June 3: Regionals in Today’s News

Sorry for the short/late posting. We'll get some more stuff up as the week goes on. Here are a few things our regionals have been writing:

CHENEY AT PRESS CLUB: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette writes about VP Dick Cheney's appearance at the National Press Club.

FEMA: Sean Reilly in the Press-Register looks at how the Federal Emergency Management Agency helped a Mobile firm despite problems with its sister company, while Bruce Alpert of the Times-Picayune reports the agency could again use travel trailers to house disaster victims, in spite of complaints about high formaldehyde levels in some trailers.

DEM PRIMARY RECAPS: Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel writes about a Wisconsin study on how Barack Obama gave himself political cushion with his February victories, while Bill Adair of the St. Petersburg Times looks at the role truthfulness, or a lack thereof, has played in Hillary Clinton's woes.

NUKE WASTE: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun updates the situation with the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste project.

May 27: Regionals in Today's News

THE COMING BEE: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette talks to an 8th grader who will participate in the upcoming Scripps spelling bee... I'm sure many regionals will be there on Thursday.

VETERANS: Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun reports that the House passed legislation named after a Las Vegas High School graduate that would require the VA to assess procedures at its mental health facilities.

JUNKETS: Rep. Shelley Berkley defends her European trip that includes luxury stays in Venice and Naples to Steve Tetreault of the Las Vegas Review Journal; some Arkansas lawmakers will spend the recess in Europe, reports Aaron Sadler of Stephens Washington bureau.

CAMPAIGNS: Bill Theobald of Gannett News Service writes that Rep. Marsha Blackburn's campaign committee has made dozens of mistakes in its financial reports through the years; Raju Chebium also of Gannett News Service covers a campaign swing by Rep. Robert Andrews; Republicans fret about their fate in LA to Bruce Alpert of the New Orleans Times-Picayune and in FL to Wes Allison of the St. Petersburg Times; Rep. Tom Cole is confident about his future, reports Jim Myers of the Tulsa World

NOT EASY BEING GREEN: It's difficult for Rep. Michael McCaul to balance environmental and oil concerns, reports Jason Embry of the Austin American Statesman.

KENNEDY FALLOUT: Personal reaction to Sen. Ted Kennedy's diagnosis of brain cancer by Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun.

DRUG QUESTIONS: Local and national surveys differ on whether the federal anti-drug ad campaign over several years helped reduce illegal drug use among youths, reports Richard Powelson of Scripps Howard News Service; Sen. Sam Brownback supports overhauling the prescription drug approval system, writes Rob Hotakainen of McClatchy.

ODD RELIGION NEWS: Trish Choate of the Scripps Howard News Service asks why the raided fundamentalist Mormon sect built their compound in Texas and reports on a Utah religion whose followers practice mummification and is at the center of a U.S. Supreme Court case that is delaying a permanent home for a World War II monument.

CONGRESS: Edward Felker of the Small Newspaper Group and Joe Morton of the Omaha World Herald write about veterans benefits passed by Congress; Josh Drobnyk of the Allentown Morning Call reports a spat among PA lawmakers over an air base; Gerard Shields of The (Baton Rouge, La.) Advocate reports the Senate approved money for New Orleans levees.

FEC REPORTS: Herb Jackson of the Bergen Record writes up fundraising for the Jersey Senate race.

TRADE: Noelle Straub of the Billings Gazette reports that Sen. Max Baucus is fighting with the administration over a trade enforcement bill.

SAME SEX MARRIAGE: The California ruling on the issue won't change the military's stance, writes Leo Shane III of Stars and Stripes.

GAS PRICES: About 25 percent of the hike in oil prices is due to the weak dollar, reports Faith Bremner of the Gannett News Service.

May 22: Regionals in Today's News

LOOKING AHEAD: The Boston Globe's Linda Killian reports that Democrats are "almost giddy" about their chances of picking up seats this fall. Sean Reilly in the Press-Register says that GOP election setbacks could spread to Alabama.

DOWN ON THE FARM BILL: Watertown Daily Times' Marc Heller writes up the big oops on Congress sending the incomplete Farm Bill to President Bush.

JUDGING JUDGES: Mareen Groppe of the Indy Star notes the Senate Judiciary Committee approving a new federal magistrate for Indiana's southern district.

OFF THE HILL: Joe Morton pens a feature in the Omaha World Herald on a handful of World War II veterans visiting Washington. The Deseret News' (and RRA's own esteemed president) Suzanne Struglinski writes up former kidnapped Lizzy Smart's visit to Washington to unveil a new pamphlet aimed at helping recovered children transition back to society.

ON THE TRAIL: Josh Drobnyk reports in the Allentown Morning Call that Sen. John McCain has hired a former Santorum aide to help win Pennsylvania in the general election. The Times Picayune's Bruce Alpert notes that Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and wife, Supriya, will visit McCain's Sedona home for a Memorial Day BBQ. The Miami Herald's Leslie Clark says Sen. Barack Obama is making a three-day swing across Florida but he has significant ground to cover if he wants to carry the state in November.

HILL TIMES: Patriot News' Brett Lieberman interviews Sen. Arlen Specter about facing a second bout of Hodgkin's disease. The Salt Lake Tribune's Thomas Burr and the Missoulian's Noelle Straub report on a new GAO report on the Bush administration's approach to endangered species. Stephen's Aaron Sadler says in the (Ark.) Morning News that the head of the Arkansas Student Loan Authority applauded congressional action to stabilize the student loan market.

NUKE-U-LAR: Lisa Mascaro reports in the Las Vegas Sun that Former Sen. J. Bennett Johnston regrets billing Yucca Mountain as a permanent storage area for nuke waste.

State Avenues

My paper finally ran an evergreen feature story I’ve had in the can for a little while about Utah Avenue in Washington. It’s a good, off-the-beaten path story for regional reporters who have a little extra time and are tired of policy and politics and want to chat with Real People.
You can read the story here: http://www.sltrib.com/ci_9306801
(I’m not the first to do this: The AP wrote about New Jersey Ave before, and Suzanne tells me someone has done Texas and Florida Aves.)

Here’s a quick guide to the story if you want to duplicate for your state:

-- Visit the City Museum of DC, 800 Mount Vernon Pl NW, (by NPR). They have a lot of tools for researching your avenue, including old maps, books, historic building permits, etc.

-- Check out “George Washington Never Slept Here,” by Amy Alotta, which talks about every street in the city. The City Museum has a copy and so does the MLK Library.

-- Spent some time talking to neighbors. I used a neighborhood listserv to find a few people to start with and then wandered the avenue to talk to residents. Some people thought I was a tad crazy -- or that I was trying to convert them to Mormonism -- but most thought a story on their street was a neat idea.

(TB)

Facebook reporting

A colleague and I wrote a story the other day prompted by a Facebook status message posted by a Utah politico. The chief of staff to Utah’s Lt. Gov. posted a status message on his Facebook page late Sunday noting that his boss was going to challenge Utah’s junior senator, Bob Bennett. I had added the politico, at his request, a while back as a Facebook friend, but was surprised to see him using his profile as a sort of campaign announcement for his boss.
The post, coupled with some messages sent from his Blackberry touting the same announcement, turned into an interesting story. An FYI to those on Facebook: status messages don’t go away even if you delete them. Click on the tab “Friends” and select “Status updates” to see what your “friends” have been up to. (TB)

May 19:Regionals in Today's News

ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE: The Buffalo News' Jerry Zremski pens a story on women seeing a lost chance for breaking the ultimate glass ceiling in Clinton's downfall. Jason Embry of the Austin American Statesman researched FEC filings to show that the three remaining presidential candidates have spent more than $1.2 million at area businesses since Jan. 07.

WAR FUNDING: Ellyn Ferguson of Gannett News Service writes about the political football of funding for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. FARM BILL: Gannett's Ferguson writes about the possibility of a veto override, while colleague Faith Bremner notes that ethanol critics capitalize on world energy and food woes. Portland Press Herald's Jonathan Kaplan notes the upcoming votes. Trish Choate writes in the Wichita Falls' Times Record News about mixed reactions to the farm bill.

PLAYING BY THE FEC RULES: Gannett's Bill Theobald writes in The Jackson Sun about Rep. Marsha Blackburn settling an FEC probe by paying a $1,500 fine. BIG BROTHER WATCHING?: McClatchy's Rob Hotakainen notes the "Orwellian nightmare" for some about a proposal that the federal government sign off on every new hire by checking Social Security numbers.

ON THE HILL: The (Baton Rouge) Advocate's Gerard Sheilds profiles Katie Nee, one of Congress' youngest chiefs of staffs. The (Rochester, MN) Post-Bulliten's Edward Felker writes up the housing crisis talk on the hill, with a special nugget of how Rep. Tim Walz's home has lost value. Stephen's Aaron Sadler searched through financial disclosures filed last week and finds that Sen. Mark Pryor's stock fell from $600,000 to almost nothing in 2007. Gannett's Raju Chebium looks at the Amtrak funding bill and notes that the House legislation would allow private firms to compete for train service in the Northeast Corridor for the first time. Tony Batt of Stephen's Media profiles a Rutgers poli-sci prof who spent four months detailed to Sen. Harry Reid's office. Bruce Alpert jots down some political tidbits for the Times-Picayune.

POLICE WEEK: The Advocate's Shields covers Police Week in Washington with an local eye, while The Salt Lake Tribune's Thomas Burr offers a picture of the memorial's nod to a fallen Utahn. THE SCENE: Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun types up her Letter From Washington about tourists getting a living history of D.C.

TUBE-TIME: Todd Gillman of the Dallas Morning News became a C-SPAN star with his co-interview of Rep. Kay Granger. MEDICARE NUMBERS: The Palm Beach Post's Larry Lipman writes up two reports showing that Florida nursing homes would love $62 million under proposed rule-changes. Lipman also takes on McCain's Medicare plan in advance of a visit.

April 8: Regionals in the news

I apologize for not getting the blog up and out as frequently are the great Lisa Friedman. Since her new job started it has been a rough transition finding the time update the blog.

But, with out further delay, here are numerous examples of what RRA members have written today and during the last few weeks. While I would have loved to have gone through all 663 gmail news alerts generated by members' stories, I had to narrow it down. Enjoy


TODAY'S MUST READ:
Wes Allison and Bill Adair of the St. Petersburg Times show how Rep. C.W. Bill Young's kids benefit from actions by the Congressman to the tune of MILLIONS of dollars. Published Tuesday, April 8.


PETRAEUS: Many regionals localized Gen. David Petraeus' testimony Tuesday including: Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune, Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette, Bill Theobald of Gannett News Service, Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Joe Morton of the Omaha World Herald, Larry Lipman of the Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, Jerry Zremski of The Buffalo (N.Y.) News

MILITARY EQUIPMENT: Marc Heller of the Watertown Daily Times writes about how Army National Guard and Reserve are handling the equipment shortage brought on by the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

WAR COST: Lisa Mascaro of Las Vegas Sun looks at Rep. Shelley Berkley's reminder to Nevadans on the cost of the war: $14.1 million an hour.

HEALTH INSURANCE: The Families USA report on stats of those in the states without health insurance also produced a lot stories: Marc Heller of the Watertown Daily Times, Sean Reilly of the Mobile Press Register, Noelle Straub of the Billings Gazette

NEWSUEM OPENING: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette looks at Washington's newest museum addition.

MINING: Thomas Burr of the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski of the Deseret Morning News, write about the latest attempts by the Senate to Murray Energy head Bob Murray to testify as well as a GAO report on the Mine Safety and Health Administration.

April 3, 2008 - PORK AWARDS: Noelle Straub of the Billings Gazette writes about the Citizens Against Government Waste annual Pig Book targeting one of her senators.

April 4, 2008 -- EARMARKS: Jason Embry of the Austin American Statesman looks at Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, wanting more disclosure on earmarks but is not forthcoming with her own requests. Malia Rulon of the Cincinnati Enquirer also writes about efforts to cut back on earmarks as well as Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star and Ellyn Ferguson of the Green Bay Press Gazette

Look at what the March 31, RRA event on taxes produced

April 6, 2008 - Trish Choate of the Scripps Howard News Service writes about how direct deposit will speed up people getting rebate checks.

Convention connection

It is hard to believe the Democrat and Repubican conventions are almost here.

RRA received word today that it is close to getting prime workspace in Minnesota for the RNC (in the same area as CQ) so if you are interested in sharing the space, please email Suzanne Struglinski at suzanne@desnews.com for details.

Also, please send along any links to convention stories from 2004 or even earlier as we would like to compile examples on what to write during convention time.

MARCH 31: Tax Event

Taxing Issues: A panel discussion on federal tax and budget policy

With just weeks to go before Tax Day on April 15, the Regional Reporters Association offers a seminar with leading policy experts to guide the way through federal budget and federal tax issues.

WHO: Policy pros from on and off the Hill including:

CBO – Melissa Merson of the Congressional Budget Office will provide an overview of the baseline budget, as well as the impact of the expiring tax cuts, the increasing growth of the AMT and other fiscal pressures.

IRS – Nancy Mathis of Internal Revenue Service will discuss rebate checks, AMT and other issues for the upcoming tax season, along with tips for localizing data for hometown readers.

Hill Staff: Senate Finance and House Ways and Means Committee staff members will provide background information on the latest on the Hill. (Note: the staff will be on background only and are still being confirmed.)

WHEN: Monday March 31, 2008

TIME: 1-2 p.m.

WHERE: National Press Club, Murrow Room, 529 14th St., NW

This event is open to Regional Reporters Association members and 2008 dues can be paid at the event.

Please email Suzanne Struglinski at suzanne@desnews.com if you want to attend.

Sunshine Week!

Well, Sunshine Week was last week and I missed it.

BUT to help continue the celebration, please click here.
The video features RRA's very own favorite attorney Kevin Goldberg!

March 25: No Recess for Regionals

Congress may be on a break, but from the looks of latest stories written by RRA members, there is still plenty to cover.

EARMARKS: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette looks at earmarks for her local colleges as part of the bigger earmark debate.

RECESS TRIPS: Aaron Sadler of Times-Record has a story for the Arkansas News Bureau about Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers heading to Africa. In a March 24 story, Gerard Shields of The Advocate in Baton Rouge, La. writes about Sen. Vitter going to Afghanistan.

SUPREME COURT: Sean Reilly of the Mobile Register covered a Supreme Court case Monday, including Alabama Gov. Bob Riley. Larry Lipman writes in the Austin American Statesman about the court opting not to hear a case on Medicare benefits.

IMMIGRATION COURT: Joe Morton of Omaha World Herald gives an update on a new court opening in Nebraska

EASTER EGG ROLL: Suzanne Struglinski of the Deseret Morning News found some local connections to the White House party on Monday.

LOCAL RACES: Trish Choate of the Scripps Howard News Service writes about the finances of the local House race challenger.

BOEING DEAL: Rob Hotakainen writes in the Kansas City Star on March 23, about how the controversial missing Boeing contract could affect the November elections.

CHIP: Raju Chebium of the Gannett News Service gives an update on the battle over CHIP funding on March 21.

DO IT FOR YOUR PAPER!!!!! These stories by RRA members might be good for your own readership area.

• WHO PAYS FOR LUNCH: Gerard Shields of The Advocate in Baton Rouge, La. brings a personal story on lunch with a Hill staff to print to illustrate new ethics rules.
• Trish Choate of the Scripps Howard News Service looks at ZIP code data and income.

March 19: Regionals in Today's News

GUN CASE: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette gets reactions from local folks inside the Supreme Court oral arguments on Tuesday. Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

VA HOSPITAL Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne (Ind.) Journal Gazette writes the latest on her area's veteran's hospital as the Bush administration will not give up certain info.

PRIMARIES: In a March 11 story, Lesley Clark of the Miami Herald keeps up her coverage of the do-over Florida primary. Wes Allison of the St. Petersburg Times also tackles the issue in a March 18 story. Brett Lieberman of the Patriot-News Leader looks at Clinton's standings in a recent PA poll.

IRAQ ANNIVERSARY: Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun look at Gen. James L. Jones new challenge --a great different way of writing about the 5th anniversary of the war. Jerry Zremski of The Buffalo (N.Y.) News looks at the next president will have to face on the war.

RECESS TRIPS: Noelle Straub of the Billings Gazette writes about Sen. John Barrasso's visit to Afghanistan.

OBAMA SPEECH: Craig Gilbert of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel covers Sen. Barack Obama's speech on race. Josh Drobnyk of the Allentown Morning Call looks at a new poll in his state on race in the election.

BOEING CONTROVERSY: Rob Hotakainen of the Olympian explains the controversy over the Airbus contract in a March 17 story.

YUCCA LICENSE: Steve Tetreault of the Las Vegas Review Journal continues his coverage of the Yucca Mountain project in Nevada. The Energy Department aims to file its license application in June.

GET LOCAL!

• Maureen Groppe of Gannett News Service is on the road and has two stories covering the death of an Indiana solider in Kentucky. Click here and Click here for her great stories.
  
• Malia Rulon of the Cincinnati Enquirer tells the story of a local man now living in Afghanistan.
  
• Aaron Salder writes in the Morning News about Arkansas' high mark for mental health data. Salder also writes in the Times Record about another report on the uninsured dying earlier because of poor health care.
  
• Bruce Alpert of the New Orleans Times-Picayune writes about a study ranking Louisiana eighth among the 50 states in terms of state financial commitments for preschool education.
  
• Marc Heller of the Watertown Daily Times interviews a member on his stance on waterboarding.

Thursday Tip

Two tips from RRA today.

1) This is an obvious one but a good reminder: Print out your source list and keep one at home OR at least have an electronic copy on your home computer hard drive. (ask me why? I needed a source number late night on Tuesday and it was in my laptop in my office. I have a lot stored in the Blackberry but of course not the one I needed.)

2) The DC Public Library has a large amount of online databases -including Washington Post Archives -that you can access for free. Anyone who lives, or WORKS, in the District can get a card. I attended an event going through this at the National Press Club this week and was shocked at the amount of stuff on there.

---Thanks,
Suzanne Struglinski
RRA President

March 13: Regionals in Today's News

Regionals in Today's News

BOXES OF INFO: Steve Tetreault of the Las Vegas Review Journal, writes about 23 boxes of pretty much useless info arriving at the door of Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev. (note the photo).

WARHEADS: Joe Morton of the Omaha World-Herald, writes about the local Air Force base's role in the country's nuclear warhead stockpile.

PRIMARIES: Lesley Clark writes in the Miami Herald about the Florida Democrat's do-over primary, including a previous story about it's cost. Brett Lieberman covers a Clinton event for the Patriot-News and wrote an earlier piece about Obama. Suzanne Struglinski of the Deseret Morning News, writes about the Utah Lt. Gov push for a regional primary plan.

EARMARKS: Ellyn Ferguson of Gannett's Green Bay Press-Gazette covers the contorversy over House Appropriations Committee Chairman Dave Obey, D-Wisc. letter to members on earmarks. Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun writes about Sen. Harry Reid's support of earmarks. Jake Thompson of the Omaha World-Herald, writes about the untold side of some road earmarks: state matching funds.

CHEMICAL PLANTS: Sylvia Smith of the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette covers a hearing where a local women's testimony illustrates the need for tighter OSHA rules.

AIRPORT FEES: Bruce Alpert of the The Times-Picayune writes about the New Orleans airport wanting to increase fees due to reduced flight schedules in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

BOEING: Sean Reilly of the Mobile Register writes about the Boeing contract controversy.

SMOG RULES: Jim Myers of Tulsa World writes how new EPA smog rules don't sit well with Sen. Inhofe.

ENERGY LOBBY: Trish Choate of the Times Record News writes about the Texas oil lobby opposing pending bills.

HARDROCK MINNING: Noelle Straub of the Jackson Hole Star-Tribune writes about the latest progress in a rewrite of the 1872 mining law.

ETHICS: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post, writes about a local lawmaker's push for ethics reform in the House.

CREDIT CARD FEES: Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret Morning News, writes about the battle over a new credit bill.

and......because she just can't stay away, Lisa Friedman writes in the LA Daily News about Rep. Howard Berman taking over the Foreign Affairs Committee.

March 11: Regionals in Today's News

A quick recap of the Regionals in the Today's News

CONGRESSIONAL RANKINGS: Craig Gilbert, in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, writes about his congressional delegations rankings. Larry Lipman writes in the Palm Beach Post about the Congress.org rankings.

EARMARK REFORM: Nicole Gaudiano of Gannnett News Service, writes about the Delaware delegation talking about banning earmarks.

MINE BILLS: Tommy Burr of the Salt Lake Tribune, writes about progress, or lack thereof on mine legislation.

ETHICS: Malia Rulon of Gannett News Services writes for the Cincinnati Enquirer about an aide to Rep. Steve Chabot doing campaign work on tax payer time.

ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE: Larry Lipman writes in the Palm Beach Post blog about Sen. Ben Nelson telling CNN it would be a "tragedy" if Florida's Democratic delegates could not go to the convention. Brett Lieberman writes in the Patriot News-Leader about Hillary Clinton's connection to PA.

VOTING RIGHTS: Noelle Straub writes in the Billings Gazette about the DC Voting Rights advocates hounding Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont.

CHEMICAL PLANTS: Raju Chebium, in the Courier-Post about upcoming legislation that will improve security at chemical plants.

ASHCROFT CASE: Sylvia Smith writes in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette about former Attorney General John Ashcroft and the Zimmer case. Raju Chebium, tackles the same topic in the Courier-Post.

March 6: Regionals in Today's News

WHITE HOUSE 2008: Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times writes about the fight for momentum among the Democratic presidential candidates. Brett Lieberman writes in the Patriot News-Leader about Pennsylvnia's clout in the upcoming April 22 primary. Tommy Burr of the Salt Lake Tribune, writes about Bush endorsing McCain. Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an analysis about the Midwest State roles for Barack and Hillary.

INTERNET GAMBLING: Tony Batt in the Las Vegas Review-Journal writes about a bill introduced this week that claims an online gambling tax could produce up to $43 billion over 10 years.

IMMIGRATION: Jim Myers in Tusla World writes on Sen. Jim Inhofe, R-Okla. using the state as an example for federal immigration policy. Matt Canham of the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski the Deseret Morning News write on the Utah delegation's call for more ICE agents. Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun, writes about the latest comprehensive immigration reform package.

BUDGET: March Heller in the Watertown Daily Times writes on Sen. Charles Schumer criticizing a Bush budget cut that could hurt schools under the No Child Left Behind law.

March 5: Regionals in Today's news

It is with mixed motions that I announce Lisa Friedman was laid off last Friday and will no longer be updating the RRA blog. In what might be the quickest turnaround ever, the good news is that Lisa did get a new job and starts later this month but the blog may be a little late over the next few weeks as the RRA board figures out what to do. This blog would not be what it is today without Lisa's hardwork and dedication to compiling it everyday without fail. So on behalf of all of us: THANKS LISA! and good luck. -Suzanne Struglinski, RRA President



ELECTION NEWS: Jerry Zremski writes from Ohio for the Buffalo News on Clinton's hinting at sharing a ticket with Obama. Wes Allison, in the St. Petersburg Times, writes about Clinton’s and McCain’s win. Trish Choate in the Erie Times-News writes about Texas Republicans supporting Obama instead of McCain
Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette writes about how Tuesday’s election results gives Indiana Democrats a real voice their primary.

FEMA TRAILERS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports that formaldehyde tainted FEMA trailers for Hurriance Katrina and Rita victims were made in Indiana.

FAA: Keith Chu, in the Bend Bulletin, co-authors a story looking at how new FFA rules could hurt local plane manufacturers.

SCHOOL LUNCH: Lesley Clark writes on the Sacramento Bee about school officials complaining about notification of tainted meat in schools.

COLOMBIA FREE TRADE: Tommy Burr of the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski of the Deseret Morning News write about Rep. Jim Matheson, D-Utah, experience in Colombia.

METH: Noelle Straub in the Billngs Gazette writes about Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath push touting the state’s anti-Meth program at the National Association of Attorneys General and National Association of Counties meetings.

It's that time of year again...

The governors, the mayors, the firefighters, the water districts, the county commisisoners ... it's late Feburary, so they're all here again, lobbying and schmoozing. League of Cities conference is coming up March 8 - register online for it here.

Feb. 28: Regionals in Today's News

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Noelle Straub in the Casper Star-Tribune report on a senate hearing that would limit energy development on the Wyoming Range; Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes on the Air Force budget; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on a senate plan to restrict political "robocalls"; and Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports on Iraq deployments.

our dying industry...

I wish I could cheer the fact that RRA is in the news. Sadly, today's stoy in Politico tells us what we all too well know -- that regional Washington bureaus are closing right and left. On the plus side, Suzanne's hair looks great!

Feb. 27: Regionals in Today's News

(and yesterdays since I flaked out -- sorry guys!!)

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports that Hillary's lead is narrowing in Pennsylvania; Tony Batt for Stephens Media reports that Nevada Sen. Jim Gibbons is staying neutral in the presidential race; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that Obama outpaced Clinton in L.A. fundraising last month; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times reports on the photo of Obama in Somali garb; and Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune examines where the Mormon vote will go post-Mitt.

LOCAL RACES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that anti-war organizations are regrouping for a major election fight, and have Rep. John PorterNev., in their sights; and Gerard Shields in the Mobile Register reports on fundraising in the 6th district congressional race.

FROM THE GOVERNOR'S MEETING: Herb Jackson interviews Gov. John Corzine about the New Jersey budget for the Bergen Record; Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports that Washington state Gov. Christine Gregoire is considering suing the feds over unfunded nuclear cleanup; and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on South Dakota's push for alternative energy development.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World Herald reports on Tuesday's meat recall hearing in the House; Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on a push to change drug sentencing laws; and Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader report on the Indian health bill passed by the Senate.

Feb. 25: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that Barack Obama was the top presidential fundraiser in New Jersey in January.
• Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that McCain's candidacy will have positive spillover effects for a Nevada congressman.
• Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News examines gender politics in Texas in the wake of polls showing Obama with a 10-point lead among white men.
• Bill Adair in the St. Petersburg Times reports on the McCain lobbying scandal.
• Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that New Jersey's Democratic power brokers are urging the party to unite behind Obama.

LOCAL POLITICS:

• Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times New Record reports on a libertarian candidate trying to unseat Rep. Randy Neugebauer.
• Gerard Shields in the Baton Rouge Advocate reports on Democratic primary candidates for Louisiana's 6th district.

DIGGING DEEP INTO REGIONAL ISSUES:

• Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the renewable energy production tax credit, which the House is expected to extend this week.
• Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports on the Yucca Mountain budget shortfall.
• Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record reports on the future of railroad service between Billings and Missoula.
• Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports that ethanol mandates are causing food prices to rise.
• Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that new federal subpoenas were issued against the owner of the Utah mine in which nine workers were killed last year.
• Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on the federal Do Not Call registry.
• Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times and Paul Merrion in Crain's Chicago Business report on the politics behind a $40 billion Air Force tanker contract contest.

FEATURES:

• Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on the unveiling of the braile flag, which will be dedicated at Arlington National Cemetery later this spring.

Feb. 24: Regional in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on conflicts facing Democratic superdelegates.
• Brett Lieberman reports in the Patriot News that Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell thinks he's too politically incorrect to be a veep candidate; he also has a piece on the wooing of superdelegates.
• Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on post-primary candidate ads in Wisconsin.
• Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utahns donated more than $800,000 to Romney just last month, according to FEC reports.
• Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that Obama raised more money in the state last quarter than any of the presidential candidates.

LOCAL RACES:

• Edward Felker in the Daily Journal reports on a GOP congressional candidate who unexpectedly pulled out of the race.
• Paul Merrion in Crain's Chicago Business reports that a Democrat running for former House Speaker Dennis Hastert's congressional seat is out-fundraising his GOP rival.

GOVERNOR'S MEETING:

• Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post covers the governors' calls for infrastructure investment.
• Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on the guvs' energy efficiency proposals.

FEATURES:

• Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes has a two-part package on a new DARPA robotics project -- an unmanned battle truck called Crusher.
• Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune has a great profile on Rep. Chris Cannon's relationship with the dietary supplement industry.
• Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun report on the earmark debate.
• Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald examines the future of air travel subsidies for rural areas.

Feb. 21: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL:

• Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that an Indiana student is challenging John McCain's primary signatures.
• Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on a Pennyslvania lobbyist spearheading a fundraising campagin for Hillary Clinton.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on the evolving environmental positions of Republican Rep. Dave Reichert.

IRAQ: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on comments made by Sen. Tom Coburn that going to war was "probably a mistake."

SCANDAL AFTERMATH:

• Bill Theobold reports for Gannett that former Ohio Rep. Bob Ney, who was convicted on corruption charges in 2006, will be moved to a halfway house pending release from prison.
• Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that an Alabama Democratic House candidate faces an April 10 court date for misdemeanor solicitation of prostitution charges.

COURT RULINGS:

• Marc Heller reports in the Watertown Daily Times reports on a Canadian court ruling that blocks milk imports from Canada to U.S. dairy plants.
• Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports that "Judge Alex" Ferrerr lost a U.S. Supreme Court battle against his manager.

Feb. 20: Regionals in Today's News:

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Bill Adair in the St. Petersburg Times fact-checks Clinton's claim of "35 years" of public policy experience.

CASTRO AFTERMATH: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald and Raju Chebium for Gannett report on congressional reaction to Castro's resignation.

LEGISLATION: Recess week is the perfect time to explore some of the bills introduced by local lawmakers. Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on housing legislation for areas covered by disaster declarations.

FEATURE BREAK-OUTS:

• Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin reports on the makeover of a Cold War radar now being sought as a potential hub for solar and geothermal energy.
• Deborah Barfield Berry reports for Gannett that the number of women in statehouses is leveling off.

A slow, slow Presisdent's Day

CASTRO RESIGNS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports that Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen wants Fidel Castro indicted for a 1996 aircraft shootdown, despite his resignation.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Faith Bremner for Gannett reports that the NRCC has less money to help Rep. Marilyn Musgrave hold her Colorado seat.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports on rebates from the economic stimulus package and the questions they pose for the IRS.

BILLS AND BUDGETS: Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on an auto safety bill headed to President Bush's desk; Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports on Yucca budget shortfalls; Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times New Record reports on the new farm bill; and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on cuts to South Dakota hospitals under Bush's Medicare budget.

ROAD SAFETY: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on Monday's Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety report.

Feb. 18: Regionals in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on Hillary Clinton's stormy visit to Wisconsin; Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that Alabama is still a red state; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on a dust-up over questions surrounding Obama's support for Israel; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Mike Huckabee nixes talk of a Senate run.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on Rep. Mike Ferguson's decision not to seek another term.

BUSH BUDGET: Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on the effects of Bush's cuts to law enforcement grant programs will mean for Missouri's anti-meth programs; Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union Tribune reports on the local impact of COPS grant funding; and Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record and Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press-Gazette report on the courtship of superdelegates.

CONTROVERSIES AND DUST-UPS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on Rep. Tom Lantos' disrupted memorial service; Noelle Straub reports on anger in Montana's gay and lesbian community over an offensive gag gift bag Rep. Denny Rehrberg send to friends; and Michael Coleman in the Albuquerque Journal and Tony Batt for Stephens Media report on Friday's GOP walk out over the intelligence bill.

LOCAL FEATURES:

• Steve Tetreault reports in the Las Vegas Review-Journal on the scores of personal and silly e-mails being weeded out of Energy Department computers as the agency moves to an Internet database.
• Marc Heller in the Watertown Daily Times reports on federal efforts to attract more rural veterinarians.
• Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on the marriage of politics and celebrity in Washington.
• Maureen Groppe in the Lafayette Journal and Courier reports on use of the E-Verify system to ensure the immigration status of potential hires.
• Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on a Memphis Army major and defense attorney expected to represent one of the suspected 9/11 terrorists.
• Bruce Alpert in the Louisiana Times-Picayune reports that those who received post-Katrina grants could be temporarily uneligible for rebates in the stimulus package.

Feb. 15: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune report on Mitt Romney's endorsement of McCain; Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on a congressional push for weekend primary voting in Wisconsin; Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on N.J. superdelegates; and Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on McCain and Evangelicals.

FARM BILL: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the stalemate over the new farm bill; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on Arkansas lawmakers' reaction to the latest House proposal.

EARMARKS: Sylvia Smith in her Fort Wayne Journal Gazette calls Bush's call to cut earmarks "cowboy rhetoric."; Bill Adair and Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times report on the Taxpayers for Common Sense earmark database.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on Wednesday's basebal hearing; Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on tough questioning for Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on a controversy over cutting ship pollution.

COMMITTEE MOVES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on a local congressman's appointment to the House financial services committee.

DAVID LYNCH AWARD WINNERS!!

Big kudos to Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun! She is the winner of this year's David Lynch Award for exceptional coverage of Congress. And honorable mention to RRA member Maureen Gropp of Gannett!

Here's the press release:

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WASHINGTON – Lisa Mascaro of the Las Vegas Sun has won the David Lynch Award for exceptional coverage of Congress from a local perspective.

The David Lynch Memorial Regional Reporting Award is given to an individual, daily-print reporter whose work provides an understanding of the inner workings of Congress and explains how actions in Congress impact the local community. Judges look for thorough and incisive coverage, clear writing, and the reporter’s ability to explain difficult and complex subjects to a hometown audience.

Honorable Mentions went to Bill Walsh of the New Orleans, La. Times-Picayune and to Maureen Groppe of Gannett News Service.

Acccording to the judge’s citations:

-- Mascaro was recognized for her reporting in 2007 on the Nevada congressional delegation and for work that explored the human side of The Capitol.

-- Walsh was recognized for reporting on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and on political controversies surrounding two members of the Louisiana congressional delegation.

-- Groppe was recognized for her extensive research into the activities of the Indiana congressional delegation.

Mascaro received a $1500 award, and all three reporters also were honored on Wednesday at the 64th Annual Congressional Dinner, hosted by the Washington Press Club Foundation.

Judges for the contest were Mike Feinsilber of The Associated Press, Dan Morgan of the Washington Post, and Iris Kraslow, formerly of United Press International and now a journalism professor and author. The judges were selected by the Standing Committee of Correspondents, an elected committee of reporters that credentials the approximately 1800 daily-print reporters who cover Congress.

The late David Lynch was a longtime member of the U.S. House and Senate Press Galleries. He covered Congress for the Buffalo News and also for news bureaus that served daily newspapers in New England, Alaska, South Carolina, Iowa and Nebraska. After Lynch’s death in 1998 from colon cancer, his family, friends and journalism colleagues raised money to establish the award in his name.

Feb. 13-14: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports that Barack Obama is racking up campaign contributions from Wisconsin; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Obama is taking shots at McCain; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on the delegate process; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mike Huckabee insists it is "unfounded" for anyone to accuse him of alienating Mormons; Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News reports that Hillary rejects analogies to Rudy Giuliani; and Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on Veep speculation surrounding Sen. Tom Coburn.

REBATES: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune, Raju Chebium for Gannett report on the economic stimulus package signed into law Wednesday.

FARM BILL: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports that Sen. John Thune is disappointed with a House farm bill plan.

BUDGET: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on efforts to boost Everglade funding in the Bush budget.

NURSING HOME STUDY: Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on a local nursing home among the federal government's worst performing.

MEDICAID: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports that Florida is losing millions in Medicaid money due to hurricane recovery.

Feb. 12: Regionals in Today's News

(and yesterday's, since I'm a little behind...)

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Mike Huckabee downplays the possibility of being McCain's running mate; and Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette opines on the need to overhaul the primary system.

TOM LANTOS: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on the death of House Foreign Affairs Chairman Tom Lantos.

LOCAL RACES: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports that Bush's sagging poll numbers is making it hard for Republicans to raise money; Joe Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports that Rep. Jeff Fortenberry will seek another term; Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on a flood of GOP House retirements; and Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on anti-Semitic political flyers aimed at Rep. Steven Cohen.

BUSH BUDGET: Faith Bremner reports in the Great Falls Tribune that President Bush wants to increase the price of duck stamps; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utah's delegation is lukewarm on Bush's call to cut earmarks.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on Arkansans pushing for tougher testing of childrens' products; Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on a controversial bill to save the polar bears; and Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News on a health care debate featuring Utah Sen. Bob Bennett.

FARM BILL: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post repots that the sugar industry is dropping a push for renewed trade restrictions against Mexico in the upcoming Farm Bill.

Feb. 11: Regionals in the Weekend News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that if independents turn out for McCain it will also help Obama in the state's Feb. 19 primary; Gilbert also breaks down Wisconsin demographically and examines local voting possibilities; Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett reports that Wisconsin leaders are split in their endorsements; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on what Indiana's May primary could mean for Democrats; Lisa Friedman in the Whittier Daily News reports on superdelegates; Malia Rulon in the Cincinati Enquirer reports on Ohioan presidential campaign donors; and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Huckabee vows to stay in the race.

LOCAL RACES: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on the political fate of a congressional candidate arrested on a charge of soliciting a prostitute; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times reports that a yearlong dispute over a Florida congressional race finally comes to a close with a congressional task for ruling that touch-screen voting did not cause the problem; and Raju Chebium reports that Democrats running for empty N.J. House seats have bigger campaign chests.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that tax rebate checks will be cut in May; Trish Choate reports on reaction from the North Texas delegation in the Witchita Falls Times Record News.

IRAQ: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that Nevada Sen. John Ensign, visiting Iraq, is more optimistic about progress in the war.

CENSUS: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that the San Fernando Valley will remain a U.S. Census place.

MEMORIAL SOUGHT: Trish Choate reports in the Witchita Falls Times Record News on so-far futile attempts to erect a memorial to honor the victims of a World War II crash that the Army for years sought to keep secret.

Feb. 8: Regionals in Today's News

MITT'S OUT, MCCAIN IS IN: Wes Allison and Adam Smith in the St. Petersburg Times; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel; Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News analyze Romney's fall; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post gets react from Florida delegation; and Trish Choate reports in the Witchita Falls Times New Record that Texas Sen. John Cornyn endorses McCain.

OTHER CAMPAIGN NEWS: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune advances the state's primary and reports most of the state's delegation has not endorsed.

LOCAL RACES: Malia Rulon for the Cincinati Enquirer reports that a local candidate for Congress is temporarily suspending his campaign after the death of his family; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on outlook for Pennylvania's Republicans this election; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that Sen. Frank Lautenberg won't back N.J. Gov. John Corzine's toll increase.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that Ala. Sen. Richard Shelby accepted money from Boeing after publicly castigating company officials; and Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on the finances of New Jersey candidates.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on congressional attempts to force companies that sold life insurance policies to Jewish families before World War II to disclose their books; Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette on a Wyoming judicial nomination; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on the progress of radioactive cleanup at Moab.

BUDGET: Trish Choate in the Witchita Falls Times examines the impact of the budget on a Texas air force base.

LOCAL LOBBYING: Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media on Arkansas officials in town lobbying for university funding; and Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin reports on an Oregon mom in town lobbying on toy safety.

Jan. 7: Regionals in Today's News

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on the growing significance of Wisconsin for Democrats; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News and Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call report that Pennsylvania also is growing in importance for the Dems; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Arkansas Democrat Sen. Blanche Lincoln is not choosing sides as the state primary approaches; Lisa Friedman in the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports on what the unseated Florida and Michigan delegates could mean to the Democratic race; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mitt Romney vows to trudge on; Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Obama took Utah with the help of independent voters; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that thousands of independents voted in the N.J. Democratic primary Tuesday.

LOCAL RACES: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on a challenge to Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart, R-Fla.

BUDGET: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports that Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., and other Democrats say the deadly tornado outbreak in the South shows deficiencies in the Bush 2009 budget; Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on how South Dakota senators voted on the stimulus package; Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on the controversy over illegal immigrants in the simulus package; and Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on how N.J. senators voted on the stimulus package.

DHS FUNDING: Jake Thompon in the Omaha World-Herald reports that Omaha wasn't listed as one of the states that qualify for some of the $781.6 million in grants for anti-terrorism programs in urban areas.

PARK GUNS: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports that park officials object to measures by Oklahoma Republicans that would drop a ban on carrying loaded guns into national parks.

LOCAL LOBBYING: Steve Tetreault in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports on city convention center officials in town this week.

IRAQ: Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes reports that shorter tours may precede a drawdown in Iraq.

FEATURES: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on Pennyslvania Democrats and Republicans who unite one night a week to teach a politics class at a local university.