Since I started working at LINK nky this January, I’ve been able to accumulate a number of valuable experiences through my reporting.
Every writer has stories they feel a strong connection to. These are the five stories that I feel most strongly about, either through my reporting process, subject matter or community impact.
Here’s to a successful 2023!
Residents of another Newport apartment community told to vacate for renovations
One of my favorite stories to write was about River Chase Apartment Complex in Newport and the impending evictions for many of its residents due to upcoming renovations.
The evictions at River Chase followed in the footsteps of the Victoria’s Square evictions, which was one of the more consequential news stories in the entirety of the Greater Cincinnati area.
The process of writing this story was personally rewarding as it allowed me to use every tool in my arsenal. Enterprising content allows you to push yourself as a young reporter, especially when reporting on the subject matter is truly important.
Bengals to unveil new helmet with help of Boone Co. Distilling co-founder, team executive says
Excitement and anxiety filled my head as I sped down I-75 from Eggs ‘N Issues to cover a live press conference about BLINK. Breaking news was the reason behind my nerves. A Cincinnati Bengals executive had publicly shared the news about the team adopting a new uniform and helmet combination, something their fanbase had been clamoring for online for quite some time.
I was in the position to break that news, and I did. What was cool about the experience was that it was the first time in my professional career I had information I knew could potentially go viral.
The story did well for us bringing in plenty of traffic to our website. Sports business is fascinating to me so it was awesome to dip my toe into that realm, even if it was just for a day.
Musician and cobbler opens new business in Covington, continues father’s legacy
James Napier is a polymath, or a person with wide-ranging knowledge or skills. He’s a musician, cobbler and communicator. Napier was opening a leather repair store in Covington, something his father Frenchman once did. His own story can be reflected as a Covington history lesson.
Napier has a host of interesting stories, ranging from repairing President Obama’s shoe to meeting MC Hammer. I was lucky enough to hold Shaquille O’Neal’s shoe during an interview, something Napier had collected throughout the years.
Besides that, he was such a nice guy, something I always appreciate while reporting.
Increasing Value of Used Cars Results in Higher Tax Bill for Ky. Drivers
This story means a lot to me because it was my first bylined story with LINK nky, an exciting new media startup that I had the privilege of working at.
Fast forward nearly one year later and everyone at the publication is continuing to grow. Writing the story was a challenge because of the complex subject matter. Car taxes weren’t something I was very familiar with before compiling this story.
I felt like I was able to write a quality story which provided the community with relevant information that affected a large number of people, which is why we report in the first place.
The aftermath of Silver Grove Schools consolidation into Campbell County Schools
Silver Grove holds a special place in my heart. Over the course of this year, I was able to report on the struggles the community faced over the years and how it has rebounded into the present.
It’s a town filled with decent people who care greatly about it. When their longtime independent school district consolidated into Campbell County Schools, reporting on the transitions effectiveness seemed like a natural place to start. Through my reporting, I was able to understand the intricacies of how people in Silver Grove felt about the issue. There was a wide variety of opinions, each bringing a unique perspective to the table.
Silver Grove’s school system was like a glue for the town. It provided the town with binding infrastructure. Only the people who attended Silver Grove Schools could truly understand what it was like. By reporting on the situation, I hoped to ensure those memories aren’t lost with time.
