The Impact of True Crime Podcasts on Cold Case Investigations and Victims\u27 Advocacy

True crime has long captivated public interest, evolving from sensationalized accounts in the Middle Ages to the widespread popularity of modern podcasts. This qualitative study explores the ethical complexities of true crime media by examining how it intersects with criminal investigations, public perception, and victim advocacy. Through in-depth interviews with law enforcement officers, victim advocates, and true crime content creators, the study investigates differing attitudes toward the role of podcasts in active and cold cases. Using Colaizzi’s (1978) phenomenological method, data were analyzed to uncover shared and divergent themes across professional roles. Law enforcement participants voiced concerns over web- sleuthing and misinformation, urging content creators to proceed with caution and respect for ongoing investigations. Meanwhile, podcast hosts reported navigating ethical tensions between storytelling, research integrity, and empathy for victims’ families. Victim advocates emphasized the potential for both harm and healing in media representation. As true crime podcasting continues to influence public discourse and case visibility, this research highlights the need for ethically informed media practices and cross-disciplinary dialogue

Family Matters: Rhode Island Specialty Courts’ Impact on Family Reunification Situated in the Scholarly and Public Spheres

United States Family Courts handle intimately personal matters of immense consequence for individuals who find themselves involved with this court system. Family is the cornerstone of American society and individual lives; however, in many cases, children are separated from their parents if they have been abused, neglected, or their parents are unable to properly care for them. When family separation occurs, courts and family services must make every effort to reunify the family within a timely manner so long as it is safe to do so. Though Rhode Island has one of the smallest populations of all the states, there is still a great demand for family services, particularly in these cases in which families are moving toward reunification. The family courts work closely with the Department of Children Youth and Families (DCYF) to ensure children are being well-cared for and families have the resources they need to reunify. Rhode Island has even established a number of specialty courts to handle specific types of family-related cases, such as the Safe and Secure Baby Court, the Family Treatment Drug Court, and the Juvenile Drug Court. In this paper, the author will explore the collaboration between family courts and family agencies within the state of Rhode Island, as well as analyze the effectiveness of existing programs and practices based on successful reunification rates. From there, the author will suggest options to increase successful and long-term reunifications, as well as the general well-being of Rhode Island families going through the family court system

Revisiting Long Island-based nonprofit organizations\u27 use of traditional and digital media for public relations outreach

Nonprofit organizations hold a pivotal role in society, catering to diverse communities and promoting social causes through strategic communication initiatives. Effective public relations (PR) serves as an indispensable tool for nonprofits, facilitating the development of awareness, stakeholder engagement, and the implementation of mission-driven initiatives. The integration of social and owned media has transformed how nonprofits engage with their audiences, providing new opportunities for interaction while creating unique challenges, particularly when nonprofits are dealing with the residual impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated financial instability and complicated program delivery, membership retention, fundraising, and staffing. This study builds upon and compares prior research and surveys conducted in 2011, 2012, and 2013 to explore the use of social and traditional media by nonprofit organizations on Long Island, adjacent to New York City. The research aims to provide a snapshot of organizational PR challenges while suggesting opportunities for improving the deployment of available media resources