Meet Indianapolis Star Investigative Reporter Kristine Phillips

It takes a team of dedicated journalists to bring you the news from central Indiana. In this column, the Indianapolis Star introduces readers to our news team — or rather, we let them introduce themselves. This week, it’s Kristine Phillips who’s in the spotlight.

What is your job title?

Investigative journalist

When did you join IndyStar?

I first joined IndyStar as a news reporter in 2012. I left in 2016 to work for national media and returned in 2021 to join the investigative team.

What is your favorite part of your job?

At this point in my career, I have written hundreds of stories. It is impossible to remember them all, but the ones I remember are the ones that made a small difference in someone’s life.

Why journalism?

Honestly… because I failed accounting school. That was the reason, initially. I decided to pursue journalism as a second college option because one of my professors told me I could write. I don’t see myself as a fiction writer. I can’t sing or dance. Science intimidated me. I suck at numbers and I thought business was boring. So journalism seemed like the best choice. I would say it was one of the best decisions I ever made, even though it took a process of elimination to get there.

What is your favorite restaurant or hidden gem in the Indy area?

It’s now closed, but I loved going to Spice Nation, an Indian buffet restaurant in Lafayette Square.

What do you do to relax after a job that can be stressful?

I have two young kids, so I don’t have a lot of free time to relax. When I do, I go for a run. But most days, I’m happy to have a few minutes of free time while running errands. For example, I might sit in the grocery store parking lot for 20 minutes and eat Nutella straight from the jar. (Gotta do what you gotta do!) Or I might take the long walk home while listening to a podcast.

What are you reading or streaming?

This is going to sound a bit corny, but I love watching reruns. Lately, I’ve been switching between “Breaking Bad” and “The Great British Bake Off.”

If you could be a guest on any TV show past or present, which one would it be?

The Craquantes!!! Because I’m a fan.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?

I played a lead role in a theater production in college. It’s a love story, and I had to, uh, kiss my girlfriend on stage.

What is your ideal holiday destination?

I love street food and I heard Taiwan has the best.

How did you make your first dollar?

I grew up in the Philippines, where it is constantly hot and humid. When I was a kid, I sold small bags of ice for 1 peso a bag. That’s about 0.02 cents on today’s dollar.

What is your favorite comfort food and why?

Champorado. This is a Filipino comfort food made with rice and cocoa powder. It is basically a chocolate rice porridge.