I am James Beard, a journalist from Indiana. I grew up in Madison and live in Indianapolis now. That gives me two views of the state: river towns and county roads on one side, city neighborhoods and state politics on the other.
My work covers local news, history, travel, public safety, culture, business, and everyday life in Indiana. I write about town festivals, local government decisions, old landmarks, crime trends, roadside stops, lakes, restaurants, and places people talk about at the barber shop, in diners, after church, or after a school board meeting.
IndianaHub.org is where I put the notes I keep gathering from living here, driving around, reading records, watching meetings, and talking with people who know their towns better than any press release ever will.
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 a better movie history than many people expect. The state has never been known as a film capital, but it has given directors places that look specific, useful, and easy to believe on screen. Old basketball gyms. College streets in Bloomington and South Bend. Baseball parks in HuntingburgContinue 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
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 has always been a hard city to sum up in one sentence. Spend a day near downtown, by the river, or around Notre Dame, and the place can feel steady, familiar, and full of energy. Talk to families in neighborhoods where gunfire has shaped daily life, and theContinue Reading
At first glance, Fort Wayne feels like a quiet Midwest city where daily life moves at a steady pace. Streets, neighborhoods, and local businesses give off a calm and approachable atmosphere. Many descriptions call it a safe city with a strong sense of community, which shapes how visitors and newContinue Reading
Evansville ranks as the third-largest city in Indiana and sits along the Ohio River. A mix of historic sites, riverfront views, and family-oriented attractions defines the area. A revitalized downtown district brings together dining, entertainment, and community activity. Travel and local insights point to a city that offers cultural, recreational,Continue Reading