Dear Indy,
When Blue Line supporters heard about an agreement to save the bus project, many gathered for impromptu celebrations.
At Kismetic Beer Co. in Twin Aire, owner Nicole Oesch raised a toast.
“We’re just super excited that this is moving forward, so thank you guys so much for being here,” she told those in attendance.
Some advocates are holding back, at least for now. They want to wait until Indiana lawmakers leave town at the end of the legislative session.
Because if history is a guide, anything can happen in the final hours.
Read more here.
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In other news
- The fight over a birth control bill is expected to reach the full Senate floor this week. The bill’s author says her goal is to expand birth control access to patients covered by Medicaid after they give birth, but the bill does not include language about IUDs — which has led to sharp criticism from some Democratic lawmakers and medical professionals. If you haven’t been following this story, catch up quickly with our new explainer.
- Indianapolis Public Schools leaders are expected to focus their budgeting efforts on teacher pay and the Rebuilding Stronger plan. If you’re interested in following along, you can learn more in Mirror Indy education reporter Carley Lanich’s new article.
- If you’re anything like me, sometimes the weather in March can be a bummer. Well, you can’t use that as an excuse anymore, because we have a lengthy list of things to do this month. (What caught my eye? A class on starting a mushroom garden!)
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What’s going on around the city
- Today: Children ages 8-16 are invited to learn the fundamentals of sewing at 4:30 p.m. at Broad Ripple Park, 1426 Broad Ripple Ave. Sewing machines are provided, but those with their own are encouraged to bring it with them. Tickets are $20.
- Wednesday, March 6: A group reading and discussion of the works of abolitionist Frederick Douglass will begin with a meditation service and dinner at 5:30 p.m. at All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 E. 56th St. Child care will be provided at the event. Free.
- Saturday, March 9: Starting at 4 p.m., Black Circle, 2201 E. 46th St., will host four Indiana bands: Cadaverous, Flesher, 1 Body 6 Graves and Lust Witch — along with other Midwest metal bands for “Death in the Midwest,” open to all-ages. Tickets are $12 in advance, $15 at the door.
— 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: In a Q&A, new Department of Metropolitan Development Director Megan Vukusich described some of the city’s upcoming priorities — including building more affordable housing and addressing homelessness.
- Chalkbeat Indiana: Indianapolis Public Schools will continue to more fully integrate English language learners with the rest of the student body by changing its newcomers program — which currently serves 232 students.
Notes from our Documenters
This week, we have six meetings on our schedule.
Today, we’re covering a special Indianapolis Public Library committee, a Wayne Township school board, and a City-County Council meeting.
Tomorrow, we’re covering the Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commission.
On Wednesday, we’re covering the City-County Council’s Municipal Corporations Committee.
On Friday, we’re covering the City-County Council’s Election Board.
I’ll share what we learn in those meetings. What other meetings should we cover? Let me know.
— Ariana Beedie, community journalism director
Interested in being a Documenter? Here’s how.
Reflections
Readers of Friday’s newsletter probably noticed some jumbled text in the top.
Sorry. It’s just proof that a human is behind the keyboard here.
That’s it for today. 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.