Investigative Mindset and The Art of Digging, Session 3
- Mar 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 10
Tip Sheet
with Neena Satija (The Houston Chronicle) and David McSwane (ProPublica)
What's the investigative mindset? It's about knowing where to look, how to dig deeper, and what stories are most impactful.
This tip sheet contains links to investigative reporting done by experts, key research tools, and important resources to help journalists navigate their investigations.
Watch the recording of this panel here. For more investigative insights, check out the recordings of the other panel sessions, with Andrea Ball and Walter Smith Randolph and Daphne Duret and Tony Plohetski.
Expert Insights and Investigative Case Studies
Some of the most compelling investigative stories have come from relentless digging and the strategic use of public records.
Here are a few case studies from leading journalists that exemplify how research can lead to groundbreaking stories:
David McSwane’s Investigations
How Profit and Incompetence Delayed N95 Masks While People Died at the VA – How federal agencies made mistakes regarding masks and respirators during COVID-19.
"Eat What You Kill"– Montana doctor, Dr. Thomas Weiner, and his trail of patient harm and suspicious deaths.
Pain & Profit Series – An investigation into a giant health care company's cutting of costs and how a foster baby paid the price.
The Secret, Absurd World of Coronavirus Mask Traders and Middlemen Trying To Get Rich Off Government Money – The unregulated and chaotic market for masks fueled by the federal government and states.
Neena Satija’s Investigations
CenterPoint spent $800M on mobile generators. Where are they post-Hurricane Beryl? – An investigation into CenterPoint's misuse of funds.
Texas A&M Forest Service for information on damage to trees from extreme weather patterns.
'Don't cross her': How DA Kim Ogg has repeatedly aimed her power at Harris County officials
Investigative Mindset Research Tools for Journalists
To take your investigative research to the next level, these tools and databases can help you access public records, verify sources, and uncover hidden connections:
Backgrounding & Investigative Research Resources
McSwane's Presentation on How to Storyboard your Investigation
IRE Resources – Training materials from Investigative Reporters & Editors, Inc.
Public Records & FOIA Tools
Backgrounding Basics Tip Sheet (MuckRock) – Best practices for verifying identities.
National Freedom of Information Coalition – State-by-state guides for accessing records.
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 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