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Young Journalist Matthew Cupelli Joins Indianapolis Star as Public Safety Intern

Matthew Cupelli, a young and driven journalism student, has joined the Indianapolis Star as a public safety intern, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep-rooted passion for storytelling to the newsroom. Hailing from a small town in New Jersey, Cupelli's journey to Indianapolis represents not only a geographical shift but also a significant step in his burgeoning career as a journalist. His background, interests, and aspirations paint a picture of a dedicated individual eager to make an impact in the field of public safety reporting, a beat that often deals with the most pressing and complex issues facing communities.

Cupelli grew up in a tight-knit community in New Jersey, where local news played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of the world. From an early age, he was captivated by stories of crime, emergency response, and the intricate workings of law enforcement. This fascination was not merely about the sensational aspects of these stories but rather the human elements behind them—the victims, the responders, and the broader societal implications. His curiosity about how these events unfolded and their impact on people’s lives sparked an interest in journalism as a means to uncover truth and foster understanding. This early exposure to the power of local reporting became a driving force in his decision to pursue a career in the field.

Now a student at Indiana University, Cupelli is studying journalism with a focus on honing his skills in investigative reporting and narrative storytelling. His academic journey has equipped him with a strong foundation in research, ethics, and the technical aspects of writing for a wide audience. At IU, he has been involved in various student media outlets, where he has covered a range of topics from campus safety to local government policies. These experiences have not only sharpened his reporting skills but also deepened his appreciation for the role journalists play in holding institutions accountable and giving a voice to the voiceless. His transition to the Indianapolis Star as a public safety intern is a natural progression of his academic and extracurricular pursuits, offering him a real-world platform to apply his skills and learn from seasoned professionals.

As a public safety intern, Cupelli’s role at the Indianapolis Star involves covering stories related to crime, law enforcement, emergency services, and community safety initiatives. This beat requires a delicate balance of sensitivity and tenacity, as the topics often involve tragedy, conflict, and high-stakes situations. Cupelli approaches these stories with a commitment to accuracy and fairness, recognizing the importance of providing context and avoiding sensationalism. He understands that public safety reporting is not just about relaying facts but also about exploring the underlying causes of issues and their broader impact on the community. Whether he is covering a breaking news event, such as a major accident or a crime scene, or delving into a longer-term investigation about systemic issues within the criminal justice system, Cupelli strives to deliver stories that inform, engage, and sometimes challenge readers to think critically about the world around them.

One of the aspects of public safety reporting that Cupelli finds most compelling is the opportunity to humanize the individuals involved in these stories. He believes that behind every incident report or police statement, there are real people with unique experiences and emotions. By focusing on the human element, he aims to create narratives that resonate with readers on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. For instance, when reporting on a crime, he seeks to go beyond the surface details to explore the circumstances that may have led to the event, as well as the ripple effects on families and neighborhoods. This approach not only enriches his storytelling but also aligns with his broader goal of using journalism as a tool for social good.

Cupelli’s internship at the Indianapolis Star also provides him with a unique opportunity to learn about the specific public safety challenges facing the city of Indianapolis. As a newcomer to the area, he brings an outsider’s perspective, which allows him to ask questions and notice details that might be overlooked by those more familiar with the local landscape. At the same time, he is deeply committed to immersing himself in the community, building relationships with sources, and understanding the cultural and historical context that shapes public safety issues in the city. From gun violence to mental health crises to the opioid epidemic, Indianapolis faces a range of complex challenges that require nuanced reporting. Cupelli is eager to tackle these topics, recognizing that his work can contribute to public awareness and, potentially, to meaningful change.

Beyond his immediate responsibilities as an intern, Cupelli is also focused on personal growth and professional development. He views his time at the Indianapolis Star as a chance to refine his skills in areas such as data analysis, multimedia storytelling, and deadline-driven writing. He is particularly interested in learning how to effectively use public records and data to uncover trends and patterns in public safety issues, a skill that is increasingly important in modern journalism. Additionally, he hopes to gain insight into the ethical dilemmas that often arise in public safety reporting, such as balancing the public’s right to know with the privacy of individuals involved in sensitive situations. By working alongside experienced reporters and editors, Cupelli is soaking up knowledge and feedback that will shape him into a more versatile and thoughtful journalist.

Cupelli’s passion for journalism extends beyond his current role as an intern. He aspires to build a long-term career in the field, with a particular interest in investigative reporting on public safety and criminal justice reform. He is motivated by the idea that journalism can serve as a catalyst for accountability and progress, shining a light on systemic issues and amplifying the voices of those who are often marginalized. While he acknowledges the challenges facing the industry, including shrinking newsrooms and the rise of misinformation, he remains optimistic about the future of journalism. He believes that the core mission of the profession—seeking truth and serving the public—remains as vital as ever, and he is determined to contribute to that mission in meaningful ways.

In his personal life, Cupelli is described as curious, empathetic, and relentlessly hardworking. Outside of journalism, he enjoys exploring the outdoors, reading nonfiction, and engaging in discussions about current events with friends and family. These interests often inform his work, as they keep him grounded in the real-world implications of the stories he covers. His move to Indianapolis has also given him a chance to explore a new city, and he has quickly grown fond of its vibrant culture, diverse neighborhoods, and sense of community. Whether he is attending local events or simply walking through downtown, Cupelli is always observing, listening, and thinking about how to translate his experiences into compelling stories.

As Matthew Cupelli embarks on this chapter of his career at the Indianapolis Star, he carries with him a sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference through his reporting. His dedication to public safety journalism reflects a broader commitment to using his skills to inform and empower the public. While he is still early in his journey, his enthusiasm, work ethic, and thoughtful approach to storytelling suggest that he has the potential to become a significant voice in the field. For now, as he navigates the challenges and rewards of his internship, Cupelli remains focused on learning, growing, and telling stories that matter to the people of Indianapolis and beyond. His presence in the newsroom is a reminder of the importance of nurturing young talent in journalism, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of society. Through his work, Cupelli is not only contributing to the mission of the Indianapolis Star but also laying the foundation for a career dedicated to truth, accountability, and the public good.

Read the Full The Indianapolis Star Article at:
[ https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2025/07/18/meet-indianapolis-star-public-safety-intern-matthew-cupelli/84355624007/ ]