Research Desk

Expert research support for local newsrooms.

In-depth research support designed to save journalists time and uncover critical details for impactful stories.

We track down essential documents, analyze complex data sets, and prepare detailed timelines and source lists to help reporters build the foundation for impactful investigations.

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Candidate backgrounding
Business backgrounding
Document gathering
Data analysis
Timeline preparation
Source list compilation
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Sunlight’s Research Desk will help your newsroom build the factual foundation for impactful investigations.

Our Work

Stories produced with research and training assistance from Sunlight Research Center.

Commissioner French pledges to sell family stock in ‘forever chemicals’ manufacturers

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February 4, 2025

RANGE Media

Caroline Fairly to begin her first term in Texas House

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January 10, 2025

Amarillo Tribune

Sen. Kevin Sparks’s history and major campaign contributions

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January 10, 2025

Amarillo Tribune

John Smithee approaches his 40th year in office

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January 8, 2025

Amarillo Tribune

9 candidates, 4 seats and more than $240K spent to gain control of this Riverside County School Board

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December 23, 2024

The Riverside Record

Campaign finance records don’t capture total spending on Amarillo abortion “travel ban” election

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December 9, 2024

The Texas Tribune

Putting Elections Lessons to Work

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November 11, 2024

American Press Institute

Colorado Mental Health Voters Guide

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November 8, 2024

Moodfuel

Public Lands vs. Private Corporations: How Campaign Contributions Impacted the Closest Election in WA’s History

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November 4, 2024

The Jefferson County Beacon

Pa. election 2024: Your guide to this year’s congressional races

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October 26, 2024

Spotlight PA

In Texas’ High Criminal Court Races, the Stakes Are Life or Death

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October 16, 2024

Texas Observer

In Nevada's only GOP House district, incumbent Amodei faces well-heeled indie challenge

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October 10, 2024

The Nevada Independent

Once legislative colleagues, Steven Horsford, John Lee now squaring off for House seat

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October 5, 2024

The Nevada Independent

How to do your own campaign finance research

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September 16, 2024

NowKalamazoo

Lombardo among donors allegedly defrauded by Fiore

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August 12, 2024

The Nevada Independent

Analysis: Which Nevada candidates have benefited from federal loans?

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June 2, 2024

The Nevada Independent

Meet Marty: Halo composer backed by Lombardo would be among wealthiest House members

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May 28, 2024

The Nevada Independent

Six things to know about Mazi Pilip and Tom Suozzi, the candidates who sought to replace former Rep. George Santos

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February 9, 2024

MuckRock

How MuckRock found the backstory of a mystery congressional candidate in Southern California through public records

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January 30, 2024

MuckRock