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 Grace Randolph.
What’s your beat?
My beat is investigations.
What college did you attend?
I recently graduated from the University of Richmond with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and global studies and a minor in Italian studies.
What’s your favorite part of being a journalist?
One of my favorite parts of journalism is how it allows me to engage with people with extraordinary stories, passions, and hearts; I regularly get to be in awe of strangers, learn from experts and listen to anyone willing to talk (a plus for an introvert like me).
What prompted you to apply to IndyStar?
Whenever I mentioned I was considering interning at the IndyStar to my professors and others in the journalism field, they instantly gushed and remarked on the incredible work and legacy of the Star’s investigative team. From there, I knew I would get to learn from the best while I’m here.
Who’s sponsoring your internship?
My internship is sponsored by the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting.
What are you reading or streaming?
I just started “Becoming” by Michelle Obama and “Liturgy of the Ordinary” by Tish Harrison Warren, both of which I received as gifts from mentors.
What’s your favorite quote?
“People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”
What song do you shamelessly jam out to in the car?
In honor of the summer, the top of my fun pop playlist at the moment is “Right Back” by Karlee Girl.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
Be a sponge, lessons can come from anywhere.
If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one?
I often think about how well I’d fare on the reality show “Big Brother” as a contestant. While I don’t believe I would be the greatest at the phsyical competitions, I like to imagine my journalism skills would assit me in the mental and social aspects of the game.
What’s the biggest misconception you encounter in talking to people about journalism?
A major misconception I’ve encountered around journalism, one which I also held at a point in time, is that journalism is constant story chasing, scandalous leaks and thrilling big scoops. While these exciting developments occasionally occur, for me, there’s a softer, quieter side that makes up most of the actual work. Emails, voice messages, PDFs, and dead ends are all as much part of the process as the more glorified bits.
Grace Randolph is an Ida B. Wells investigative intern for the Indianapolis Star. She can be reached at GRandolph@indystar.com.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Meet IndyStar investigative intern Grace Randolph
Reporting by Grace Randolph, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Grace Randolph, Indianapolis Star | USA TODAY Network
