Journalist's Research Tool: Multi-Server MCP Integration

Prerequisites

• Claude AI access (Claude 3.5 Sonnet or newer recommended)
• Node.js 18+ installed
• API keys for research services
• Google Drive account for evidence storage
• Basic understanding of investigative journalism

Environment Preparation

1. API Keys and Accounts

   • WebResearch API key (if required)
   • Tavily API key from https://tavily.com
   • Google Drive API credentials
   • Puppeteer dependencies (Chrome/Chromium)

2. MCP Server Installation

   # Install all required MCP servers
   npm install -g @webresearch/mcp-server
   npm install -g @tavily/mcp-server
   npm install -g @puppeteer/mcp-server
   npm install -g @google-drive/mcp-server
   npm install -g @sequential-thinking/mcp-server
   
   

Claude Configuration

Add the following to your Claude MCP configuration:

{
  "servers": {
    "webresearch": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@webresearch/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "WEBRESEARCH_API_KEY": "your_webresearch_key_if_required"
      }
    },
    "tavily": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@tavily/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "TAVILY_API_KEY": "your_tavily_api_key"
      }
    },
    "puppeteer": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@puppeteer/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "PUPPETEER_EXECUTABLE_PATH": "/path/to/chrome/executable"
      }
    },
    "google-drive": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@google-drive/mcp-server"],
      "env": {
        "GOOGLE_CREDENTIALS": "/path/to/google/credentials.json",
        "GOOGLE_TOKEN": "/path/to/google/token.json"
      }
    },
    "sequential-thinking": {
      "command": "npx",
      "args": ["@sequential-thinking/mcp-server"],
      "env": {}
    }
  }
}

Step 1: Initial Setup and Testing

1. Verify All Servers Are Connected

   "Please verify that all MCP servers are connected: WebResearch, Tavily, Puppeteer, Google Drive, and Sequential Thinking."
   
   

2. Test Each Server Individually

   • WebResearch: “Search for recent news about [company name]”
   • Tavily: “Extract data from [company website]”
   • Puppeteer: “Capture screenshot of [website URL]”
   • Google Drive: “Create investigation folder structure”
   • Sequential Thinking: “Plan investigation approach for [topic]”

Step 2: Investigation Planning and Setup

Create Investigation Framework:

"Using Sequential Thinking, create a systematic investigation plan for [company/topic]:
1. Define investigation scope and objectives
2. Identify key entities and relationships
3. List potential sources of information
4. Create timeline of events to investigate
5. Establish evidence collection priorities"

Set Up Case File Structure:

"In Google Drive, create this investigation folder structure:
/Investigations/
  /[Case Name]/
    /Evidence/
      /Web_Research/
      /Screenshots/
      /Documents/
      /Data_Extraction/
    /Analysis/
      /Timeline/
      /Relationships/
      /Patterns/
    /Sources/
      /Primary/
      /Secondary/
      /Verification/"

Step 3: Comprehensive Web Research

Initial Company Research:

"Conduct comprehensive research on [Company Name]:
1. Search for company background and history
2. Find recent news and developments
3. Identify key executives and board members
4. Research financial performance and filings
5. Look for legal issues or controversies"

Multi-Source Verification:

"Verify information about [specific claim/event]:
1. Search multiple news sources
2. Check official company statements
3. Look for contradictory information
4. Find supporting documentation
5. Identify potential biases in sources"

Historical Data Gathering:

"Research historical context for [event/issue]:
1. Find news coverage from [specific time period]
2. Search for archived web content
3. Look for government records or filings
4. Identify key players and their roles
5. Map timeline of events"

Step 4: Data Extraction and Analysis

Website Data Extraction:

"Extract structured data from [company website]:
1. Company information and contact details
2. Executive biographies and backgrounds
3. Financial information and reports
4. Legal documents and filings
5. Press releases and announcements"

Social Media Analysis:

"Analyze social media presence for [company/person]:
1. Extract public posts and statements
2. Identify key themes and messaging
3. Track changes in communication patterns
4. Find connections to other entities
5. Document public reactions and responses"

Financial Data Research:

"Research financial information for [company]:
1. Find annual reports and filings
2. Extract key financial metrics
3. Identify funding sources and investors
4. Track stock performance and trading
5. Look for unusual financial patterns"

Step 5: Visual Evidence Capture

Screenshot Documentation:

"Capture visual evidence from [website/URL]:
1. Take full-page screenshots
2. Document specific claims or statements
3. Capture before/after changes
4. Save images with timestamps
5. Organize in evidence folder"

Dynamic Content Capture:

"Monitor and capture dynamic content:
1. Set up regular screenshot monitoring
2. Capture interactive elements
3. Document real-time changes
4. Save multiple versions over time
5. Track content evolution"

Step 6: Pattern Recognition and Analysis

Connection Mapping:

"Using Sequential Thinking, analyze connections between:
1. Key individuals and companies
2. Financial transactions and relationships
3. Timeline of events and decisions
4. Communication patterns and themes
5. Potential conflicts of interest"

Trend Analysis:

"Identify patterns and trends in the investigation:
1. Analyze communication frequency changes
2. Track financial transaction patterns
3. Map relationship evolution over time
4. Identify recurring themes or issues
5. Detect potential red flags"

Step 7: Evidence Organization and Verification

Evidence Logging:

"Create comprehensive evidence log:
1. Document each piece of evidence found
2. Include source URLs and timestamps
3. Note verification status and methods
4. Cross-reference with other sources
5. Flag items needing further investigation"

Source Verification:

"Verify credibility of sources:
1. Check source reputation and history
2. Cross-reference with official records
3. Identify potential biases or conflicts
4. Assess reliability of information
5. Document verification process"

Advanced Investigation Workflows

Corporate Structure Investigation:

"Investigate corporate structure and relationships:
1. Map parent-subsidiary relationships
2. Identify shell companies and holding structures
3. Track ownership changes over time
4. Find connections to other entities
5. Document complex corporate webs"

Regulatory Compliance Check:

"Research regulatory compliance issues:
1. Search for regulatory filings and reports
2. Find enforcement actions or violations
3. Check licensing and permit status
4. Identify compliance gaps or issues
5. Document regulatory history"

Whistleblower Information Verification:

"Verify whistleblower claims systematically:
1. Cross-reference claims with public records
2. Search for supporting documentation
3. Check credibility of whistleblower
4. Look for corroborating evidence
5. Document verification process"

Investigation Reporting

Executive Summary Creation:

"Create investigation executive summary:
1. Summarize key findings and evidence
2. Highlight critical discoveries
3. Identify main players and relationships
4. Present timeline of events
5. List recommendations for further action"

Evidence Package Preparation:

"Prepare comprehensive evidence package:
1. Organize all evidence by category
2. Create index and cross-references
3. Include source documentation
4. Add verification notes
5. Package for legal or editorial review"

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Research Limitations:

• Respect robots.txt and terms of service
• Handle rate limiting and access restrictions
• Use multiple research approaches
• Document research limitations

Data Quality Issues:

• Verify data accuracy from multiple sources
• Cross-reference information systematically
• Document data quality concerns
• Flag unreliable or incomplete data

Technical Problems:

• Handle website access issues
• Manage API rate limits
• Troubleshoot screenshot failures
• Maintain backup research methods

Legal Considerations:

• Respect privacy and legal boundaries
• Avoid unauthorized access to systems
• Follow journalistic ethics guidelines
• Consult legal experts when needed

Best Practices

1. Daily Investigation Routine:
   • Morning: Review new evidence and leads
   • Afternoon: Conduct systematic research
   • Evening: Organize findings and update case files
2. Weekly Analysis:
   • Review all evidence collected
   • Identify new patterns or connections
   • Update investigation timeline
   • Plan next week’s research priorities
3. Evidence Management:
   • Maintain consistent naming conventions
   • Regular backup of evidence files
   • Clear documentation of sources
   • Systematic organization structure
4. Quality Control:
   • Regular verification of findings
   • Cross-reference multiple sources
   • Document research methodology
   • Maintain objectivity throughout

Example Investigation Scenarios

Corporate Malfeasance Investigation:

"Investigate potential corporate wrongdoing:
1. Research company background and key players
2. Search for regulatory violations or complaints
3. Analyze financial patterns and transactions
4. Document evidence of misconduct
5. Create comprehensive case file"

Political Influence Investigation:

"Research political influence and connections:
1. Map relationships between politicians and businesses
2. Track campaign contributions and lobbying
3. Analyze policy decisions and beneficiaries
4. Document potential conflicts of interest
5. Create influence network diagram"

Environmental Violation Investigation:

"Investigate environmental compliance issues:
1. Research company environmental record
2. Search for violation reports and fines
3. Analyze regulatory filings and permits
4. Document evidence of violations
5. Create environmental impact timeline"