What was your first job as a journalist?
I was a news reporter for my college paper
Have you ever used a typewriter?
Yes! When I was little I liked playing with the one at my Grandma's house. I loved the "click-clack" noises it made
How is social media changing news?
Everything is done for clicks, which leads to an emphasis on trends and conflict instead of in-depth reporting
What does it mean to be a journalist?
Telling complex stories in creative ways
What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?
How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?
via email, and I want to make sure there's a clear reason why me viewers/readers would care about this, or why they should.
What tools and software do you use to do your job?
I've used Final Cut Pro, AVID, Adobe Audition, Audacity, InDesign, Blox CMS, Arc CMS, Zoom, etc. etc.
What's your favorite social network?
It's between Twitter and Instagram, though I could benefit from spending less time on both.
Who do you wish followed you?
Lizzo
What story are you most proud of writing or working on?
Most recently? Following the reform of how Medicaid patients are paid for in nursing homes, focusing on better quality of care for residents.
What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?
Ask the question even if you think it's stupid!
What's your favorite drink?
Coffee in the morning, a green tea with lemonade on a sunny day
When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?
Swinging in my hammock on the back porch or on a walk if the weather is nice!
Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?
The Atlantic for magazines, WGN for Chicago news
What's the most common misperception about your beat?
That corruption runs rampant in Illinois politics. It's not UNTRUE, per se, but there are people trying to do good work.
