Investigation into row house remained stalled for 97 days, closing 4 days after fatal fire

NOTE: This piece was originally published on September 24, 2019. You can read it here. WASHINGTON, D.C. — A D.C. row home that was being illegally used as a rooming house with multiple fire violations was flagged by a police officer four months before two … Continue readingInvestigation into row house remained stalled for 97 days, closing 4 days after fatal fire

‘I have never felt so powerless’: Fairfax County schools and parents battle vaping crisis

NOTE: This story also appeared on WJLA.com on June 3, 2019. FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Three weeks after a group of students were disciplined for using e-cigarettes on the grounds of Franklin Middle School in March 2018, a parent sent an email to Braddock District School … Continue reading‘I have never felt so powerless’: Fairfax County schools and parents battle vaping crisis

‘God has always protected Tangier’: Religion on a disappearing Chesapeake Island

Religion is key to the culture of Tangier Island. The church provides reassurance that a higher power is watching over the island, protecting it from storms and erosion. NOTE: This is a companion to a larger piece on Tangier. TANGIER ISLAND — There are two churches here: Swain Memorial, … Continue reading‘God has always protected Tangier’: Religion on a disappearing Chesapeake Island

Conversion therapy, explained: by a practitioner and a victim

NOTE: This piece was originally released for publication in February 2016. You can also read it here. It was a requested follow-up to this story. RICHMOND, Va.  – “For fifteen years of my life, I experienced unwanted same-sex attractions,” Christopher Doyle said. Doyle grew up … Continue readingConversion therapy, explained: by a practitioner and a victim

Richmond service groups try to help homeless after Monroe Park closure

NOTE: This piece was originally released for publication in February 2017. You can read it here as well. RICHMOND, Va. — Ever since Monroe Park shut down for renovations in November, the conversation around homelessness in Richmond has grown more urgent, and some say more productive. Monroe … Continue readingRichmond service groups try to help homeless after Monroe Park closure