Dear Indy,
Alayna Wilkening, a Dow Jones digital media reporter working with Mirror Indy this summer, wrote about a local speed climber who can scale three stories in seven seconds. Piper Kelly’s next competitive climb will be at the Olympics.
Here’s a bit from Alayna’s story.
All future Olympian Piper Kelly needs to succeed is pasta, her good-luck sports bra, and a solid hairstyle.
Well, that’s not everything. But as the 24-year-old speed climber prepares to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics in August, she’s focused only on the next climb ahead of her.
Kelly spent much of her climbing career in the Indianapolis area. First at Climb Time, then at Hoosier Heights Indianapolis. Occasionally in her Irvington backyard or basement. Now, she’s based out of Salt Lake City and ready to compete with the best in the world.
This won’t be her first time competing among champions. Kelly regularly competes in international championships, and it was her win during the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, that sent her to the Olympics.
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In other news
- Airbnb, other short-term-rental landlords would have to register for permits under new proposal.
- Vice President Kamala Harris to speak in Indianapolis July 24 at Zeta Phi Beta Sorority convention.
Today’s weather from WTHR
More spotty downpours and storms around today along with a hazy sky. Showers and storms are more numerous on Wednesday.
What’s going on around the city
- Wednesday, July 24: The Men in the Fire quartet will bring gospel, jazz and doo wop to the Jazz Kitchen, 5377 N. College Ave., starting at 7 p.m. Tickets start at $15.
- Saturday, July 27: The fifth annual Far Eastside Festival will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at CAFE, 8902 E. 38th St. The free event will have live music, resources, family activities, food and more.
- Tuesday, July 30: The White Rabbit Cabaret, 1116 Prospect St., will host a screening of “Booksmart” with partner Ash & Elm Cider Co. The screening is free and will incorporate themed drinks and door prizes into the fun. 21+
— 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: Indiana politicos, delegates react to the Biden withdrawal
- IndyStar: Mike Pence says Biden made the right decision to withdraw
- Indiana Capital Chronicle: Hoosier business group, companies continue DEI work as efforts elsewhere falter
Resources
K-12 reporter Carley Lanich wrote about an event IndyGo is holding to help students ride the bus.
Students who register for reduced-fare, IndyGo ridership can get a free backpack during Back to School Night 6-8 p.m. July 25 at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center.
IndyGo staff will also offer qualifying students, ages 18 and under, travel training to help its new riders learn how to navigate the city transit system.
IndyGo offers a personalized MyKey card to students that cuts their fares in half when purchasing transit value online or at the Julia M. Carson Transit Center. The transportation service also partners with several local high schools, allowing their students to ride for free.
We have more resources on our website. Find them here.
Reflections
This past weekend, I did my first triathlon since Riley was born in October, a sprint at Eagle Creek Park. Boy, what a beautiful park, especially in the early morning. I wasn’t sure I had the energy for the race, but now that it’s over I’m glad I did it. I’m grateful to still be able to do these things as a working parent, though I can’t train as hard or as much as I used to.
And now, I’m signed up for Tri Indy this coming weekend.
What do you all do for fun to take the edge off the stress of everyday life?
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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