I worked at this story, on and off, for several months waiting for it to turn. Like any MMJ, I’m juggling daily stories, long term stories, with occasional stints on the assignment desk or producing. But with this story, I wanted to tell the best story possible.
I went through every application to the crime victims fund in our market. I discovered that black applicants were twice as likely to be denied – as black applicants. I contacted one of the people who were denied – and here’s her story.
After this story aired, the community came together and local churches donated a customized urn to the family. That’s in part 3.
I’m still advancing this story. As of this time, I’m trying to expand to the rest of the state. However, the state has denied my FOIA request. The station and I are exploring legal options.
Original post: http://wkbn.com/2016/11/10/victims-of-crime-fund-does-race-play-a-role-in-who-gets-paid/
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Original post: http://wkbn.com/2016/12/23/mother-forced-to-keep-murdered-sons-ashes-in-boxes-gifted-urn/
Rust Belt Writers 