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.
Indianapolis offers a compact but unusually diverse mix of major sports landmarks, nationally respected museums, walkable cultural districts, and a food scene that reflects both Midwestern roots and modern experimentation. The top things to do in Indianapolis include exploring its downtown canal and White River State Park, visiting world-class museumsContinue Reading
Fans have followed Eleven, Mike, Dustin, and Lucas through foggy woods, empty streets, and buzzing arcades for years. Curiosity naturally follows after so many episodes spent inside Hawkins, Indiana. Viewers often wonder if a road trip could ever lead to its town square or middle school halls. Curiosity drives aContinue Reading
Michael Jackson, widely known as the King of Pop, entered the world on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana. Early years unfolded inside a modest Midwestern steel town marked by factory work, economic strain, and close family ties. Childhood experiences inside a small house on Jackson Street shaped discipline, creativity,Continue Reading
Indiana has carried a reputation as a Republican stronghold for decades, yet Democratic influence continues to persist in major urban centers such as Indianapolis and Gary. Political alignment across the Hoosier state has never been fully uniform, and voting behavior often shifts sharply along urban and rural lines. Year 2025Continue Reading
Bobcats represent Indiana’s only wi wildcat species and once faced near disappearance due to intense hunting pressure and widespread habitat loss. Decades of protection and habitat recovery allowed populations to rebound, particularly across the southern and central parts of the state. Increased sightings now reflect that recovery and signal aContinue Reading
Indiana State Fair 2026, one of the biggest events in the country, promises to be an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and summertime fun. Running from August 7 to 23 (closed Mondays), it will take place at the Indiana State Fairgrounds & Event Center in Indianapolis. Under the theme “TheContinue Reading
Indiana has long been called the cradle of basketball, producing some of the finest players to ever lace up their sneakers. Hoosiers grow up with the sport in their blood, and gyms across the state serve as breeding grounds for talent that eventually makes its way to the professional level.Continue Reading
Albanese Candy Factory has earned its place as a beloved Indiana institution, bringing smiles to families for decades. More than just a candy shop, it represents flavor innovation, community pride, and a warm atmosphere that locals cherish. Visitors often find themselves returning, not only for the candy but also forContinue Reading
French Lick, Indiana, is often described as a hidden treasure in Southern Indiana, perfect for a weekend escape, romantic retreat, or family adventure. Visitors are drawn to its balance of historical elegance and modern resort-style living. Once known for mineral springs and grand resorts, it now offers a combination ofContinue Reading
Hoosier folklore spans Indiana, featuring tales of strange creatures and eerie encounters that have left a lasting impression on local communities. Legends handed down through generations, stories captured in university folklore archives, and firsthand accounts from residents paint a vivid picture of the state’s rich tapestry of the unknown. StoriesContinue Reading
Few words stir as much curiosity and pride as “Hoosier.” For nearly two centuries, the nickname has defined Indiana, creating a sense of identity that reaches past state lines. People wear it as a badge of toughness, resilience, and hospitality, yet many still wonder where it truly began. Long-debated theoriesContinue Reading