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Mayor Joe Hogsett was once named “Mr. Clean” by a watchdog organization for his tough stance on government corruption as U.S. attorney.

A Mirror Indy/IndyStar investigation finds that the mayor ignored conflicts of interest involving millions of dollars in city incentives. https://bit.ly/3L8OOBe
Hogsett ignored conflicts of interest as city incentives flowed to developers
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett ran on ethics reform, but an investigation found that he ignored conflicts of interest.
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The Women’s College Partnership represents a rare opportunity in Indiana.

It’s a chance for incarcerated women to earn a liberal arts degree, the kind of education that asks students to read deeply, think critically, and engage with big ideas: https://bit.ly/4aCNkdt
An inside look at college in Indiana Women's Prison
Around 50 incarcerated women have earned degrees from Marian University since 2019.
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January 2, 2026 at 10:57 PM
Don’t let the cold temperatures stop you from having fun.

There’s a lot to do in Indy this month including a new sober house dance party at Cafe Oztara and a “Lady Bits” improv comedy show.

Use this list to stay busy all month long: https://bit.ly/49C6Ple
31 things to do in January in Indianapolis
Inside, you’ll find a dance film fest, new sober DJ rave, “MJ” musical and a kids’ playwriting workshop.
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January 2, 2026 at 8:56 PM
Want to learn more about potential changes to Warren Township schools, including moving fifth graders to elementary buildings?

There’s a meeting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 5. It will also be livestreamed: https://bit.ly/3YnBxs9
How to learn about possible changes in Warren Township schools
District leaders say they’re at ‘halftime’ in study of elementary schools.
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January 2, 2026 at 8:17 PM
She Shop Fitness opened in South Broad Ripple last summer.

Owner Samantha Minich wants the fitness studio to be a place where women can work out free of judgment while also connecting with others: https://bit.ly/4sndLdx
New SoBro fitness studio focuses on women and community
She Shop Fitness is located at 713 E. 52nd St.
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January 2, 2026 at 4:55 PM
Basketball drama, political drama, data center drama … 2025 in Indy was never boring. But, there were some bright spots, too.

Take a look back at the year with our favorite photos: https://bit.ly/4paPzs8
Look back on the highs and lows of 2025 through Mirror Indy's top photos
Basketball drama, political drama, data center drama ... 2025 was never boring. But, there were some bright spots, too.
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December 30, 2025 at 3:58 PM
The Julia M. Carson Transit Center is getting two new bus bays next year.

It’s part of IndyGo’s preparation for the completion of the Blue Line: https://bit.ly/4qpYerF
Downtown transit center to undergo renovations
Two docking bays will be constructed along East Washington Street in place of 19 public parking spaces.
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December 29, 2025 at 1:01 PM
If you like having a real Christmas tree, disposing of it can be kind of a hassle.

Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of your tree when it’s time to say goodbye: https://bit.ly/4jcU2ZT
What to know about trash and Christmas tree disposal this holiday season
Residents can dump their Christmas tree at one of the city’s 7 drop-off locations.
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December 28, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Many of us at Mirror Indy love to read and this year we had our own internal book club.

From stories about identity and dignity to queer holiday romances, we read a variety of books that we wanted to share with you. https://bit.ly/4si0ses
Mirror Indy’s staff book club picks
We read six books together that explored identity, dignity and love.
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December 27, 2025 at 4:58 PM
A new art gallery near the Old Southside neighborhood is all the buzz — literally.

The Kut Gallery, owned by Devin Richardson and AJ Vinson, opened in June as a place where original art meets grooming: https://bit.ly/3MSLjzV
The Kut Gallery trims hair, but grows community and storytelling
Art and style intertwine inside a new Black-owned barbershop with an art gallery.
mirrorindy.org
December 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM
The holidays are beautiful, difficult and everything in between.

When all the lights are twinkling and loved ones gather, it’s easy to feel like you should be happy. But that’s not always the reality. Here are some tips on how to take care of your mental health this week: https://bit.ly/3MSjx6L
How to take care of your mental health during the holidays
Mirror Indy talked to a local psychologist, a life coach and a poet. Mirror Indy talked to a local psychologist, a life coach and a poet.
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December 24, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Two people were denied citizenship at the Dec. 18 naturalization ceremony in Indianapolis.

A week before, nearly 40 people were denied. They were all from countries the Trump administration deems “high-risk.” https://bit.ly/4jmheVB
Two people denied citizenship at Indianapolis naturalization ceremony
The Trump administration has put up roadblocks for immigrants seeking citizenship.
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December 23, 2025 at 10:40 PM
It’s been almost two years since a redevelopment plan was promised for Indiana Avenue and so far, not much has happened.

Here’s the latest updates on the plan: https://bit.ly/44DZAqq
After ‘long and silent pause,’ what’s next for Indiana Ave development plan?
The city has hired a second contractor to finish the project.
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December 23, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Southsiders are pushing back against Sabey Data Center’s proposed data center in Decatur Township.

They are concerned about water usage, property values and pollution: https://bit.ly/4qq7I69
Sabey Data Centers fails to gain southsiders support for it proposal
The city could begin the next step in the approval process as early as January.
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December 22, 2025 at 10:11 PM
Wastewater testing shows COVID-19 levels are rising in Indianapolis heading into the holidays.

The state’s dashboard appears to show COVID-19 levels at historic highs. But a change in June to a more sensitive testing method may be impacting the results: https://bit.ly/3Y8NNMY
Indy’s COVID-19 levels are increasing heading into the holidays
Protect yourself by washing your hands and wearing a mask.
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December 22, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The City-County Council will have different leadership in 2026.

The Democratic caucus said they plan to elect Maggie Lewis as council president. This would be her second time in the role: https://bit.ly/4sakqYh
Democrats plan to elect Maggie Lewis next Indy council leader
Lewis, a Democrat who represents parts of the northwest side, previously served as council president from 2012 to 2017.
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December 22, 2025 at 8:46 PM
A four-year college degree isn’t the only path to a high-paying job. You could also do an apprenticeship.

But Black men in Indy only make up about 9% of participants in apprenticeships, while representing 27% of Marion County’s male population. https://bit.ly/3KHDYmg
Will Indiana’s push to expand apprenticeships leave Black men behind?
Just 9% of apprenticeships in Marion County are held by Black men.
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December 22, 2025 at 8:38 PM
If you are planning on visiting someone at the hospital next week, there will be restrictions in response to rising flu and RSV cases.

Restrictions include barring visitors that are 18 and under or experiencing flu like symptoms starting Monday, Dec. 22: https://bit.ly/4949QcT
Indy hospitals impose visitor restrictions as flu, RSV cases rise
Local doctors say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
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December 19, 2025 at 7:30 PM
ILEA has recommended creating a independent public education corporation that controls building maintenance and buses.

TLDR: Charter school advocates see this as a major win but IPS advocates are preparing to fight this recommendation at the Statehouse in January. https://bit.ly/491EJi1
December 19, 2025 at 7:09 PM
More than two dozen Martin University students and alumni gathered Dec. 17 to call for Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Perkins to resign after the college announced its closure. https://bit.ly/48WjWfD
‘This is accountability’: Martin University alumni call for new leadership
The call comes after Martin announced Dec. 9 the university would close.
mirrorindy.org
December 18, 2025 at 10:11 PM
What would you want in your neighborhood park? A pool, a boxing gym … maybe a few fields to play sports?

Those are some things that eastsiders hope to see in Grassy Creek Regional Park: bit.ly/3MKH3lY
Far Eastsiders share their thoughts for Grassy Creek’s future
The city will create a new master plan for Grassy Creek Regional Park in 2026.
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December 18, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Reposted by Mirror Indy
Alliance members voted 8-1 to move forward recommendations shifting power of school transportation & buildings to a new, appointed education corporation with an org chart that places the Indy mayor at the top.

There's lots to unpack. Stay tuned for more coverage via @mirrorindy.org.
December 18, 2025 at 12:58 AM
Reposted by Mirror Indy
Every detail coming out of the Martin closure story is wild.

@clairerafford.bsky.social brings you the latest

mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Martin University terminates staff, encourages students to transfer
The interim president told staff the university does not have money to pay them.
mirrorindy.org
December 17, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Reposted by Mirror Indy
By now you’ve probably heard about Indiana’s increasingly difficult child care landscape.

I spent some time talking to providers about how they’re faring & learned about how nonprofits & community orgs are stepping in to fill gaps.

More here, via @mirrorindy.org: mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Child care providers are stretching to make ends meet
These Indianapolis groups are stepping up to fill gaps.
mirrorindy.org
December 17, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Reposted by Mirror Indy
Wayne Twp's newest board member, Mikeal Gordon, took his oath last night.

A fun fact about Mikeal: He told me last night he has two full-time jobs — purchasing manager for a sheet metal fabricator and ... Santa.

Learn more about Mikeal here, via @mirrorindy.org: mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
Meet Wayne Township’s newest school board member
When he’s not volunteering, Gordon works as a purchasing manager … and plays Santa.
mirrorindy.org
December 16, 2025 at 9:12 PM
Lauren Roberts is seeking $50,000 in damages from the city after City-County Council President Vop Osili ordered sheriff’s deputies to remove her from a council meeting: https://bit.ly/44zcYvL
Lauren Roberts files tort claim against city after removal from council meeting
She is seeking $50,000 in a claim against the city.
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December 16, 2025 at 11:25 PM