Laura Barczewski
Broadcast Journalist
REPORTING STORIES
Beyond the Podium Series:
Beyond the Podium: Mobile Mayoral Candidate Michael Young
MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — On Friday’s Beyond the Podium, we sit down with the final candidate on the ticket for next week’s municipal election, Michael Young.
Michael Young said the mental health challenges Mobilians are facing is the main reason he decided to run for mayor.
https://mynbc15.com/news/beyond-the-podium/beyond-the-podium-mayoral-candidate-michael-young
Beyond the Podium: Mobile Mayoral Candidate and City Councilman Fred Richardson
MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — On Wednesday's Beyond the Podium, we sit down with City Councilman and Mobile Mayoral Candidate Fred Richardson.
Fred Richardson said after many years on the city council he’s ready to take the next step in city government.
Beyond the Podium: Incumbent Mayor Sandy Stimpson
MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — On Thursday’s Beyond the Podium, Incumbent Mayor Sandy Stimpson is hoping the citizens of mobile will trust him with another term.
Mayor Sandy Stimpson has been in office for the last seven and a half years and he says he’s not done yet, there are projects he wants to complete and even more, he wants to work on.
https://mynbc15.com/news/beyond-the-podium/beyond-the-podium-incumbent-mayor-sandy-stimpson
Beyond the Podium: Mobile Mayoral Candidate and Judge Karlos Finley
MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — On Tuesday we take another look at candidates running for Mayor of the City of Mobile and introduce you to Judge Karlos Finley.
Karlos Finley says his time on the bench as a judge and the work it took to get there has given him an understanding of what Mobilians need and how he could bring about change if elected as mayor.
Beyond the Podium: Mobile Mayoral Candidate Donavette Ely
MOBILE, Ala. (WPMI) — We’re taking a look beyond the podium at who is running for mayor this year on Monday we meet candidate Donavette Ely.
The local election is next Tuesday, Aug. 24, and every night at 6 we will bring you information about each candidate running for mayor of the city of mobile.
Hidden History Series:
Meet Several of the African American Legislators Making History in the Iowa House
DES MOINES, Iowa -- The few Iowa legislators of color are all members of the Iowa House of Representatives and they’re making history daily.
Medal of Honor Recipient Fights Racism and Discrimination One Speech at a Time
Des Moines Man Helps Released Inmates Re-Enter Society Through I.M.A.G.E. Program
DES MOINES, Iowa -- A basketball star, turned drug dealer, turned activist started an organization to help others with life after prison.
Although US Census Data shows African Americans only make up about four percent of Iowa’s population, the Iowa Department of Corrections statistics show 25 percent of inmates are black. https://whotv.com/hidden-history/des-moines-man-helps-released-inmates-re-enter-society-through-i-m-a-g-e-program/
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Sergeant First Class Melvin Morris paid a visit to Iowa to speak at Des Moines Area Community College on Wednesday. Morris is one of the few living Medal of Honor recipients
Attorneys Won’t Enter Cristhian Rivera’s Written Testimony After Judge Says Prosecution Would Get to Question Him
MONTEZUMA, Iowa – The hearing of a motion to suppress the confession of Mollie Tibbetts alleged killer wrapped up on Thursday, the second day of the hearing, after defense attorneys called their last expert witness.
Breaking Through: Police and Activists Work Together to End the Cycle of Violence
DES MOINES, Iowa -- In 2017, Des Moines’ homicide rate was the highest it has been in decades, which shook the community to its core. As a result, local rapper Will Keeps decided to use his music to fight back against the violence.
Vermeer Corporation Continues to Rebuild One Year After Devastating Tornado
PELLA, Iowa -- Vermeer Corporation started in a small cinder block building in Pella in 1948 and by July 2018 it had expanded into multiple buildings stretching a mile long, employing thousands of people.
Santa Claus Shares Favorite Memories from Valley West Mall
WEST DES MOINES, Iowa -- Santa Claus has been coming to town to gather the Christmas lists from children at Valley West Mall for 23 years.
https://whotv.com/2018/11/29/santa-claus-shares-favorite-memories-from-valley-west-mall/
In-depth story: The African American Heritage Trail: Remembering the forgotten
This is my favorite story I have done thus far. I put a lot of extra time and work into it. It has very detailed interactive graphics in the web story: http://www.komu.com/news/the-african-american-heritage-trail-commemorates-black-columbia
Target 8 Investigative Fact Check on Amendment 3 Advertisement
I did the whole investigative fact check in four days, just in time for it to be released on the Sunday before election day. Here is a link to the web story and interactive graphic: http://www.komu.com/news/target-8-fact-checks-ad-supporting-amendment-3
Racial tension on MU's campus
I used brand new technology at the station to portray the voices of people I could not get on camera. I was the first one covering this story at the station. My story was used by the rest of the reporters who had to do follow ups. I used my connections developed through my minor in black studies to help get information for this story. Link to web story: http://www.komu.com/news/mu-students-report-racial-harassment-town-hall-meeting-scheduled-in-response
Snow plow drivers prepare for winter with "dry snow run"
This was one of those yearly stories that I tried to make more interesting with a creative standup and writing to video. I had a lot of fun with this story: http://www.komu.com/news/snow-plow-drivers-prepare-for-winter-with-dry-snow-run-
Election Day 2016
I covered Missouri Constitutional Amendment 3 all the way until the end of election day. I attended a watch party for supporters and live tweeted the whole night. Election day was a very special day to be a part of.
MU's campus quiet one year after protests
I was very invested in telling every aspect of this story. I jumped at every opportunity to cover the tension on campus because I was interested, concerned and wanted to give a voice to the voiceless. Link to web story: http://www.komu.com/news/mu-campus-quiet-on-one-year-anniversary-of-protests/