“Can you explain this to me like I’m 5 years old?”

For a story about the voter registration process, this question has come in handy. There are so many details and specifics, it can get a little confusing. That’s why I’m always grateful when a source breaks down these larger concepts!

#jou4970

As I continue to work on my story, I have begun to look into the data from the Cornell 7 stories. Connecting this to the story I am working on is both helpful for my learning on how to be a good investigator, but also helping fuel my passion on the topic of sexual assault on campuses. #jou4970

My reporting for my #JOU4970 story on Elon & Queens' merger is continuing steadily.

I've spoken with a student who went to both schools, a professor from each, and am making plans to talk to board members and administrators from both school.

It was great having @jsmithrichards.bsky.social in #JOU4970 class last week. We got to talk about her recent education investigative stories and the processes she used. She taught us so much about how to contact sources, respect privacy and ask hard questions.

Thank you for visiting us!

About a month into the semester, #JOU4970 has been a lot -- it's a senior-level course, what did I expect? But despite occasionally feeling behind, I think I can confidently say that I've learned a lot this month
Thanks to @drghislainelewis.bsky.social for making this class intense in a good way!

@claratruebner.bsky.social this might be helpful for your work around student loans. #JOU4970
www.newsweek.com/student-loan...

It’s always amazing to hear from professionals doing the work… Just a quick thank you to @jsmithrichards.bsky.social who spoke with #JOU4970 last week about her work as an investigative reporter with @propublica.org. I especially loved learning about ways to use data to find and bolster stories.

@jsmithrichards.bsky.social was gracious enough to answer some questions from me and the rest of my #JOU4970 class -- I got some really great insight about working with large volumes of FOIA documents, so thanks Jennifer! ^^

So thrilled to welcome @jsmithrichards.bsky.social to our class and the Basement Bureau this week as we talk all things data journalism. #JOU4970

This might be an interesting read for you @charlottepfabenews.bsky.social #JOU4970

Negative: I went for an interview and he requested no voice recording so I had to take handwritten notes 🫠
Positive: I think I have a central question developed🥳
#JOU4970

Another day of reporting! 2 more interviews down, and working on getting some more sources to chat with me. Making good progress! #JOU4970

We are on the verge of wrapping up our first investigative reporting days #JOU4970, I hope they have been productive for all of you. I am looking forward to reading your field reports this weekend.

I have been enjoying our chats this week about your investigative pieces #JOU4970, I can’t wait to read your field reports on Friday. Happy Reporting!

Actively trying to figure out my question by the end of this week for my investigation... any advice is welcome because I have too much research to give up now #JOU4970 #chaotic

Met with my second source to my story... was led in circles... digging deeper asap... #JOU4970

The secret evil cousin of sending far more emails than I ever wanted to: Having an email to send but going down a research rabbit hole to make sure you're wording it *just* right
#JOU4970

Story update!

Today, I've met with one out of four confirmed sources, and have gotten a good start on my story. Feeling good about my reporting so far! #JOU4970

Reporting for #JOU4970 on Queens and Elon merger is starting up. I've looked into the accreditation for the two schools' merger and have reached out to a former Queens student about her experience.

I have also begun talking to faculty & staff about their thoughts on the changes. More to come soon.

The one constant of majoring in journalism: Sending so many emails you feel like you're spamming
#JOU4970