I am a journalist based in Massachusetts and a reporter for MIT Technology Review, where I write about artificial intelligence.

My stories have appeared in The Washington Post, FRONTLINE PBS, ProPublica, The New Republic, Documented, WNYC, and other outlets. My work has led to reforms at the state level, been recognized by The New York Times as among the best local journalism of 2023, and featured on the front page of The Washington Post. I have contributed to reporting in the Los Angeles Times, the Markup, Insider and AfroLA. I am a graduate of CUNY’s Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism.

Previously, I was a reporting fellow at investigative documentary outlet FRONTLINE PBS. My most recent film project, The Discord Leaks, is now streaming.

Featured Work

  • ‘Problematic pockets’: How Discord became a home for extremists

    This front page story analyzed how Discord’s self-moderation policies and prioritization of privacy contribute to pockets of extremism on the platform. It was part of a series related to The Discord Leaks, a documentary produced by FRONTLINE and The Washington Post, on which I was a reporter.

    The Washington Post

  • How Recent State Laws Are Making It Harder to Sue Trucking Companies After Crashes

    Texas, Florida, Iowa and other states have passed new laws backed by trucking industry lobbyists that can limit crash victims’ ability to bring lawsuits or cap the compensation plaintiffs can win. I also assisted with a documentary on truck crashes for FRONTLINE and ProPublica.

    ProPublica & FRONTLINE

  • Trouble at the Track: Wage Theft Plagues the Immigrants of New York’s Horse Racing Industry

    This data-driven investigation exposed a wage theft crisis faced by immigrant workers in New York’s horse racing industry. A month later, the story led to reforms. The New York State Gaming Commission announced it would now consider revoking licenses from trainers with wage theft violations. This story was recognized by The New York Times as among the best local journalism of 2023.

    Documented

  • Harlem Residents Protest Against Opioid Clinics After Data Shows Most Are Used By Non-Residents

    Unlike nearly any other medication, methadone must be taken in clinics instead of prescribed at home. Experts say it’s harming patients and communities. Here, I was the first reporter to analyze data about where patients in New York City were commuting to and from. For the audio version that appeared on WNYC’s Morning Edition, click here.

    WNYC's Morning Edition & Gothamist

  • Facing Lockdown at Sea

    Why a Burmese fisherman was forced to spend six months at sea during border shutdowns, and what it says about the industry behind our seafood.

    Hakai Magazine

  • This Think Tank Is Hell-Bent on Defunding Public-Sector Unions. Is It Working?

    After the Supreme Court weakened rules to protect unions, the Freedom Foundation has been on a well-funded mission around the country to erode labor’s base of support.

    The New Republic

  • About Me

    I am currently a reporter for MIT Technology Review, where I write about artificial intelligence. I have a masters degree from the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY.

    Internships have brought me to WNYC, Crain’s New York and Forbes.

    I frequently use freedom of information requests, data analysis and visualization, and other investigative techniques in my reporting.

  • Prior Experience

    Before journalism, I worked in the sustainable agriculture movement, writing and managing communications for seven years. I was also featured in The New Yorker for the foraged foods business I co-founded with my partner.

  • Contact

    Questions? Story ideas? Freelance opportunities?

    You can reach me at james (dot) odonnell (at) technologyreview (dot) com.