Politics
House votes 427-1 to release Epstein files
After gathering the main voices on this story — Reps. Massie, Khanna and Greene as well as House Republican leadership — I interviewed Rep. Yassamin Ansari on the steps of Capitol Hill. I sat in the House chamber to watch members cast their votes.
.jpeg)
Rep. Grijalva sworn into Congress, provides final signature on Epstein discharge petition
Grijalva posed for a photo with colleagues from the Democratic Women’s Caucus after her swearing-in. She took an individual picture with just one of them: Rep. Jasmine Crockett. I asked Crockett what she said to Grijalva when they embraced. Later, I asked Grijalva how she felt being called “Congresswoman” for the first time.
Photo by Riddhimaa L. Kodali
Federal workers’ holiday plans thwarted as government shutdown enters fourth week
After weeks of hearing politicians speak about the shutdown hurting federal workers, I wanted to hear from federal workers themselves. I spoke with about ten furloughed employees at a local food distribution event. Although the first person I approached wanted to stay off the record, her insights sparked the angle for this piece.
Supreme Court considers slashing campaign spending restrictions for political parties
I covered oral arguments using a pen and pad, the only materials allowed in the courtroom. I interviewed a dozen legal experts beforehand who had filed amicus curiae briefs for either the petitioners or respondents. This background allowed me to file the story hours after leaving the courtroom (and gave me a few minutes to visit the Supreme Court's gift shop).
Photo by Joshua Sukoff
Netanyahu-Trump meeting sparks protests outside White House
I was walking to dinner when I stumbled upon this protest near the White House. Without prior preparation, I threw myself in. I remained on site for two hours to interview protesters with varying opinions.
Photo by Riddhimaa L. Kodali
Bill Nye, Rep. Ivey fight proposed NASA cuts
Connecting with the event’s media contact allowed me to speak with television personality Bill Nye and Rep. Glenn Ivey after the press conference. I also dug through White House budget memos to verify funding cut numbers that provided proper context.
Matt Rodgers pledges open communication as 8th Ward councilmember
Rodgers kept moving through his house during our Zoom call. At one point, I noticed a painting hanging on his wall. Asking him about it led to him sharing his passion for art, which served as the focus of this story’s lead.
Photo courtesy of Matt Rodgers
City Council ups Bent Park Fieldhouse renovations, hears updates from Evanston Police Department
City Council meetings, which can stretch up to three hours, may not be the most glamorous to cover. But they’re essential to informing the Evanston community, which comprises a significant chunk of the Daily’s readership.
Photo by Shun Graves