IndyStar’s newsroom internships are an important tradition that benefits readers, the news industry and aspiring journalists. We have eight summer interns for 2026 — students who have shown a passion for local journalism and have prior internship or student media experience. The program provides a bridge from student journalism to the professional ranks and helps the Star fill the gaps as our full-time staff take well-earned vacation time.
In this feature, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our summer interns — or, rather, we let them introduce themselves.
Up this week is 2026 IndyStar intern Mia Thurow.
What’s your beat?
This summer I’ve been tasked with covering breaking news, criminal justice and public safety.
What college did you attend?
I recently graduated from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in May 2026. I’ll never forget all the late nights in the student media newsroom, high-energy sporting events and waterfront strolls along the shore of Lake Michigan. I’m a proud Golden Eagle for life!
What’s your favorite part of being a journalist?
My favorite part of being a journalist is experiencing firsthand how rewarding the work we do is. To me, the greatest feeling in the world is seeing a source’s face light up when it’s their first time feeling genuinely heard by a reporter, or getting someone to open up about a challenging experience they’re going through. Journalism is the best.
Also, who else can say they get to attend events like the Indy 500 on the clock?
What prompted you to apply to IndyStar?
I’ve always admired IndyStar’s investigative work and the newsroom’s dedication to meaningful, community-centered storytelling. I’m also a Midwest girl through and through, so I felt like the Indianapolis culture would be a good fit.
Who’s sponsoring your internship?
My internship is sponsored by the Pulliam Journalism Fellowship in News Reporting.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
In college I took a course with a professional sports broadcaster who I’ve always looked up to, and he left me with these unforgettable words of wisdom on the last day of class: “Have confidence in yourself, even if you don’t in this very moment. Don’t ever let anyone steal your joy.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I see myself working as an investigative journalist in a newsroom I love, writing longform human interest stories about a variety of topics like criminal justice, the environment and sports. I have so many different passions and would love to work anywhere that allows me to combine all of my interests through my reporting.
I also see myself living close to my friends in a city near a large body of water, with a cat (or maybe two).
If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one?
I’m a big fan of cooking shows, both fictional and non-fictional, so I would have to say either “Top Chef” or “The Bear.” I’m a “Top Chef” superfan, so naturally I’d love to serve as a guest judge on the show someday. I’ve eaten at the real Chicago restaurant that inspired “The Bear,” and it’s one of my favorite shows of all time.
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Cats! I appreciate how independent, loyal and sassy they are, and how each one has a unique personality. I love all animals, though.
What’s your bucket-list vacation destination?
Somewhere I would love to visit in the near future is London, England — I’ve never left the United States and want to travel to a major city overseas. I’m also a huge Arsenal fan and would love to cheer on my club at a match in person!
What’s the biggest misconception you encounter in talking to people about journalism?
The biggest misconception I come across when talking to people about my work is that journalism is dying. I can’t count how many times I’ve told someone I’m a reporter, only for them to respond with something along the lines of, “You better find a new career path soon!”
Yes, journalism is in a period of drastic change right now — especially print media — but it’s not dying. If anything, our world needs it more than ever in this current climate of polarization and misinformation.
Our work might look a bit different in the future, but that doesn’t mean it’s going away any time soon.
Mia Thurow is the breaking news and criminal justice reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at mthurow@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet IndyStar criminal justice and public safety intern Mia Thurow
Reporting by Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
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By Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
