Trials and Tribulations
On the unpredictable nature of trying to cover a court case as a freelance reporter
As I spent this week prepping to cover the court case of Kenneth Chesebro, I was reminded of how incredibly difficult it is to cover a racketeering case as a freelancer.
As many of you know, I’ve spent most of this year planning to cover the Young Thug racketeering case here in Atlanta. I’ve rejected professional opportunities and put personal plans on hold in anticipation of the trial getting started. I’ve struggled to find the balance between making sure I’m available to cover this important case and also making sure I’m actually bringing in enough work as a freelancer in the interim.
More than nine months into the trial precedings and jury selection is still ongoing. I’ve gone several times, but I am not there regularly because, frankly, no one is going to pay me to sit in court every day and I’ve had to prioritize paying assignments. I still plan to be in court for frequently once the trial gets started. I think it’s important to have as many reporters as possible in the courtroom in this time of rampant misinformation. Still, this has obviously been a frustrating start to things. This is why I’ve been so in awe of Meghann Cuniff who is forging a path for freelance court reporters covering the cases of high-profile entertainers.
In the instance of YSL, I’m grateful that AJC staff reporters Shaddi Abusaid and Jozsef Papp have been in court nearly every day of the jury selection process because, without them, we’d have even less information about what’s going on.
Recently, George Chidi recently wrote about his fight to make sure that freelances such as myself are able to get into the courtroom (versus a media room) when we are able to attend. It goes without saying that I wholeheartedly support this effort.
Recent Work
I spoke with produer Zaytoven, scholar Charlie Braxton and music executive Amber Grimes for this reported piece on the through-line of various Atlanta rap eras for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s 50th anniversary of hip-hop package.
A full-time caregiver navigates rising rent, aging family, and parenthood for Canopy/Atlanta Civic Circle
I profiled people from various metro Atlanta neighborhoods for this Cost of Living project by two of Atlanta’s non-profit publications, Canopy and Atlanta Civic Circle. I hope they provide a small window into the financial concerns of everyday Atlantans.
Current Favs.
Offset’s ‘Set It Off’ album
Listen. This album has given me a small bit of needed motivation after a two-week break from going to the gym.
Baby Tate - Jersey
I am a HUGE fan of songs about crying in public. I am also a stan of heartbreaking dance songs. Baby Tate’s “Jersey” sits at the nexus of both of these very important things and, thus, I am obsessed.
Journalist casualties in the Israel-Gaza conflict by Committee to Protect Journalists
I am dismayed by the misinformation that has been disseminated in this past week. No one deserves to die, regardless of their profession, but the recent loss of these journalists is only further exacerbating the lack of on-the ground reporting in Israel and Gaza that is verifiable and reliable news coming out of Israel and Gaza.
As of October 20, at least 21 journalists were among the more than 4,000 dead on both sides since the war began on October 7, with hundreds killed in Tuesday’s hospital blast in Gaza.
Journalists in Gaza face particularly high risks as they try to cover the conflict in the face of a ground assault by Israeli troops, devastating Israeli airstrikes, disrupted communications, and extensive power outages. As of October 20:
21 journalists were confirmed dead: 17 Palestinian, 3 Israeli, and 1 Lebanese.
Open enrollment is near, which means it’s time for me to remember all of the things I despise about America’s healthcare system.
A few years ago I was thinking about switching health insurance because, well, I hate mine. I attempted to do research on my options to ensure that my specialty doctor and medications (including my migraine injections) would be covered. The issue is none of the health insurance companies would talk to me until I was a customer. If I wanted to switch insurances, I would have to take a risk and hope for the best. (Note: If you’re a freelancer selecting insurance during enrollment, there is an option to see if each healthcare plan covers a specific doctor and medication, but I’ve often been told that it’s not a 100 percent guarantee that this information is up-to-date and accurate.) As a result, I’ve stayed with my current insurance far longer than I’d like to. I don’t like it. I haven’t had a pleasant OBGYN experience in three years. But at least my migraine meds are covered, right? Smh.
Tiffy Cooks’ YouTube channel
I came across Tiffy’s YouTube channel after it started to autoplay a few weeks ago and I am obsessed with it. I’ve already made one of her pork belly recipes for dinner and it was a hit in my household.
YSL Corner
Attorneys are continuing to question prospective jurors ahead of the YSL trial. In one instance, prosecutors have even surveilled a potential juror after suspecting he was lying about his primary residence being in Fulton County.