Peter Blanchard
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
Local gov't reporter at Mirror Indy | 📧:[email protected] | 📲 317-605-4836 | https://mirrorindy.org/author/peter-blanchard/
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Westfield, where the median income is more that 2x Warren Township’s, got a new YMCA. Meanwhile, Ransburg is closing, shortly after the closure of the Athenaeum.
We sought answers from Y leaders. They declined to provide them.
Here’s what we asked:
mirrorindy.org/ransburg-ymc...
We sought answers from Y leaders. They declined to provide them.
Here’s what we asked:
mirrorindy.org/ransburg-ymc...
Westfield just got a new YMCA. So why is Ransburg closing?
We sent the YMCA questions about finances. The organization didn’t answer them.
mirrorindy.org
February 12, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Westfield, where the median income is more that 2x Warren Township’s, got a new YMCA. Meanwhile, Ransburg is closing, shortly after the closure of the Athenaeum.
We sought answers from Y leaders. They declined to provide them.
Here’s what we asked:
mirrorindy.org/ransburg-ymc...
We sought answers from Y leaders. They declined to provide them.
Here’s what we asked:
mirrorindy.org/ransburg-ymc...
City-county councilors could lose the ability to handpick projects that benefit their districts after a state lawmaker criticized the process. It comes after I reported last year that some councilors used taxpayer dollars to fix roads in front of their homes mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
State could close ‘loophole’ that lets councilors pick projects
The practice is under scrutiny after reporting from Mirror Indy.
mirrorindy.org
February 12, 2026 at 3:13 PM
City-county councilors could lose the ability to handpick projects that benefit their districts after a state lawmaker criticized the process. It comes after I reported last year that some councilors used taxpayer dollars to fix roads in front of their homes mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
This is beautiful journalism. The mayor of Indianapolis failed on his promise to deliver a "one-stop shop" for public records such as ethics filings, campaign finance reports and city contracts. So journalists with IndyStar and @mirrorindy.org built their own.
A link is in comments. Just wow.
A link is in comments. Just wow.
January 29, 2026 at 4:36 PM
This is beautiful journalism. The mayor of Indianapolis failed on his promise to deliver a "one-stop shop" for public records such as ethics filings, campaign finance reports and city contracts. So journalists with IndyStar and @mirrorindy.org built their own.
A link is in comments. Just wow.
A link is in comments. Just wow.
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
We made a one-stop shop for city transparency after the Hogsett administration failed to.
While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports.
Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website.
Updates to ours coming shortly.
mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports.
Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website.
Updates to ours coming shortly.
mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
Hogsett hasn’t delivered a ‘Disclose Indy’ ethics portal. So we built one.
We also obtained records not previously made public as promised.
mirrorindy.org
January 29, 2026 at 6:37 PM
We made a one-stop shop for city transparency after the Hogsett administration failed to.
While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports.
Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website.
Updates to ours coming shortly.
mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports.
Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website.
Updates to ours coming shortly.
mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
We've compiled our Mr. Clean series with our previous investigations into the Hogsett administration. You can read it all here:
mirrorindy.org/mr-clean/
mirrorindy.org/mr-clean/
Mr. Clean
Mirror Indy investigates ethical concerns within Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration.
mirrorindy.org
January 27, 2026 at 7:08 PM
We've compiled our Mr. Clean series with our previous investigations into the Hogsett administration. You can read it all here:
mirrorindy.org/mr-clean/
mirrorindy.org/mr-clean/
"There is a wealth of knowledge, ideas and passion in public service. But a maze of self-instituted processes and an engrained culture of deflection has led to an inability to make simple, incremental improvements for the betterment of our city" www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
Vision Zero? Indy residents forced to fix streets ourselves. | Opinion
People are dying on Indianapolis streets while DPW drowns in analysis paralysis.
www.indystar.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:45 PM
"There is a wealth of knowledge, ideas and passion in public service. But a maze of self-instituted processes and an engrained culture of deflection has led to an inability to make simple, incremental improvements for the betterment of our city" www.indystar.com/story/opinio...
Have you thought about how you can get involved in local politics, but aren't sure where to start? Have you ever, like me, wondered what a precinct committee member is?
I put together a guide for Mirror Indy on how to get started mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
I put together a guide for Mirror Indy on how to get started mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
How to get involved in local politics this year
It may be easier than you think to get civically engaged.
mirrorindy.org
January 22, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Have you thought about how you can get involved in local politics, but aren't sure where to start? Have you ever, like me, wondered what a precinct committee member is?
I put together a guide for Mirror Indy on how to get started mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
I put together a guide for Mirror Indy on how to get started mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
There are so many ways you can get involved in the political process.
@peterblanchard.bsky.social lays out what's coming this year.
Deadline to file is Feb. 6.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
@peterblanchard.bsky.social lays out what's coming this year.
Deadline to file is Feb. 6.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
How to get involved in local politics this year
It may be easier than you think to get civically engaged.
mirrorindy.org
January 21, 2026 at 10:17 PM
There are so many ways you can get involved in the political process.
@peterblanchard.bsky.social lays out what's coming this year.
Deadline to file is Feb. 6.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
@peterblanchard.bsky.social lays out what's coming this year.
Deadline to file is Feb. 6.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Reposted by Peter Blanchard
Vop Osili is running for mayor of Indianapolis.
He has effectively fired the first shot in what is expected to be a highly contested and expensive Democratic primary election.
Osili will have a head start in fundraising, having reported over $300,000 in cash on hand at the beginning of 2025.
He has effectively fired the first shot in what is expected to be a highly contested and expensive Democratic primary election.
Osili will have a head start in fundraising, having reported over $300,000 in cash on hand at the beginning of 2025.
January 15, 2026 at 10:20 AM
Vop Osili is running for mayor of Indianapolis.
He has effectively fired the first shot in what is expected to be a highly contested and expensive Democratic primary election.
Osili will have a head start in fundraising, having reported over $300,000 in cash on hand at the beginning of 2025.
He has effectively fired the first shot in what is expected to be a highly contested and expensive Democratic primary election.
Osili will have a head start in fundraising, having reported over $300,000 in cash on hand at the beginning of 2025.
A barista at my local Starbucks is wearing an Amelia's Bakery hat and I am here for it
January 14, 2026 at 3:21 PM
A barista at my local Starbucks is wearing an Amelia's Bakery hat and I am here for it
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