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
Teen reform reporting
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
Feature stories
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
Travel 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