Along with my broadcast reporting, I always write a web story to accompany the on-air version. Here's a sampling of my writing:
In-depth and breaking news writing examplesOct. 2021 (KARE11.com): A deep dive into the legendary tale of "Mr. Jimmy," the Minnesota native who supposedly inspired one of the Rolling Stones' most famous songs
August 2021 (KARE11.com): When the Canadian border finally reopened to American travelers after a year and a half of COVID closures, people jammed the lines at International Falls -- leading to a seven-hour wait at customs June 2021 (KARE11.com): With violent crime on the rise in many American cities, including Minneapolis and St. Paul, this story examines root causes through multiple perspectives March 2021 (KARE11.com) : A comprehensive review of the controversial Line 3 oil pipeline replacement project, an issue that gained national attention May 2020 (KARE11.com): On the first night of protests over the Minneapolis Police killing of George Floyd, I filed this breaking-news report from the scene at 38th and Chicago August 2019 (KARE11.com): An inside look at how one of Minnesota's oldest cold case murders landed on the desk of investigators again, four decades later Feb. 2017 (WGRZ.com): A look at the urgent problem of gun violence through the eyes of young people in the community May 2016 (WGRZ.com): An interview with Steven Barnes as he fights for wrongful conviction reform efforts Nov. 2014 (WGRZ.com): A review of police records revealed Buffalo Police opened fire on animals at a pace of about once every other week July 2014 (WGRZ.com): On the shore of Lake Michigan, there's a place called "New Buffalo." Feb. 2014 (WGRZ.com): The original story about the questionable murder case against Cory Epps, written four years before he was freed from prison in late 2017 Political reporting, writing examplesNov. 2021 (KARE11.com): Voters approved a charter amendment making the mayor of Minneapolis more powerful than ever, the culmination of efforts dating back to the Hubert H. Humphrey era
Nov. 2020 (KARE11.com): Celebrations and protests broke out in the Twin Cities on Nov. 7, 2020, when Joe Biden appeared poised to capture the Electoral College after several anxious days of counting Aug. 2020 (KARE11.com): A DFL-endorsed candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives apologized, after video surfaced showing his conduct at a protest April 2018 (WGRZ.com): Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo confirmed for the first time that House Speaker Nancy Pelosi urged Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul to run for Congress Sports Feature Reporting--A feature on Tony Mitchell, who found a home at North Texas after signing with Missouri as one of the most prestigious recruits in the history of the school
--A historical look at Tyus Edney's famous buzzer-beater in the 1995 NCAA Tournament game between UCLA and Missouri. --An online feature for SLAM Magazine on Creighton senior Grant Gibbs, a team captain and emotional leader despite a multitude of surgeries and injuries. --A preview from the 2012 NCAA Tournament about the underdog Ohio Bobcats, a story which appeared in The Huffington Post. --A review of Gregg Marshall's rebuilding job at Wichita State, two months before the Shockers made a run to the Final Four --I wrote about Saint Louis' swarming defense after it dominated Butler and Brad Stevens. --After San Diego State outlasted a pesky Missouri State team in Springfield, I wrote a feature on star Jamaal Franklin's unique playing style. --After the first round of the Big 12 Tournament, I wrote about two seniors who played their final games in Kansas City. |
USA TODAY Network examplesFeb. 2015: 109 schools in the region reported zero incidents of bullying, according to public data
Sept. 2014: New York's smallest town keeps hanging on against all odds April 2014: Donald Trump "very serious" about buying Buffalo Bills? Dec. 2015: Anti-smoking advocates point to Hawaii's plan for help "Where Are They Now" FeaturesDuring the summer of 2012, I franchised a "Where Are They Now" series for PowerMizzou.com, a subset of Rivals.com. I worked to track down former University of Missouri athletes and wrote features about their whereabouts, including:
--A feature on the daughter of two former MU athletes who nearly died on the operating table as an infant --A former basketball star takes his daughter under his wing after her mother died of cancer --Two MU basketball stars, both from the same suburban St. Louis high school, choose different career paths --A former basketball player finds redemption after his MU career ended in abrupt fashion I also wrote about high school prospects during the summer, covering camps and cultivating relationships with coaches and players: --The long road for a tight end prospect from Minnesota --A major quarterback prospect about to burst on the scene |