The resume blog of a freelance news reporter in the Midwest.
I am a freelance journalist based out of Kansas City, Missouri. My career started in Chicago, where I worked as a news anchor, talk show producer, website editor, and on-the-street news reporter for a variety of talk radio stations. In 2008, I moved to Kansas City to work as a news reporter, anchor, and contributor for several commercial and public radio stations. In addition, I have written for a number of online and print publications. I enjoy working on local government, travel, human interest, religious, and political stories--all of which you'll find posted on this page. If you would like to find out more about me, have a look at my resume or contact me directly.
KANSAS CITY, MO(KCUR-FM) - Defense Secretary Robert Gates recently announced a sweeping review of the tragic Fort Hood shooting that left 13 people dead. But as the military now tries to identify extremists within its ranks, some Muslims fear an unfair backlash. Bill Gallo recently spoke with a local Muslim-American veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom and has this report....
Washington, DC – Out of the 5 million people expected to attend Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration festivities this weekend, none will get closer to the action than the Girardeau family from Kansas City.
Jim and Alicia Girardeau and their daughters Hannah, Lindsay, and Grace joined 13 other ordinary Americans for President-elect Obama’s historic “whistle stop” train tour from Philadelphia to Washington on Saturday.
The campaign asked the family to join the tour after Obama used the Girardeau’s Brookside home in August to watch his wife’s speech at the Democratic National Convention.
But Alicia Girardeau says that doesn’t compare to what her family is getting to do this weekend in Washington.
“People of every different color, race, and size were just so excited and happy. It’s such an exciting event to be a part of already, but to see it from our vantage point, it was just amazing,” said Alicia Girardeau.
While riding on the vintage railcar, the Girardeau’s discussed politics with Obama, and also held a surprise birthday party for Michelle. Jim Girardeau says the President-elect’s personable demeanor continues to impress him.
“He’s super warm and friendly. He really puts you at ease with how interested he is in what you’re talking about.”
As for the kids, 11-year-old Lindsay Girardeau said they were busy putting together a puzzle and playing Apples to Apples in the back of the train with Sasha and Malia Obama.
“I felt so exclusive. It was just our family and the Obama’s,” said Lindsay.
The tour started in Philadelphia and included stops in Wilmington and Baltimore before heading to Washington. The Obama campaign modeled the trip after a similar one made by Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
The Girardeau’s plan to take part in the National Day of Service tomorrow, before attending Tuesday’s inauguration.
Washington Mayor Adrien Fenty has suggested that as many as 5 million people could attend the event, making it one of the capital’s largest crowds ever assembled.
KANSAS CITY, MO (KCUR-FM) - In some cities, drivers refer to them as "bicycle terrorists" for interrupting the busiest drive time of the week. But in Kansas City, participants of the local bicycle ride known as "Critical Mass" are focused on promoting a positive message: they want Kansas City to be more bike-friendly. Bill Gallo reports....
CHICAGO, IL (WGN-AM) - It's an established Chicago tradition. But it wouldn't be if these guys had their way. Bill Gallo reports from the Chicago Auto Show....
KANSAS CITY, MO(KCUR-FM) - Starting on Friday July 17, cameras started catching red light runners at two more Kansas City intersections. By the end of the month, the city will have installed a total of 30 red light cameras. Question is, are the cameras stopping people for running red lights, and it that's the case, are they generating enough money to pay for themselves? It's a little more complicated than you might think, as Bill Gallo reports....
OVERLAND PARK, KS - With the start of the 2008 Summer Olympics at hand, we're introducing you to some local athletes you may not have heard about. In this installment, Bill Gallo introduces us to an Overland Park man who likes to ride his bike....
