Indianapolis is continuing to reopen, but residents must practice social distancing and wear a face mask to continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.. The City is making available for free a series of window clings for restaurants, offices, and other businesses to display to urge patrons to continue using face coverings. Marion County adult residents unable to purchase their own masks may request a free face covering at indy.gov/masks. 

Update: The Crew Carwash proposal has been continued to the July 15 hearing in front of the full Metropolitan Development Commission. In response to community feedback, the Crown Hill Neighborhood Association requested a continuance and Crew Carwash and Indy DMD did not object. Read more about the project.

Update: The Midtown Economic Council met on June 18 and recommended approval of a developer-backed bond, not to exceed $5 million, in support of a development project at 6201 N. College Avenue. Learn more about the project.

As we approach the July 4 Holiday- please be courteous of your neighbors and follow the rules around fireworks in Marion County. Fireworks are permitted June 29- July 3 from 5 p.m. to 2 hours past sunset. On July 4, fireworks are permitted from 10 a.m. to midnight. From July 5-9, fireworks are permitted 5 p.m. to 2 hours past sunset. Learn more here.

If you are calling to report illegal firework use, please do not call 911 unless someone is injured! 311 is available for you to report fireworks that are being set off outside of hours.

See statement from IPS on June 24: Indianapolis Public schools stands united with our fellow Marion County school districts to ensure we provide a safe environment when we welcome students and staff back to school for in-person learning. In a joint announcement, in collaboration with the Marion County Health Department, all Marion County traditional public schools announced they will be starting on their scheduled date and will offer instructional options in either the physical school setting or online for students who are not able or are uncomfortable returning to school on the scheduled start date. Read full statement.

You may have seen a crew of teens working around Tarkington Park to help beautify the area. Led by Damon Lee, a couple dozen teens are using their summer break to spark change in the Butler-Tarkington neighborhood. Read the full story on FOX 59.

Mayor Joe Hogsett and the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission have officially commenced the city's 200th birthday celebration and invite all citizens to participate by:

-Giving back to the community, sign-up to donate blood , make a donation to an area non-profit, volunteer to work for an area food bank , or support relief efforts for businesses

-Supporting local businesses and restaurants

-Recording a 'happy birthday" message on social media and posting it with the hashtag #HappyBirthdayIndy

-Displaying your own bicentennial art- with the help of Indy Turns 200 coloring pages

Along with community partners, the Indianapolis Bicentennial Commission is spearheading the year-long celebration that runs until May 31, 2021. Comprised of civic-minded volunteers, including former mayors Bart Peterson and Greg Ballard, the Commission invites community service organizations, neighborhoods, and other civic institutions to submit Bicentennial-centric programs or projects to be considered for an official endorsement .

After 50 years of operation at 3818 N. Illinois Street, Costumes by Margie will permanently close by the end of August. The Indianapolis Business Journal talks with owner Cheryl Harmon about the many factors that led to her decision. Read the full story from IBJ.

National is hosting another Cars & Gravy on Saturday, July 18 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.! This month, they'll be joined by The Lavengood Team at Plat Collective and MKNA for a community shred event. Bring your documents (10 box/person limit) and shred them on-site with Pro-Shred. Learn more.

Missed out on the fun last time? Check out the cars that came out last month on National's FB page!