John Writes Stuff
@johnwritesstuff.bsky.social
Trending Reporter for IndyStar | Writer | Book Dragon | Nerd | Kindness Freak | Vegetarian | Anime Enthusiast | Dice Goblin | Retired Tricycle Pilot |
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Hello! If you're like me, journalism matters. It's more important now than ever, frankly. If you live in Central Indiana or the Midwest, here's a starter pack of reporters, columnists and sports folks at the Indianapolis Star, a 2021 Pulitzer Prize winning newspaper, that you can follow on Bluesky.
"Things could move on an express basis, skip the local stops and go direct to the main station. That's where President Trump wants to move it − at high speed," the president's Arctic commissioner said.
Breaking: A US official tells USA TODAY the Trump administration is expecting first steps on Greenland within the next "weeks or months." bit.ly/4qPQcIL
January 13, 2026 at 8:49 PM
"Things could move on an express basis, skip the local stops and go direct to the main station. That's where President Trump wants to move it − at high speed," the president's Arctic commissioner said.
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Our reporter got a front row seat to Roblox's newest safety features meant to enforce that only users within a similar age group can communicate with one another. But how accurate is the technology?
January 5, 2026 at 10:00 PM
Our reporter got a front row seat to Roblox's newest safety features meant to enforce that only users within a similar age group can communicate with one another. But how accurate is the technology?
"As you know by now, I have taken the 'short route' home," a letter written by Jeffrey Epstein to disgraced USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar begins. It continues later with, "Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls."
Read more on this story at IndyStar.com. A link is in the comments.
Read more on this story at IndyStar.com. A link is in the comments.
December 23, 2025 at 6:54 PM
"As you know by now, I have taken the 'short route' home," a letter written by Jeffrey Epstein to disgraced USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar begins. It continues later with, "Our president shares our love of young, nubile girls."
Read more on this story at IndyStar.com. A link is in the comments.
Read more on this story at IndyStar.com. A link is in the comments.
Indiana politics has been covered beautifully by IndyStar's political team. Trump's threats to state senators, the redistricting battle and its potential fallout, all of it examined in detail by the journalists found here in this starter pack. Want more? Check out IndyStar.com.
go.bsky.app/KZdU816
go.bsky.app/KZdU816
December 13, 2025 at 6:26 PM
Indiana politics has been covered beautifully by IndyStar's political team. Trump's threats to state senators, the redistricting battle and its potential fallout, all of it examined in detail by the journalists found here in this starter pack. Want more? Check out IndyStar.com.
go.bsky.app/KZdU816
go.bsky.app/KZdU816
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
My fave tip on this list - you can swim laps at the Olympic-standard pool at IU Indianapolis for just $3. Bring your own towel!
More resources here -
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
More resources here -
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
These Indy college campus facilities are open to community members
Go for a ride at the Indy Cycloplex or grab a meal at Ivy Tech’s student restaurant.
mirrorindy.org
December 4, 2025 at 5:27 PM
My fave tip on this list - you can swim laps at the Olympic-standard pool at IU Indianapolis for just $3. Bring your own towel!
More resources here -
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
More resources here -
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen, Charlie Brown.
November 24, 2025 at 8:56 PM
It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen, Charlie Brown.
For those who missed it last night, Indiana has another shot at seeing the northern lights.
Read more from IndyStar with a story linked in the comments.
Read more from IndyStar with a story linked in the comments.
November 12, 2025 at 8:37 PM
For those who missed it last night, Indiana has another shot at seeing the northern lights.
Read more from IndyStar with a story linked in the comments.
Read more from IndyStar with a story linked in the comments.
It could take weeks for SNAP benefits to return as Indiana braces for cold weather. Thousands of Hoosiers might face a difficult decision: having groceries in their home, or heat.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program can help cover part of their utilities.
Free story from IndyStar in the comments.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program can help cover part of their utilities.
Free story from IndyStar in the comments.
November 6, 2025 at 2:05 PM
It could take weeks for SNAP benefits to return as Indiana braces for cold weather. Thousands of Hoosiers might face a difficult decision: having groceries in their home, or heat.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program can help cover part of their utilities.
Free story from IndyStar in the comments.
Indiana's Energy Assistance Program can help cover part of their utilities.
Free story from IndyStar in the comments.
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Detroit elects its first new mayor since 2013, when we were under both bankruptcy and emergency management.
via @freep.com :
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
via @freep.com :
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
Mary Sheffield elected Detroit's next mayor, will make history as first woman to lead city
Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield made history, becoming the city's first woman mayor in an election she led from start to finish.
www.freep.com
November 5, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Detroit elects its first new mayor since 2013, when we were under both bankruptcy and emergency management.
via @freep.com :
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
via @freep.com :
www.freep.com/story/news/p...
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Polls don't close until 9 p.m., but here's a gift link to the results page for the NYC mayoral election to bookmark to watch once they do. (No needle for this one.)
New York City Mayoral Election Results 2025 (Gift Article)
Get live results and maps from the 2025 New York general election.
www.nytimes.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Polls don't close until 9 p.m., but here's a gift link to the results page for the NYC mayoral election to bookmark to watch once they do. (No needle for this one.)
A lot of taxpayer money is funding this facility in Indiana. A LOT. Here's what an IndyStar investigation uncovered. Story by Kristine Phillips, @bykristinep.bsky.social.
November 4, 2025 at 8:15 PM
A lot of taxpayer money is funding this facility in Indiana. A LOT. Here's what an IndyStar investigation uncovered. Story by Kristine Phillips, @bykristinep.bsky.social.
Investigative journalists with IndyStar and @mirrorindy.org wrote an absolute banger of a story about how a secret relationship posing a conflict of interest in the Indianapolis mayor's office was ignored as millions of dollars flowed to city developers.
Read the story linked in the comments.
Read the story linked in the comments.
October 13, 2025 at 4:10 PM
Investigative journalists with IndyStar and @mirrorindy.org wrote an absolute banger of a story about how a secret relationship posing a conflict of interest in the Indianapolis mayor's office was ignored as millions of dollars flowed to city developers.
Read the story linked in the comments.
Read the story linked in the comments.
Millions are expected to protest Saturday, Oct. 18, during nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations. Here are the rights that protect you while protesting, and where you can find rallies in dozens of cities across Indiana.
Read IndyStar's #NoKings story linked in the comments.
Read IndyStar's #NoKings story linked in the comments.
October 13, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Millions are expected to protest Saturday, Oct. 18, during nationwide "No Kings" demonstrations. Here are the rights that protect you while protesting, and where you can find rallies in dozens of cities across Indiana.
Read IndyStar's #NoKings story linked in the comments.
Read IndyStar's #NoKings story linked in the comments.
Language is fun. Also weird. Fortunately, my Gen Alpha teen became a consulting expert for this story. A link to read it on IndyStar is provided in the comments.
#six-seven #skibidi
#six-seven #skibidi
October 13, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Language is fun. Also weird. Fortunately, my Gen Alpha teen became a consulting expert for this story. A link to read it on IndyStar is provided in the comments.
#six-seven #skibidi
#six-seven #skibidi
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Looking to reach new heights? inSPIRE ROCK climbing gym opens tomorrow. Here's what to know before you go.
#Lubbock #RockClimbing #NewBusiness
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
#Lubbock #RockClimbing #NewBusiness
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
Lubbock Indoor climbing gym inSPIRE ROCK opens soon, here's what to know
Lubbock is finally getting an indoor rock climbing gym. Here's what to know before you go.
www.lubbockonline.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Looking to reach new heights? inSPIRE ROCK climbing gym opens tomorrow. Here's what to know before you go.
#Lubbock #RockClimbing #NewBusiness
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
#Lubbock #RockClimbing #NewBusiness
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
It's Banned Books Week. A spokesperson for PEN America said there's a "quiet" sort of banning happening at libraries across the country. To find out what we learned, and to see a list of 46 books challenged in Indiana, read IndyStar's story linked in the comments.
October 10, 2025 at 12:41 PM
It's Banned Books Week. A spokesperson for PEN America said there's a "quiet" sort of banning happening at libraries across the country. To find out what we learned, and to see a list of 46 books challenged in Indiana, read IndyStar's story linked in the comments.
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Which Lubbock coffee shop has the best Fall Flavor this season? Read to find out
#Lubbock #Coffee #PSL
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
#Lubbock #Coffee #PSL
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
Here's which Lubbock coffee shops have the best fall flavor drinks in 2025
The A-J review team returns to find the best fall-flavor drink at four Lubbock coffee shops. Here's what was crowned the best of the season.
www.lubbockonline.com
October 2, 2025 at 8:36 PM
Which Lubbock coffee shop has the best Fall Flavor this season? Read to find out
#Lubbock #Coffee #PSL
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
#Lubbock #Coffee #PSL
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
Tried to call in "raptured" today at work. Realized my mistake immediately.
September 23, 2025 at 12:16 PM
Tried to call in "raptured" today at work. Realized my mistake immediately.
Jimmy Kimmel will return to the air, according to a statement Disney provided to USA TODAY, after the company had several "thoughtful conversations" with the late show host.
We might never know how many other "thoughtful conversations" happened over cancelled Disney+ accounts.
Link in the comments
We might never know how many other "thoughtful conversations" happened over cancelled Disney+ accounts.
Link in the comments
September 22, 2025 at 8:06 PM
Jimmy Kimmel will return to the air, according to a statement Disney provided to USA TODAY, after the company had several "thoughtful conversations" with the late show host.
We might never know how many other "thoughtful conversations" happened over cancelled Disney+ accounts.
Link in the comments
We might never know how many other "thoughtful conversations" happened over cancelled Disney+ accounts.
Link in the comments
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
Under the agreement, ICE will pay Indiana a rate of $291.94 for each detainee per day — far higher than the $42 per day Indiana pays county sheriffs to house state inmates, and nearly four times the $75 cost for current inmates at the Miami facility.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/17/b...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/17/b...
Budget panel approves $15.79M for immigration detention upgrades at Miami Correctional Facility • Indiana Capital Chronicle
Indiana budget regulators approved $15.79 million to prep Miami Correctional Facility for use in a federal immigration detention agreement.
indianacapitalchronicle.com
September 18, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Under the agreement, ICE will pay Indiana a rate of $291.94 for each detainee per day — far higher than the $42 per day Indiana pays county sheriffs to house state inmates, and nearly four times the $75 cost for current inmates at the Miami facility.
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/17/b...
indianacapitalchronicle.com/2025/09/17/b...
Reposted by John Writes Stuff
In the latest part of my #KeepDiscovering journey, I got a first look inside a stunning historic renovation in #Levelland.
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
Historic Levelland theater to roll out red carpet for grand reopening after 40 years
Levelland's historic Wallace Theater is rolling out the red carpet after a decades-long renovation. Here's how to join, what to expect.
www.lubbockonline.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:10 PM
In the latest part of my #KeepDiscovering journey, I got a first look inside a stunning historic renovation in #Levelland.
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
www.lubbockonline.com/story/busine...
This is great news for Indiana journalism! Congrats @byryanmartin.bsky.social on becoming IndyStar's new Executive Editor! Also, welcome back!
@tonycook317.bsky.social has the story. Link in the comments.
@tonycook317.bsky.social has the story. Link in the comments.
September 17, 2025 at 6:22 PM
This is great news for Indiana journalism! Congrats @byryanmartin.bsky.social on becoming IndyStar's new Executive Editor! Also, welcome back!
@tonycook317.bsky.social has the story. Link in the comments.
@tonycook317.bsky.social has the story. Link in the comments.
"Attorney General Todd Rokita, who as recently as July invoked the need for 'protecting open discourse in classrooms,' has launched a statewide manhunt for school employees who've said anything about Kirk that might offend him."
IndyStar's @jamesebriggs.bsky.social has this opinion piece.
IndyStar's @jamesebriggs.bsky.social has this opinion piece.
September 16, 2025 at 3:06 PM
"Attorney General Todd Rokita, who as recently as July invoked the need for 'protecting open discourse in classrooms,' has launched a statewide manhunt for school employees who've said anything about Kirk that might offend him."
IndyStar's @jamesebriggs.bsky.social has this opinion piece.
IndyStar's @jamesebriggs.bsky.social has this opinion piece.
This makes my nerdy heart happy. Critical Role came to Indiana. Here's where to stream it, and what to know about "Oaths & Ash," the one-shot campaign filmed live in Fishers. Click the link to IndyStar in the comments.
#CriticalRole
#CriticalRole
September 16, 2025 at 2:41 PM
This makes my nerdy heart happy. Critical Role came to Indiana. Here's where to stream it, and what to know about "Oaths & Ash," the one-shot campaign filmed live in Fishers. Click the link to IndyStar in the comments.
#CriticalRole
#CriticalRole