Peter Blanchard

2 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Tyler Fenwick |Peter Blanchard

Mayor Joe Hogsett’s office canceled a press conference June 10, a day after he and the City-County Council faced fresh criticism for their handling of sexual harassment allegations and an ensuing investigation. The press conference announcing a homelessness initiative was supposed to be Hogsett’s first public appearance since IndyStar reported on late-night text messages the mayor sent to two women who have accused his former chief of staff, Thomas Cook, of sexual harassment.

3 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Peter Blanchard

In an interview with Fox59 this week, Mayor Joe Hogsett claimed that former chief of staff Thomas Cook “was not in contact with anyone who was directly involved” with his 2023 re-election campaign. But six people with knowledge of the campaign’s operations told Mirror Indy that the mayor’s comments are untrue. And five of them went so far as to describe Cook as an integral player in the mayor’s re-election efforts.

3 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Peter Blanchard

Kids in Indy can learn the fundamentals of soccer at two upcoming clinics. The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office is hosting the free day camps Thursday, June 5, at Northwestway Park, 5253 W. 62nd St.For youth ages 8-9, the clinic will run from 10 a.m. to noon. For children ages 10-12, the clinic will run from 1-3 p.m.This is the third year the prosecutor’s office has hosted the clinics. The event is free but space is limited, and registration is required.

3 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Peter Blanchard

Another prominent Indianapolis Democrat is calling on Mayor Joe Hogsett to resign. Councilor Andy Nielsen, who represents parts of the east side, says the Democratic mayor needs to step down over his handling of sexual harassment allegations against his former chief of staff, Thomas Cook. “I believe that our community’s collective character is stronger than this — and that accountability starts with a change in leadership. Mayor Joe Hogsett must resign,” Nielsen wrote in a June 2 statement.

4 weeks ago | mirrorindy.org | Peter Blanchard

Sixty-eight days. That’s how long Thomas Cook, former chief of staff to Mayor Joe Hogsett, was allowed to remain in city government after he was asked to resign due to a relationship with a subordinate. That’s one of the findings in a 54-page investigative report released May 29 by Ohio-based Fisher Phillips. The firm was hired by the City-County Council to investigate allegations made by three women who worked with Cook.