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 Lucy Tobier.
What’s your beat?
I’m covering Indiana state politics.
What college did you attend?
I recently graduated from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania with a double major in English and economics. Most of my education took place in the newsroom of the Phoenix, Swarthmore’s student-run newspaper.
What’s your favorite part of being a journalist?
The opportunity to become an expert for a week on endless topics and stories, from zoning ordinances to transit-oriented development. For me, journalism is the way to explore every other career and subject while getting to write and talk with community members.
What prompted you to apply to IndyStar?
I’m excited about IndyStar’s history of long-term investigations that benefit community members and hold local leaders accountable. I am also from Michigan originally and grateful to return and report on politics, education, and labor in the Midwest.
Who’s sponsoring your internship?
The Pulliam Fellowship
What are you reading or streaming?
I’m watching “Girls” on HBO, and just finished reading “Kitchens of the Great Midwest” by J. Ryan Stradal. Up next on my shelf is “Radio Free Vermont” by Bill McKibben, a novel about a very independent journalist.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I hope to be reporting on education and labor in the Midwest while building a dream garden of vegetables and flowers.
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
I’m the number one fan of my family’s cats and constantly scroll local shelter websites to find one of my own to obsess over.
What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?
I have ABBA’s top hits, including the “Mamma Mia” covers, on repeat.
What’s your bucket-list vacation destination?
I’d love to go on a full-day book shopping spree in London fueled by lots of coffee.
What’s the biggest misconception you encounter in talking to people about journalism?
That journalism is obsolete or will cease to exist. Good accountability reporting is crucial to a functioning democracy and trust in local communities.
Lucy Tobier is the politics reporting intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at lucy.tobier@indystar.com or on X at @TobierLucy
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet IndyStar intern Lucy Tobier
Reporting by Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
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