Claire Rafford
@clairerafford.bsky.social
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higher ed reporter w/ Mirror Indy and Open Campus. TEXT JOBS TO 317-676-4163!!!
pinned post!
This first post feels like the right time to admit that I was pronouncing the name of this app as bluesky (rhymes with brewski) until very recently
over 1 year ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
5 days ago
People yearn for the Pizza Hut reading program. Some local folks are stepping up.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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Are your kids working through a summer reading list?
They could win prizes for their efforts at two local Indy bookstores.
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-summer-reading-program-2026-whispering-shelf-ujamaa-community-bookstore/
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
7 days ago
When I wrote about Community Heights’ tactical urbanism projects, one of the complaints was how long it would take to install a permanent solution. So DPW has launched a quick-build program. Not permanent, but less temporary.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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New program will speed up traffic calming improvements
Fountain Square, Little Flower and Chatham Arch will participate in the quick-build program.
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-department-public-works-tactical-urbanism-quick-build-program/
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Mandatory
#ivoted
selfie! Voting at the Boner Center gym this morning was quick and easy. Follow along with
@mirrorindy.org
’s live blog for updates from polls across the city all day long.
mirrorindy.org/indiana-prim...
14 days ago
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Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
26 days ago
THE JOBS LINE IS LIVE
@clairerafford.bsky.social
has heard from so many folks struggling to make it in this economy. So she's launching a text channel to build a bridge between people and jobs resources. Sign up for info on job fairs, trainings, etc.
mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-...
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Sign up for Mirror Indy’s new text group, The Jobs Line
Find information about jobs in Indianapolis from Mirror Indy’s new text group called the Jobs Line with higher ed reporter Claire Rafford.
https://mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-text-group-the-jobs-line-sms-sign-up-jobs-indianapolis/
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Exciting news:
@mirrorindy.org
and I are launching a new text line!! It's called The Jobs Line and it's focused on helping people learn about job fairs, free and low-cost trainings and employment resources in Indy. Text 317-676-4163 to sign up! Not spam!
mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-...
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Sign up for Mirror Indy’s new text group, The Jobs Line
Find information about jobs in Indianapolis from Mirror Indy’s new text group called the Jobs Line with higher ed reporter Claire Rafford.
https://mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-text-group-the-jobs-line-sms-sign-up-jobs-indianapolis/
26 days ago
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Love this story from
@carleylanich.bsky.social
so much. A must read today:
mirrorindy.org/hope-academy...
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How an Indianapolis high school is helping students in recovery find purpose
For 20 years, Hope Academy has focused on teaching students with substance use disorder.
https://mirrorindy.org/hope-academy-recovery-high-school-indianapolis-substance-use-disorder/
about 1 month ago
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News: Eastern Star Church is looking to purchase Martin University's eastside campus, two people who are familiar with the plans told Mirror Indy. Read more:
mirrorindy.org/eastern-star...
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Eastern Star Church looking to buy Martin University campus
Eastern Star Church on the east side of Indianapolis is exploring buying Martin University, which closed in December 2025.
https://mirrorindy.org/eastern-star-church-martin-university-sale-2026/
about 1 month ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
about 1 month ago
Easter Sunday in Indy: Serving the Lord and serving looks You have to see these photos!
mirrorindy.org/easter-sunda...
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Easter Sunday in Indy: Serving the Lord and serving looks
Big hats and head pieces, a pinstripe suit, flashy bangles and earrings, and lots of pinks, blues and purples.
https://mirrorindy.org/easter-sunday-church-black-people-fashion-indianapolis/
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Don't miss this one! Fashion report from Easter Sunday at Indy's Black churches from
@theavgjourn.bsky.social
& Brett Phelps. I love the OOTD audio descriptions!!
mirrorindy.org/easter-sunda...
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Easter Sunday in Indy: Serving the Lord and serving looks
Big hats and head pieces, a pinstripe suit, flashy bangles and earrings, and lots of pinks, blues and purples.
https://mirrorindy.org/easter-sunday-church-black-people-fashion-indianapolis/
about 1 month ago
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it’s here!! everything u need to know about the 2026 primary is live at
mirrorindy.org/vote/
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about 1 month ago
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Love this story
@enriquesaenz.bsky.social
. Everyone deserves the feeling of a great new haircut!
mirrorindy.org/west-indiana...
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“When you look good, you feel good”: New program helps westsiders get free haircuts
Corte Solidario program at Mary Rigg offers free cuts from experienced stylists Tuesdays.
https://mirrorindy.org/west-indianapolis-new-program-free-haircuts-supportive-cuts/
about 2 months ago
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We made our student loan explainer into a quiz! Do you need to switch plans? Consolidate your loan? Find out here:
mirrorindy.org/trump-federa...
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Major changes coming to federal student loans
Do you need to change repayment plans? This quiz can help you find out.
https://mirrorindy.org/trump-federal-student-loans-education-quiz/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Carley Lanich
about 2 months ago
That and kids are the future! If you care about what direction Indy is moving in, you should definitely care about what's up in our local schools! ☀️
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Carley Lanich
about 2 months ago
...which is why we want to know: What's most important to you? Is there something you want to know more about in Indy's education scene? Let
@clairerafford.bsky.social
and I know! We really want to make sure our work is useful, accessible and informative (and fun too!) (3/3)
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“Everyone should care about education whether you have a kid in school or not, because your tax dollars are paying for it.”
@carleylanich.bsky.social
add a skeleton here at some point
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
about 2 months ago
Local Indy sports events that won’t break the bank
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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Local Indy sports events that won’t break the bank
Here’s a list of low-cost and family-friendly Indianapolis sporting events.
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-sporting-events-guide-2026/
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What the heck is happening with student loans? is the question I have been asking myself for months. I spoke to experts to find to what borrowers need to know right now. Presenting,
@mirrorindy.org
's(jargon-free) guide to federal student loan changes:
mirrorindy.org/student-loan...
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We broke down all the changes coming to federal student loans this year
What’s going on with Grad and Parent PLUS loans? What about PSLF? We answer these — and more.
https://mirrorindy.org/student-loans-changes-parent-plus-treasury-save-plan-2026/
about 2 months ago
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I checked my voter registration status (and updated my address) this morning! It's quick and easy. Make sure you're registered by April 6 using
@mirrorindy.org
's helpful guide:
mirrorindy.org/register-to-...
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How to register to vote in Indiana’s May 5 primary election
The deadline is April 6. You can register in-person, online or by mail.
https://mirrorindy.org/register-to-vote-indiana-primary-election-may-5-2026/
about 2 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Kendra "Gloom is My Beat" Pierre-Louis
2 months ago
Babies can be vaccinated against measles at as young as six months. The child will need to begin the normal series again at 12 months, so a kid vaccinated prior to being a year old will get 3 shots total instead of two. (at 6 months, at 12 months, and btwn 2-4 years old) /1
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For today's
@mirrorindy.org
newsletter, I wrote about "English," which is showing at the IRT through April 4. This production was so beautiful and captured all the emotions that come with learning a new language. I highly recommend you see it!
2 months ago
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"People forget that these are not just folks we tuck away and never think about or talk about again,” director Morgan Morton said. “We should be reframing things so that we really do think about them as our neighbors.” Love this story from Seth Johnson:
mirrorindy.org/re-entry-pla...
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How do you build a life after being released from prison?
A new play by Summit Performance brings re-entry stories from 20 local women to the stage.
https://mirrorindy.org/re-entry-play-life-after-incarceration-summit-performance/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
2 months ago
The Braun administration decided in February to scrap a 15-acre expansion to the White River State Park. One westside resident: “There were guarantees for Elanco, and there were promises for the community.”
mirrorindy.org/white-river-...
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State quietly scraps plans for expanded White River State Park
‘We kind of got the wrong end of the stick over here,’ said a westside resident.
https://mirrorindy.org/white-river-state-park-expansion-indianapolis-iedc-elanco-westside/
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From
@allymburris.bsky.social
- Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio's former school district faces a $188 million deficit. Audits and school officials blame him.
www.indystar.com/story/news/i...
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Ivy Tech's president left Kentucky schools with big budget hole
Ivy Tech President Marty Pollio's former school district faces a $188 million deficit. Audits and school officials blame him.
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/investigations/2026/03/09/ivy-tech-president-marty-pollio-left-jefferson-county-schools-with-big-budget-hole/88950758007/
2 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
3 months ago
Indy’s hearing examiner has a contract with the city and is paid with city dollars. But the zoning official was adamant during a recent hearing: The public is not her boss. How does she view her responsibility to the public? I didn’t get to ask her.
mirrorindy.org/mdc-hearing-...
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‘The public isn’t my boss’: Zoning official’s comments don’t sit right with community
The comments were directed at Martindale Brightwood residents who oppose a data center proposal.
https://mirrorindy.org/mdc-hearing-examiner-judy-weerts-hall-metrobloks-data-center-martindale-brightwood/
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Never met a
@mirrorindy.org
reporter's notebook I didn't like ❣️if you have thoughts/experiences to share about looking for a job in Indy, my DMs are open!
3 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
3 months ago
All of our data center coverage! In one spot! With a form to take your questions!
mirrorindy.org/data-centers/
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Indianapolis data centers, explained
Companies want to build data centers in Indianapolis. Here's what you need to know.
https://mirrorindy.org/data-centers/
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A nice public records story from Natalie Chan with
@idsnews.bsky.social
! IU Indianapolis spent nearly $1.3 million on snow removal after winter storm
www.idsnews.com/article/2026...
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IU Indianapolis spent nearly $1.3 million on snow removal after winter storm
The expenditure followed a winter storm in late January.
https://www.idsnews.com/article/2026/02/iu-indianapolis-spent-1-million-snow-removal-storm
3 months ago
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Spotted on my biweekly scroll of r/IUPUI
youtu.be/S3mer-qV3XQ
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IUPUI Split (REAL)
YouTube video by bob hope
https://youtu.be/S3mer-qV3XQ
3 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Rodger Sherman
3 months ago
this is one of the best hockey games I've ever seen but I keep wondering: are any of these men's hockey players married or related to women that I've heard of? what is the US women's hockey team up to right now
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Rodger Sherman
3 months ago
Mikaela Shiffrin wins the slalom gold medal by 1.50 seconds If you add up the winning margins of the winners at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 women's slalom, you get 1.51 seconds
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
3 months ago
Martin University is for sale.
#HoosierSky
mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
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Martin University’s eastside campus is for sale
The campus and several surrounding residential properties are listed for $3.5 million.
https://mirrorindy.org/martin-university-eastside-campus-sale-closure/
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New: Martin University is selling its campus. It's listed for $3.5M for its eight-acre property, along with several smaller properties. Read more here:
mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
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Martin University’s eastside campus is for sale
The campus and several surrounding residential properties are listed for $3.5 million.
https://mirrorindy.org/martin-university-eastside-campus-sale-closure/
3 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Rodger Sherman
3 months ago
DOG AT THE OLYMPICS FULL COMPETITION HIGHLIGHTS
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana
3 months ago
Eligible Eastsiders can get free home repairs through this program. To qualify for free repairs, you need to own and live in your home, live on the east side and meet certain income limits.
localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io/lt.php?x=4lZ...
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Eastsiders can get free home repairs through this program
Indianapolis east side’s New Direction Church and Englewood Community Development Corp. will offer neighbors free home repairs.
https://localnewsforindiana.bluelena.io/lt.php?x=4lZy~GE7IXXND5J_zd9OgeNtAH-kk_UjlxZkYqHMJXKZ5XJ6y0y.0OFy237ziNL1jNYybHTGKXOaT8DvydHFW.VrPbKRia
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I actually cannot express how wonderful it is to clock out of work and know I can go home and watch the Olympics. What a joy in these times
3 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Rodger Sherman
3 months ago
THE OLYMPICS OF BIATHLON MESS CONTINUES GOLD MEDAL FOR THE WOMAN WHO STOLE HER TEAMMATE'S CREDIT CARDS
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
3 months ago
What even is a data center?? We are breaking it all down as the conversation continues in Indy.
mirrorindy.org/how-indianap...
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What’s the deal with data centers in Indy?
4 projects have been proposed in Indy alone. But what do these things even do?
https://mirrorindy.org/how-indianapolis-residents-use-data-centers-martindale-brightwood-decatur-township/
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Ashlee 🤟🏻
3 months ago
Love that
@clairerafford.bsky.social
of
@mirrorindy.org
reported on it:
mirrorindy.org/butler-unive...
. Thank you, from a Deaf Hoosier.
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Butler’s new Deaf education curriculum draws concern
A master’s program will focus on spoken language instead of sign language.
https://mirrorindy.org/butler-university-indianapolis-deaf-education-masters-degree-asl/
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Kendra "Gloom is My Beat" Pierre-Louis
3 months ago
We owe the existence of the modern half time show to Black people.
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This is now the second attempt by Indiana lawmakers to ban "low earning" college degrees this session. The language was taken out of one bill and inserted into another. Really good catch by Marissa Meador for
@indystar.bsky.social
www.indystar.com/story/news/p...
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Indiana Senate passes under-the-radar provision scrapping 'low-earning' college degrees
The provision, buried in the bill and absent from the digest, would eliminate degrees where graduates earn less than peers with a high school diploma.
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/politics/2026/01/30/indiana-general-assembly-college-low-earning-degree/88420199007/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
4 months ago
We made a one-stop shop for city transparency after the Hogsett administration failed to. While reporting, we noticed years worth of missing reports. Since we contacted the city, they've updated their website. Updates to ours coming shortly.
mirrorindy.org/disclose-ind...
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Hogsett hasn’t delivered a ‘Disclose Indy’ ethics portal. So we built one.
We also obtained records not previously made public as promised.
https://mirrorindy.org/disclose-indy-transparency-indianapolis-hogsett-ethics-campaign-finance-portal/
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UPDATE: A community meeting to discuss the findings of the city's community survey regarding Black wealth in Indy has been postponed due to weather. New date coming soon. read more about the project here:
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
4 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
4 months ago
What does the car sound like with Liam inside? Does the ICE agent stay quiet while he sobs? Does he try to comfort Liam? Or get frustrated and lash out at the five-year-old’s despair? Does the agent secure his seatbelt? Is Liam big enough to not need a car seat?
sahanjournal.com/education/ic...
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Columbia Heights school leaders speak out after ICE detains kids
ICE agents have detained students on their way to and from school and also tried to get onto school property, the Columbia Heights superintendent said in an emotional news conference Wednesday.
https://sahanjournal.com/education/ice-minnesota-columbia-heights-students-detained/
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
4 months ago
“While driving past one of the construction sites, a Mirror Indy reader saw what looked like train tracks being placed in containers and asked us to find out more about it.”
@enriquesaenz.bsky.social
is on the case!
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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Blue Line crews uncover pieces of city’s transportation past
The tracks guided streetcars pulled by mules, and later, electric streetcars and buses throughout Indianapolis.
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-indygo-blue-line-crews-find-tracks-washington-street/
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Newsy from me: The city wants to hear from Black residents about how economic/wealth related policies have affected them and their families. Neighbors who filled out the survey spoke with me about the importance of homeownership, among other things.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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Telling the story of Black wealth in Indianapolis
Community input about wealthbuilding could inform city policy.
https://mirrorindy.org/indianapolis-black-wealth-archive-success-diversity-office/
4 months ago
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In my 2ish years covering higher ed, I've been to a lot of different types of classes. But I've never been to one that's quite like this English class for parents and students. Read more here and definitely check out the photos
@jennarwatson.bsky.social
!
mirrorindy.org/westside-eng...
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Parents and students learn English together at this westside school
The class is part of a two-generation approach led by Indy Reads.
https://mirrorindy.org/westside-english-language-learners-daniel-webster-ips/
4 months ago
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
5 months ago
Black men in Marion County are underrepresented in apprenticeship programs. Will the state's move away from diversity and equity initiatives leave them even further behind? by
@clairerafford.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/apprenticesh...
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Will Indiana’s push to expand apprenticeships leave Black men behind?
Just 9% of apprenticeships in Marion County are held by Black men.
https://mirrorindy.org/apprenticeship-indiana-plan-marion-county-2025/
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reposted by
Claire Rafford
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy
5 months ago
"Hard as it can be, we do still hold some power in those moments. Like when Precious, staring down the prospect of Christmas in a hotel, chose to prop up a little tree on the table. A reflection from
@tyfenwick.bsky.social
about his recent story.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
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Mirror Indy's office book club read some bangers this year. If you need a holiday read, check this out! shoutout to our fearless leader
@emilyhopkins.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-...
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Mirror Indy’s staff book club picks
We read six books together that explored identity, dignity and love.
https://mirrorindy.org/mirror-indy-2025-staff-book-club-recommendations-2/
5 months ago
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The latest - Martin University alumni are calling on board of trustees chair Joseph Perkins to resign. "This is accountability,” one alum said. “Martin has to answer from within as to what has happened.”
mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
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‘This is accountability’: Martin University alumni call for new leadership
The call comes after Martin announced Dec. 9 the university would close.
https://mirrorindy.org/martin-university-closure-alumni-call-for-new-leadership/
5 months ago
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