Dear Indy,
Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert sent a three-page letter to top city leaders yesterday, the day after their experiences were shared through the Mirror Indy investigation “Trapped.”
The two are demanding widespread changes to the city’s policies around sexual harassment and abuse.
In the letter, sent to Mayor Joe Hogsett and City-County Council President Vop Osili, the two emphasized that the harassment and emotional abuse of Ellert didn’t start until after Roberts had repeatedly tried to warn the mayor and his top city and campaign officials in 2017.
But his top aide, Thomas Cook, remained in power over several young women like Ellert.
“This failure, as well as the inaction on the part of the mayor and other powerful people who work for him, allowed Cook’s abuse of power to continue unchecked for years,” the women wrote in the letter.
They are calling for new training for employees, an independent audit by a third party and new mental health services provided to survivors.
“We are proof that it is possible to survive and even overcome the trauma of sexual harassment and abuse,” they wrote, “but costly mental health services have been and will continue to be essential for our healing.”
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In other news
- The shortlist for the Eugene and Marilyn Glick Indiana Authors Awards is out and Indianapolis is well-represented among the finalists. Learn more in our new Q&As with four authors.
- Are you interested in teaching fellow citizens how to register to vote? The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan group, will hold free training to help you. Learn more here.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment or abuse in the workplace, there are resources available to help. Some of them are listed here on our Instagram page.
Today’s weather from WTHR
A stronger front swept the state this morning and it is delivering a hint of autumn in August. Highs will be in the 70s today, lows in the 40s/50s tonight, with plenty of sunshine this weekend.
What’s going on around the city
- Tomorrow, Aug. 10: From 7-10 p.m., Metazoa Brewing Co., 140 S. College Ave., will celebrate National S’mores Day with complimentary s’mores kits from the taproom. Along with marshmallows and firepits, Metazoa has more than 20 local beers on tap. Free.
- Sunday, Aug. 11: Morning Light Inc. hosts the Morning Light Makers’ Market at 11 a.m. at The Foxhole at Hotel Tango, 670 Virginia Ave. Booksellers, artists and food trucks will be at the event. Free.
- Wednesday, Aug. 14: The Monika Herzig Acoustic Project takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. at Eagle Creek Beach, 7602 Eagle Beach Dr. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs, shade umbrellas and blankets, or watch the concert from the water on a paddleboard or canoe. The show is for all-ages and is free with gate admission.
— 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
- Indianapolis Business Journal: It’s sure starting to sound like more changes are on the way for the area near Gainbridge Fieldhouse — including a new entertainment venue.
- Axios: Simone Biles will be coming to Indianapolis in October as part of a Gold Over America Tour. And yes, the tour name’s acronym is apt.
- WFYI: Gen Con hit record attendance this year, selling out of badges for the first time. One reason why? Convention organizers have been purposeful about ensuring the event becomes even more inclusive.
Reporter’s Notebook: Tyler Fenwick
Housing advocates are busy this month.
I went to the last of four housing forums hosted by Castleton United Methodist Church on Tuesday night. This one focused on the government’s role.
My takeaway: Evictions might be the biggest problem facing Indianapolis, but a core group of people are trying to fix this.
One of them is Kimberly Bacon, the small claims court judge in Lawrence Township. Bacon has been at the forefront of eviction diversion, and I’ve heard good reviews about her court. I haven’t been yet, but I’m planning to see it for myself soon.
You can watch all of the forums here. I previewed this series in May if you want more background.
Up next: Author Brendan Ballou will discuss private equity’s role in the housing market at an event Aug. 13 at Indiana Landmarks. I wrote about that here.
Then, on Aug. 20, a documentary about solutions to homelessness will show at Butler University. Here’s more on that.
I’m planning to attend both, so holler if you see me.
— Tyler Fenwick, economics reporter
Have a question or suggestion for our reporters? Contact them here.
Reflections
My 3-year-old Lucy picks out her own clothes each day. The last few days, she’s been so excited to show her teacher at day care what she’s wearing. And she absolutely beams when her teacher says she likes her shirt or her outfit.
Monday it was rainbows. Tuesday it was hearts. Wednesday it was all blue.
She ran up to her teacher Wednesday saying “blue, blue, blue” and gave her a big hug.
Chris
P.S. If you liked something about today’s newsletter, or didn’t, let me know at chris.sikich@mirrorindy.org. It helps us serve you better.
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