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Business and Finance
Source : (remove) : The Indianapolis Star
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Business and Finance
Source : (remove) : The Indianapolis Star
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Indianapolis Star Welcomes Business Intern Tory Basile

Meet Indianapolis Star Business Intern Tory Basile

In the bustling newsroom of The Indianapolis Star, a fresh face has joined the ranks, bringing a blend of youthful enthusiasm, sharp analytical skills, and a passion for uncovering the stories behind Indiana's economic landscape. Tory Basile, a rising senior at Indiana University Bloomington, has stepped into the role of business intern for the summer of 2025, eager to dive into the world of local journalism and contribute to coverage that impacts Hoosier communities.

Basile, originally from Carmel, Indiana, grew up in a family where dinner table conversations often revolved around local business news and economic trends. Her father, a small business owner who runs a chain of coffee shops in the Indianapolis suburbs, instilled in her an early appreciation for the intricacies of entrepreneurship and market dynamics. "I've always been fascinated by how businesses shape our daily lives," Basile shared during a recent interview in the Star's downtown office. "From the mom-and-pop stores that define our neighborhoods to the big corporations driving innovation, there's a story in every balance sheet and boardroom decision."

Her path to journalism wasn't straightforward. Basile initially pursued a degree in economics at IU's Kelley School of Business, drawn to the quantitative side of finance and data analysis. But a pivotal moment came during her sophomore year when she enrolled in an elective course on business journalism. "It was eye-opening," she recalled. "We analyzed real-world cases, like the economic fallout from the pandemic on Indiana's manufacturing sector, and I realized that numbers alone don't tell the full story. It's the people behind them—the workers, the innovators, the communities affected—that make it compelling."

That realization prompted Basile to minor in journalism, where she honed her writing skills through the university's student newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student. There, she covered everything from campus startups to the economic implications of Bloomington's tech boom. One of her standout pieces investigated how rising tuition costs were influencing student entrepreneurship, earning praise from faculty for its depth and clarity. "Tory has a knack for making complex economic concepts accessible," said her journalism professor, Dr. Elena Ramirez. "She's not afraid to ask tough questions and dig into data to back up her narratives."

Now, at The Indianapolis Star, Basile is putting those skills to work under the guidance of the business desk's seasoned reporters. Her internship, which runs through August, involves a mix of research, reporting, and writing on topics ranging from Indiana's growing biotech industry to the challenges facing rural economies. Already, she's contributed to stories on the expansion of electric vehicle manufacturing in the state, interviewing executives at companies like Cummins and exploring how these developments could reshape job markets in places like Columbus and Kokomo.

One of Basile's early assignments took her to the heart of Indianapolis's entrepreneurial scene. She shadowed a team covering the city's startup ecosystem, attending pitch events at the Indiana IoT Lab and speaking with founders navigating funding hurdles amid inflation pressures. "It's inspiring to see the resilience here," Basile noted. "Indiana isn't just flyover country; it's a hub for innovation in agribusiness, logistics, and health tech. But there are real obstacles, like access to capital for minority-owned businesses, that deserve more attention."

Beyond her reporting duties, Basile is immersing herself in the ethical and practical sides of journalism. She's participating in workshops on data visualization, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling, skills she believes are essential in an era of digital media. "Journalism is evolving so fast," she said. "With social media and AI, we have tools to reach audiences in new ways, but we also have to combat misinformation. I'm excited to learn how The Star balances speed with accuracy."

Supervisors at the Star have been impressed with Basile's initiative. Business editor Marcus Hale described her as "a quick study with a natural curiosity that drives great reporting." He highlighted her role in a recent piece on the impact of remote work trends on downtown Indianapolis real estate, where Basile's economic background helped unpack vacancy rates and urban revitalization efforts. "She's already adding value by connecting local stories to broader national trends, like the shift toward sustainable business practices," Hale added.

Basile's internship isn't just about building her resume; it's a stepping stone toward her long-term goals. After graduating next spring, she hopes to pursue a master's in business journalism, possibly at a program like Northwestern's Medill School. Ultimately, she envisions a career where she can blend her loves for economics and storytelling, perhaps as a correspondent for a national outlet covering Midwest economies. "Indiana has so much potential," she enthused. "From the resurgence of manufacturing to the growth in renewable energy, there are stories here that can inform and inspire people across the country."

Outside the newsroom, Basile keeps busy with hobbies that reflect her well-rounded personality. An avid runner, she often hits the trails along the White River, using the time to brainstorm story ideas. She's also involved in IU's Women in Business club, where she mentors younger students on career paths in finance and media. And true to her roots, she still helps out at her family's coffee shops on weekends, chatting with customers about local news and gathering informal insights that sometimes spark article ideas.

As The Indianapolis Star continues to navigate the challenges of modern journalism— from shrinking newsrooms to the rise of digital subscriptions—interns like Basile represent the future. Her presence underscores the importance of nurturing new talent to ensure diverse voices and fresh perspectives in covering Indiana's business beat. "This internship is a dream come true," Basile said with a smile. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to learn from pros and contribute to stories that matter to Hoosiers."

In a state where economic stories often intersect with politics, culture, and everyday life, Basile's work is poised to highlight the human elements behind the headlines. Whether it's profiling a family farm adopting new tech or examining the ripple effects of corporate mergers, her contributions are already enriching the Star's coverage. As she settles into her role, one thing is clear: Tory Basile is not just interning; she's making her mark on Indianapolis journalism.

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Read the Full The Indianapolis Star Article at:
[ https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2025/08/16/meet-indianapolis-star-business-intern-tory-basile/84324644007/ ]