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Jeff Brown

@documenterjeff.bsky.social
31 followers 61 following 615 posts

Newsgathering for Indianapolis Documenters. indianapolis-in.documenters.org

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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Check out Free Press Indiana's coverage of a Tolkien-inspired village near Connersville. The village's web site notes the village is available for booking overnight rentals and events, but next weekend's festival appears to be a rare two-day opportunity to visit unscheduled. www.rackshire.com
rackshire.com
Welcome to the Shire Experience
Welcome to the Rackshire Experience, a hand-built replica of the movies inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien. This hole-in-the Hill town is located just outside of Connersville, Indiana, USA.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Today marks the deadline for DHS and ICE to respond to Congressman André Carson's congressional inquiry. It notes: "I further request that DHS and ICE provide a written response and all records related to this request no later than September 9, 2026." carson.house.gov/media/press-...
carson.house.gov
Congressman Carson Launches Official Congressional Inquiry into Increased ICE Indianapolis Activity
INDIANAPOLIS—Today, amid reports of a surge in ICE arrests across Indianapolis, Congressman André Carson (IN-07) submitted an official Congressional inquiry to the Department of Homeland Security.Cong...
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
The agenda for Friday's meeting of the Capital Improvement Board of Managers of Marion County lists a report "Signia Hotel and Podium" under its agenda item "Update on current construction projects". www.capitalimprovementboard.org/wp-content/u... www.hilton.com/en/hotels/in...
hilton.com
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
A report from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression lists IU among the worst universities in the country for free speech, according to an article on the Indiana Daily Student's web site. (The IDS Bluesky account @idsnews.bsky.social seems inactive.) www.idsnews.com/article/2026...
idsnews.com
IU ranked 6th-worst university in country for free speech in FIRE report
IU was ranked 256 out of 261 schools in FIRE’s 2027 College Free Speech Rankings.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
This story notes the gravedigger mentioned is also a Guinness World Records holder. Did he come out of retirement for this story? A photo shows him scraping a headstone Aug. 20 this year. Could this story be used to extend his record further? www.guinnessworldrecords.com/news/2026/3/...
guinnessworldrecords.com
World's longest-serving grave digger finally retires after 73 years in job he treasured
The world’s longest-serving grave digger Allen McCloskey (USA) has finally retired after 73 years.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Student press censorship issues are active in Indiana. IU Media School this week named a permanent replacement for student media director Jim Rodenbush, who was let go October 2025 allegedly for refusing to comply with administrator requests. www.idsnews.com/article/2026...
idsnews.com
Former IDS editor-in-chief Charlie Scudder hired as new student media director
Scudder will begin his role as student media director in December.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
More student press news from the Student Press Law Center @splc.org (not to be confused with another SPLC, Southern Poverty Law Center @splcenter.org)
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Censorship issues are a timeless bane of student press. The Guardian's recent article detailing recent challenges is good reading for anyone interested in newsgathering. www.theguardian.com/law/ng-inter...
theguardian.com
Even high school reporters are facing censorship now
As teenage journalists deal with threats to their school newspapers, they’re calling in attorneys for back up
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 04/09/2026
Get free food and resources at an event Sept. 8 on Indy's west side. Attend a panel on housing and food assistance at Wayne Township Government Center from 2-3:30 p.m, then get free groceries next door from 4-6 p.m. No ID or registration is needed:https://bit.ly/4qQ1Jc8
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
On September 1, more hospitals in Indiana face increased compliance with a bill passed last year. Check out the NPR story further below for explanation, or the portal for the original legislation history: iga.in.gov/legislative/...
iga.in.gov
Indiana General Assembly
Website for Indiana's General Assembly
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Good info from Bluesky @bsky.app on new video limits. I'd recently posted videos while live reporting for Documenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social and Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org - but without knowing limits on video length and file size. Been meaning to look this up, now here it is.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Update: As of today, @poweroutage.us is showing 688 outages in Lake County, Indiana, all NIPSCO territory. poweroutage.us/area/county/...
poweroutage.us
Lake County Power Outages
PowerOutage.us tracks and aggregates power outages across Lake County, Indiana. View real-time outage data and provider information.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Don't worry about possible pro-feline reporting bias, pooch people. Mirror Indy's article not only includes yet another Internet cat picture, but also includes a photo of a puppy at another mechanic. Check it out, you've clicked far less reputable places for worse reasons.
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 20/08/2026
You can apply for emergency assistance if you were impacted by the flood. See how you can apply for up to $5,000 in assistance from Indiana’s State Disaster Relief Fund and how to get refunds for damaged food. bit.ly/4wCQEwo
bit.ly
How to apply for Indiana’s emergency flood assistance, SNAP refunds
The state is offering up to $5,000 in funding for displaced families.
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Free Press Indiana News @fpinews.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Experts say people who oversee flooded gardens or fields need to know about the possible risks posed by contaminated water and how to take action. Here are tips on what you should consider when harvesting crops that have been under floodwaters:https://bit.ly/4zybAri
bit.ly
What precautions you should take if your garden flooded
Floodwaters may contain contaminants ranging from pesticides to E. coli, so veggies may not be safe to eat.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
Hello! This evening I will be posting live for today's meeting of the Administration and Finance Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council for #indydocumenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social #mirrorindy @mirrorindy.org
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Hello! This evening I will be posting live for today's meeting of the Metropolitan and Economic Development Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council for #indydocumenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social #mirrorindy @mirrorindy.org
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 17/08/2026
Found a lost pet? A free 24/7 microchip scanner is available outside the FACE Low-Cost Animal Clinic thanks to two local Girl Scouts. The scanner gives yout the ID number on the microchip which can be used to find the owner.https://bit.ly/4xbNW2g
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
mirrorindy.org/indiana-hist...
mirrorindy.org
9 tips for Indiana residents facing historic floods
How to find shelters, report damage and return home.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
Residents who remain in a are using a boat to get around their neighborhood east of Keystone Avenue and 80th Street.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
A row of trees and a speed limit sign separates the flooded River Road and the river.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
River Road behind Late Harvest Kitchen has become one with the river.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
At Keystone at the Crossing, east of River Crossing Boulevard, River Road is closed due to flooding.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Flooding has eliminated boundaries between a nearby body of water as officials have blocked access to some of the apartment buildings.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Residents along Stonebridge Drive are unable to get vehicles out as flooding blocks the only roadways out. A resident did say foot traffic out was possible through nearby property.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
A bridge in River Road apartment complex is out.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The closure of River Road extends northward to the corner of Brandt Road and River Ridge Drive.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
The 9000 block of North River Road is still flooded, blocking the entrance to office complexes. The flooding affects The Landings office complex to the south, and the entrance to the complex to the north is closed along Delegates Row between River Road and Priority Way.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Congratulations to @indydocumenters and @mirrorindy.org for reaching fundraising goals. For anyone still interested, it's not too late to support community-centered reporting by making a sustaining gift to Free Press Indiana. www.freepressindiana.org/donate
freepressindiana.org
Donate | Free Press Indiana
Free Press Indiana is on a mission to provide local news for Indiana that is anchored in and reflective of the needs of the communities they serve.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Storms this week were worse in other parts of the state. Today Gov. Braun signed a statewide disaster emergency order and mobilized the Indiana National Guard, per press release including links to resources. Executive Order: www.in.gov/gov/files/EO... Press Release: events.in.gov/event/gov-br...
in.gov
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
WAVE news of Louisville is reporting that the camp removal is to be postponed. www.wave3.com/2026/08/13/d... The web site of the nonprofit mentioned appears to be: www.jesuscaresatexit0.org ... although I'm not seeing similar info from WAVE yet posted to the non-profit site.
wave3.com
Deadline for Jeffersonville homeless camp clear-out postponed, nonprofit director says
The head of a southern Indiana nonprofit said the clearing of a Jeffersonville homeless camp has been postponed.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Years ago I read Vonnegut's "Cat's Cradle". Without giving away any spoilers (I think?), the following Wikipedia page has some excerpts that showcase his brilliant Hoosier satire. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Granfal...
en.wikipedia.org
Granfalloon - Wikipedia
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
When I attend meetings as a documenter, it's common for people to ask what documenters do. I tell them we are simply their friends and neighbors attending public meetings to let others know what's going on. I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute to our community-driven news bureau.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Real-time power outage info has generally become more available to the public as utilities have put more data online. But varied reporting methods and overlapping service areas remain challenging. Enter @poweroutage.us - here on BlueSky and spelling out their mission on poweroutage.us/mission
poweroutage.us
PowerOutage.us - Our Mission
Learn more about PowerOutage.us and our commitment to providing the most comprehensive power outage intelligence platform in the world.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
After storms passed through Indianapolis on Tuesday, large sections along the southern side of East Washington Street were without power, including the lights at Washington Street and Mitthoefer Road, the shopping plaza immediately southwest, and the Walmart plaza further east.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
Hello! This evening I will be posting live for today's meeting of Administration and Finance Committee of the Indianapolis City-County Council for #indydocumenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social #mirrorindy @mirrorindy.org
Rows of the committee room are beginning to fill just before the beginning of the meeting.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Traffic near the state fairgrounds wasn't overly disrupted during tonight's commute on the opening day of the state fair. Scenes such as this one from the southeast corner of 38th and Fall Creek were representative of periodic congestion that cleared along with regularly changing traffic signals.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
This quiz has a lot of interesting facts about Indianapolis history. I got the bonus question correct. But the rest... I knew none of them, and my best guesses earned me 2 out of 10. But no sorrow - I learned something on every question, right? Thanks to Mirror Indy for the fun information!
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Free Press Indiana News @fpinews.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Indiana companies paid $3.3 billion in tariffs before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against them. Refunds are coming but smaller businesses say the process is hard to navigate:https://bit.ly/45KGJd9
bit.ly
Tariff refunds arrive for some Indiana companies
But smaller companies are struggling to get their share of the $3.3B Indiana businesses paid.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Hello! This evening I will be posting live for today's meeting of Old Speedway City Neighborhood Association for #indydocumenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social #mirrorindy @mirrorindy.org
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
indianapolisrecorder.com/indianapolis...
indianapolisrecorder.com
Indianapolis Recorder launches paid JAWS Fellowship to connect Indianapolis students to career pathways in media - Indianapolis Recorder
Revived program builds on legacy, brings together community partners to create new career pathways for students INDIANAPOLIS (July 30, 2026) — The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper today announced the l...
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 28/07/2026
An unusual political situation is playing out in Indy over $56 million in tax breaks for a proposed data center. A top city official disagrees with the tax break while a development group created by Mayor Joe Hogsett recommends it. bit.ly/4x0qmEW
bit.ly
City leaders spar over $56M in tax breaks for data center
In a surprise move, a member of Hogsett’s cabinet spoke against the tax breaks.
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Free Press Indiana News @fpinews.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Hamilton County's coroner replaced white sheets with handmade quilts after watching parents identify a child on a morgue table. For one grieving mother, that quilt is one of the few things she remembers about identifying her son:https://bit.ly/44N7nBP
bit.ly
Why an Indiana coroner replaced white sheets with handmade quilts
Program started after coroner questioned how the office could treat families better.
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Indy Documenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Each week, dozens of meetings are held across the city in which decisions are made that can directly affect you. Whether it's discussing petitions for proposed data centers, neighborhood updates or school district changes, Indy Documenters are there to take record of it all.
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
The network of Documenters is growing! bsky.app/profile/city...
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Have you signed up for The Lens from Free Press Indiana News? localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io/lt.php?x=4lZ...
localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io
BlueLena Marketing Platform -
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Welcome to the new Free Press Indiana News!!! bsky.app/profile/fpin...
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Hello! This morning I will be posting live for today's meetings of Health and Hospital Corporation Board Committees for #indydocumenters @indydocumenters.bsky.social #mirrorindy @mirrorindy.org
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Jeff Brown @documenterjeff.bsky.social · 06/06/2026
New on Citizens Energy Group web site: "Citizens Energy Group has issued a precautionary boil water advisory (PWSID# IN 5249004) for customers in an area on the northwest side of Indianapolis due to a main break near West 56th Street and Reed Road." info.citizensenergygroup.com/hubfs/List%2...
info.citizensenergygroup.com
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Reposted by Jeff Brown
Mirror Indy @mirrorindy.org · 03/06/2026
For our Half Birthday, help us unlock a $2,500 matching gift with 25 new monthly members. Donate here to support independent, local news: bit.ly/4uiMUPn
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