Examples of print and online work

Wal-Mart to Test Small Store Format | New York Times
Wal-Mart to Buy Back Billions More in Shares | New York Times

• The New York Times asked Skelton to cover the Wal-Mart Shareholders’ Meeting in Arkansas during the summer of 2011. Over two days, Skelton covered meetings, toured new stores and interviewed Wal-Mart executives.

Brinkley school leader under fire | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

• Skelton was assigned to write a brief about a superintendent who switched school districts. After talking with a few sources, it was clear that there was much more to the story than a job change. Brinkley School District parents were angry with the leadership of their district and complained of discrimination in the classroom.

States helps residents seek shelter from storm| Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

• The Joplin tornado was the inspiration for this piece. The Democrat-Gazette wanted to look into what people in Arkansas were doing to protect themselves from tornadoes.

At free clinic, teeth gone, but smiles return | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

• Arkansas has fewer practicing dentists likely because it does not have a dentistry school in the state. On top of that, 62 percent of Arkansans do not have dental insurance making access to dental care even more difficult.

$473,142 in excess school pay, missing contracts spur inquiry  | Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

• A new superintendent and central office staff joined the Pine Bluff School District in the summer 2011 at a time when an independent auditor discovered overpaid teacher contracts from previous years. Skelton filed FOIAS to gain access to all 171 questioned contracts. Unfortunately, her internship ended before the documents made it to her desk.

Bill Constricts Snake Sellers | Omaha World-Herald

• State Sen. Abbie Cornett of Bellevue introduced a bill to regulate snakes since much of Nebraska has no laws regulating the ownership and sale of snakes. Several snake breeders and owners were angered by the possible regulation.
Finding a voice through art | Omaha World-Herald

Jeremiah Neal, formerly homeless, says painting helped him get clean and off the streets. Neal has sold many of his paintings and inspires others who are homeless.

NU students’ financial aid information posted on state treasurer’s website | Lincoln Journal Star

Skelton independently investigated and discovered the publication of thousands of University of Nebraska student’s private financial aid and loan information on the Nebraska State Treasurer’s Office website. Her ongoing coverage resulted in removal of information and prevention of further illegal disclosures.

Dave Heineman’s gift list less extravagant than previous two governors| Lincoln Journal Star

Out of curiosity, Skelton picked up a copy of the Nebraska governor’s gift list. Heineman reported an array of odd gifts, which seemed like an interesting story. The story offers an analysis of the political culture of gift giving and past governor’s gifts, too.

Nebraska student aims to be the next Warren Buffett | USA TODAY College

Mark Suleiman is an economics wiz and started his own asset-management firm before he graduated college.