About Hard News
There are critical moments when flags need to be waved and whistles blown. Hard news, journalism that tackles today's grinding issues and pivotal events, is as necessary for national coverage as it is for local town meetings. To write impartially, factually, and earnestly about issues that matter most can be one of the most challenging and rewarding pursuits. The following pieces are a small portion of Shueh's work reporting hard news in the Lake Tahoe and Truckee region.
Left in the Cold: Homeless death raises concern for lack of shelters
In the summers Tahoe's homeless live in the woods. In the winters they migrate toward warmer climates, seek shelter in churches, or suffer amid the elements. On occasion the cold takes them. This is the story of one such circumstance and a community's reaction to it.
NDOT Spokesman: ‘We're confident this ramp will do its job to stop a truck'
A San Diego truck driver dies after his truck brakes fail descending Lake Tahoe's Mt. Rose, a mountain with a summit of 10,778 feet. Despite his 100-mile-per-hour free fall, the trucker managed to steer the truck into a runaway truck ramp. However, instead of halting the truck it launched the driver into a nearby cabin where both the truck and house caught fire. Residents were helpless as the trapped driver struggled inside the vehicle.
ADA lawsuits: Certified Access Inspections a lifeline against them, experts say
What does a community do when a chain of disabled lawsuits attack? It organizes. After a paraplegic lawyer — known for his massive disability lawsuits — mounts a campaign against Truckee businesses, merchants and government officials turn to Certified Access Inspectors for help. The town and merchants hope to use the disability certifications as damage control and to prevent future lawsuits. The battle is a sticky one.
How does Truckee/Tahoe work with an undocumented labor force?
The first half of a two-part story, this piece reflects community reaction to Truckee and Tahoe's undocumented workforce. Read the second part of this story by clicking here.
Grassroots help for Haiti: Tahoe/Truckee residents coordinating relief
Global events can often prompt individuals to offer support. Yet, it's not often when a global event spurs a long-term humanitarian effort. This was the case when Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake at the start of 2010. The destruction made such an impact that a handful of Truckee residents dropped everything and headed to the scene to offer personal aid.
Tahoe resorts Squaw Valley USA, Alpine Meadows to join forces
The deal had been talked about for years, maybe even decades. But it didn't happen until the Fall of 2011, when finally, Alpine Resort and Squaw Valley USA would join forces in a multi-million dollar merger that would set the resorts as top attractions in the highly contested region.
Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't.
Mark Twain