POV: Go rock climbing in Indianapolis with the IndyStar interns
Meet the IndyStar summer interns and see what it’s like to try rock climbing for the first time.
IndyStar’s newsroom internships are an important tradition that benefits readers, the news industry and aspiring journalists. We have nine summer interns for 2025 — 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.
Similarly, we’re taking a break from our “Meet the Staff” feature to give you a chance to, yes, meet the interns. We also call them Pulliam fellows — in recognition of the family that used to own the newspaper and has continued to support journalism in Indianapolis — and past participants have gone on to rich careers at the Star and elsewhere in journalism.
Our final 2025 IndyStar intern to be featured is Tory Basile.
What’s your beat?
Business
What college are you attending/did you attend?
I graduated from IU Bloomington in May with bachelor’s degrees in journalism and political science.
What’s your favorite part of being a journalist?
Being a journalist is the best job because you get to meet people, learn and do things you’d never expect. I love getting to become a sort-of expert on so many different topics. Through reporting, I’ve met inspiring, interesting people who shape the community and make me think about the world differently, and I’m grateful to get the chance to tell their stories.
What prompted you to apply to IndyStar?
I live in Indianapolis and grew up reading the IndyStar. I was excited to apply because I wanted firsthand experience reporting on local news, and it’s an opportunity to see Indy in a new, interesting way.
What are you reading or streaming?
I’ve been watching “The Sopranos” for the first time and staying vigilant about avoiding spoilers.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received?
“Picture your future: Would you rather be at a party full of lawyers or journalists? Exactly. Don’t go to law school.”
Where do you see yourself in five years?
I’m hoping in five years I will be working somewhere as a local reporter. I’d love to be covering stories about politics and health or writing features. Hopefully, I will have a dog, lots of houseplants and a rent-controlled apartment.
If you could guest star on any TV show past or present, which one?
Probably “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” Worth a shot!
Do you prefer dogs or cats?
Dogs! I grew up with three of them. Cats make me sneeze.
What’s your bucket-list vacation destination?
Anywhere in Italy