Claire Rafford
@clairerafford.bsky.social
higher ed reporter w/ Mirror Indy and Open Campus. get in touch about #Indianapolis colleges or cats: claire.rafford@mirrorindy.org or 317-759-0249
Pinned
Claire Rafford
@clairerafford.bsky.social
· Nov 11
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
Reposted by Claire Rafford
Is IU Indy's men's basketball team having a moment? Some sports fans think so.
@clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
@clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
‘Must watch TV’: Why college basketball fans are watching IU Indy
New head coach Ben Howlett is leading the team to high scores.
mirrorindy.org
November 17, 2025 at 4:03 PM
Is IU Indy's men's basketball team having a moment? Some sports fans think so.
@clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
@clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by Brett Phelps, Mirror Indy
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
I saw college basketball fans going nuts over IU Indy on social media. So I decided to go see them play for myself and y'all, it was chaos (complimentary)
Basketball stats courtesy of @tyfenwick.bsky.social and (slay) photos by Brett Phelps!
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
Basketball stats courtesy of @tyfenwick.bsky.social and (slay) photos by Brett Phelps!
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
‘Must watch TV’: Why college basketball fans are watching IU Indy
New head coach Ben Howlett is leading the team to high scores.
mirrorindy.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:09 PM
I saw college basketball fans going nuts over IU Indy on social media. So I decided to go see them play for myself and y'all, it was chaos (complimentary)
Basketball stats courtesy of @tyfenwick.bsky.social and (slay) photos by Brett Phelps!
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
Basketball stats courtesy of @tyfenwick.bsky.social and (slay) photos by Brett Phelps!
mirrorindy.org/iu-indianapo...
“I just like doing good things. It makes my brain a lot quieter,” York said. “There’s a lot of garbage things happening in this world, and I can shovel snow or build a bench or pick up trash, and it makes me feel okay.”
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
Meet the man making benches for Indianapolis
Anderson York’s benches are popping up at parks and bus stops across the city.
mirrorindy.org
November 11, 2025 at 3:47 PM
“I just like doing good things. It makes my brain a lot quieter,” York said. “There’s a lot of garbage things happening in this world, and I can shovel snow or build a bench or pick up trash, and it makes me feel okay.”
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
@peterblanchard.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-benches...
Do you want to edit some of the coolest, best reporters around! (no bias here!!)
Apply to be @mirrorindy.org's news editor and work with us to do awesome, community centered journalism :)
www.freepressindiana.org/jobs/news-ed...
Apply to be @mirrorindy.org's news editor and work with us to do awesome, community centered journalism :)
www.freepressindiana.org/jobs/news-ed...
Jobs | Free Press Indiana
Free Press Indiana is on a mission to provide local news for Indiana that is anchored in and reflective of the needs of the communities they serve.
www.freepressindiana.org
November 10, 2025 at 5:39 PM
Do you want to edit some of the coolest, best reporters around! (no bias here!!)
Apply to be @mirrorindy.org's news editor and work with us to do awesome, community centered journalism :)
www.freepressindiana.org/jobs/news-ed...
Apply to be @mirrorindy.org's news editor and work with us to do awesome, community centered journalism :)
www.freepressindiana.org/jobs/news-ed...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
About 1 out of 4 students at IU Indy transferred from another school or started college later in life.
This peer program helps them navigate unique challenges on campus.
by @clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by @jennarwatson.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
This peer program helps them navigate unique challenges on campus.
by @clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by @jennarwatson.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Transfer students adjust to IU Indy with help from students like them
A new peer coaching program helps transfer and older students adjust to IU Indy.
mirrorindy.org
November 10, 2025 at 4:02 PM
About 1 out of 4 students at IU Indy transferred from another school or started college later in life.
This peer program helps them navigate unique challenges on campus.
by @clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by @jennarwatson.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
This peer program helps them navigate unique challenges on campus.
by @clairerafford.bsky.social
Photos by @jennarwatson.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Did you know that almost every Indy college has a food pantry on campus?
Bookmark and share this link!
mirrorindy.org/college-stud...
Bookmark and share this link!
mirrorindy.org/college-stud...
Indianapolis colleges, universities have food pantries for students
IU Indy, Ivy Tech and Butler are among local colleges with food pantries.
mirrorindy.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Did you know that almost every Indy college has a food pantry on campus?
Bookmark and share this link!
mirrorindy.org/college-stud...
Bookmark and share this link!
mirrorindy.org/college-stud...
Two women - both moms, both veterans and both aspiring lawyers - found connection through a new coaching program at IU Indy for transfer students.
“I felt like I was just talking to a big sister,” said mentee Kaylee Lewis.
Read more here @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
“I felt like I was just talking to a big sister,” said mentee Kaylee Lewis.
Read more here @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Transfer students adjust to IU Indy with help from students like them
A new peer coaching program helps transfer and older students adjust to IU Indy.
mirrorindy.org
November 6, 2025 at 6:25 PM
Two women - both moms, both veterans and both aspiring lawyers - found connection through a new coaching program at IU Indy for transfer students.
“I felt like I was just talking to a big sister,” said mentee Kaylee Lewis.
Read more here @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
“I felt like I was just talking to a big sister,” said mentee Kaylee Lewis.
Read more here @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/indiana-univ...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
The city is launching a program to give 100 families $20K over the course of their birth journeys — no strings attached.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy is giving 100 moms $20k each to support their birth journeys
Monthly stipends will go to families living in areas with the most infant deaths.
mirrorindy.org
November 5, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The city is launching a program to give 100 families $20K over the course of their birth journeys — no strings attached.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
The Wayne Township who rules on eviction cases defended himself from social media critics during a meeting last week. He printed off orders from 87 cases. "The orders speak for themselves."
It all started with a post on Facebook from @mrwildstyle.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
It all started with a post on Facebook from @mrwildstyle.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
Wayne Township judge defends how he handles evictions
Judge Gerald Coleman hosted a meeting with housing advocates to explain how he handles eviction cases.
mirrorindy.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:27 PM
The Wayne Township who rules on eviction cases defended himself from social media critics during a meeting last week. He printed off orders from 87 cases. "The orders speak for themselves."
It all started with a post on Facebook from @mrwildstyle.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
It all started with a post on Facebook from @mrwildstyle.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/wayne-townsh...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
The Nehemiah Project at New Direction Church is opening doors for young adults who’ve faced barriers to employment.
The 16-week construction training program also teaches leadership and financial literacy: https://bit.ly/47nTPgX
The 16-week construction training program also teaches leadership and financial literacy: https://bit.ly/47nTPgX
Eastside church provides construction training to young people
Nehemiah Project students learn career skills and construction trades.
bit.ly
October 23, 2025 at 10:00 PM
The Nehemiah Project at New Direction Church is opening doors for young adults who’ve faced barriers to employment.
The 16-week construction training program also teaches leadership and financial literacy: https://bit.ly/47nTPgX
The 16-week construction training program also teaches leadership and financial literacy: https://bit.ly/47nTPgX
At New Direction Church, students are exploring construction and learning about the trades. Church staff hope this opens up opportunities.
But they also hope investing in students will lead to a revitalization of their eastside neighborhood. More:
mirrorindy.org/nehemiah-pro...
But they also hope investing in students will lead to a revitalization of their eastside neighborhood. More:
mirrorindy.org/nehemiah-pro...
Eastside church provides construction training to young people
Nehemiah Project students learn career skills and construction trades.
mirrorindy.org
October 22, 2025 at 1:23 PM
At New Direction Church, students are exploring construction and learning about the trades. Church staff hope this opens up opportunities.
But they also hope investing in students will lead to a revitalization of their eastside neighborhood. More:
mirrorindy.org/nehemiah-pro...
But they also hope investing in students will lead to a revitalization of their eastside neighborhood. More:
mirrorindy.org/nehemiah-pro...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
Seniors who were part of the federally funded SCSEP program are out of work because of funding freezes from the Trump administration.
There are about 272 positions funded through this program.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social discusses the impact this has on seniors: mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
There are about 272 positions funded through this program.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social discusses the impact this has on seniors: mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Seniors out of work because of Trump administration funding freezes
Goodwill's senior employment program helped older, low-income adults get job training.
mirrorindy.org
October 20, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Seniors who were part of the federally funded SCSEP program are out of work because of funding freezes from the Trump administration.
There are about 272 positions funded through this program.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social discusses the impact this has on seniors: mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
There are about 272 positions funded through this program.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social discusses the impact this has on seniors: mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Seniors have been out of work for months after the Trump administration withheld funding for the program that employed them.
It's unclear when they'll be able to go back to work - or if the govt will continue to fund the program.
Read more here - mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
It's unclear when they'll be able to go back to work - or if the govt will continue to fund the program.
Read more here - mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Seniors out of work because of Trump administration funding freezes
Goodwill's senior employment program helped older, low-income adults get job training.
mirrorindy.org
October 20, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Seniors have been out of work for months after the Trump administration withheld funding for the program that employed them.
It's unclear when they'll be able to go back to work - or if the govt will continue to fund the program.
Read more here - mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
It's unclear when they'll be able to go back to work - or if the govt will continue to fund the program.
Read more here - mirrorindy.org/senior-commu...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
Antivaxx lies + irrational cruel cuts = > deaths.
Cervical cancer could be eradicated. But not with Medicaid cuts and anti-vax politics. 19thnews.org/2025/10/cerv... via @19thnews.org
RFK Jr "has made false statements about the HPV vaccine’s safety and effectiveness..."
Cervical cancer could be eradicated. But not with Medicaid cuts and anti-vax politics. 19thnews.org/2025/10/cerv... via @19thnews.org
RFK Jr "has made false statements about the HPV vaccine’s safety and effectiveness..."
Cervical cancer could be eradicated. But not with Medicaid cuts and anti-vax politics.
The cancer has a known path of prevention, but that also means it falls at the intersection of cultural issues that are facing strong political opposition.
19thnews.org
October 14, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Antivaxx lies + irrational cruel cuts = > deaths.
Cervical cancer could be eradicated. But not with Medicaid cuts and anti-vax politics. 19thnews.org/2025/10/cerv... via @19thnews.org
RFK Jr "has made false statements about the HPV vaccine’s safety and effectiveness..."
Cervical cancer could be eradicated. But not with Medicaid cuts and anti-vax politics. 19thnews.org/2025/10/cerv... via @19thnews.org
RFK Jr "has made false statements about the HPV vaccine’s safety and effectiveness..."
Reposted by Claire Rafford
This is a first for me:
Indy’s council president said he’d rather wait to see what’s in our subsequent stories before deciding what to do.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy’s council president said he’d rather wait to see what’s in our subsequent stories before deciding what to do.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy councilors troubled by deals tied to Hogsett aide’s secret relationship
Most councilors did not respond to reporters, but a few said they are concerned.
mirrorindy.org
October 15, 2025 at 12:54 PM
This is a first for me:
Indy’s council president said he’d rather wait to see what’s in our subsequent stories before deciding what to do.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
Indy’s council president said he’d rather wait to see what’s in our subsequent stories before deciding what to do.
mirrorindy.org/indianapolis...
News: Purdue University will buy 2 apartment buildings on the canal to use for student housing. One of them is Canal Square Apartments, the other 501 Indiana Ave.
Story @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/purdue-unive...
Story @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/purdue-unive...
Purdue will purchase 2 apartment buildings near Indy campus
Purdue University will purchase Indianapolis’ Canal Square Apartments and a new development on 501 Indiana Ave. for housing post-IUPUI split.
mirrorindy.org
October 10, 2025 at 7:30 PM
News: Purdue University will buy 2 apartment buildings on the canal to use for student housing. One of them is Canal Square Apartments, the other 501 Indiana Ave.
Story @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/purdue-unive...
Story @mirrorindy.org
mirrorindy.org/purdue-unive...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
Reposted by Claire Rafford
As Purdue in Indy’s acceptance rate decreases, private colleges have been adding engineering programs to give Indy students more options.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social talked to people at Marian University, Butler University and UIndy about how this impacts Indy students: https://bit.ly/4h86w44
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social talked to people at Marian University, Butler University and UIndy about how this impacts Indy students: https://bit.ly/4h86w44
New engineering programs at Indy colleges provide alternative to Purdue
UIndy, Marian and Butler have added engineering programs in the last decade.
bit.ly
October 7, 2025 at 6:53 PM
As Purdue in Indy’s acceptance rate decreases, private colleges have been adding engineering programs to give Indy students more options.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social talked to people at Marian University, Butler University and UIndy about how this impacts Indy students: https://bit.ly/4h86w44
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social talked to people at Marian University, Butler University and UIndy about how this impacts Indy students: https://bit.ly/4h86w44
90% of Indy Achieves students finish college. The city requested $2M in the 2026 city budget to continue that work.
@mirrorindy.org @indydocumenters.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-achieve...
@mirrorindy.org @indydocumenters.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-achieve...
90% of Indy Achieves students finish college
With a proven track record at IU Indianapolis, the city-funded program requested $2 million in the 2026 city budget to expand completion grants and scholarships for local students.
mirrorindy.org
October 7, 2025 at 4:48 PM
90% of Indy Achieves students finish college. The city requested $2M in the 2026 city budget to continue that work.
@mirrorindy.org @indydocumenters.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-achieve...
@mirrorindy.org @indydocumenters.bsky.social
mirrorindy.org/indy-achieve...
A decade ago, IUPUI was the only engineering program in the city. Next fall, there will be 4 - including the newly renamed Purdue in Indy.
Read about how these newer programs are changing the landscape here:
mirrorindy.org/purdue-india...
Read about how these newer programs are changing the landscape here:
mirrorindy.org/purdue-india...
New engineering programs at Indy colleges provide alternative to Purdue
UIndy, Marian and Butler have added engineering programs in the last decade.
mirrorindy.org
October 7, 2025 at 2:03 PM
A decade ago, IUPUI was the only engineering program in the city. Next fall, there will be 4 - including the newly renamed Purdue in Indy.
Read about how these newer programs are changing the landscape here:
mirrorindy.org/purdue-india...
Read about how these newer programs are changing the landscape here:
mirrorindy.org/purdue-india...
Next week will be Chris Lowery's last as Indiana's top higher ed leader.
In an exit interview for @mirrorindy.org I chatted with him about his accomplishments, the challenges that still remain and where the state's headed:
mirrorindy.org/chris-lowery...
In an exit interview for @mirrorindy.org I chatted with him about his accomplishments, the challenges that still remain and where the state's headed:
mirrorindy.org/chris-lowery...
Q&A: Indiana’s top higher ed leader has hope for the state’s future
“We should be hopeful when we think about higher education,” said Lowery, “because of all the opportunities it brings to people.”
mirrorindy.org
October 7, 2025 at 1:51 PM
Next week will be Chris Lowery's last as Indiana's top higher ed leader.
In an exit interview for @mirrorindy.org I chatted with him about his accomplishments, the challenges that still remain and where the state's headed:
mirrorindy.org/chris-lowery...
In an exit interview for @mirrorindy.org I chatted with him about his accomplishments, the challenges that still remain and where the state's headed:
mirrorindy.org/chris-lowery...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
International student enrollment is down at IU Indy by 28% this fall, reflecting a national trend tied to stricter visa policies that began under Trump in spring.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social broke down what this means for the city: https://bit.ly/4q1F3Fg
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social broke down what this means for the city: https://bit.ly/4q1F3Fg
Fewer international students are in Indianapolis this fall
A national expert tied the decrease to Trump administration policies surrounding student visas.
bit.ly
September 29, 2025 at 9:20 PM
International student enrollment is down at IU Indy by 28% this fall, reflecting a national trend tied to stricter visa policies that began under Trump in spring.
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social broke down what this means for the city: https://bit.ly/4q1F3Fg
✍️ @clairerafford.bsky.social broke down what this means for the city: https://bit.ly/4q1F3Fg
Reposted by Claire Rafford
Big news from @davebangert.bsky.social - the Trump administration revoked a $35M grant that supported
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
U.S. Dept. of Education ends $34.9M grant to Purdue over diversity language
GEAR Up, 6th largest federal grant in Purdue history, aimed tutoring, SAT prep, other help to low-income students, including in Lafayette. Feds: It doesn’t line up with Trump administration priorities
www.basedinlafayette.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Big news from @davebangert.bsky.social - the Trump administration revoked a $35M grant that supported
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
Big news from @davebangert.bsky.social - the Trump administration revoked a $35M grant that supported
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
U.S. Dept. of Education ends $34.9M grant to Purdue over diversity language
GEAR Up, 6th largest federal grant in Purdue history, aimed tutoring, SAT prep, other help to low-income students, including in Lafayette. Feds: It doesn’t line up with Trump administration priorities
www.basedinlafayette.com
September 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
Big news from @davebangert.bsky.social - the Trump administration revoked a $35M grant that supported
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
low-income students, citing diversity language as the reason.
The grant helped students in six Indy middle and high schools, including Arsenal Tech.
www.basedinlafayette.com/p/us-dept-of...
Reposted by Claire Rafford
I’m sorry, a young Black man was found hanging—from a tree—and authorities said they had no reason to suspect foul play?
September 17, 2025 at 11:20 PM
I’m sorry, a young Black man was found hanging—from a tree—and authorities said they had no reason to suspect foul play?