Alex Cox is a graduate from the University of Missouri School of Journalism. They worked at a variety of newsrooms in the Missouri News Network, with their primary newsroom being KBIA, the NPR affiliate for Mid-Missouri. In their many jobs, they’ve wore many hats, but their favorite type of reporting is working with audio and data. They believe in trying to take themselves out of the story as much as possible to let their sources tell the story.
Beat: Local Government divide in Baton Rouge and St. George
WRKF's proposed metro reporter would cover the intersections of race, equity, and resource allocation. The beat would explore decisions around incorporation, zoning, and taxation, examining who gains access to public services, infrastructure, and economic opportunities. The aim is to show how these decisions disproportionately affect marginalized communities, perpetuating broader inequities. A prime example is the Louisiana Supreme Court's ruling allowing the incorporation of St. George, a new city formed from East Baton Rouge Parish. This decision, after years of local opposition, raises concerns about economic and racial inequality. By dedicating resources to this beat, we can highlight systemic inequities, ensuring our audience understands the impacts of local governance on racial and economic equity.