Mirror Indy

Mirror Indy and 10 other newsrooms are taking a closer look at why Black men die from overdoses at higher rates in cities across the country. In Indianapolis, Black men born between 1951 and 1970 die from overdoses at nearly three times the city’s rate and nearly 10 times the national rate. It’s happening in 46218, which has had some of the highest rates of fatal overdoses in Marion County for the past three years. The ZIP code is also home to many of the city’s Black neighborhoods such as Martindale Brightwood. Public health officials are approaching the epidemic with harm reduction initiatives, including safe syringe exchange sites near 46218, fentanyl test strips and naloxone. But Black men do not appear to be benefiting from them like others are. Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/gxE9pVnH

Dive into Free Press Indiana’s very first community impact report for reflections on Mirror Indy’s first year, insights into our future plans and more. From facilitating investment in the local ecosystem to telling community stories that matter, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made together. But we’re just getting started! Your support helps ensure that independent, credible journalism thrives in Indiana. ?? https://lnkd.in/gMjevxV8

Please join us in congratulating our Editor-in-Chief Oseye Boyd, who has been selected for Poynter’s 2025 Leadership Academy for Women! “Journalists in leadership roles are facing complex challenges as they navigate the evolving media landscape,” said Sitara Nieves, Poynter’s vice president of teaching and organizational strategy. “The Leadership Academy for Women provides these accomplished professionals with the space, skills and support to lead with confidence and clarity.” Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/gwSPWi9c

The Indy Arts Council has a new CEO: Judith Thomas, deputy mayor for neighborhood engagement at the city of Indianapolis. She replaces Julie Goodman, who served in the role from 2019 to 2024. Thomas will start her new role in mid-April. https://lnkd.in/ggUPafjG

Impacting Journalism Across Indiana We’re excited to share Free Press Indiana’s very first community impact report - The Amplifier Vol. 1! Dive into first-hand accounts of year one written by our team, insights into our future plans and more. From facilitating investment in the local ecosystem to telling community stories that matter, we’re proud of the progress we’ve made together. But we’re just getting started! Your support helps ensure that independent, credible journalism thrives in Indiana. https://lnkd.in/gMjevxV8

Indy Documenters cover local government meetings to help hold elected officials accountable for the decisions they make. This week, Documenters are reporting on these meetings: Citizen’s Police Complaint board at 6 p.m., March 10 Perry Township school board at 6 p.m., March 10 Troublemakers for Tomorrow: Menaces for a Better Future at 6 p.m. March 10 The State of Film presented by Pattern at 5 p.m., March 13 Crown Hill Neighborhood Association at 6:30 p.m., March 13 Capital Improvement board at 9 a.m., March 14 Learn how to become a documenter: https://lnkd.in/gUD63iyS

Indy Maven’s 2025 list Women to Watch is out! The list celebrates women who are changing their communities in big ways. Mirror Indy’s Community Journalism Director Ariana Beedie gets the spotlight, along with artists, sports leaders, business owners and a woman who founded an animal sanctuary when she was 14. https://lnkd.in/grhz32ru

My latest for Mirror Indy: IU quietly closed the Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center in Indianapolis, which provided equity training to schools and educational agencies across the Midwest. The closure came after the Trump administration pulled $33M in funding to the Indianapolis center and 3 others across the country because they "supported divisive training" on DEI education. A general PSA: As more and more of these stories crop up in Indy, I'd like to stay up to date with what's happening at colleges/universities. You can email me at [email protected], DM me on (numerous) social media accounts (@clairerafford) or contact me at my new Signal: (317) 759-0249. I promise to keep your personal info confidential unless we agree otherwise.

when you’re doing the work of the people, every ounce of support helps! from now through March 9, order a meal (or two, LOL) from ClusterTruck and use code MIRROR-25 to donate 20% of your order back to the Mirror Indy newsroom. one of the things i love most about this campaign is the power of two local brands coming together to do good! we thrive when we come together. shoutout to alllll the people who have supported so far. you are appreciated.

Our newsroom did a team lunch this week with ClusterTruck! ?? Consider this your sign to make a group order with your coworkers or treat yourself to dinner after work—you deserve it. When you order from ClusterTruck between now and Sunday, use code MIRROR-25 at checkout, and 20% of your order will go directly to supporting Mirror Indy. ClusterTruck makes it easy to place group orders, so you can enjoy a meal together and support our newsroom. But fair warning: the combination of smells from pad Thai, pizza, buffalo wings, spiced chickpea bowls, and Korean beef & broccoli may linger a bit in your office after lunchtime… Whether you're grabbing lunch during the workday or planning dinner with family or friends, your order will help fund local journalism that keeps our community informed and engaged. Order now: https://clustertruck.com/ Promo code: MIRROR-25