From the newsroom

Ample reporting and thorough editing are tenets of investigative pieces. These stories often deal with sensitive topics and vulnerable sources.

Such was the case with our recent story, "Former WWU police officer who hit handcuffed suspect now under state investigation." 

WWU Police Officer Robert Anderson was fired after striking a handcuffed vehicle-prowl suspect during an arrest in early 2024. Anderson and Sgt. Wolf Lipson, the supervisor on scene, were found to have violated multiple department policies, according to an internal review by the Bellingham Police Department. Anderson is under a state investigation as of last week.

CDN contributor Joshua Kornfeld and I worked closely together for months, combing through records, waiting on investigative reports from other agencies to release, and reworking the story. Good investigative storytelling always has an element of accountability; it should also have empathy for those involved. Joshua's story strikes this balance.

Many conversations go into how to present an investigative story, from the headlines to accompanying visuals. For instance, visual journalist Finn Wendt, video editor Jaya Flanary and I exchanged more than 100 messages tweaking a compilation video of body camera footage that Finn put together, ensuring it was relevant, sensitive and had news value.

I am proud to work with such thoughtful and compassionate colleagues. Read the story online today or in print Friday.

Today's news

Body camera footage shows Western Washington Police Officer Robert Anderson's (left) personal truck broken into on campus in January 2024. Anderson and his supervising Sgt. Wolf Lipson (right) responded to the vehicle prowl. During the response, Anderson struck the suspect in the head while he was handcuffed. (Source: WWU Police Department body camera footage)

Former WWU police officer who hit handcuffed suspect now under state investigation

Whatcom County Sheriff's Office to leave 'substandard' workplace, pending council approval  

Whatcom Community College undergoing sustainability review after cuts, furloughs  

Four contend for a say in navigating health care funding in two hospital district elections

As cold weather approaches, here's how to 'put your garden to bed' for the winter

Guest Writer: When Medicaid says no — the system is failing our adopted youth

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Weekend catch-up 

BMR vice president Harrison Brickman (front) leads rescuers guiding a victim down the Heliotrope Ridge trail in May. Brickman said his volunteer crew responded to two rescues along the trail on May 27. (Photo courtesy of Bellingham Mountain Rescue)

Mountain rescue unit, after 70 years, remains integral part of WA recreation scene

Mount Vernon seeks tax boost to fund public safety, parks maintenance

Hybrid sport 'bennis' gives Sehome tennis players an outlet during rainouts

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