Peter Blanchard
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
Local gov't reporter at Mirror Indy | 📧:peter.blanchard@mirrorindy.org | 📲 317-605-4836 | https://mirrorindy.org/author/peter-blanchard/
"Do more good for the world without permission."
That's the philosophy of Anderson York, an Indianapolis resident who is making benches and placing them in spaces where they're needed most mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
That's the philosophy of Anderson York, an Indianapolis resident who is making benches and placing them in spaces where they're needed most mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
Meet the man making benches for Indianapolis
Anderson York’s benches are popping up at parks and bus stops across the city.
mirrorindy.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:28 PM
"Do more good for the world without permission."
That's the philosophy of Anderson York, an Indianapolis resident who is making benches and placing them in spaces where they're needed most mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
That's the philosophy of Anderson York, an Indianapolis resident who is making benches and placing them in spaces where they're needed most mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
City-county councilors want to create a safer work environment for city employees.
The changes being considered come in response to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Thomas Cook, his former chief of staff and campaign manager.
The changes being considered come in response to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Thomas Cook, his former chief of staff and campaign manager.
Indy councilors seek changes to city’s human resources department
The proposals being considered face legal obstacles.
mirrorindy.org
October 29, 2025 at 8:46 PM
City-county councilors want to create a safer work environment for city employees.
The changes being considered come in response to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Thomas Cook, his former chief of staff and campaign manager.
The changes being considered come in response to Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett’s handling of sexual harassment allegations against Thomas Cook, his former chief of staff and campaign manager.
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Some great journalism from Mirror Indy's @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Indy councilors use part of $1 million fund to pave their own street
Some councilors are using taxpayer dollars from a one-time fund to fix streets in their own neighborhoods.
mirrorindy.org
October 28, 2025 at 12:22 AM
Some great journalism from Mirror Indy's @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Last year, each member of Indianapolis City-County Council got $1 million to spend on a park or road project.
Two of them are using their share to repave the street in front of their house, @mirrorindy.org has learned mirrorindy.org/city-county-...
Two of them are using their share to repave the street in front of their house, @mirrorindy.org has learned mirrorindy.org/city-county-...
Indy councilors use part of $1 million fund to pave their own street
Some councilors are using taxpayer dollars from a one-time fund to fix streets in their own neighborhoods.
mirrorindy.org
October 28, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Last year, each member of Indianapolis City-County Council got $1 million to spend on a park or road project.
Two of them are using their share to repave the street in front of their house, @mirrorindy.org has learned mirrorindy.org/city-county-...
Two of them are using their share to repave the street in front of their house, @mirrorindy.org has learned mirrorindy.org/city-county-...
The Irvington Community Council, which puts on the Irvington Halloween Festival, is asking Mayor Joe Hogsett not to attend this year's event, according to a letter obtained by Mirror Indy.
"At best, it would be a distraction; at worst, it would be re-traumatizing for members of our community"
"At best, it would be a distraction; at worst, it would be re-traumatizing for members of our community"
October 22, 2025 at 8:39 PM
The Irvington Community Council, which puts on the Irvington Halloween Festival, is asking Mayor Joe Hogsett not to attend this year's event, according to a letter obtained by Mirror Indy.
"At best, it would be a distraction; at worst, it would be re-traumatizing for members of our community"
"At best, it would be a distraction; at worst, it would be re-traumatizing for members of our community"
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
What do the city-county councilors think about Mayor Joe Hogsett ignoring conflicts of interests involving millions of dollars in city incentives?
Many ignored requests for comment, some want more info and others want changes to city policy: https://bit.ly/46ShNlv
Many ignored requests for comment, some want more info and others want changes to city policy: https://bit.ly/46ShNlv
Indy councilors troubled by deals tied to Hogsett aide’s secret relationship
Most councilors did not respond to reporters, but a few said they are concerned.
bit.ly
October 15, 2025 at 9:24 PM
What do the city-county councilors think about Mayor Joe Hogsett ignoring conflicts of interests involving millions of dollars in city incentives?
Many ignored requests for comment, some want more info and others want changes to city policy: https://bit.ly/46ShNlv
Many ignored requests for comment, some want more info and others want changes to city policy: https://bit.ly/46ShNlv
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
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
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.
bit.ly
October 13, 2025 at 12:04 PM
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
A Mirror Indy/IndyStar investigation finds that the mayor ignored conflicts of interest involving millions of dollars in city incentives. https://bit.ly/3L8OOBe
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Elanco Animal Health opened its $200 million headquarters on the west side.
Residents living near the site wonder if they will benefit from all the progress they can see from their front porch: https://bit.ly/46Bk844
Residents living near the site wonder if they will benefit from all the progress they can see from their front porch: https://bit.ly/46Bk844
Residents hope new Elanco HQ doesn’t leave neighborhood behind
Elanco Animal Health had a grand opening for its new westside headquarters Oct. 1, but neighbors hope they’re not left behind.
bit.ly
October 2, 2025 at 11:20 PM
Elanco Animal Health opened its $200 million headquarters on the west side.
Residents living near the site wonder if they will benefit from all the progress they can see from their front porch: https://bit.ly/46Bk844
Residents living near the site wonder if they will benefit from all the progress they can see from their front porch: https://bit.ly/46Bk844
Google’s decision to withdraw its application for a $1 billion data center represents an early defeat for Mayor Joe Hogsett’s new economic development organization.
Reporting w/ Elizabeth Gabriel @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/google-data-...
Reporting w/ Elizabeth Gabriel @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/google-data-...
Data center is first test for Hogsett’s new economic development organization
Indy residents and councilors have been pushing back.
mirrorindy.org
September 29, 2025 at 1:34 PM
Google’s decision to withdraw its application for a $1 billion data center represents an early defeat for Mayor Joe Hogsett’s new economic development organization.
Reporting w/ Elizabeth Gabriel @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/google-data-...
Reporting w/ Elizabeth Gabriel @mirrorindy.org mirrorindy.org/google-data-...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
After initially proposing a $100,000 budget cut to Indy’s immigrant legal services fund, Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration decided to restore the funding.
Mirror Indy’s @mcmolloy.bsky.social first reported the proposed budget cut in August: https://bit.ly/4pEfcmB
Mirror Indy’s @mcmolloy.bsky.social first reported the proposed budget cut in August: https://bit.ly/4pEfcmB
Funding cut to Indy’s immigrant legal defense fund is reversed
Plus: Despite ICE concerns, the sheriff’s budget also passed out of committee.
bit.ly
September 26, 2025 at 8:05 PM
After initially proposing a $100,000 budget cut to Indy’s immigrant legal services fund, Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration decided to restore the funding.
Mirror Indy’s @mcmolloy.bsky.social first reported the proposed budget cut in August: https://bit.ly/4pEfcmB
Mirror Indy’s @mcmolloy.bsky.social first reported the proposed budget cut in August: https://bit.ly/4pEfcmB
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests.
These folks have been a regular presence at council meetings for more than a year.
by @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps / @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/forests-for-...
These folks have been a regular presence at council meetings for more than a year.
by @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps / @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/forests-for-...
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests
The group is asking for $3 million to be included in the city’s 2026 budget for urban forest acquisition.
mirrorindy.org
September 24, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Forests for Indy asks city to acquire urban forests.
These folks have been a regular presence at council meetings for more than a year.
by @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps / @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/forests-for-...
These folks have been a regular presence at council meetings for more than a year.
by @peterblanchard.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps / @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/forests-for-...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Councilors in Lawrence are calling out Mayor Deb Whitfield’s administration over concerns that the 2026 budget process has not been transparent.
They’re also concerned they won’t have enough time to review it. Plus, the financial advisor helping them has backed out. https://bit.ly/4mzQYXM
They’re also concerned they won’t have enough time to review it. Plus, the financial advisor helping them has backed out. https://bit.ly/4mzQYXM
The Lawrence mayor and councilors are arguing over the budget again
The conflict has grown so much that a financial advisor backed out.
bit.ly
September 24, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Councilors in Lawrence are calling out Mayor Deb Whitfield’s administration over concerns that the 2026 budget process has not been transparent.
They’re also concerned they won’t have enough time to review it. Plus, the financial advisor helping them has backed out. https://bit.ly/4mzQYXM
They’re also concerned they won’t have enough time to review it. Plus, the financial advisor helping them has backed out. https://bit.ly/4mzQYXM
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
We are thrilled to celebrate the transition of our friend and colleague, Ryan Martin, to the role of executive editor at the IndyStar.
Ryan has been instrumental in helping bring the creation of Mirror Indy from concept to reality.
We are grateful for his service and wish him well.
Ryan has been instrumental in helping bring the creation of Mirror Indy from concept to reality.
We are grateful for his service and wish him well.
September 17, 2025 at 7:07 PM
We are thrilled to celebrate the transition of our friend and colleague, Ryan Martin, to the role of executive editor at the IndyStar.
Ryan has been instrumental in helping bring the creation of Mirror Indy from concept to reality.
We are grateful for his service and wish him well.
Ryan has been instrumental in helping bring the creation of Mirror Indy from concept to reality.
We are grateful for his service and wish him well.
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Sheriff Kerry Forestal was met with protesters at the budget meeting earlier this week who are upset at his office for housing ICE detainees in the jail.
They even brought spines because they say don’t know if he’ll stand up for the community. Catch up on what happened: https://bit.ly/47oG5Em
They even brought spines because they say don’t know if he’ll stand up for the community. Catch up on what happened: https://bit.ly/47oG5Em
September 5, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Sheriff Kerry Forestal was met with protesters at the budget meeting earlier this week who are upset at his office for housing ICE detainees in the jail.
They even brought spines because they say don’t know if he’ll stand up for the community. Catch up on what happened: https://bit.ly/47oG5Em
They even brought spines because they say don’t know if he’ll stand up for the community. Catch up on what happened: https://bit.ly/47oG5Em
For years, city employees and political volunteers would not speak negatively about working for Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Now, a collection of current and former employees are speaking out about what they say is a toxic work culture in the administration mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Now, a collection of current and former employees are speaking out about what they say is a toxic work culture in the administration mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Workers describe ‘toxic’ culture in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s city hall
The harassment allegations engulfing the Indianapolis mayor’s administration stem from a toxic work environment, several former employees said.
mirrorindy.org
September 4, 2025 at 2:31 PM
For years, city employees and political volunteers would not speak negatively about working for Mayor Joe Hogsett.
Now, a collection of current and former employees are speaking out about what they say is a toxic work culture in the administration mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Now, a collection of current and former employees are speaking out about what they say is a toxic work culture in the administration mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
The hardest thing about the past few weeks was not being able to tell every single person I spoke to about my new position as the Women & Girls Reporter for Free Press Indiana. But now I can 😊
Thrilled to be welcoming @smashfizzle.bsky.social to Free Press Indiana!
localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io/index.php?ac...
localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io/index.php?ac...
Meet Indiana’s new women and girls reporter
Ashley Ford joins Free...
localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io
September 3, 2025 at 1:32 PM
The hardest thing about the past few weeks was not being able to tell every single person I spoke to about my new position as the Women & Girls Reporter for Free Press Indiana. But now I can 😊
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
lmao because of course she didn’t just refuse the cash SHE REFUSED THE CHIPS
A former top City Hall advisor and current campaign confidante to Mayor Eric Adams attempted to give money to a reporter from THE CITY following a campaign event in Harlem Wednesday.
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
www.thecity.nyc/2025/08/20/w...
Eric Adams Advisor Winnie Greco Handed a CITY Reporter Cash Stuffed in a Bag of Potato Chips
THE CITY reported the incident to law enforcement and was promptly contacted by the Brooklyn U.S. attorney’s office.
www.thecity.nyc
August 21, 2025 at 12:29 AM
lmao because of course she didn’t just refuse the cash SHE REFUSED THE CHIPS
Indy DPW is scrapping some bike lanes that were slated for the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood after residents complained about the loss of vehicle parking.
“These are not the actions of a city that is serious about Vision Zero” - @indypedcrisis.info
mirrorindy.org/bike-lanes-w...
“These are not the actions of a city that is serious about Vision Zero” - @indypedcrisis.info
mirrorindy.org/bike-lanes-w...
Some planned bike lanes in Mapleton-Fall Creek scrapped over parking concerns
Some parts of the original plan, including two-way bike lanes, will still go forward.
mirrorindy.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Indy DPW is scrapping some bike lanes that were slated for the Mapleton-Fall Creek neighborhood after residents complained about the loss of vehicle parking.
“These are not the actions of a city that is serious about Vision Zero” - @indypedcrisis.info
mirrorindy.org/bike-lanes-w...
“These are not the actions of a city that is serious about Vision Zero” - @indypedcrisis.info
mirrorindy.org/bike-lanes-w...
I asked IMPD Chris Bailey whether he thinks ICE's generous salaries and sign-on bonuses could affect his recruitment efforts.
"It’s a concern when you throw that kind of money out there that you could take potential applicants from local police departments"
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
"It’s a concern when you throw that kind of money out there that you could take potential applicants from local police departments"
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indianapolis police chief talks curfew, ICE and staffing
IMPD Chief Chris Bailey says downtown is safe and violence is trending downward.
mirrorindy.org
August 13, 2025 at 4:26 PM
I asked IMPD Chris Bailey whether he thinks ICE's generous salaries and sign-on bonuses could affect his recruitment efforts.
"It’s a concern when you throw that kind of money out there that you could take potential applicants from local police departments"
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
"It’s a concern when you throw that kind of money out there that you could take potential applicants from local police departments"
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Some highlights from Mayor Joe Hogsett's 2026 proposed budget:
- $1.7B budget (3.5% increase over last year)
- no new tax increases
- 4% cuts across agencies depts (except DPW, police, fire, sheriff)
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
- $1.7B budget (3.5% increase over last year)
- no new tax increases
- 4% cuts across agencies depts (except DPW, police, fire, sheriff)
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Highlights from Mayor Hogsett’s $1.7B Indy budget proposal
The mayor did not seek a tax increase as most departments faced modest cuts.
mirrorindy.org
August 12, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Some highlights from Mayor Joe Hogsett's 2026 proposed budget:
- $1.7B budget (3.5% increase over last year)
- no new tax increases
- 4% cuts across agencies depts (except DPW, police, fire, sheriff)
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
- $1.7B budget (3.5% increase over last year)
- no new tax increases
- 4% cuts across agencies depts (except DPW, police, fire, sheriff)
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
After nearly 18 months of construction, the conversion of New York and Michigan streets to two-way traffic is complete.
The conversion is intended to make the streets safer for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians; and increase foot traffic and visibility for businesses mirrorindy.org/new-york-mic...
The conversion is intended to make the streets safer for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians; and increase foot traffic and visibility for businesses mirrorindy.org/new-york-mic...
Construction is complete: New York, Michigan streets set for two-way traffic
City leaders say the changes will improve safety and increase foot traffic for eastside businesses.
mirrorindy.org
August 11, 2025 at 9:16 PM
After nearly 18 months of construction, the conversion of New York and Michigan streets to two-way traffic is complete.
The conversion is intended to make the streets safer for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians; and increase foot traffic and visibility for businesses mirrorindy.org/new-york-mic...
The conversion is intended to make the streets safer for cyclists, drivers and pedestrians; and increase foot traffic and visibility for businesses mirrorindy.org/new-york-mic...
Happening now: People are gathered at the Indiana Statehouse to protest Republican leaders who want to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts.
Vice President JD Vance expected to meet with Gov. Mike Braun, Senate President Rod Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston later today
Vice President JD Vance expected to meet with Gov. Mike Braun, Senate President Rod Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston later today
August 7, 2025 at 1:42 PM
Happening now: People are gathered at the Indiana Statehouse to protest Republican leaders who want to redraw Indiana’s congressional districts.
Vice President JD Vance expected to meet with Gov. Mike Braun, Senate President Rod Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston later today
Vice President JD Vance expected to meet with Gov. Mike Braun, Senate President Rod Bray and House Speaker Todd Huston later today
Last year, all 25 members of Indianapolis City-County Council got $1 million to spend on a project of their choice.
So how did they spend it? I got the answers mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
So how did they spend it? I got the answers mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy councilors got $1 million in the last budget. How are they spending it?
As Indy approaches the next budget, we looked back at the parks and streets projects funded last year.
mirrorindy.org
August 6, 2025 at 4:36 PM
Last year, all 25 members of Indianapolis City-County Council got $1 million to spend on a project of their choice.
So how did they spend it? I got the answers mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
So how did they spend it? I got the answers mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
A new law targeting county prosecutors doesn’t mention Ryan Mears by name, but he is at least partly the inspiration behind it.
Indiana lawmakers passed a bill this year to form a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to file charges for certain crimes mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
Indiana lawmakers passed a bill this year to form a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to file charges for certain crimes mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
How a new Indiana law about ‘noncompliant prosecutors’ could affect Indy
Marion County’s Democratic prosecutor has long been a Republican target.
mirrorindy.org
July 15, 2025 at 1:56 PM
A new law targeting county prosecutors doesn’t mention Ryan Mears by name, but he is at least partly the inspiration behind it.
Indiana lawmakers passed a bill this year to form a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to file charges for certain crimes mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
Indiana lawmakers passed a bill this year to form a review board to investigate prosecutors who refuse to file charges for certain crimes mirrorindy.org/marion-count...
A Democrat on Indianapolis City-County Council is facing allegations of physical and sexual assault, but it’s unclear if the accusations will affect Keith Graves’ role on council or in the party mirrorindy.org/keith-graves...
Indy councilor faces allegations of physical and sexual assault
Keith Graves, an eastside Democrat, says the accusations against him are false.
mirrorindy.org
July 11, 2025 at 1:26 PM
A Democrat on Indianapolis City-County Council is facing allegations of physical and sexual assault, but it’s unclear if the accusations will affect Keith Graves’ role on council or in the party mirrorindy.org/keith-graves...