For the past two months, iReport has been running our second-annual Boot Camp program, where we give our users a shot at their own CNN byline. This year’s top contender was Rachel Witte, who wrote and shot this heartfelt story and video on just how much of a struggle it is to be a twentysomething looking for work in this down economy.
Rachel now has a CNN byline in her arsenal, and the current top slot on the CNN homepage. Congratulations are in order for yet another shining example of how iReporters kick ass, and are changing the face of journalism and storytelling.
WDAGarner shot these pictures from April to May of 2009, during his twelfth tour in Afghanistan as part of international private mercenary companies. ‘After each visit to Afghanistan, I came to love the people,’ he said. ‘They were the kindest people I’d ever met, and I’ve traveled to 100 different countries on our lovely planet.’
We regularly receive iReports from interesting people all over the world, and some of their stories blow us away. Like this one — a private military contractor who has been on 12 sorties with the Afghan National Police.
Rainfall from Hurricane Irene is causing the Hague River in Norfolk, Virginia, to begin to overflow its banks.
CNN iReport || Earthquake in South Jersey
A 5.9 magnitude earthquake has just rocked the East Coast. Michael Caposole from Williamstown, New Jersey, had his video camera on-hand the moment the quake struck: “I thought I was dizzy and it took a couple of seconds to notice the lights moving,” he said.
The Taliban claimed responsibility for the bombing of the U.K. embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan, today. The attacks occurred on Afghanistan’s Independence Day, marking the country’s 92nd year of independence from the British Empire. iReporter ekhlass was on the scene:
‘It was 5:40 when a very strong explosion shook my house and woke me up,’ he said. He went up to his roof immediately to take these shots. ‘The Taliban claimed credit for the attack, and the reason they say was “we have defeated Britain in 1919, this attack is to refresh the defeat.”’
CNN || The RidicuList: Gerard Depardieu
Wherein the furrows of Coop’s usually-steely brows are no match for a giggle fit of historic proportions.
CNN iReport || Joplin, MO, getting back into a school routine
Joplin, Missouri, may have disappeared from the headlines, but the community is still struggling with the aftermath of a devastating tornado that struck the town on May 22:
The first photo shows the building where Joplin High School students began their school year on August 17, 2011. darseephoto says, ‘Around the school there was total devastation and loss. The yard around the school almost resembled a desert after even the grass was ripped out of the ground.’
CNN iReport || Peacock threatens to jump in NYC
So, this definitely happened.
CNN iReport is looking for a fall intern
It’s that time again! We’re looking for a fall intern to join our team at the CNN Center in Atlanta, Georgia.
The full-time, paid internship lasts about 12 weeks and is open to college students currently enrolled in school. Course credit is available, and preference is given to candidates who have previously contributed to CNN iReport.
One lucky intern will work with iReport’s editorial team helping lead CNN’s user-generated news content, participatory media, and community efforts. In addition to vetting iReports, producing content, and helping with brainstorming and editorial planning, interns will also have the opportunity to learn from a host of CNN professionals across platforms.
Know someone who loves social media, user-participation, and wants to be part of a team that’s changing the way CNN covers news? Send ‘em our way!
iReporter Chris Morrow crossed dimensional barriers and became part of a 2-D art installation for this year’s San Diego Comic-Con. Check out the full story on iReport.
Upgrade complete
We’ve just refurbished our iReport outpost on Tumblr, we hope you like the changes. There will be some more minor stylistic upgrades coming in the next few days — stay tuned!
