November 15, 2023

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Today’s Forecast

39º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 8:06 a.m. | Sunset 5:33 p.m.

🐶 Who let the dogs out?

INDYtoday: INDY_Blue IV Butler bulldog_NOV23

Blue IV has served faithfully as Butler University’s bulldog mascot for just over four years. | Photo by @thebutlerblue

With trails, dog parks, and beautiful public spaces galore, Indianapolis is the perfect city for every dog to have its day. To honor our furever friends, we’ve taken the liberty of visualizing some local neighborhoods as different dog breeds.

Pembroke Welsh Corgi: Nora

Known for being strong, athletic, and perpetually agreeable, this active pup is a popular family dog — just like Nora is a popular family community. Situated right along the Monon Trail, you’d find this breed going for a jog and greeting every neighbor in sight.

Boxer: Near Westside

No dog works harder than the indefatigable Boxer. This loyal pup would feel right at home in Near Westside, hustling to support their family and taking their lunch breaks at Working Man’s Friend.

English Bulldog: Butler-Tarkington

Blame this pick on Butler University. The lovably obstinate breed has served as its figurehead since 1919, when a bulldog wandered into the school newspaper’s office and inspired the cartoonist to propose a new university mascot. Pro tip: Fans can make requests for current pup Blue IV to appear at large local events, or can even ask him for a postcard.

Cockapoo: Chatham-Arch

Of course the original “designer dog” resembles Chatham-Arch. Half poodle and half Cocker Spaniel, this pooch is all class, all the time + is always ready for a sassy stroll along Mass Avenue or a refined bowl of chow at BODHI.

Disagree with our dogs? Have pooch picks of your own? Let us know.

Events

Thursday, Nov. 16

52nd Annual Holiday Mart | Thursday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov. 19 | Times vary | Indiana State Fairgrounds Blue Ribbon Pavilion, 1202 E. 38th St., Indianapolis | $12-$65 | Enjoy this unique shopping experience with small business merchants selling clothing, jewelry, handbags, food, and art.
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat | Thursday, Nov. 16-Sunday, Nov. 19 | 8 p.m. | Beef & Boards Dinner Theatre, 9301 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $52-$79 | Watch the Broadway sensation on stage while enjoying a gourmet dinner.

Friday, Nov. 17

Community Impact Event | Friday, Nov. 17 | 9-11 a.m. | Mercy Road Northwest, 9511 Angola Ct., Carmel | Free | Join Indianapolis leaders to learn how you can help make a difference in the lives of people in our community.

Saturday, Nov. 18

Kids’ DIY-U Workshop | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Lowe’s Home Improvement, 8440 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | Free | Join this festive kids workshop where little ones can create a memorable table decoration that you’ll be thankful to have.
Circle City Irish Fest | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 2-10 p.m. | Noblesville Firefighters’ Union Hall, 399 S. 14th St., Noblesville | $15 | Don your best Irish garb for this festival featuring live entertainment, food and drink, and games for the whole family.

Sunday, Nov. 19

Indiana Pacers vs. Orlando Magic | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 5 p.m. | Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St., Indianapolis | $11+ | Watch the Pacers take on the Orlando Magic in an exciting home game.

Thursday, Nov. 23

Winterlights | Thursday, Nov. 23-Sunday, Jan. 7 | 11 a.m. | Newfields, 4000 Michigan Rd., Indianapolis | $15-$24 | It’s merry, it’s bright, it’s Winterlights, presented by Bank of America, featuring music, laughter, and two million sparkling lights in The Garden at Newfields.*

Events calendar here

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Seasonal

Your guide to Winter WANDERland in Downtown Indy

Wherever you wander in Downtown Indy, you’ll find festive delights. | Photo provided by Downtown Indy

It’s time to layer up and wander downtown for all the festive fun that Downtown Indy has to offer this holiday season.

Here are five holiday happenings we’re not missing this year:

Attending the 61st annual Downtown Indy, Inc. Circle of Lights®, presented by IBEW 481, on Friday, November 24 at 6 p.m. (And showing your festive spirit + entering to win a spot in the Holiday Hype Zone.)
Gathering decor inspo from the community-favorite Festival of Trees at the Indiana Historical Society
Planning an igloo happy hour at Pivot Bar and Balcony at the Hyatt House
Ice skating (followed by hot cocoa) at the new spot in Bicentennial Unity Plaza
Picking up one-of-a-kind gifts from local shops like Silver in the City and Downtown Comics

In addition to these festivities, downtown’s easy walkability, vibrant culinary scene, and local shopping makes it the ultimate spot for bringing visiting family and friends this season, too.

Plan your festive downtown outing

News Notes

Traffic

If you drive on the southeast side of the city frequently, take note: Several I-465 on-ramps will soon have traffic lights to control merging during peak hours. Find out exactly where. (FOX59)

Concert

On Friday, Dec. 1, the Big Ten Kickoff Concert returns to Monument Circle. In addition to live music, the event will feature local food offerings, sponsor activations, photo opps, and giveaways — including a pair of Big Ten Football Championship Game tickets.

Eat

Round 2 of the Melon Kitchen accelerator program at The AMP is launching five new food and beverage concepts, with offerings ranging from samosas to pork skewers to vegan cuisine. Keep an eye out for further details on opening dates. (IBJ)

Cause

Need some extra motivation to give blood this month? On Tuesday, Nov. 21, The American Red Cross and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are hosting a blood drive at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Donors will get a free ticket to the circus, coming to the stadium Friday, Dec. 1-Sunday, Dec. 3. (WTHR)

Sports

We all know Indy is no stranger to hosting major sporting events — and the trend continues, with the United States Bowling Congress confirming the US Open tournament will stay at Royal Pin Woodland for the next four years. Strike. (WISH)

Community

Meet the heroes the Circle City deserves: The Downtown Indy, Inc. Clean Team. From January to September of this year, they’ve worked nearly 50,000 hours, powerwashed 400 city blocks, took on 5,400 vandalism cases, and removed 335,000 pounds of trash. (WRTV)

Shop

We’ve all been there: You’re halfway through cooking Thanksgiving dinner when you realize you’re missing a vital ingredient. Here’s a guide to Indy shops that will be open on the big day. Take note: hours will vary by store, so be sure to check before heading out. (WTHR)

Number

$2.21. According to a new study, that’s the average price of a cup of coffee in Indiana, making it the No. 7 cheapest state in which to get your caffeine buzz. Cool (or hot) beans — here’s where you can celebrate. (FOX59)

Arts

Calling all art aficionados: You’re invited to the free Opening Reception of the Winter Exhibition Series at The Indianapolis Art Center to celebrate the new exhibitions on display now through Saturday, Dec. 23. Learn more.*

Pets

Say goodbye to fillers and weird ingredients in your dog’s food. Get 50% off your pup’s first order of Nom Nom for fresh, recognizable ingredients they’ll love.*

Transit

Reduction junction, what’s your function?

An aerial shot of people walking on a crosswalk next to a bike lane

Funding will go toward projects aimed at reducing carbon emissions. | Photo by Omar Elsharawy via Pexels

Did you know that as of 2021, 28% of greenhouse gas emissions in the US come from transportation?

Yeah, we know… kind of a bummer, and maybe not the news you want to start your morning with. So let’s get to the good stuff: The Carbon Reduction Program, an effort to reduce transportation emissions through local and statewide projects that are federally funded.

What is the Carbon Reduction Program?

In an effort to reduce transportation emissions across the US, the Carbon Reduction Program was created in 2021 to distribute $6.4 billion in formula funding over a five-year period.

What’s driving the news?

Today, Nov. 15, states and designated metropolitan planning organizations are tasked with unveiling their strategies to reduce emissions through the program.

They’ll also need to disclose which projects will be funded by the program — whether that be installing protected bike lanes in one city, creating a new bus rapid transit system in another, or a different project that helps reduce carbon emissions.

Our question for you while we await more funding news: How would you like to see this grant used in Indianapolis? Let us know using the poll below, and we may share your answer in a future newsletter.

Asked

What kind(s) of projects in Indy would you like to see funded by the Carbon Reduction Program?

A. Public transportation
B. Pedestrian-friendly roads and facilities
C. Fuel alternatives
D. Traffic management/road diet projects

We're curious

The Buy

The cutest to-go containers to make sure everyone walks away with leftovers this Thanksgiving. Pro tip: Remove the lid and heat them right in the oven.

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The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Shea

From the editor

As I wrote this newsletter, I had my two pitbulls cuddled up next to me, and I was wondering to myself which area of the city fit their personality best. Don’t let their sweet faces fool you — perhaps whichever neighborhood is gassiest?

INDYtoday: INDY_Shea's pitbull dog_NOV23 — City Editor Shea’s dog Cinderella is the world’s biggest couch potato and would spend her entire life inside if she could.
|
Photo by @whitneyretter

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