Dear Indy,
Today’s lead article comes from eastside reporter Darian Benson about growing tension on the Far Eastside. Here’s how her article begins:
Autumn Carter tried to register her 12-year-old daughter Ava for Girl Scouts but was unsuccessful. She said she didn’t hear back after calling the association twice and couldn’t find information about active troops online.
The problem is that there aren’t many troops near where she lives on the Far Eastside.
Now Carter is among a growing group of parents and community leaders who are concerned that the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana are overlooking the neighborhood.
They’ve lost trust in the organization after the disappearance of programs and an overall lack of presence by the Girl Scouts in the neighborhood.
“I’m looking for a troop, but I’m also looking for partnership and transparency,” Carter, 35, told Mirror Indy.
The concerns date back to 2021, when community members started asking to speak with the organization. The rift has grown so large that even a former Girl Scouts vice president criticized the organization for cutting programs for Black and brown girls over what she said were revenue concerns.
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In other news
- Heads up: State education officials have yet another proposal that would change high school education in Indiana. So we have a new guide explaining the latest changes — which actually look more like what we see in high school right now.
- As Indy becomes a majority non-white city, a new report examined 30 indicators of racial equity, finding disparities in several categories. Read highlights from the report here.
- Back-to-school season will continue Saturday when CAFE hosts a tailgate for families. There will be free school supplies, backpacks and other resources available (as well as snow cones and free food!). Get the details here.
Today’s weather from WTHR
Showers and storms will be around this morning and another round will come overnight. The latter could produce severe gusts. Much muggier air heading into Friday afternoon with more scattered heavy storms. Only spotty rain showers this weekend.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, August 16: Rob Dixon and the Triology band will take the stage at the Indiana State Fair, 1202 E. 38th St., starting at noon. The musician will be joined by drummer Richard “Sleepy” Floyd and keyboard player Reggie Bishop. Free with admission to the fair.
- Tomorrow, August 16: The Bloomington-based band Homemade Jam will play at 6:30 p.m. at Driving Wind Berry Farm, 6410 Michigan Road. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or lawn chair, and food will be available at the event. Tickets are $10 per car.
- Sunday, August 18: Ever wonder what mysterious creatures could be lurking around Indiana? The Mystical Mavens will host a class on Indiana cryptids starting at 2 p.m. at the Central branch of the Indianapolis Public Library, 40 E. St. Clair St. Free.
— 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
- WTHR: Single moms in Marion County can now apply for the Pathway Program at Dream Center Indianapolis, a 40-week program to help them overcome barriers and begin a career.
- Axios Indianapolis: Time to track down your City-County Councilor’s phone number because each member would get $1 million in play money under Mayor Joe Hogsett’s proposed budget.
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: The lieutenant governor candidates faced off in a debate this week.
Arts and Culture
It’s back-to-school season whether we like it or not. And it definitely means something different for everyone — new schedules, more traffic, maybe even believing more firmly that children are the future.
In the spirit of all things learning, reporter Breanna Cooper put together some tips for leaning into our nerdy side in the month of August.
— Jennifer Delgadillo, arts and culture editor
Want to explore more of our city’s vibrancy? Find more arts and culture coverage here.
Reflections
Next week, I’ll be joining some colleagues for our Chat and Chew series.
The three of us who reported “Trapped” — me, Jenna Watson and Peter Blanchard — will join Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie downstairs in the food hall of the AMP at 16 Tech.
Please come by and say hi anytime between 12:30-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 21.
Get the details here on Eventbrite.
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.