matthew franck

With Post-Dispatch science writer Tina Hesman, I looked at the clashing intersection between teen brain research, suicide and critics of a teen mental health survey called TeenScreen. The project follows: TEEN BRAIN: Here Tina lays out the latest research on adolescent mental health in the context of suicide and the opposition. OPPOSITION: Parents fear that … Continue reading Teen mental health series →

My 2002 series on Missouri's unregulated teen reform ministries won an investigations prize in the Education Writers Association contest and contributed to the closing of at least two centers. . THE 2002 INVESTIGATIVE SERIES Seven stories over three days show how Missouri is a magnet for such programs. The series also looks at the trauma … Continue reading Teen reform reporting →

While most of my 13 years of reporting were spent on policy and political stories, I've also written features on everything from turkey sexing to spelling bee winners. Some examples: . TURKEY SEXING: I explore the fascinating dark art that keeps the thriving poultry industry of Southwest Missouri afloat. SPELLING BEE Here I profile 2000 National Spelling … Continue reading Feature stories →

For several years I've written occasional travel stories for the Post-Dispatch. And I've won a few national awards in the process -- typically for highlighting the struggles of family travelers. (Clink the title to read the story.) AIR-CONDITIONED TENT: I take my two sons to the beach in North Carolina for three days. The catch: … Continue reading Travel stories →