Welcome to my portfolio! I’m a politics reporter at CNBC, where I break news and produce data-driven accountability reporting on political money, presidential finances, conflicts of interest and the intersection of government, business and markets.

My reporting has traced President Donald Trump’s investments and financial interests, followed hundreds of millions of dollars flowing through the 2026 midterms, and covered major political and international developments in real time.

Luke Fountain

Featured Articles

Explore a featured selection of my writing work below.

Charlotte Observer • August 19th, 2024

‘Demand like never before.’ Why millions are flowing to NC charter schools from investors

Charter schools in the state historically have been responsible for finding their own ways to pay for capital needs. There's a growing industry looking to profit from it.

Charlotte Observer • August 7th, 2024

Mecklenburg roads are trashiest they’ve ever been. It’s a danger to drivers, officials say

North Carolina’s roadways have become an impromptu dumping ground for everything from Bojangles boxes and Cheerwine bottles to building materials and bulky appliances. And the problem is growing.

Charlotte Observer • July 12th, 2024

Some Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools teachers say summer school paychecks are late, missing

At least a dozen other teachers are awaiting paychecks from CMS, according to multiple summer school teachers who spoke to the Observer.

Charlotte Observer • June 18th, 2024

‘He isn’t a piece of trash’: A man admitted to dumping the body, so why can’t police find it?

Andy Tench has been missing since March. His mother is calling for CMPD to do more to find him. That includes digging in a landfill.

Washington Business Journal • May 22nd, 2024

Capital Fringe founder says red tape, costs a 'hindrance' to D.C. pop-ups

The city's new program aimed at streamlining the permitting process has so far caused only headaches for Capital Fringe's founder.

Washington Business Journal • May 3rd, 2024

Shootings at Decades, Desperados spark new questions of D.C. nightlife safety

A string of high-profile shootings at popular nightlife venues has ignited a fresh wave of anxiety about customer safety — prompting businesses and local leaders to reassess how to keep visitors safe during a night on the town

The Daily Progress • October 11th, 2023

Virginia leads the nation in removing Confederate symbols, but many remain

Despite legal and logistical challenges, a 109-year-old memorial in Arlington National Cemetery is scheduled to be removed by Jan. 1.

The Daily Progress • August 11th, 2023

Charlottesville's jail is preparing for a pricey renovation. The cost of life behind bars isn't cheap either.

Charlottesville's jail is preparing for a pricey renovation. The cost of life behind bars isn't cheap either.

The Daily Progress • July 13th, 2023

How could (and how would) UVa begin tracking political and religious affiliation?

"There are no obstacles to collecting this kind of data under the federal Constitution."