I am James Beard, a writer from Indiana who covers local news, history, and everyday life in the state. My work focuses on small-town events, state politics, and stories that matter to the people who live here.
Indiana has a long history, and I aim to document both its past and present. I write about everything from local government decisions to unusual roadside attractions. My goal is to keep people informed while sharing stories that make Indiana unique.
When I am not working on a story, I spend time in the community, talking to people and keeping up with what is happening. Indiana is my home, and I write to make sure its stories are told.
In many Indiana communities, multiple languages are heard in everyday settings such as schools, hospitals, and workplaces. Recent data shows that more than 10 percent of residents speak a language other than English at home, reflecting steady demographic change across the state . This article examines the most commonly spokenContinue Reading
Indiana’s unemployment story in 2026 looks stronger than a lot of people might expect, but the most important detail is easy to miss: the latest official statewide unemployment rate available from Indiana DWD and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics is still the December 2025 figure, not a January orContinue Reading
Indiana has never chased the movie-capital label, yet the state keeps showing up in American film history anyway. Part of the appeal is obvious once you look at the places that have made it on screen: old gyms with real hardwood history, college-town streets that feel lived in, ballparks withContinue Reading
Indiana does not always get enough credit as a lake state. Yet between big southern reservoirs, glacial lakes in the north, and Lake Michigan’s long shoreline, the state offers far more variety than many travelers expect. For anglers, swimmers, paddlers, boaters, and anyone planning a quick cabin weekend, Indiana hasContinue Reading
Indiana remains one of the most affordable states in the United States, with a cost of living that sits about 10% to 15% below the national average. Housing plays a major role in that advantage. Statewide median home prices sit around $265,000, yet many cities fall far below that figure.Continue Reading
Indiana offers a cost of living that falls below the national average, making it an attractive option for homebuyers seeking value. Small towns across the state provide a strong sense of community along with practical benefits that support long-term living. Affordable housing remains a major advantage, especially for first-time buyersContinue Reading
South Bend sits along the St. Joseph River as a revitalized Midwest city with deep roots in manufacturing, especially tied to the Studebaker automobile company. Industrial foundations shaped its early identity, yet recent decades have brought a shift toward a culture-focused and experience-oriented destination. Recognition often centers on the UniversityContinue Reading
Indiana has produced an unusual number of athletes who shaped American sports in lasting ways. Basketball still dominates the state’s identity, but the Hoosier track record reaches well beyond hardwood, into football, swimming, baseball, and motorsports. A strong list of famous athletes from Indiana says a lot about the stateContinue Reading
1Lafayette, Indiana, tends to surprise people. On paper, it can look like a smaller Midwestern city that sits in the shadow of Purdue and gets treated like a stopover. In real life, it has a lot more range than that. You can spend a day walking historic neighborhoods, eating veryContinue Reading
Fort Wayne stands out as a lively Midwestern city with a strong mix of affordability, accessibility, and things to do. Positioned at the meeting point of the St. Marys, St. Joseph, and Maumee Rivers, the city offers a setting shaped by water, green space, and a growing downtown. Visitors oftenContinue Reading
South Bend is a mid-sized Midwestern city with a long history of crime concerns. Public perception has often labeled it as unsafe, supported by past statistics and political rhetoric. Key question remains: is South Bend becoming safer, or does it still rank among dangerous cities? Evidence suggests a mixed reality.Continue Reading