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/
Standing in front of Monument Circle with an “Abolish ICE” banner behind him, Johnny Hall called on Indianapolis leaders to loudly and publicly oppose the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown: “You do not get to sit on the fence" mirrorindy.org/ice-protest-...
Protesters demand Indy leaders take stronger stance against ICE
His comments come as protesters demand Indy leaders take a stronger position against ICE.
mirrorindy.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:59 PM
Standing in front of Monument Circle with an “Abolish ICE” banner behind him, Johnny Hall called on Indianapolis leaders to loudly and publicly oppose the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown: “You do not get to sit on the fence" mirrorindy.org/ice-protest-...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Mayor Joe Hogsett has named IMPD Police Chief Chris Bailey as his new chief of staff.
Bailey has led IMPD since January 2024: https://bit.ly/4pzS2fM
Bailey has led IMPD since January 2024: https://bit.ly/4pzS2fM
Hogsett taps Indy police chief as top adviser
Chris Bailey has led the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department since early 2024.
bit.ly
January 9, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Mayor Joe Hogsett has named IMPD Police Chief Chris Bailey as his new chief of staff.
Bailey has led IMPD since January 2024: https://bit.ly/4pzS2fM
Bailey has led IMPD since January 2024: https://bit.ly/4pzS2fM
Nearly 18 months since the city committed to eliminating traffic deaths by 2035, there are few concrete details on how the city will get to Vision Zero. Advocates say it’s possible — if Mayor Joe Hogsett and city-county councilors live up to their promises mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
Vision Zero is possible. Advocates say Indy lacks ‘political will.’
Supporters of the plan to eliminate traffic deaths worry leaders aren’t invested enough.
mirrorindy.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:59 PM
Nearly 18 months since the city committed to eliminating traffic deaths by 2035, there are few concrete details on how the city will get to Vision Zero. Advocates say it’s possible — if Mayor Joe Hogsett and city-county councilors live up to their promises mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
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
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.
bit.ly
December 22, 2025 at 8:46 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
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
Just call me "the reporter in a suit" from now on
December 11, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Just call me "the reporter in a suit" from now on
About 100 immigrants showed up to a naturalization ceremony at Union Station expecting to leave as a U.S. citizen.
But 38 of them left empty-handed.
The applicants were denied citizenship because they were from countries listed as “high risk” by the Trump administration.
But 38 of them left empty-handed.
The applicants were denied citizenship because they were from countries listed as “high risk” by the Trump administration.
Dozens of immigrants denied citizenship at naturalization ceremony
They were denied citizenship despite completing the naturalization process.
mirrorindy.org
December 11, 2025 at 2:08 PM
About 100 immigrants showed up to a naturalization ceremony at Union Station expecting to leave as a U.S. citizen.
But 38 of them left empty-handed.
The applicants were denied citizenship because they were from countries listed as “high risk” by the Trump administration.
But 38 of them left empty-handed.
The applicants were denied citizenship because they were from countries listed as “high risk” by the Trump administration.
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
The past few months have been difficult for a lot of people.
We wanted to give some tips on how to stretch the dollars you have to feed yourself and your family: https://bit.ly/3XNtmoF
We wanted to give some tips on how to stretch the dollars you have to feed yourself and your family: https://bit.ly/3XNtmoF
Coupons and beans: Stretch your dollars with these tips from Mirror staff
We’ve got recipes and some advice that helped us through tough times.
bit.ly
December 10, 2025 at 9:02 PM
The past few months have been difficult for a lot of people.
We wanted to give some tips on how to stretch the dollars you have to feed yourself and your family: https://bit.ly/3XNtmoF
We wanted to give some tips on how to stretch the dollars you have to feed yourself and your family: https://bit.ly/3XNtmoF
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
As Indiana lawmakers consider mid-decade redistricting, people continue to show up at the Statehouse. Most showed up to protest the bill. Fewer people showed up in support.
Here is what Brett Phelps saw through his lens: https://bit.ly/4rUQGPi
Here is what Brett Phelps saw through his lens: https://bit.ly/4rUQGPi
December 10, 2025 at 8:23 PM
As Indiana lawmakers consider mid-decade redistricting, people continue to show up at the Statehouse. Most showed up to protest the bill. Fewer people showed up in support.
Here is what Brett Phelps saw through his lens: https://bit.ly/4rUQGPi
Here is what Brett Phelps saw through his lens: https://bit.ly/4rUQGPi
City-County Council President Vop Osili has announced he won't seek reelection to his leadership post, fueling speculation that he will run for mayor in 2027.
December 9, 2025 at 8:02 PM
City-County Council President Vop Osili has announced he won't seek reelection to his leadership post, fueling speculation that he will run for mayor in 2027.
Eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2035, in one of the largest cities in the country, is no easy task. But a commission formed by the city to achieve that lofty goal just took a major step forward mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
Indy councilors adopt Vision Zero action plan
A task force released its plan for making Indy’s streets safer.
mirrorindy.org
December 3, 2025 at 6:53 PM
Eliminating traffic-related deaths and serious injuries by 2035, in one of the largest cities in the country, is no easy task. But a commission formed by the city to achieve that lofty goal just took a major step forward mirrorindy.org/vision-zero-...
Indiana House Republicans have released a draft congressional map for redistricting.
It would split Indianapolis into four different districts.
Indiana Democrats say the new maps “put Trump’s demands ahead of Hoosiers”
It would split Indianapolis into four different districts.
Indiana Democrats say the new maps “put Trump’s demands ahead of Hoosiers”
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Indiana House Republicans have released a draft congressional map for redistricting.
It would split Indianapolis into four different districts.
Indiana Democrats say the new maps “put Trump’s demands ahead of Hoosiers”
It would split Indianapolis into four different districts.
Indiana Democrats say the new maps “put Trump’s demands ahead of Hoosiers”
Some shots from the talented Doug McSchooler of the Safe Streets Protest at College Ave/Mass Ave intersection where pedestrian Brandon Breedlove was killed by a drunk driver in March 2024 #indianapolis #visionzero mirrorindy.org/photos-peopl...
November 25, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Some shots from the talented Doug McSchooler of the Safe Streets Protest at College Ave/Mass Ave intersection where pedestrian Brandon Breedlove was killed by a drunk driver in March 2024 #indianapolis #visionzero mirrorindy.org/photos-peopl...
"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.