Highlights from NewsBreak’s Fellowship for Local Journalism

(NewsBreak)

It has been a summer of learning and growing for the inaugural class of NewsBreak Journalism Fellows. The student journalists reported on local stories from around the nation as they attended (virtual) weekly pitch meetings, events and discussions. It was amazing to see the passion and dedication the fellows brought to the program, and the impact they made in their local communities through their stories. Here are some of the story highlights from this summer from our talented journalism fellows.

“The Little French Café of Newark Brings a pinch of Paris to Main Street” by Abby Donnelly

Abby reported on a number of topics from her home state of Delaware this summer. She said she especially enjoyed reporting on this restaurant opening and speaking with the local owner.

“Orlando rent prices continue to rise, often to unaffordable levels” by Alexis Gebhardt

Alexis contributed stories weekly from either her hometown of Orlando, Florida or college town of Los Angeles. Her stories often expertly weaved together different types of sources to help paint a complete picture to the reader. Her story about housing prices in LA featured someone who experienced homelessness and she said it was interesting to speak with people who had different perspectives.

“Parking change, set for public hearing, could block RV-dwelling homeless from large swatch of city” by Anna Sundholm

Anna reported from Eugene, Oregon this summer. This story covers a proposed change to parking laws in the city and the potential consequences.

“Outreach groups and sheriff’s department work to relocate homeless on Venice’s Ocean Front Walk” by Asher Ali

Asher spoke with the nonprofit “Hopes for Homeless” for a story about unhoused individuals on Venice Beach in Los Angeles. This summer Asher reported from both the Spokane, Washington area and Los Angeles.

“Charlotte’s Comedy Zone is bouncing back after a 15-month closure” by Bradley Cole

Reporting from Charlotte, North Carolina, Bradley covered everything from local arts and culture to city council decisions. He said he appreciated seeing reader’s comments because it felt good to know his work was helping keep people informed and making an impact on others.

“Send Chinatown Love: An organization created by Asian, for Asians” by Chloe Tai

Chloe reported from New York and New Jersey this summer and was able to highlight some of the amazing work of local businesses and organizations in her area. Chloe mentioned that she was grateful to be able to receive feedback from other fellows and mentors this summer and enjoyed bouncing ideas off of them.

“The Central Pennsylvania Equity Project advocating for change” by Cindy Sanchez

Cindy reported from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and covered a breadth of topics and initiatives. She said she enjoyed interviewing locals and learning more about the amazing, inclusive events happening in Lancaster.

“Mott Haven community fridges combat food insecurity in the Bronx” by Eliot Schiaparelli

Elliot shared stories from the Bronx and New York City this summer. She covered stories about local businesses and politics in the area.

“Minnesota bill allows the option to stop separating incarcerated women and their babies” by Elizabeth Spadaccini

Elizabeth contributed stories from her hometown of Minneapolis and college town of Madison, Wisconsin during the fellowship. She covered important legislation and local businesses through her stories and she said that a story about a local restaurant reached a number of community members. She said she hopes her stories make a positive impact on local businesses and that restaurant.

“NYC public school teacher profile: Meet Isvette Filpo” by Gianna Baez

Gianna reported from New York City this summer, specifically the Inwood section. She wanted to focus her stories on uplifting and amplifying BIPOC and other marginalized voices through her stories.

“Newark Moonlight Cinema expands its horizons for second season” by Hayley Slusser

Hayley reported from Edison, New Jersey this summer. Her story on Newark Moonlight Cinema featured New Jersey’s only Black-owned drive-in movie theater. She has a particular interest in bringing attention to the needs of the community. She said she was able to learn new strategies and tactics for tackling stories through smaller group sessions during the fellowship.

“Bringing sustainability outside: how Eugene Gear Traders is serving the Eugene community” by Josie Hinke

Josie reported from both Eugene, Oregon and Seattle, Washington. Through her stories, she wanted to focus on accessibility and inclusion in the outdoor industry. She said she enjoyed getting to know owners of small businesses who are working to better the community.

“Boulder Parks and Recreation examines the history of park names” by Kathryn Bistodeau

Kathryn reported on stories in Boulder, Colorado. She said she enjoyed connecting with other journalists in the program and learning a lot about finding stories in the community, outside of her college campus.

“Wisconsin activists push for a path to citizenship and driver’s licenses for 11 million undocumented people” by Maggie Degnan

Reporting from Madison, Wisconsin, Maggie focused a lot of her stories on local government, racial inequities and community leaders. She covered different activities movements and local business and infrastructure.

“Vacant lot goes green, an effort to preserve green spaces” by Maia Vines

Maia reported from around New York this summer. She said she is committed to fairly and accurately presenting the news and covered a range of topics and events during the fellowship.

“Community groups work to feed Eugene’s hungry” by Melanie Henshaw

Melanie provided important stories and information to the Eugene, Oregon community. She covered stories from heat waves and fire season to worker protections and feeding the hungry. She said she enjoyed writing about the environment and also has a passion for reporting on Indigenous rights and food.

“City of Boston plans new program to address mental health issues” by Peter Gordon

Peter reported on a range of important issues in Boston. He was particularly interested in stories around housing, transportation and urban spaces and the effects those have on underserved communities.

“Meet Tatiana: She crossed the border and lost her shoe, but eventually found home in Charlotte” by Reilly Moncrief

Reilly is an audio producer and reporter in Charlotte, North Carolina. She accomplished her goal of reporting on stories not related to COVID-19 during the fellowship. She also included audio in some of her pieces.

“Chino holds first public hearing for redistricting process” by Renee Elefante

Renee reported from Chino Hills, California this summer. She covered many local topics and interviewed organizations and politicians during the fellowship. She said she enjoyed hearing about what was happening around the country in other fellows’ communities as well.

“How a couple’s sunset beach walks help save an entire species” by Ryan Magill

Ryan reported from Long Island, New York this summer. One of his story involved shadowing a couple on a sunset walk to tag horseshoe crabs. Usually a sports writer, Ryan focused his stories away from sports this summer as he reported on the East End of Long Island.

“Houstonian luxury designers pays homage to Texan and Persian heritage” by Sophie Kidd

Sophie reported from Houston, Texas. She’s a native Houstonian and covered topics that ranged from crime to culture.

“A booth at a local farmers market is getting children to read and spread kindness” by Tayler Shaw

Tayler shared stories that impacted the community of Littleton, Colorado. She reported on important city issues, such as a $6.5 million revenue crisis, as well as arts and culture in the area. She said she aims to empower community members with accessible information and stories.

“Where Cedar Rapids stands as it approaches first anniversary of the derecho” by Taylor Coester

Taylor is based in Eastern Iowa and reported on a number of issues, people and events in the area. She enjoyed being able to talk to people from her community and share their stories. She also included a lot of amazing, original photography in her pieces.

(NewsBreak)

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