My Portfolio

Looking Back on New Paltz's "Winter of Love"

In February 2004, more than two dozen LGBTQ+ couples met at a park in New Paltz, New York to do two things: get married and break the law. The act of civil disobedience tested New York’s marriage laws at a time when same-sex marriage was still largely illegal in the U.S. Twenty years later, some of those same couples returned to New Paltz to renew their vows.

I produced this documentary as part of my studies at CUNY's Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism. It aired on an episode of "51%" and won a Regional Edward R. Murrow Award ("Best News Documentary") and a New York State Broadcasters Association Award ("Outstanding Use of Sound").

A big thanks to Laura Bortman, who allowed me to use some archival sound from an earlier video she produced on the weddings, called "Beware of Dog.

Jesse King · Looking back on New Paltz's 'Winter of Love'

Recent Highlights

Some highlights from my reporting at WAMC and BabyCenter / What to Expect.

Rhinebeck rallies around resident detained by ICE as judge extends stay on deportation

A federal judge in Manhattan has extended a stay preventing the deportation of a Rhinebeck, New York, resident for another week. Supporters of the young man are calling it a win for now.

WAMC

Battle over the bands: noise ordinance causes tension in Woodstock

Woodstock is known as the “Colony of Arts." Does that mean residents must tolerate late-night rock n’ roll? That’s part of the debate around a proposed update to Woodstock’s noise ordinance, which is drawing criticism from all sides.

WAMC

Marist College officially becomes "Marist University"

Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York threw a party to celebrate its graduation from "college" to "university."

WAMC

With OSHA's proposed heat rule at risk, is this the year for the NY TEMP Act?

In 2024, a bill to protect New York’s workers from extreme heat failed to gain traction, eclipsed by a new federal rule proposed by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration. But with President Trump back in the White House, the rule could be put on ice. Is it time to bring the NY TEMP Act back?

WAMC

What Parents Need to Pack in an Emergency Go Bag

Here's what to have on hand whether you're pregnant or caring for a baby or toddler.

What To Expect

51%

"51%" is WAMC's weekly, nationally-syndicated program on women's issues. Women account for roughly 51% of the U.S. population, and many of the issues we face impact us all. From scholars and doctors to artists like Ani DiFranco, my aim for the show has been to elevate women who are experts in their fields, and explore the highs and lows of womanhood together.

My favorites:

A New York Minute in History

"A New York Minute in History" is a collaboration between WAMC, the New York State Museum, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation. If you've ever driven past a historic marker and found yourself wanting to know more, this podcast is for you. New York State Historian Devin Lander and Saratoga County Historian Lauren Roberts dive into the stories behind these markers, and explain how they fit into New York's history.

I produced a total of 24 episodes for the show between 2021 and 2023, helping it grow from a fledgling podcast to a WAMC staple. The show took home five awards during this time, including two Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for "Best Podcast."

My favorites: