Claire Rafford
@clairerafford.bsky.social
higher ed reporter w/ Mirror Indy and Open Campus. TEXT JOBS TO 317-676-4163!!!
During his first mayoral campaign, Joe Hogsett said he would take on “downtown insiders.” Over a decade in office, his campaign has worked behind closed doors to advance donor interests. mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Hogsett vowed to fight insiders. His campaign advanced their interests behind closed doors
Here’s how Hogsett’s campaign machine infiltrated city government starting in the mayor’s very first term.
mirrorindy.org
To report this story, we digitized more than 10 years of Hogsett’s campaign finance records. We’re making that data available to the public. Find something interesting or have questions? Email me: emily.hopkins@mirrorindy.org. www.datawrapper.de/_/nvKd9/?v=5
Hogsett Campaign Donations | Created with Datawrapper
Search a donor to see who is donating money to Hogsett's campaign. You can also sort by donation amount or date.
datawrapper.de
Emily Hopkins reporting for Mirror Indy@emilyhopkins.bsky.social · 4mo agoDuring his first mayoral campaign, Joe Hogsett said he would take on “downtown insiders.” Over a decade in office, his campaign has worked behind closed doors to advance donor interests. mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
“If it’s a dream you can think about, it’s a reality you can create.” And more wisdom from recent grads. 😭 mirrorindy.org/graduation-2...
These Indy grads are looking toward the future
Class of 2026, this one’s for you.
mirrorindy.org
I love graduation season! There's something about watching people celebrate their accomplishments that gets me in my feels every time. This year, I wanted to find a way to celebrate Indy graduates for @mirrorindy.org. The result is these gorgeous portraits from Brett Phelps and audio interviews.
"But by the time students at Martin realized their financial aid was held up, there was no one left to help address the problem as school staff was abruptly laid off." @clairerafford.bsky.social dives into Martin University's closure. Buckle up. mirrorindy.org/martin-unive...
Inside the financial problems that led to Martin University’s closure
Students and former employees say the university owes students money.
mirrorindy.org
People yearn for the Pizza Hut reading program. Some local folks are stepping up. mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Are your kids working through a summer reading list?
They could win prizes for their efforts at two local Indy bookstores.
mirrorindy.org
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...
New program will speed up traffic calming improvements
Fountain Square, Little Flower and Chatham Arch will participate in the quick-build program.
mirrorindy.org
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...
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-...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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-...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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...
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.
mirrorindy.org
Easter Sunday in Indy: Serving the Lord and serving looks You have to see these photos! mirrorindy.org/easter-sunda...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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...
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.
mirrorindy.org
it’s here!! everything u need to know about the 2026 primary is live at mirrorindy.org/vote/
Love this story @enriquesaenz.bsky.social. Everyone deserves the feeling of a great new haircut! mirrorindy.org/west-indiana...
“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.
mirrorindy.org
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...
Major changes coming to federal student loans
Do you need to change repayment plans? This quiz can help you find out.
mirrorindy.org
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! ☀️
...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)
“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
Carley Lanich@carleylanich.bsky.social · 6mo ago🧵: It's no secret. Education can be difficult to follow in Indy. With ever increasing school choice, it can be a lot to keep up with! In her latest column, @poynterinstitute.bsky.social's Indy public editor looked at how education is covered across the city. (1/3) mirrorindy.org/public-edito...
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...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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-...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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
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!
"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...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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-...
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.
mirrorindy.org
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...
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.
indystar.com
