A lack of icebreakers is hindering the U.S. Coast Guard in disaster response and monitoring Arctic waters. The need for more such specialized ships will increase as oil companies push for more permits to drill in northern seas.
This graphic shows the connections between the U.S. defense industry and influential members of Congress. In many cases, not only do major defense contractors contribute to election campaigns, they also maintain significant manufacturing, research, or other operations in the districts of congressional members.
This graphic accompanied a story on the falling level of the Mississippi River and how it affects shipping. A map pinpoints a crucial area of the river and charts show efficiency of river transportation, the cost to various industries of closing the river and changes in river levels. I took pains to explain the term “datum,” since it’s commonly used by the Army Corps of Engineers in river measurements.
This graphic accompanied a story that compared economic conditions under both political parties. Using hypothetical but equal investments in the S&P 500, analysts calculated the market performed better under Democratic presidential administrations. Both the story and graphic were cited by former president Bill Clinton in an address to the Democratic National Convention in September 2012.
This is a full-page graphic created for a USA TODAY story on Harley-Davidson’s 100th anniversary. It contains information about the company’s history, its most popular motorcycles, how Harley engines make their signature sound, and how a motorcycle is assembled.
I researched Harley’s history, interviewed company officials, wrote the narrative, and reached out to motorcycle magazine journalists for their perspective. I worked with graphic artist Bob Laird, who did a superb job on the illustrations and visual organization. We visited Harley’s factory in York, Pa., to watch the assembly process.
Finally, I went to Battlefield Harley-Davidson in Gettysburg, Pa., to test-ride a new Harley-Davidson Fat Boy, the bike seen in the graphic. That experience helped me better describe the sensation of riding a Harley.
This graphic shows cost increases for the U.S. military’s largest purchases of weapons systems. I worked with the Photo Department to find images of all the items.
George Petras: Graphics and Story Portfolio 