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Former interim library CEO Nichelle Hayes parting ways with library, effective immediately

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Former interim library CEO Nichelle Hayes parting ways with library, effective immediately


Nichelle Hayes, the embattled former interim CEO of the Indianapolis Public Library who was passed over for the top job, left the organization Wednesday, the library’s board of trustees announced.

The decision to part ways was mutual, according to a statement from the board.

“Nichelle M. Hayes has been an asset to the Indianapolis Public Library and the community as a whole for many years. During a difficult transitional period for the library, Ms. Hayes stepped up and skillfully filled the role of Interim CEO,” the statement said. “Ms. Hayes and the Library have decided to mutually part ways. The Library wishes her the best of luck in her future endeavors and appreciates her many years of dedication to the organization.”

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In a statement Hayes also shared on Facebook, she wrote that she felt humbled by those who supported and advocated for her to be appointed the library’s permanent CEO.

“As I now chart a new path, I am proud of the work and partnerships formed during my career at the library. I am excited to bring my passion, skills and abilities to the next chapter of my adventure,” she said.

Hayes’ exit from the organization closes the chapter on a years-long saga — marked by in-fighting, dysfunction, mistrust, division, the appointments of several acting CEOs and public protests — to install new leadership and stability at the library following the 2021 resignation of long-time chief executive Jackie Nytes.

Nytes stepped down after former and current employees accused her of contributing to a toxic work environment, rife with racism and discrimination. Nytes denied that the accusations of racism were true.

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Revisit: Following accusations of racism, the Indianapolis Public Library’s CEO will step down

Hayes was the second acting CEO to serve in the position after Nyte’s resigned. She had joined the Indianapolis Public Library System in 2015, working as a librarian who would most notably serve as the manager the agency’s Center for Black Literature and Culture.

“Creating the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC) was an opportunity of a lifetime. When the CBLC was in the building stage we wanted it to be both Windows and Mirrors, for people who were a part of the African Diaspora and those who were not,” Hayes wrote. “For both of those groups to learn and grow richer in their understanding of the world. The CBLC allowed me to utilize and combine my love for history & literature while working collaboratively with others.”

Hayes served as interim CEO from March to December 2022, taking over for prior interim CEO John Helling, who was initially tapped for the position following Nyte’s resignation.

“I was elated by the opportunity to give back to the system and community in a significant way, especially as the first Black person to take on the role,” Hayes said. “One of my favorite parts of this role was the opportunity to share and combine diverse perspectives of employees and patrons. As a person who began my career as a front line worker, I strived to bring that perspective to the role in order to benefit the employees as a whole.”

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Hayes had sought to become the library system’s permanent leader. She had broad support from members of the community, city council members and the union representing library staff, but faced opposition from several members of the board in a months-long national search and conflict over who would lead the library system.

Despite the outpouring of community and staff support for Hayes, the board chose to name Gregory Hill, a longtime library staffer and U.S. Naval officer, who was named interim CEO after the board’s national search pick declined the post after a public outcry. The board refused to give the job to Hayes.

Hill became the permanent CEO In April.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@gannett.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris.

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Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis

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Person shot in critical condition on east side of Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS — Indianapolis Metropolitan Police officers are investigating a shooting on the city’s east side that left one person in critical condition on Wednesday.

IMPD officers responded to a report of a person shot in the 2000 block of Kildare Avenue. When officers arrived on scene, they located a victim with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

The victim was transported to a local hospital and reported to be in critical condition.

Police have not released information about the circumstances surrounding the shooting or whether any suspects have been identified.

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The investigation remains ongoing.





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Woman killed in Southside Indianapolis apartment shooting

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Woman killed in Southside Indianapolis apartment shooting


INDIANAPOLIS — A 26-year-old woman was shot and killed at her Indianapolis apartment Monday night, in what family members say was domestic-related.

Police say Amanda S. Jones was killed at an apartment complex on the city’s south side while her 2-year-old daughter was home. The child was not injured during the incident.

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Woman killed in Southside Indianapolis apartment shooting

“I told her over and over that relationship’s not good for you. You gotta leave,” said Denaejah Ivy, Jones’ cousin.

While the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has not released a motive, police reports show officers had been called to the same address multiple times, including one call less than nine hours before Jones was killed.

In previous calls, Jones reported harassment, domestic disturbances and a protection order violation. Court records show a felony intimidation charge was filed but was ultimately dismissed.

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“She filed multiple; she did multiple police reports. I was on the phone, actually, numerous times, and she told the police, ‘You’re not gonna do something till somebody’s dead.’ I heard her tell them that,” Ivy said.

“I feel like I lost a sister. I feel like I lost my everyday person, my everyday friend,” Ivy said.

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Danyette Smith, director of the Indy Champions with the Indy Public Safety Foundation, said survivors need to prioritize their safety.

“What we have to understand as a survivor, as an advocate, as someone who’s been doing this work for many years, we have to put us first, and that means choosing you and your children first,” Smith said.

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Smith emphasized the importance of understanding protection order processes and ensuring accountability when those orders are violated, which may ultimately require leaving one’s home.

“You can’t let nobody else love you more than you love yourself, and I wish Amanda would have loved herself just a little bit more to walk away sooner,” Ivy said.

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Anyone with information about this incident should call Detective Michal Dinnsen at the IMPD Homicide Office at 317.327.3475 or e-mail the detective at Michal.Dinnsen@indy.gov.  

Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers of Central Indiana at 317.262.8477 or (TIPS) to remain anonymous.

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Adam Schumes is the In Your Community reporter for East Side Indy. He joined WRTV in December of 2021. Adam has a passion for telling stories and giving people a voice they might not have had before. Share your story ideas and important issues with Adam by emailing him at adam.schumes@wrtv.com.





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Babe Ruth, Charles Manson and WWII: See life in Indy in the 1940s

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Babe Ruth, Charles Manson and WWII: See life in Indy in the 1940s


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We’ve seen what life looked like in Indianapolis in the city’s “Golden Age” of the 1920s, and what it looked like when the expansion came to a screeching halt in the Great Depression decade of the 30s.

The 1940s was a decade defined by World War II and Indiana was no different. The archive photos below are filled with snapshots that tell the story – new soliders after the country’s first peacetime conscription, the push to buy defense bonds and the celebration on Monument Circle after Japan’s surrender.

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Aside from the ever-present backdrop of the war, the photos also show iconic moments and characters from sports and beyond. From Babe Ruth surrounded by Indy kids at a junior all-star game to a 14-year-old Charles Manson already in trouble with the law, check out the archive photos below to see life in one of the most important decades in American history.

Plus, check out some bonus retro galleries of the holidays through the years.

Life in Indianapolis in the 1940s

Thanksgiving and Christmas in Indy through the years



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