Journalism – IndyStar Names Tony Cook to Lead Accountability Investigations
Journalism – IndyStar has long held a reputation in Central Indiana and beyond for uncovering misconduct and holding powerful institutions to account. That standing has been built over decades through sustained, evidence-based reporting that examines how decisions made by lawmakers, public officials, and business leaders affect everyday residents.
One of the journalists most closely associated with that tradition is Tony Cook. His investigations have helped explain why many nursing homes in Indiana struggle to secure adequate funding for resident care and how gaps in the state’s red flag law failed to prevent the deadly FedEx mass shooting in Indianapolis. Those stories, among many others, reinforced IndyStar’s role as a watchdog committed to public interest journalism.
A recent project examining city power and influence
In late January, Cook published the latest chapter of his ongoing investigative series titled “Mr. Clean.” The project closely examined favorable arrangements and financial benefits received by allies of Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, raising questions about transparency and the use of public resources. The series drew attention for its careful documentation and its focus on how political relationships intersect with city spending.
The work underscored the newsroom’s emphasis on accountability reporting that goes beyond surface-level coverage, offering readers a clearer picture of how decisions are made at City Hall and who benefits from them.
Promotion to accountability and investigations editor
As of February 2, Cook has taken on a new responsibility, moving from investigative reporter to accountability and investigations editor at IndyStar. In this role, he will guide the newsroom’s most ambitious investigative projects and oversee the investigative reporting team, often referred to internally as the I-team.
Cook replaces longtime editor Tim Evans, who retired in September 2025. The transition marks a significant moment for the newsroom, placing a seasoned investigator in charge of shaping its deepest and most complex reporting efforts.
Expanding oversight across the newsroom
In his new position, Cook will work closely with reporters and editors across departments to ensure that investigations are thorough, fair, and clearly presented. The goal, newsroom leaders say, is to provide readers with reliable information that helps them understand how institutions operate and where accountability may be lacking.
The approach reflects a long-standing belief in journalism’s civic role, famously articulated by Ida B. Wells, who argued that exposing truth is essential to correcting injustice. Under Cook’s leadership, IndyStar’s investigative team is expected to continue applying that principle to local and state government coverage.
A career built on investigative reporting
Cook’s promotion is the latest step in a career that spans several respected news organizations. He previously worked at the Cincinnati Post, the Toledo Blade, and the Las Vegas Sun, gaining experience across beats and regions.
He is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati and later earned a master’s degree in creative writing from Purdue University. Cook joined IndyStar in 2012 as a business reporter before spending five years covering state government. He moved to the investigative team afterward and briefly served as its interim leader in 2021.
In 2022, his collaborative work with two colleagues was recognized as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, further cementing his standing within the profession.
Encouraging public engagement and tips
As accountability and investigations editor, Cook is encouraging readers to share information that may warrant closer scrutiny. Tips from the public, he has said, often serve as the starting point for meaningful investigations. He can be reached directly at tony.cook@indystar.com.
For Indianapolis and the wider Indiana community, the appointment signals a continued commitment to rigorous, independent reporting aimed at shedding light on issues that matter most to the public.