Jaci Smith

Northfield News • 8th February 2022

Heroin in Northfield: One year later

Series: Working with two other reporters, I both edited their work and produced my own on the best kept secret in small town Minnesota - a serious heroin addiction problem. The series won both state and regional awards (SPJ), and contributed to the Minnesota Press Association naming the Northfield News the best small newspaper in the state in 2009.

Faribault Daily News • 8th February 2022

Housing crisis impact

Data analysis: Using court records, I put a human face on the housing crisis that began when the financing bubble burst in 2008.

Globe Gazette • 8th February 2022

Pandemic nurse, reporting for duty

Feature: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, a local hospital granted me access to two nurses who worked in the COVID ICU section. It was gut-wrenching.

Faribault Daily News • 8th February 2022

Rice County renters paying more than they can afford

Data analysis: Comparing income and housing data revealed a significant gap in what is supposed to be an affordable area of the country.

Northfield News • 8th February 2022

Census finds segregation in Northfield

Data analysis: Mapping 2010 Census data revealed Northfield, Minnesota, despite its reputation as a progressive community, was one of the most segregated for housing in the state.

Globe Gazette • 11th January 2022

The story behind North Iowa's lone covered bridge

Feature: I found this story when I spied a birthday ad in the print edition of our paper that was for the bridge. The story I uncovered on how it was built was even more fun than I imagined.

Globe Gazette • 11th January 2022

NIACC's robotics program responding to local demand

Business writing: This piece was written for our award-winning Progress edition, which covers topics related to local economic development.

Southernminn.com • 4th February 2019

Are suspected drunk drivers getting a bargain?

PUBLIC SAFETY: Data analysis piece looking at why so many accused of DUI in southern Minnesota are able plead to lesser charges instead.

NorthJersey.com • 4th February 2019

Taxed out of New Jersey

PROJECT: In-depth analysis of the impact of skyrocketing property taxes.