is a digital reporter/producer and an inaugural Ida B. Wells Society Investigative Reporting Fellow.

Zachary published his investigation, “Power, data, and distrust: How racist texts and bomb threats targeted Georgia voters” at CBS News.

Learn more about Zachary in this Q&A.

Please briefly describe your reporting project.

As the high stakes 2026 election nears, a CBS Atlanta investigation reveals how racist and threatening text messages exploited data loopholes to target Georgia voters in 2024, reviving old tactics of voter intimidation through new technology.

What made you apply to this program?

Networking and growing my skills in data reporting

What is the most impactful investigative reporting tool/trick you learned through this fellowship?

How to use Datawrapper and other computer programs for data analysis

Why was it important to pursue/publish this story idea and what impact do you see it having?

I think my story picks up where investigations have left off. Many people have questions about the election text messages incident as federal investigations have stalled, leaving more questions than answers.

Why is investigative journalism important to you?

Because it helps us hold the powerful to account, and it helps us broaden our understanding of the world around us.