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 has become one of the most reliable states in the Midwest for bald eagle watching, with over 350 active eagle nests recorded as of 2024, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Once nearly extinct in the region due to DDT and habitat loss, bald eagles haveContinue Reading
Indiana isn’t usually the first place people think of for Hollywood backdrops, but it’s been the setting for some iconic films. The best-known is Hoosiers (1986), often called one of the greatest sports movies ever made. It was filmed almost entirely in small Indiana towns like New Richmond and Knightstown,Continue Reading
There’s something about Bloomington, Indiana, that lingers with you — a mix of campus energy, Midwestern warmth, and just enough quirk to keep things interesting. You don’t need weeks to feel it, either. Give it a weekend. One good weekend with good shoes, a decent appetite, and an open mindContinue Reading
Long before Indiana became a state, its lands were home to thriving Indigenous nations. From the intricate mound complexes of the Mississippian culture at Angel Mounds to the enduring legacies of the Miami, Potawatomi, Shawnee, and Delaware (Lenape) peoples, Indiana’s landscape tells a story of rich Native traditions, resilience, andContinue Reading
Rainwater harvesting in Indiana deserves attention through legal, practical, and environmental lenses. With water conservation gaining traction, practices like collecting and using rainwater present real solutions for homeowners, farmers, and institutions. Sustainable water practices are no longer optional; they are essential. Rainwater harvesting helps reduce utility costs, manages stormwater moreContinue Reading
Indiana offers an extraordinary experience for wildlife watchers, particularly birding enthusiasts. With over 400 documented bird species, the state delivers some of the Midwest’s most rewarding sightings. Spanning 64 locations across five distinct regions, the Indiana Birding Trail provides curated access to diverse habitats. Migration seasons in spring and fallContinue Reading
Indiana holds key parts of America. Each courthouse, battlefield, and homestead shows where change took place. The state played a strong role in the frontier, the push for freedom, and the rise of industry. It helped shape early law, westward growth, and bold ideas. Many sites across Indiana tell clearContinue Reading
If you’re looking for a beautiful escape into nature, Indiana Dunes National Park is the perfect spot. Located along the southern shore of Lake Michigan, this park is full of peaceful beaches, scenic hiking trails, rich wildlife, and cool historic sites. Whether you’re a hiker, beachgoer, birdwatcher, or just someoneContinue Reading
Looking to explore the great outdoors in Indiana? Indiana has a wide range of outdoor activities suited for every type of adventurer. From peaceful hikes through beautiful forests to relaxing days along the shore, there’s something for everyone. Let’s look at some of the best outdoor experiences you can’t missContinue Reading
Health care, medicine and manufacturing dominate the Fortune 500 map in Indiana. Elevance Health brings the largest revenue total, Eli Lilly carries the biggest global spotlight, and Cummins remains the best-known industrial name outside Indianapolis. The 2026 list also reaches beyond the capital. Fort Wayne appears through Steel Dynamics, ElkhartContinue Reading
Starting a business takes more than an idea, it takes funding. Grants are especially valuable because they don’t require repayment and don’t dilute ownership. Unlike loans or venture capital, grants provide a financial boost without strings that can limit freedom or profit. In 2025, Indiana continues to expand funding channelsContinue Reading