ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we will break this story into the following components: Something important is at stake, the problem affects people, the story uncovers information not widely known, the story identifies the cause of the problem, the story identifies possible solutions and obstacles to those solutions, evidence backs up the case, and the story provides context. In an investigative project, journalist will ask sources to provide knowledge, opinions, analysis, memories and emotions even though doing so might get them grief—from their boss, family, friends, neighbors or customers. Journalist expect readers to invest time reading and thinking about journalist's story only to learn something unpleasant. Readers expect to learn something new. Journalist might focus on a problem invisible to all but the people hurt by it. In trying to explain why and how something could have happened don't shirk from laying blame if the evidence points to a culprit.
