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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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Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis

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Silver Alert declared for 16-year-old boy missing from Indianapolis


INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department is investigating the disappearance of Robert Williams Jr., a 16-year-old Black male who is 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighs 185 pounds, has black hair with brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a gray coat, blue sweat pants, and black tennis shoes.

Williams Jr. is missing from Indianapolis, and was last seen on Wednesday, Dec. 17, 2025. He is believed to be in extreme danger and may require medical assistance. 

Investigators ask that anyone with information on Williams Jr. contact the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department at 317-327-6541 or 911.

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The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review

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The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review


INDIANAPOLIS — The Indy Peace Fellowship is an initiative from the city, providing solutions to reduce gun violence in our city.

WRTV spoke with Dane Nutty, President & CEO of the Indy Public Safety Foundation, about its efforts in 2025 and continued targets ahead for 2026.

“A lot of times, you have an idea of what the community wants, you have an idea of what people need, and so, we certainly have a significant engagement with the community daily,” Nutty said.

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The City of Indianapolis’ “Indy Peace Fellowship” 2025 review

Finding solutions to gun violence has been one of the city’s biggest hurdles.

“This year that we’re looking at annual data, we’re over 20% reduction in criminal homicides and nearly 30% reduction in non-fatal shootings, but again, I think it’s a testament to the investments that have been made over the last three to five years and really lifting not only targeted intervention but also community voices in violence intervention,” Nutty said.

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Nutty said that the relationships built with the community, IMPD and organizations throughout the years helped foster greater results in 2025.

“I think after the first couple of years, you know, when you launch a really huge new strategy, it takes a little time to kind of cement those partnerships and ensure that we’re being most effective and intentional with our work, and we’ve really seen that come into play this year,” Nutty said.

Looking ahead to 2026, Nutty said his team will continue to review data daily to help cultivate the best outcome.

“We might have an incident in the community that results in either the potential for retaliation or, you know, some additional trauma that that neighborhood or that community has incurred,” Nutty said.

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Indy Peace Fellowship

Every year, Indy Peace Fellowship’s goal is to reduce homicides by 10%.

“As of today, we’re down over 20% in criminal homicides year to date, so we’re certainly, again. We’re happy that we met that goal. That doesn’t mean that the work has completed, right? That we can just say, ‘Hey, we’ve done it all, we’ve fixed the problem.’ There’s a lot of work to move forward,” Nutty said.

Nutty added that they are seeing nearly a 30% reduction year-over-year in non-fatal shootings. Further proving that community outreach and targeted impact are working.





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IMPD officer charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated after showing up to work smelling of alcohol

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IMPD officer charged with operating vehicle while intoxicated after showing up to work smelling of alcohol


INDIANAPOLIS — An officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OVWI).

According to a news release from IMPD, Bryan Gibson, an officer with the department, arrived at the department’s southeast district in his personal vehicle on the evening of Dec. 10 for a scheduled administrative duty shift.

When Gibson arrived, the department alleges that Gibson smelled like alcohol. After an investigation from the department’s OVWI unit, the special investigations unit and internal affairs, the release said that Gibson was determined to be under the influence of alcohol.

On Dec. 11, IMPD Chief Chris Bailey suspended Gibson without pay and recommended his termination to the department’s civilian police merit board.

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The release said that at the time of the incident, Gibson was assigned to administrative duty. Officials said that Gibson did not have police powers while under administrative investigation for an unrelated personnel matter.

On Wednesday, the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office officially filed charges against Gibson for:

  • Operating a vehicle while intoxicated
  • Operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher.

Gibson’s initial hearing is scheduled for Jan. 20, 2026, the release said.



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