturday, August 17: The fourth annual African Beauty Fashion Show will be held at 120 E. Market St., Suite 500. The event kicks off Aug. 17 with an all-ages runway at 7 p.m and ends at 1 a.m. with an after party at Crooked Creek Plaza, 7826 Michigan Road. Tickets are $20.
- Saturday, August 17: Irvington Collective will host a benefit show, “Heels and Healing: A Benefit Drag Show for Irvington Counseling Collective” at 8 p.m. at Downtown Olly’s Backyard, 822 N. Illinois St. Tickets are $25 at the door and $20 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
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: A federal judge said the court would “not stretch the facts to fit the theory” provided by Attorney General Todd Rokita’s office in the lawsuit claiming IU Health failed to enforce privacy laws in connection to Dr. Caitlin Bernard’s handling of the 10-year-old girl in 2022. The judge rejected the case but gave Rokita’s office an opportunity to amend the complaint. Rokita didn’t, choosing instead to drop the lawsuit.
- Associated Press: It’s been 10 years since the death of Michael Brown sparked a national response to the relationship between police officers and Black people.
Reflections
On a much lighter note, I always enjoy learning about name changes to bird species. This year, I’m proud to see that barn owls — which can be found in Indiana — have officially been renamed.
You may now refer to them as American Barn Owls.
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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