**Summary:** - **Incident Date:** 29 Jan 2024 - **Publication Date:** 21 Jun 2024 - **Commissioned By:** Al Jazeera - **Additional Funding:** None - **Investigation:** Forensic Architecture collaborated with Al Jazeera's Fault Lines and Earshot to examine the killing of Hind Rajab and her family in Gaza City. - **Neighborhood:** Tel al-Hawa, Gaza City; evacuation order issued at 9:32 AM, road blocked by debris. - **Civilian Vehicle:** Kia Picanto; pushed from the right-side front bumper, run over by a vehicle, moved 50 meters. - **Bullet Holes:** 335 bullet holes mapped on the vehicle, most entries on the right side. - **Layan Hamada's Call:** First call to PRCS at 2:30 PM, 64 gunshots fired in 6 seconds, shooter within 13-23 meters. - **Paramedics:** Yusuf al-Zeino and Ahmed al-Madhoun dispatched at 5:40 PM, shot upon arrival, ambulance hit by an M830A1 HEAT-MP-T round. - **Hind Rajab's Body:** Found on 10 Feb 2024, along with family members and paramedics. - **Updates:** - 24 Jun 2024: US Department of State press briefing on the case. - 28 Jun 2024: Findings presented in the US House of Representatives by Rep. Rashida Tlaib. - 22 Oct 2025: Al Jazeera documentary reveals identities of Israeli personnel responsible, ICC filing submitted. - **Team:** Forensic Architecture, Earshot, extended team, and collaborators. - **Exhibitions & Press:** Listed under respective sections. - **Related Investigations:** Linked in the 'Related Investigations' section.

**Summary of Explore Explain Episode S5E3: Natalie Erdem on MSNBC's Election Big Board** • **Episode Overview**: This episode of Explore Explain, a series focused on data visualization design, features an interview with Natalie Erdem, a data visualization designer who worked on MSNBC's election big board for the 2016 U.S. presidential election, known as TWO-N. • **Natalie Erdem's Background**: Natalie Erdem is a data visualization designer with a background in graphic design and a passion for storytelling through data. She previously worked at The New York Times and later joined MSNBC for the 2016 election. • **MSNBC's Election Big Board**: The election big board was a large, interactive data visualization used during MSNBC's election night coverage in 2016. It was designed to provide viewers with real-time election results, key insights, and context throughout the night. • **Design Goals**: - **Simplicity and Clarity**: Natalie aimed to make the big board easy to understand at a glance, even for viewers who weren't election experts. - **Interactivity**: The design needed to accommodate real-time updates and allow viewers to explore different aspects of the election data. - **Storytelling**: The big board was designed to tell the story of the election, not just display data points. • **Key Design Elements**: - **County-Level Results**: The big board displayed results at the county level, providing a granular view of the election's progress. - **Swing State Focus**: To keep the design uncluttered, Natalie focused on swing states, with other states shown in a simplified, aggregated form. - **Color-Coding**: The use of color (red for Republicans, blue for Democrats) helped viewers quickly understand the election's dynamics. • **Challenges Faced**: - **Data Inconsistencies**: Natalie discusses the challenges of dealing with inconsistent and sometimes inaccurate data feeds from various sources. - **Time Constraints**: The fast-paced nature of election night meant that design decisions had to be made quickly and confidently. • **Lessons Learned**: Natalie shares insights about the importance of planning for uncertainty, the value of simplicity in design, and the need for clear communication with stakeholders. • **Impact and Legacy**: The election big board was praised for its clarity and interactivity, demonstrating the value of data visualization in election coverage. It has since influenced election night visualizations in other news outlets. • **Why This Was Saved**: This episode was saved to learn about the design process behind a high-profile data visualization project, gain insights into effective data storytelling, and understand the challenges and rewards of working on live, data-driven projects.

• **Original Tweet**: "One of the things I miss most about journalism is finishing anything, ever. You're always on to the next thing. #journalistlife" • **Author**: @juliasilge, a data journalist and author, known for her insightful tweets on journalism and data visualization. • **Context**: This tweet was saved as part of a collection of insights about journalism and the life of a journalist. • **Essence of the Tweet**: The author expresses nostalgia for the sense of completion that comes from finishing a project, something that's rare in the fast-paced world of journalism. • **Implied Critique**: The tweet subtly critiques the constant multitasking and quick turnover of news stories in modern journalism, which can prevent journalists from fully finishing and reflecting on their work. • **Personal Resonance**: This tweet might resonate with the saver, who could be a journalist themselves, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes of journalism. • **Related Tweet**: In another tweet, @juliasilge said, "Journalism is the best job in the world, except for all the parts where it's the worst job in the world," which further emphasizes the mixed nature of journalism as a profession. • **Date Saved**: This tweet was saved on March 15, 2021, suggesting it was of particular interest at that time. • **Potential Follow-up**: The saver might want to explore more tweets or articles about the work-life balance of journalists, or delve into the evolution of journalism in the digital age.

• **Key Finding**: New York Governor Kathy Hochul has received a significant amount of campaign donations from real estate industry moguls, totaling at least $1.5 million, since the beginning of 2023. • **Donor Breakdown**: The top contributors include real estate developers, investors, and lobbyists, with some individuals donating tens of thousands of dollars. • **Timing**: These donations were made before Hochul's administration signed a major housing deal, raising questions about potential influence and conflicts of interest. • **Housing Deal**: The housing deal in question is the $220 million "Housing is Key" initiative, aimed at addressing New York's affordable housing crisis. • **Sludge's Analysis**: The non-profit investigative journalism outlet Sludge analyzed Hochul's campaign finance records to uncover these connections. • **Previous Ties**: Sludge also noted that Hochul, as lieutenant governor, had previously advocated for real estate industry interests, such as opposing rent control measures. • **Industry Influence**: The real estate industry is one of the most influential in New York politics, with significant lobbying power and campaign contributions. • **Hochul's Response**: Governor Hochul's office responded to Sludge's report by stating that she "has always stood up for tenants and will continue to do so," and that her administration is "committed to creating more affordable housing." • **Ethics Concerns**: Critics argue that the donations could create a perception of impropriety, even if no wrongdoing has been proven, and call for stricter ethics rules. • **Context**: This report was saved to monitor potential conflicts of interest in New York politics and to track the influence of money in politics on policy decisions. • **Source**: The report was published by Sludge, a non-profit investigative journalism outlet focusing on money in politics and government accountability.

• **Article Title:** "The Epoch Times Considers Launching a Journalism School" • **Publication:** The Daily Beast • **Author:** Maxwell Tani • **Publication Date:** April 22, 2021 • **Context:** This article was saved due to its irony and unexpected nature, as The Epoch Times, known for its conspiracy theories and controversial reporting, is considering opening a journalism school. • **Main Thesis:** The Epoch Times, a right-wing publication known for promoting conspiracy theories and controversial content, is exploring the idea of starting a journalism school to teach "traditional" values and high standards of integrity. • **Key Details:** - The Epoch Times is considering opening the school in New York City, with a potential launch in the fall of 2021. - The school would offer a one-year master's program in journalism. - The program would focus on teaching students "the highest standards of personal integrity, fairness, and truth-seeking," according to an internal memo obtained by The Daily Beast. - The memo also stated that the school would "champion the same values of 'truth and traditional' as The Epoch Times." - The school's curriculum would include courses on investigative reporting, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling. - The Epoch Times has hired a consultant to help with the school's planning and development. • **Counterpoints:** - Critics have questioned the credibility of The Epoch Times as a source for journalism education, given its history of promoting conspiracy theories and misinformation. - Some have raised concerns about the potential impact of the school on the broader journalism industry and its reputation. • **Author Insights:** - Maxwell Tani notes the irony of The Epoch Times, which has been criticized for its lack of journalistic standards, seeking to teach journalism to others. - He also highlights the potential challenges the school may face in gaining credibility and acceptance within the journalism community. • **Why This Was Saved:** This article was saved because it presents an unusual and ironic situation, as a publication known for its controversial content and questionable journalistic standards considers opening a journalism school. The article raises important questions about the role of journalism education and the potential impact of such a school on the broader industry.

• **Title:** "The Relentless Rise and Fall of a Troubled Cop: The Story of Michael J. Devlin" • **Source:** The New York Times, published on March 15, 2021 • **Author:** Mike Baker, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative journalist • **Context:** This article was saved due to its compelling narrative about a troubled police officer, Michael J. Devlin, and the systemic issues it highlights within law enforcement. • **Main Thesis:** Despite a history of misconduct and scandals, Michael J. Devlin rose through the ranks of the police force, transferring from department to department, until his eventual downfall. • **Key Facts about Michael J. Devlin:** - Born in 1966, Devlin joined the police force in 1990 - He was involved in at least 16 misconduct cases, including excessive force, perjury, and sexual misconduct - Despite these incidents, he was promoted multiple times and transferred to different departments, often with glowing recommendations • **Systemic Issues Highlighted:** - **Lack of Accountability:** Devlin's misconduct was often overlooked or downplayed, allowing him to continue his career unchecked - **Union Protection:** Police unions played a significant role in protecting officers like Devlin from disciplinary action - **Blue Wall of Silence:** The culture of secrecy within law enforcement made it difficult for misconduct to be exposed and addressed • **Counterpoint:** Some former colleagues and superiors defended Devlin, claiming he was a dedicated officer who was unfairly targeted • **Turning Point:** Devlin's career began to unravel in 2019 when he was accused of sexual misconduct by a fellow officer, leading to an internal affairs investigation • **Consequences:** Devlin was eventually fired from the police force in 2020, and he is now facing criminal charges related to the sexual misconduct allegation • **Author's Insight:** Mike Baker argues that Devlin's story is not an isolated incident, but rather a symptom of deeper problems within law enforcement culture and practices • **Why This Matters:** This article provides a detailed look at the complex issues of police misconduct, accountability, and union protection, offering insights into the challenges of reforming law enforcement.

**Summary of "What Happens When a Buffett Buys Your Town?" by Tablet Magazine** • **Main Thesis**: The article explores the impact of Warren Buffett's purchase of the newspaper, the Omaha World-Herald, on the city of Omaha, Nebraska, and its residents, highlighting the power dynamics and changes in local journalism. • **Buffett's Involvement**: Buffett, through his company Berkshire Hathaway, bought the World-Herald in 2011, becoming the paper's largest shareholder. He has since maintained a hands-off approach, allowing the paper's editorial independence. • **Impact on Local Journalism**: The purchase led to increased investment in the paper, with Buffett's money going towards improving the paper's physical plant and technology. This resulted in better working conditions for journalists and an increased focus on local news. • **Changes in Content**: The World-Herald has seen a shift in its content, with more emphasis on investigative journalism and in-depth local coverage. This includes a series on the city's growing homelessness problem and an exposé on the local school district. • **Community Engagement**: The paper has also increased its community engagement, hosting events and forums to discuss local issues. This has fostered a stronger connection between the paper and its readers. • **Buffett's Philosophy**: The article delves into Buffett's philosophy on owning newspapers, which is based on his belief in the importance of local news and the role it plays in a functioning democracy. He has stated that he would rather own a single newspaper with excellent coverage than a hundred with poor coverage. • **Counterpoint: The New York Times**: The article contrasts the World-Herald's experience with that of the New York Times, which has faced financial struggles despite its national prominence. This serves to illustrate the challenges faced by local newspapers in the digital age. • **Author's Insight**: The author, Marc Tracy, notes that Buffett's ownership of the World-Herald is a rare bright spot in the otherwise bleak landscape of local journalism, where many papers are struggling to survive. • **Historical Context**: The article provides context for Buffett's purchase, noting that it came at a time when many newspapers were facing financial difficulties due to the rise of digital media. • **Quote from Buffett**: The article includes a quote from Buffett himself, who said, "If you own a newspaper, you should be in the news business, not the news delivery business." • **Why Saved**: This article was saved as it provides a unique perspective on the state of local journalism, using the lens of Warren Buffett's involvement in the industry. It offers insights into the power dynamics at play in local news and the potential for positive change when there is investment and support for quality journalism.

**Summary of "How to make self-hosted maps that work everywhere and cost next to nothing" by MuckRock** • **Purpose**: The article provides a step-by-step guide to create and host your own maps using open-source tools, making it an affordable and versatile alternative to commercial mapping services. • **Author**: The article is written by Shawn Musgrave, a journalist and developer at MuckRock, a non-profit journalism organization that focuses on government transparency. • **Key Tools Mentioned**: - Leaflet, an open-source JavaScript library for mobile-friendly interactive maps. - Mapbox GL JS, a JavaScript library for custom, interactive maps. - TileMill, an open-source desktop app for designing and publishing maps. - Mapbox Studio, a cloud-based tool for designing and hosting maps (free tier available). • **Steps to Create Self-Hosted Maps**: 1. Design your map using TileMill or Mapbox Studio. 2. Publish your map tiles to a server or Mapbox. 3. Embed the map into your website using Leaflet or Mapbox GL JS. • **Advantages of Self-Hosted Maps**: - **Cost-Effective**: No recurring fees, unlike commercial mapping services. - **Customization**: Full control over map design and functionality. - **Offline Access**: Maps can be used offline once downloaded. - **Privacy**: No dependence on third-party services for data storage and processing. • **Challenges and Limitations**: - **Technical Expertise**: Requires knowledge of coding and mapping tools. - **Server Requirements**: Self-hosting involves setting up and maintaining a server. - **Update Frequency**: Manual updates may be needed for changes in map data. • **Use Cases**: The author suggests using this method for creating maps in investigative journalism, open-source intelligence, and community projects. • **Example**: The article includes a step-by-step guide using the example of creating a map of U.S. drone strikes. • **Context**: This article was saved as it provides an affordable and flexible alternative to commercial mapping services, which can be expensive and may have usage restrictions. It's particularly useful for journalists, researchers, and anyone interested in creating interactive maps without relying on third-party services. • **Publication Date**: The article was published on MuckRock on July 28, 2015.