Investigative Mindset and The Art of Digging, Session 2
- Elizabeth Clemons
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Tip Sheet
with Walter Smith Randolph (CBS NY) and Andrea Ball (The Houston Chronicle)
The ability to dig deeper can make the difference between a surface-level story and a game-changing investigation. This session explores advanced strategies and tools that can help journalists not only track critical information but also connect the dots in a way that reveals larger systemic issues.
Watch the recording of this panel here. For more investigative insights, check out the recordings of the other panel sessions, with Daphne Duret and Tony Plohetski and Neena Satija and David McSwane.
Expert Insights and Investigative Case Studies
Investigative storytelling is not just about uncovering hidden truths—it’s about piecing together information in ways that reveal deeper narratives.
The case studies below highlight how journalists have turned research into impactful stories:
Andrea Ball’s Investigations
Crash and Burn – Investigating the aftermath of a devastating event.
How a lack of state oversight leaves children in daycares across Texas unwatched – Exposing gaps in regulatory systems.
Who else reported on a similar topic? This is one of the stories that drew us to our main character.
CenterPoint blames trees for Beryl power outages - yet keeping limbs off power lines is its job – Investigating corporate accountability in public utilities.
Texas A&M Forest Service for information on damage to trees from extreme weather patterns.
Walter Smith Randolph’s Investigations
Vehicle Thefts Are Up in Connecticut, But Experts Say Juvenile Justice Laws Aren’t To Blame – Analyzing data trends and policy impacts.
PBS Documentary: Spotlight on Juvenile Justice
Central Connecticut State University: Institute for Municipal and Regional Policy
CBS New York Investigates: Controversial police trainer was disciplined for alleged racial slur, other incidents – Investigating misconduct in law enforcement training.
Branch Co. Prosecutor Facing Sexual Harassment Allegations – Uncovering patterns of abuse in the legal system.
Connecticut considers a '67 Chevy a classic car. So if a '95 Corolla. Opinions are mixed. – Exploring classic car regulations in Connecticut.
Connecticut DMV for information on classic car plates
‘It became real and it became alive’: Coronavirus jolts rural, isolated county with death – Reporting on the impact of COVID-19 on a vulnerable community.
The Commissioners Court provided contact information for the county’s top commissioner, who was helpful for finding people in the small town.
Total eclipse of the squirrel: What a freaked-out furry creature taught me during the eclipse – Exploring unique angles in science and environment reporting.
A Connecticut Teacher was fired for using the N-word & stereotypes in class. Now, she’s getting her job back. – Examining the role of accountability in education.
Investigative Mindset Research Tools for Journalists
Strong investigative journalism depends on knowing where to look for crucial information. Whether tracking financial records, conducting background checks, or analyzing legal proceedings, these tools provide essential support for investigative work.
Backgrounding & Investigative Research Resources
IRE Resources – Training materials from Investigative Reporters & Editors, Inc.
Public Records & FOIA Tools
Backgrounding Basics Tip Sheet (MuckRock) – FOIA tips and tricks and best practices for verifying identities.
Reporters Committee - Open Government Guide – State-by-state legal insights on government transparency.
National Freedom of Information Coalition – Ensuring journalists can access critical public data.
Sample FOIA Request – Template for filing public records requests efficiently.
State Freedom of Information Laws – Understanding open records laws by jurisdiction.
Whistleblower Laws By State – Protections for confidential sources and whistleblowers.
Investigating Nonprofits & Corporate Records
SEC Filings – Reviewing corporate financial disclosures and insider activity.
US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) – Investigating workplace discrimination cases.
Court Records Basics
Court Basics
Structure of State and Federal Courts – A breakdown of how different courts operate and where to find case records.
Legal Information Institute Dictionary – A comprehensive glossary of legal terms relevant to reporters.
Court Express – A service for obtaining court records on demand.
State Court Resources
BRB's Free Public Record Search Directory – A comprehensive list of public records available online.
BlackBookOnline – A tool for searching state and local public records.
National Center for State Courts (NCSC) – Links to state court websites for case research.
Court Reference – A database of online court records organized by state.
Federal Court Resources
PACER – The primary database for accessing U.S. federal court records.
Use the RECAP Chrome Extension to contribute to the RECAP archive and access PACER documents for free when available.
CourtListener Database – A searchable repository of court opinions and filings.
US Tax Court Case Search – Researching financial disputes and tax-related legal cases.
United States Merit Systems Protection Board – A quasi-judicial agency ensuring protections for federal employees against workplace abuses.
Federal Bureau of Prisons Inmate Locator – Tracking individuals in federal custody.
Nevada Department of Corrections Inmate Locator – State-level inmate search tool.
Prisoner Locator Tools from State Agency Databases – Aggregated search tools for locating incarcerated individuals.
Vine – A service for tracking people in police custody.
National Sex Offender Registry – A national database for backgrounding individuals with past criminal offenses.
Social Media
Social media platforms and digital footprints are becoming increasingly critical in investigations. Check out our tip sheet with social media resources for advanced techniques for tracking sources online and our research guide.
Key Takeaways for Investigative Journalists
Start with public records – Many investigations begin with a FOIA request or an overlooked document in a public database.
Connect the dots – Timeline building and data analysis are essential for revealing patterns and misconduct.
Verify and cross-check – Never rely on a single source. Use multiple databases to confirm identities and details.
🚨 These Tip Sheets are incredible resources, best used in conjunction with their live, hands-on workshop session component. Watch the recording of this panel session here.
Interested in gaining access to our full database of workshop recordings?
Questions or comments about Sunlight's workshops and resources? Contact Elizabeth at elizabeth@sunlightsearch.net
