Regional Reporters Association

June 3: Regionals in Today’s News

2008-06-03T07:43:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-27T09:55:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T11:31:00.000-07:00

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

2008-05-19T10:28:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-09T07:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T12:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

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!

2008-03-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-25T09:08:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-13T09:38:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2008-03-06T10:02:00.000-08:00

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

2008-03-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-28T04:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-28T03:44:00.000-08:00

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...

2008-02-27T08:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-27T06:52:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-02-25T04:10:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-23T22:22:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-21T10:16:00.000-08:00

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:

2008-02-20T07:05:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-19T12:54:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-15T05:33:00.000-08:00

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!!

2008-02-14T12:09:00.000-08:00

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:

--------------

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

2008-02-14T05:35:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-12T06:39:00.000-08:00

(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

2008-02-12T05:52:00.001-08:00

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

2008-02-08T07:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-07T07:48:00.000-08:00

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.

Feb 6: Regionals in Today's News

2008-02-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

SUPER TUESDAY IS OVER!: Here's how regionals covered the massive day of primaries:

Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times.
Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune.
Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy.
Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record.
Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News.

Feb. 5: Regionals in Today's News

2008-02-05T08:54:00.000-08:00

Check out the following regional coverage of President Bush's 2009 proposed budget:

Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on cuts to the Lewis and Clark regional water system.
Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette and Suzanne Struglinski in the Desert Morning News report on Park Service funding. Struglinski also reports on mine safety funding.
Tony Batt for Stephens Media and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun report on Yucca Mountain funding.
Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Utah's response to the proposed budget.
Alicia Mundy reports in the Seattle Times on the fate of Washington state projects.
Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on cuts to the Delta Regional Authority.
Raju Chebium for Gannet reports on the budget for Amtrak and other transit projects.
Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on funding for Hoover Dike repair.
Jake Thompson and Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald report on cuts to Nebraska railroad safety projects.

Feb. 2-4: Regionals in the Weekend News

2008-02-04T07:57:00.001-08:00

SUPER TUESDAY APPROACHES: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune that Utah's primary will have an impact for the first time in recent memory; Jerry Zremski advances the "Tuesday Smackdown" in the Buffalo News and reports that Clinton is confident as the big primary approaches; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Utahns have a lot more of national issues on their minds as they go to the polls.

OTHER CAMPAIGN NEWS: Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal features a former Tennessee student now running Mike Huckabee's campaign; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that illegal immigration hardliners won't support McCain as the Republican nominee; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on the April 22 Pennsylvania primary; and Ed Felker in the Daily Journal reports that candidates avoid talking about teen preganacy on the campaign trail. Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star that Hoosiers gave the most to Clinton last year; Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News on polls showing race and gender neither hurt nor help candidates; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports on advertising spending; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on California contributions.

LOCAL RACES: Federal campaign reports released Thursday yielded the following regional stories on local races: Maureen Groppe in the Lafayette Journal & Courier; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette; Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune; Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette; and Raju Chebium for Gannett.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Tony Batt for Stephens Media and Ellyn Ferguson for the Appleton Post-Crescent report on the progress of the economic stimulus package; Bill Theobold for Gannett reports on a Tennessee lawmaker who opposes the tax rebates; and Noelle Straub reports on the Senate passage of an economic stimulus package that adds disabled veterans to the rebate list.

BUDGET: Raju Chebium reports for Gannett that lawmakers will urge Bush to boost funding for national wildlife refugees in the 2009 budget request.

CENSUS: Marc Heller reports for Scripps Howard News Service that Hispanics are predicting sizeable gains in the 2012 census.

IRAQ: Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes that returning troops are suffering lingering health issues, according to a new DOD study.

NUCLEAR FUEL: Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union-Tribune reports on concerns about storage of nuclear fuel.

EARL BUTZ: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on the death of Earl Butz, former Ag Secretary from Indiana.

FEATURES: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun has a feature on the Stephen Colbert painting at the National Portrait Gallery; and Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on a new federal initiative for at-risk artifacts.

Jan. 31: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-31T07:45:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Mitt Romney's prospects on Super Tuesday; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on John Edwards and Rudy Giuliani dropping out of the race.

LOCAL RACES: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports that the mayor of Hazelton, Pa., will run for Congress.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the response of South Dakota senators to possible additions to the stimulus package; Noelle Straub in the Missoulian and Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune report on the economic stimulus package passed out of the Senate Finance Committee; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on the upcoming Wisconsin primary; Maureen Groppe for Gannett reports on a Michigan lawmaker's views on the stimulus package; and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports that a proposal by Sen. Jonn Ensign to include corporate tax breaks in the stimulus package died in committee.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Larry Lipman for Cox News Service reports on a Senate hearing on private fee-for-service Medicare plans; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on U.S. Senate passage of wiretapping legislaton; and Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that Sen. Frank Lautenberg has introduced new gun control legislaton.

APPOINTMENTS & SPEECHES.: Faith Bremner in the Great Falls Tribune reports that Rep. Dennis Rehberg, R-Mont., is back on a water appropriations subcommittee; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports that Sen. Richard Lugar is urging the Bush administration to extend an international arms agreement; and Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports that Sen. Richard Lugar is leading a Republican effort to reccomend changes to congressional earmarks.

Jan. 30: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-30T08:22:00.001-08:00

Sorry for yesterday's absence, guys -- the Google news alerts had a little bit of a burp.!

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL - FLORIDA AND BEYOND:Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret Morning News, and Wes Allison and Jennifer Liberto in the St. Petersburg Times, reports on McCain's win in Florida; Lesley Clark for McClatchy reports on Clinton's win; Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports on Giuliani's plunge; Bill Adair in the St. Petersburg Times looks ahead to Super Tuesday; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Obama has canceled his Utah trip out of respect for funeral services of the LDS Church President.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and Raju Chebium for Gannett report on Tuesday's House passage of the $150 billion stimulus package; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News examines Southern California's rebate take and whether it will help; Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports on changes to Medicaid funding the Senate may make; Larry Lipman in the Austin American Statesman reports the Senate may make Social Security beneficiaries eligible for rebates; and Bill Theobold for Gannett reports on a member of the Tennessee delegation who voted against the package.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN: Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports that the Nevada delegation will try to boost tech jobs in the state to make up for Yucca Mountain job losses.

TROOPS: Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes reports on a Tennessee teen who collects CDs and DVDs for troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.

And from Tuesday....

STATE OF THE UNION: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot-News reports on lawmakers who save aisle seats for themselves during the address; Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports that Rep. Steve Cohen convinced President Bush to sign a Tigers cap before the address; and Nicole Guadiano reports in the Wilmington News Journal that Sen. Joe Biden may be out of the presidential race but everyone wants to sit next to him in homeroom. I mean, at the State of the Union address.

OTHER DELEGATION REACT STORIES:

Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett
Gerard Shields in the Baton Rouge Advocate
Edward Felker in the Rochester Post Bulletin
Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin
Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune

Jan. 28: Regionals in the Weekend News

2008-01-28T13:34:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Mitt Romney and President Bush's reaction to the death of LDS Church President Gordon B. Hinkley; Burr also sets the stage for Tuesday's Florida primary; William Gibson in the Sun-Sentinel previews Tuesday's Florida primary for Republicans; Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News that religion could play less of a role in Florida's primary than in other states; Struglinski also reports that McCain and Romney are intensifying their fight as Florida looms.

SOTU PREVIEW: Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on two Indian residents who will be among First Lady Laura Bush's guests tonight; Joseph Morton advances Bush's speech in the Omaha World-Herald; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on State of the Union drinking games.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media that Arkansas lawmakers are backing the economic stimulus package; and Noelle Straub reports in the Helena Independent reports that rebate checks won't go out until summer.

IRAQ: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on the future of Iraq and what will be in store for the next president.

AIRLINE POLITICS: Malia Rulon in the Cincinnati Enquirer reports on congressional reaction to the possible merger of Delta and Northwest airlines.

DIGITAL TV POLITICS: Faith Bremner reports in the Argus Leader on the impact of digital upgrade on South Dakota's rural and elderly.

Jan. 25: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-25T09:36:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on unprecedented attention on Utah from both Republican and Democrat candidates; and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News reports that Mitt Romney is still defending his Mormon faith.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Steve Tetreault in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Sen. John Ensign wants to add to the package tax breaks for corporations whose overseas profits are reinvested in the U.S.; Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on South Dakota reaction to the stimulus plan; and Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune reports on the impact for Louisiana residents.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Tony Batt in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports on a Senate hearing into the 1987 mining law; Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez attacking Bush for opposing curbs on greenhouse gas emissions; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News and Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call report on a Senate Environment and Public Works inquiry into the EPA's decision to block a California emissions law.

STUDIES AND REPORTS: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on endowment increases at New Jersey universities, cited in a new study by the National Association of College and University Business Officers.

IMMIGRATION: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register reports that Alabama Sen. Jeff Sessions wants presidential candidates to pledge completion of the border fence and other measures.

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS: Noelle Straub reports in the Casper Star Tribune that Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyo. was not chosen to sit on teh Senate Finance Committee.

Jan. 24: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-24T11:04:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: William Gibson, Mark Hollis and Andrew Tran in the Ft. Lauderdale Sun-Sentinel preview tonight's Republican debate in Florida; Larry Lipman blogs for the Palm Beach Post that onetime presidential hopeful Rep. Duncan Hunter is endorsing Mike Huckabee; and Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune that Obama is starting to air television ads in Utah.

IMPEACHMENT: Sabrina Eaton blogs for the Cleveland Plain Dealer on Dennis Kucinich's announcement that he will introduce articles of impeachment against Bush on the day of State of the Union Address.

MEDICAID: Lisa Friedman reports in the Los Angeles Daily News on new Medicaid rules that could cost school districts across the country $635 million annually.

ECONOMY: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports on the New Jersey delegation's economic stimulus ideas; meanwhile, Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on corporate tax cuts sought by one N.J. lawmaker as a solution to the economic turn down.

BUDGET: Steve Tetreault in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that Senate Leader Harry Reid is trying to find new employment for Yucca Mountain workers after helping to enact the budget slashing that cost them them their jobs.

MAYORS CONFERNECE: Brett Lieberman blogs for PennLive.com on President Bush's Wednesday free trade round table discussion with mayors, including Harrisburg Mayor Stephen Reed; and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret Morning News reports on the week's agenda for Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker.

SCHIP: Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader report on Democrats' failure again to pass a major expansion of the children's health insurance program.

HEARINGS, BILLS AND MARK-UPS: Ellyn Ferguson in the Appleton Post-Crescent reports on a hearing to examine pollution in the Great Lakes.

Jan. 23: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-23T07:44:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Adam Sadler for Stephens Media reports on Mike Huckabee's new personal phone campaign; Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports that candidates' money is running out as the all-important Florida primary approaches; Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call blogs on Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell's endorsement of Hillary Clinton; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports that a Florida lawmaker is pressuring candidates to take a stand on the creation of a national catastrophe fund; Bill Theobold in the Jackson Sun reports on Fred Thompson dropping out of the race; and Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News reports on the candidates' plans for stimulating the economy.

ABORTION POLITICS: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call and Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News report on Tuesday's anti-abortion rally.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Faith Bremner reports in the Great Falls Tribune on Indian health legislation opposed by the Bush administration.

ECONOMIC STIMULUS: Steve Tetreault in the Las Vegas Review-Journal reports that wind, solar and geothermal execs are lobbying to include tax breaks for their industries in an economic stimulus package; Noelle Straub in the Missoulian reports on Tuesday's Senate Finance Committee hearing examining the White House's $800 tax rebate plan; and Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports on local lawmakers' response to economic stimulus proposals.

APPOINTMENETS AND NOMINATIONS: Alicia Mundy reports in the Seattle Times that Washington state Republican Rep. Dave Reichert is angling for a seat on the House Appropriations Committee; and Bartholomew Sullivan reports in the Commercial Appeal on a Memphis woman named ambassador to Egypt.

IRAQ: Sen. Bob Menendez, back from Iraq, says the troop surge has not led to progress, Raju Chebium reports for Gannett.

JEFFERSON TRIAL: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune reports that defense attorneys for Rep. William Jefferson, indicted on corruption charges, introduced cell phone photos as evidence the lawmaker was not taking phone calls while being questioned by the FBI.

Bright of the day:

Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun blogs on Sen. Harry Reid's floor speech about seeing a bobcat out his window while back in Searchlight, Nev. during the recess.

Jan. 22: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-22T06:40:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Josh Drobnyk profiles Amber Lee Ettinger - aka Obama Girl - of Hazleton, Pa., in today's Allentown Morning Call; and Craig Gilbert writes on the undercurrents of race in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.

Jan. 21: Regionals in the Weekend News

2008-01-21T09:27:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Malia Rulon in the Cincinnati Enquirer explores whether Ohio's influence in presidential elections is shrinking; Raju Chebium for Gannett explains the presidential nominating process; Wes Allison previews the Florida primary in the St. Petersburg Times; Sabrina Eaton blogs on Cleveland.com that Dennis Kucinich has filed an FCC complaint after failing to qualify for the Democratic debates in South Carolina tonight; and Bill Theobold in the Tennessean reports that Fred Thompson hints at pulling out of the race.

LOCAL RACES: Edward Felker in the Rochester Bulletin reports on a Minnesota lawmaker and his challenger swearing off pork.

STIMULUS PACKAGE: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports that Pennsylvania lawmakers back the proposed stimulus package; and Faith Bremner reports on response from South Dakota lawmakers in the Argus Leader.

PILL POLITICS: Rob Hotakainen reports for McClatchy on a legislative snafu that caused birth control prices to skyrocket, and the ensuing impact on university students.

VOTING RECORDS: Maureen Groppe reports in the Lafayette Journal & Courier that area lawmakers crossed party lines more than their colleagues in 2007. Wisconsin lawmakers, meanwhile, tend to vote the party line, Ellyn Ferguson reports in the Appleton Post-Crescent.

HOUSING: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports on the impact last week's House vote to reauthorize and expand the HOPE VI housing grant program could have on Omaha.

PROFILES: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports that local Rep. Howard Berman will be the next chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Jan. 18: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-18T07:53:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Celebrities stump for Mike Huckabee, Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media; Sadler also reports on Huckabee's statement in South Carolina that flying the Confederate flag should be up to the state to decide; and William Gibson in the Sun-Sentinel reports that John McCain and Hillary Clinton are leading in Florida according to a statewide poll.

LOCAL RACES: Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee's first slate of candidates eligible for special funding this election, including Wyoming Democrat Gary Trauner; Bill Adair and Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times report that Rep. Bill Young, R-Fla., will seek a 20th term in Congress; Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on a New Jersey Democrat who wants to offer cash bonuses to counties and states that switch to paper ballots by the November election.

ECONOMY: Bruce Alpert reports in the Times-Picayune that Louisiana lawmakers hope any economic stimulus proposals provide more relief for hurricane recovery needs.

FIGHTER JETS: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports that Sen. Jim Inhofe is pushing to include the new Joint Strike Fighter with Tulsa's 138th Fighter Wing.

HEARINGS, BILLS AND MARK-UPS: Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on a hearing to explore private care for rural veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder who live far from VA facilities; and Matt Canham reports in the Salt Lake Tribune that Utah Republican Sen. Bob Bennett supports a gas-tax hike to pay for federal infrastructure improvements.

IMMIGRATION: Deborah Barfield Berry reports for Gannett that more than a dozen states are considering forcing would-be voters to show proof of citizenship when they register.

Getting Ready for the State of the Union Address

2008-01-18T07:51:00.000-08:00

The President’s State of the Union Address (aka SOTU by POTUS) is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 28. The House Press Gallery is taking requests for reserved seats within the House press gallery (202) 225-3945.

A change this year is that you must have a Congressional hard pass to get a reserve seat (this is the “green badge” most of us have anyway). If for some reason you do not have a pass, call the gallery and they will tell you what to do. You will not be able to cover the speech with just a press sticker.

For the uninitiated, during the speech, you can listen to the president deliver it live from the gallery (you also get a print copy to follow along). Just before it ends the gallery staff will escort you down to Statuary Hall where you can arrange to meet with members of your delegation or attempt to grab whoever you want as the members walk out.

Personally, while I have gone to the Capitol the night of the speech several times (and it is a unique experience)…I am now just as happy watching it on TV at home and getting members’ reactions via phone. Some of my members don’t even go to watch it in person so if they aren’t going to go, I’m not going (granted the fact I now live in the far flung suburbs versus Capitol Hill might have something to do with it.) I am curious to hear how others do it.

Another tip, is that if you plan on filing from the Capitol, make sure you laptop connection works BEFORE the day of the speech. I had a new laptop two years ago that was supposed to work fine, but of course on deadline it didn’t and I ended up racing home to file at the last minute, which included a speeding ticket.

---Suzanne Struglinski

Jan. 17: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-17T08:39:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Raju Chebium for Gannett explains the primary process in a Q&A; and Bill Theobold in the Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle accuses Mitt Romney of pandering in Michigan.

FEMA: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports that Rep. John Sullivan is appealing FEMA's denial of individual assistance to ice storm victims, but wants to keep a close eye on the process.

IRAQ: Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on recent trips to Iraq by Tennessee Reps. Marsha Blackburn and Lincoln Davis. The Republican and Democrat lawmakers returned with different impressions or progress in the country; and Edward Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin reports that Rep. Tim Walz returned from Iraq intent on improving medical records for troops.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND REPORTS: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on legislation aimed at revamping a social security law that hurts public employees; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports that House and Senate Judiciary committee chairmen have asked the GAO to study the use of no-bid contracts.

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on a compromise between Congress and the White House that shields Iraq from a provision allowing victims of state-sponsored terrorism to seek compensation.

MINE SAFETY: Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret Morning News report on mine-safety legislation the House passed Wednesday.

Jan. 16: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-16T10:00:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Mitt wins, reports Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune; Lesley Clark and Beth Reinhard report in the Miami Herald on the mad scramble to Florida; and Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News report on Clinton and Obama burying the race debate.

IMPEACHMENT CAMPAIGN: Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., continues to push impeachment hearings against Vice President Dick Cheney, Larry Lipman reports in the Palm Beach Post.

MINE BILL: Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on the controversy over Crandall CAnyon mine disaster-inspired safety legislation up for a vote today in the U.S. House.

SPORTS POLITICS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on Tuesday's House hearing on steroids use in Major League Baseball; and Ellyn Ferguson in the Appleton Post Crescent reports on a bet between Wisconsin and New York lawmakers over the playoffs.

PARTY LOYALTY: Ellyn Ferguson reports in the Green Bay Press Gazette on a CQ study that ound Wisconsin lawmakers generally backed thier party last year.

Jan. 15: Regionals in Today's News

2008-01-15T08:55:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Mitt Romney says he's gonna win today's Michigan primary, Tommy Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune.

LOCAL RACES: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports that a Marine Corps Reserve colonel whose son was killed in Iraq will run for congress in Pennyslvania; and Noelle Straub in the Star-Tribune reports on a new drive to promote Democrat candidates in the Mountain West.

LOBBYING ETHICS: Forks have been banned at parties hosted by lobbyists, Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy in a piece about the ridiculous machinations accompanying the new ethics rule that took effect Sept. 14.

Weekend goodies we missed:

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Farmers _ many of whom buy health insurance on the open market _ want to hear the presidential candidates' health plans, Faith Bremner reports in the Argus Leader; Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mitt Romney promises to help Michigan rebound from its economic woes; Lesley Clark and Beth Reinhard in the Miami Herald report that Florida's primary is still important for Democrats despite the party boycott; and Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post poses the possibility of a McCain-Lieberman ticket.

LOOK-AHEAD: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun and Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post report on local congressional priorities for the coming year.

PAY RAISES: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports on congressional pay raises that go into effect this month, putting the annual salary of House members at $169,300.

AWARDS: Bartholomew Sullivan reports in the Commercial Appeal on the National Medal of Museum and Library Service award to the Memphis Public Library; and Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on an Air Force Band concert honoring a World War II hero from Billings.

YUCCA POLITICS: Lisa Mascaro reports in the Las Vegas Sun that officials with the Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository in Nevada are likely to miss their June 2008 deadline, which could be disastrous for the project.

And off the campaign trail this week...

2008-01-11T11:42:00.000-08:00

Not all of us were out dogging the candidates. Here's a smattering of stories that regionals did back in Washington during the recess.

LOCAL ELECTIONS: Ed Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin reported on fundraising in local congressional races; Bruce Alpert reports in the Louisiana Times-Picayune on local officials of both parties endorsing Sen. Mary Landrieu for reelection; Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette looks ahead to the 2008 congressional races and the impact on Indiana; and Trish Choate reports on North Texas congressional races for the Witchita Falls Times New Record.

YEAR IN REVIEWS: Raju Chebuium for Gannett and Noelle Straub in the Missoulian look back on congressional accomplishments and failsures of 2007.

LEGISLATION: Malia Rulon for Gannett reports that former Rep. Bob Ney once toyed with the idea of introducing legislation to allow Pete Rose back into Major Leage Baseball; Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on legislation by Rep. Howard Berman to make radio stations pay royalties to singers.

REPORTS AND INVESTIGATIONS: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Press-Register reports on a Consumer Federation of America study that found property and casualty insurers are making record profits; Noelle Straub reports in the Helena Independent Record that the Justice Department has ended its investigation of former Sen. Conrad Burns in connection with lobbyist Jack Abramoff; Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune reports that ethics groups are targeting Sen. Mary Landrieu in connection with a $2 million earmark.

BANKRUPTCY: Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy reports on proposed changes to U.S. bankruptcy law.

VOTER ID: Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star and Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette report on the high court review of Indiana's voter ID law and the Supreme Court arguments.

NUCLEAR NEWS: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on a renewed interest in nuclear waste reprocessing; and Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports that the Energy Department plans to lay off dozens of Yucca Mountain employees in response to budget cuts.

IRAQ: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports that Oklahoma ranks third nationally in National Guard and Reserve activations; Joseph Morton in the Omaha World Herald reports that Sen. Ben Nelson believes that Iraq gains are insufficient.

Feature Spotlights

2008-01-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Jake Thompson did a fantastic take-out in last week's Omaha World Herald on the spectacular rise and fall of a local businessman. Check out the piece here!

Sean Reilly in the Mobile Press-Register examines the campaign fundraising bundlers in the presidential race.

The week in review: from Iowa to N.H.

2008-01-11T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, regionals! Unfortunately, your blogger was away for a bit. But we're catching up now with highlights from some of the great regional campaign reporting over the past week.

Leading up to Iowa, Aaron Sadler reported for Stephen Media on anonymous letters alleging IRS investigations of churches that support Mike Huckabee _ a tactic the former pastor and governor denounced as ``dirty tricks.'' Nicole Guadiano reports in the Wilmington News-Journal that Joe Biden says he intends to stay in the race until late January no matter what happens in Iowa; Bill Theobold reports in the Tennessean that Thompson is hoping for second place; and Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reported on Mitt Romney's last-minute push.

Reporting on the elections themselves out of Iowa were Aaron Sadler, Craig Gilbert for the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, and Jerry Zremski for the Buffalo News; meanwhile, Nicole Guadiano reported in the Wilmington News-Journal on Joe Biden ending his presidential run. Ed Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin reports on how area political analysts read the Iowa results; Tommy Burr reported in the Salt Lake Tribune on the fallout from Mitt Romney's loss; and Bill Theobold in the Tennessean reports on Thompson' s fourth place finish.

Heading to New Hampshire, Sadler reported for Stephens Media on Huckabee's attempt to win over the state and the candidate's denial of a coordinated effort with John McCain to oust Romney; Wes Allison and Alex Leary in the St. Pete Times report on Hillary's uphill battle; Bill Theobold reports in the Tennessean that Fred Thompson needs a strong showing in South Carolina; Craig Gilbert reports in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel on the huge crowds greeting Obama; and Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald looked ahead to the Florida primaries, and also reports on Floridians stumping in N.H. for Huckabee. Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on locals heading out to New Hampshire to campaign; Suzanne Struglinski reported on Mitt Romney's performance during the New Hampshire debate as well as the former Massachusetts governor's final push in N.H.; Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Romney vows to go on no matter what happens in New Hampshire; Jerry Zremski reports on Clinton's attacks on Obama in the Democratic debates, and the make-or-break battle between Clinton and Obama; and Wes Allison in the St. Pete Times reports on what New Hampshire means for McCain.

When Hillary choked back tears, Jerry Zremski was there to report on the impact for the Buffalo News.

And for the surprise finale, Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times, Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel report on the McCain/Clinton wins; Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on N.H.'s implications for the upcoming Florida primary; Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News and Tommy Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Romney taking the silver as well as his new focus on Michigan and $6.5 million dial-a-thon. Finally, Dana Wilkie reports in the San Diego Union-Tribune on the new "warm" Hillary.

Can't wait to see what other great stuff regionals write from the campaign trail!

The caucuses are coming! The caucuses are coming!

2008-01-03T08:22:00.000-08:00

IT'S ALL-IOWA-ALL-THE-TIME for some regionals this week. Tommy Burr for the Salt Lake Tribune is there assessing Mitt Romney's prospects. He also reports that the LDS church is not engaging in get-out-the-vote drives before the caucus; Bill Theobold in the Murfreesboro (Tenn.) Daily Journal reports that Fred Thompson is hoping for an Iowa payoff despite pundits' prediction the caucuses will be the end of his campaign; Nicole Guadiano follows the Biden campaign for the Wilmington News-Journal as the Delaware senator tries to convince voters he is the best prepared to deal with a world crisis ; Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News explains the complicated caucus process, after last week following New Yorkers Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani through the state; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media writes about Mike Huckabee's support in the state as well as Hillary Clinton's use of Arkanans in her Iowa campaigning; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Iowa voters still have no idea who they'll chose; and Malia Rulon in the Cincinati Enquirer reports on locals heading out to Iowa.

NEW HAMPSHIRE is right around the corner and Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union Tribune is tromping through the state with presidential hopeful Rep. Duncan Hunter.

Regionals are writing about a few other things this week -- more to come!

Evergreens, Oh Evergreens...

2007-12-26T10:07:00.000-08:00

Greetings, regionals! For the few of you working this week, we bring you a sampling of the evergreens and other fabulous stories our hardworking Washington reporters are doing this holiday season!

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Jake Thompson in the Omaha World-Herald examines why presidential hopefuls Chris Dodd and Joe Biden are languishing in the second tier; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on Hoosiers going to the primaries; Bill Theobold in the Commercial Appeal reports on Fred Thompson's reaction to the Bhutto assassination; Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News that Democrats in Iowa are still undecided with just a week to go before the presidential caucuses; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times goes down to South Carolina to report on the bell weather role the state will play for Republicans in the presidential elections; and Deborah Barfield Berry reports for Gannett on confusing Voter ID laws some charge are a means of blocking voter turnout.

CAMPAIGN TRAIL PROFILES: Mike Madden profiles Mike Huckabee for Gannett; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel profiles Hillary Clinton's "secret weapon" -- Iowa organizer Teresa Vilmain; and Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call profiles Ron Paul, otherwise known as ``Dr. No.''

LOCAL RACES: How to get a job in Congress? If you're from Pennsylvania, don't take the statehouse route, Josh Drobnyk reports in the Allentown Morning Call; Will Republicans retake the House? Boehner thinks so, but he seems to be the only one, Malia Rulon reports in the Cincinati Enquirer.

UDALL DYNASTY: Keith Chu in the Bend Bulletin profiles the Western political dynasty. If Reps. Mark Udall, D-Colo., and Tom Udall, D-N.M., join Gordon Smith, R-Oregon in the U.S. Senate, it will be the first time three members of one family served in the body at once.

BHUTTO ASSASINATION: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on reaction to the assassination from three leading Arkansas officials with ties to Bhuttos.

THIS IS A HOLD UP: Jim Myers in the Tulsa World reports on Sen. Tom Coburn's 80 holds on various legislation, and what one of them means to a paralyzed Oklahoma woman.

JEFFERSON: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune reports on how a lobbyist and a Florida businesswoman enlisted Rep. William Jefferson's help winning contracts in Western Africa. The Louisiana congressman's trial on bribery charges is scheduled to begin next month.

IMPEACHMENT: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on Rep. Robert Wexler's online movement to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney.

PORN SECURITY BREACH: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on a major security breach in the pornography industry, letting loose thousands of personal e-mails.

MLK STATUE - MADE IN CHINA?: Bartholomew Sullivan reports on the controversy in the Commercial Appeal.

IRAQ: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun looks at the Democrats' changing tune on the Iraq surge through the lens of Rep. Shelley Berkley.

ORNAMENTS: Lisa Friedman reports in the Los Angeles Daily News on the gift that keeps on giving _ the White House ornament story.

CHARLIE WILSON'S WAR: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on Rep. Norm Dicks' recollections of the carousing Texas lawmaker portrayed by Tom Hanks in the new movie.

WRAP-UPS: Raju Chebium for Gannett, Keith Chu for Wescom New Service and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News assess the Dem's first year back in control of Congress; and Faith Bremner for Gannett reports that the Montana delegation is touting legislative successes for farmers, veterans and students.

YEAR-END PROFILES: Noelle Straub in the Missoulian assesses Sen. John Tester's first year in office; and Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett wraps up David Obey's first year as Appropriations Committee chairman.

Dec. 21: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-21T11:21:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Lesley Clark reports in the Miami Herald on the presidential candidates trying to play nice for the holidays; Wyoming has an early primary? Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports the absence of media attention to the second contest of 2008.

MORE OMNIBUS: Regionals continue to pore over the $516 billion omnibus, pulling out the local tidbits. Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call; Ed Felker for the Small Newspaper Group; Raju Chebium for Gannett; and Trish Choate for Scripps Howard News Service.

ENERGY BILL: Brett Lieberman in the Patriot-News reports on a New York Republican lawmaker's support of the energy bill; and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on a Nevada Republican's opposition.

MISC. BILLS: Sean Reilly reports on legislation making it a federal crime to fraudulently receive disaster aid heading to the president's deks.

WRAP-UP: Democrats claim victories and Republicans slam Democrats as they all leave town, Lisa Friedman reports in the Los Angeles Daily News.

Dec. 20: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-20T05:51:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Bill Theobold in the Commercial Appeal reports on Fred Thompson's 'bitter medicine' Iowa bus tour.

AMT: Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News, Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News, Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune and Raju Chebium for Gannett report on Congress' last-minute patch of the Alternative Minimum Tax.

OMNIBUS: More regional coverage of the $516 billion budget bill from Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record; Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette; and Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune.

OMNIBUS ETHICS: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Sen. Orrin Hatch abstained from voting on the budget bill when he discovered an earmark he had requested for a Utah town might benefit his son, a registered lobbyist for the municipality.

OMNIBUS ODDS AND ENDS: Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports that the massive budget bill includes trademark protection for the Montana motto "The Last Best Place"; and Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports that the cuts could impact Nevada's Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository.

GLOBAL WARMING: Nicole Guadiano in the Wilmington News Journal reports on Sen. Tom Carper's role in the energy bill; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on the EPA denial of California a long-awaited waiver to limit tailpipe emissions.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND SPEECHES: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette and Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media report on the debate over an 11-hour day for truckers; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on the Senate confirmation of an Indiana judge; Faith Bremner reports in the Argus Leader that a group of Lakota activists announced they will work to create a new nation; and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News reports on former Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt's speech Wednesday on Chinese imports.

Investigation of the Week

2007-12-19T05:22:00.000-08:00

Check out Sean Reilly's piece in today's Mobile Register, tracing through FOIAs and extensive interviews where $1.5 million in federal funds to study an Alabama waterway really went.

Dec. 19: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-19T04:51:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Bill Theobold for Gannett profiles Fred Thompson's history in the Republican Party, and reports on Thompson's assertion that his challengers don't have his foreign policy experience; Sabrina Eaton in the Cleveland Plain Dealer follows Dennis Kucinich's biodeisel peace train; What's an Iowa caucus-goer to do? Craig Gilbert asks in the Milkwauke Journal-Sentinel.

OMNIBUS: Bruce Alpert covers the local impact of the $516 billion catch-all spending bill in the Times-Picayune; Aaron Sadler looks at local Arkansas projects for Stephens Media; Larry Lipman reports on Florida's take in the Palm Beach Post; Edward Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin looks at Minnesota's projects; and Lisa Friedman reports on California projects in the Los Angeles Daily News.

ENERGY BILL: Ellyn Ferguson in the Appleton Post-Crescent reports on the Wisconsin delegation's votes on the energy bill; and Joseph Morton reports in the Omaha World-Herald on Nebraska Rep. Lee Terry's role in crafting the fuel efficiency standards.

SPEECHES AND PROFILES: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette and Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star cover Sen. Richard Lugar's speech on energy security before the Brookings Institution; Groppe also reports on the House honoring Rep. Julia Carson, who died of cancer last week.

SCHIP: Matt Canham reports in the Salt Lake Tribune that the Senate agreed to put off children's health insurance expansion until after Bush leaves office.

TRAFFIC: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports that New Jersey lawmakers are cautiously optimistic about the Bush administration's plan to ease summer traffic in the region.

Dec. 18: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-18T10:09:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Bill Theobold in the Tennessean reports on Fred Thompson's Iowa blitz; Lesley Clark reports in the Miami Herald that church leaders are asking presidential candidates not to demonize illegal immigrants; and Mike Madden for Gannett finds Arkansans liked the job Mike Huckabee did as governor.

FARM BILL: Edward Felker reports for the Small Newspaper Group on the stagnation of the farm bill.

OMNIBUS: Raju Chebium for Gannett, Sean Reilly in the Mobile Register and Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal report on local projects in the $516 billion omnibus bill.

MALL SHOOTING: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports on unanimous resolution the House passed Monday offering condolences to the city in the wake of the Dec. 5 shopping mall shooting.

Dec. 17: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-17T13:14:00.001-08:00

GUN POLITICS: Jake Thompson in the Omaham World-Herald reports on the stagnation of gun control legislation in Congress.

DTV POLITICS: Rob Hotakainen in the Kanasas City Star reports on the impact of the switch to digital TV.

FEATURES AND INVESTIGATIONS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal-Gazette examines the troubled corporate management of Indiana's Emmis Broadcasting, where Sen. Evan Bayh's wife Susan serves as the lead board director; Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News looks back at Sen. Bob Casey's first year in office; and Josh Drobnyk reports in the Allentown Morning Call on the growing popularity of telephonic town hall meetings.

SUBSIDY POLITICS: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on the backlash against Sen. Blanche Lincoln for supporting subsidies in the Farm Bill.

Dec. 15-16: Regionals in the Weekend News

2007-12-17T06:57:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Western Democrats' feelings about Hillary Clinton; Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times analyzes the campaign rhetoric about the gap between rich and poor; and Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News on Rudy Giuliani's 57 percent unfavorability rating in the city he one ruled.

FARM BILL: Bartholomew Sullivan reports in the Commercial Appeal on the farm bill's impact in Tennessee.

HILL AIDES: Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News that Sen. Orrin Hatch's chief of staff is stepping down.

BASEBALL POLITICS: Sylvia Smith reports in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette that Indiana Rep. Mark Souder is warning baseball to voluntarily tighten its drug policies before Congress does it for them.

TAX POLITICS: Matt Canham reports in the Salt Lake Tribune on the fight over fixing the Alternative Minimum Tax and its impact on Utah.

THE MEMBERS: Noelle Straub reports in the Casper Star Tribune that Rep. Barbara Cubin is still missing votes and the congresswoman, whose husband is ill, won't return calls to discuss her plans; and Lisa Friedman reports in the Los Angeles Daily News that Rep. Gary Miller has not returned to Washington since the California congessman's daughter died in November.

PILOTS: Josh Drobnyk reports on the House passage of legislation raising pilots' retirement age.

DEFENSE BILL: Nicole Guadiano reports that a defense bill heading to President Bush's desk includes a provision by Sen. Joseph Biden supporting a federalist government in Iraq; and Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on the bill's increase in GI benfits for reservists.

HOLLYWOOD: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on the 60th anniversary of Hollywood blacklisting.

Dec. 14 Redux: the ones we didn't catch the first time

2007-12-17T06:38:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News reports on Mike Huckabee's apology to Mitt Romney for a disparaging remark about Mormons.

ENERGY BILL: Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record reports that renewable energy incentives pushed by Sen. Max Baucus were stripped out of the Senate energy bill; and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on the energy bill's ethanol provisions.

FARM BILL: The Senate voted down a measure by Sen. John Tester to prevent manipulation in the meatpacking industry, Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette; and Ellyn Ferguson in the Oshkosh Northwestern reports on the farm bill's impact in Wisconsin.

DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION: Sen. Russ Feingold opposed the defense authorization because it included $189.4 billion for Iraq and Afghanistan, Ellyn Ferguson reports in the Oshkosh Northwestern.
YUCCA MOUNTAIN: Steve Tetreault for Stephens Media reports that a panel of judges threw out a legal attempt by the state to block the Energy Department from licensing a nuclear waste repository in Nevada; and Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on what the setback means for Sen. Harry Reid.

'Tis the Season

2007-12-14T07:56:00.001-08:00

It’s that time of year again when chestnuts are roasting on an open stove, children are all tucked snug in their beds ... and journalists are wondering what the heck to write about.

If you've done a great story that other regionals can do for their part of the country or have any other bright ideas, please pass them along!

Dec. 14: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-14T07:10:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Fred Thompson is launching a fast-paced campaign bus tour, Bill Theobold reports in the Tennessean; Arkansas travelers hit Iowa with different accounts of Mike Huckabee, Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media; and Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News on Thursday's final Democratic debate before the Iowa caucus.

ENERGY BILL: Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star on Indiana lawmakers' positions on the Senate-passed energy bill.

FARM BILL: Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media on a failed Farm Bill amendment that would have slashed subsidies.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Sen. Evan Bayh wants to increase penalties against those who smuggle illegal immigrants into the country, Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star.

IRAN: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on local lawmakers' attempt to keep the public focused on an Iranian nuclear threat despite a recent intel report finding no nuke program.

STUDIES AND REPORTS: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on a GAO audit criticizing EPA regulations enacted last year that changed disclosure rules for chemicals released into the air, soil and water.

FEATURED STORY: Yea for getting off Capitol Hill! Lesley Clark has a nice piece in the Miami Herald on a local man's private collection of historic documents now on display at the Library of Congress.

Dec. 13: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-13T01:54:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mike Huckabee appears to be using Mitt Romney's Mormonism as a wedge issue to attract evangelical voters; and Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on Huckabee's new position in the spotlight.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Malia Rulon for Gannett News Service reports that Rep. Lincoln Davis wants to ban gambling on foriegn military bases; Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes that Senate Armed Services Committee members are questioning projected savings from military base closures; and Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette reports on legislation that would require a permit and fee for some photography in national parks and forests.

ENERGY BILL: Sen. Harry Reid is using Great Basin National Park to block a proposed coal energy plant, Steve Teatreault and John Edwards report for Stephens Media.

REPORTS AND SURVEYS: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald reports on a new national poll that found African Americans, Hispanics and Asians stereotypes one another; and Ellyn Ferguson reports in the Green Bay Press Gazette that Wisconsin leads the nation in the increase of schoolchildren receiving school-subsidized breakfasts.

JOHNSON'S RECOVERY: Faith Bremner for Gannett News Service reports on Sen. Tim Johnson's first news confernce since returning to Congress after sufferng a brain hemmorage one year ago.

DEFENSE BILL: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on new benefits for reservists in a defense spending bill the House passed Wednesday.

SCHIP: Matt Canham reports in the Salt Lake Tribune on President Bush's veto of a second children's health insurance bill.

Dec. 12: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-12T04:55:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Romney changed few minds about Mormons with his faith speech last week.

FARM BILL: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star rand Raju Chebium for Gannett eported on the U.S. Senate's rejection of an amendment by Sens. Frank Lautenberg and Richard Lugar to cut farm subsidies.

HEARINGS, BILLS AND REPORTS: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on a hearing examining the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba; and Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on a Forest Service survey that finds out-of-control off-highway vehicle use on public lands is the top problem for western lands.

Dec. 11: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-11T08:41:00.000-08:00

MEDICARE: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports the AARP is disappointed in Bush's warning he might veto a Medicare bill.

SANCTIONS: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on First Lady Laura Bush speaking out against Myanmar junta.

FARM BILL: Trish Choate reports in the Witchita Falls Times Record News on the Farm Bill's impact in North Texas.

EARMARKS: Matt Canham in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Utah Sen. Bob Bennett's refusal to disclose earmarks.

FEATURED STORY: Who is in charge of regulating ham and cheese sandwiches? Read Bill Adair's piece in the St. Petersburg Times and find out!

Do It For Your Paper!

2007-12-10T08:02:00.000-08:00

Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star has a great story today on college tuition increases and the debate over whether universities should use their substantial endowments to offset the costs for students. She's got charts, numbers, all kinds of good stuff that could be re-localized.

Dec. 8-10: Regionals in the Weekend and Today's News

2007-12-10T07:00:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on the sparring between Mitt Romney and Mike Huckabee; Craig Gilbert reports in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel that as the Iowa caucuses approach no none really has any idea what will happen; congressional aides are starting to leave the Hill for the campaign trail, Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette; Sabrina Eaton profiles Dennis Kucinich in the Cleveland Plain Dealer; and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune gets reaction to Romney's Mormon speech.

ALTERNATIVE MINIMUM TAX: Raju Chebium for Gannett reports and Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette report on the AMT's potential impact in their states and the impasse between Congress and the White House; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News uses IRS zip code data to show how many Southern Californians have been hit already and what may come if Congress doesn't pass the patch.

SEN. TIM JOHNSON: Faith Bremer in the Argus Leader has a Q&A with Sen. Tim Johnson, who returned to Congress in September after a severe brain hemorrhage.

STURGEON POLITICS: Sean Reilly in the Mobile Press-Register reports on the near-extinction of Alabama sturgeon and the policies that led there.

EARMARKS: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on Taxpayers for Common Sense's latest earmark study that found Washington state lawmakers raked in the pork.

Dec. 7: Regionals (Belatedly) in Friday's News.

2007-12-10T03:23:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Florida Sen. Mel Martinez says he might not endorse in the GOP primary, Larry Lipman reports in the Palm Beach Post; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media reports on predictions that Huckabee's momentum will slow; and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports on Romney's Mormon speech.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Ellyn Ferguson reports in the Appleton Post-Crescent on legislation that would block people from contributing to presidential campaigns when they file annual tax returns; House lawmakers are looking for changes in fisheries regulations, Sean Reilly reports in the Mobile Press-Register; and Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on a local congressman's support for legislation banning nooses; In Indiana, "Do Not Call" laws apply to politicians too, Sylvia Smith reports in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.

COBURN HOLD 'EM: JimMyers in the Tulsa World reports on Sen. Tom Coburn's penchant for putting holds on bills to which he objects.

ENERGY BILL: Coverage of the energy bill from: Ed Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin; Faith Bremner in the Great Falls Tribune; Noelle Straub in the Jackson Hole Star-Tribune; Nicole Guadiano in the Wilmington News-Journal; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star; and Ellyn Ferguson in the Appleton Post-Crescent.
OMAHA MALL SHOOTING : Joseph Morton in the Omaha World-Herald reports on Bush and congressional reaction the shootings.

TREE-LIGHTING: Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News finds local angles to the National Christmas Tree lighting.

YUCCA MOUNTAIN: Steve Teatreault in the Parhump Valley Times reports on a contract to manage the Nevada nuclear waste site that has raised concern among lawmakers.

ABANDONED MINE POLITICS: Noelle Straub in the Jackson Hole Star-Tribune reports that lawmkaers are furious that the Office of Surface Mining is reinterpreting a law to repay state money.

Some business to attend to...

2007-12-06T14:07:00.000-08:00

The RRA Board needs a new member! Jerome Sherman of the Pittsburg Post-Gazette will be returning to Pennsylvania, leaving the board one member short. Please e-mail RRA President Suzanne Struglinski at Suzanne@desnews.com if you are interested and we can hold a “special election.”

Also... Mark you calendars for Jan. 17. RRA will be hosting a “How to Cover the federal budget” workshop along with the National Press Foundation and the Wilson Center in the Ronald Reagan Building. If you think you have great budget tips to share, please e-mail Suzanne, who will be putting together a panel of reporters to talk about how they have covered the budget. More details to come.

Dec. 6: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-06T13:34:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports on Huckabee's surge in the polls; meanwhile, Californians are donating to presidential campaigns in record numbers, Lisa Friedman reports for the Los Angeles Newspaper Group.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News that a House panel investigating a Utah mine disaster in August has moved to depose witnesses; the Senate passed legislation giving Nebraska another judge, Joe Morton reports in the Omaha World-Herald; and Brett Lieberman in the Patriot News reports on new food safety legislation.

Dec. 5: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Craig Gilbert covers the Democratic radio debate for the Milkwaukee Journal-Sentinel; and Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune on Mitt Romney's upcoming Mormon speech.

HEARINGS, BILLS AND MARK-UPS: Nicole Guadiano in the Wilmington News Journal reports on a Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations probe into credit card rate hikes; Larry Lipman reports in the Austin American Statesman on kidney care lobbying in an upcoming Medicare bill; a House committee investigating the August mine disaster in Utah wants to compel witness depositions, Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune; and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on a park bill the House passed Tuesday and also advances a markup on major climate change legislation in the Senate.

BUDGET BATTLES: Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette that a program to replace Yellowstone's visitor center is likely to fall victim to funding battles in Congress.

DNA DONATION: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on New Jersey Rep. Rob Andrews who volunteered his DNA to participate in a groundbreaking "personalized medicine" project.

ENERGY BILL: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports that the energy bill coming up in the House will not include a loan guarantee that a Pennsylvania company says it needs to build a nuclear reactor.

SUPREME COURT: Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune covers arguments before the U.S. Supreme Court on the disqualification of all five black members of a jury pool in 1996.

INTEL COMMITTEE: Larry Lipman reports in the Palm Beach Post that Alcee Hastings is stepping down from the House Select Committee on Intelligence.

Interested in some freelance work?

2007-12-04T13:45:00.002-08:00

Hey guys!

I am editing the 20th edition of the Almanac of the Unelected this year, and I still need a few freelancers. The Almanac folks love turning to RRA members for writers because we know it's a pool of talented, solid, responsible writers - so if you're interested, we'd love to have you.

If you're not familiar with the Almanac, it's one of those pricey books that lobbyist buy, and it has profiles of House and Senate committee staffers as well as leadership aides. New writers are paid $40 to update an existing profile and $70 for new ones. Returning writers are paid $55/85. It's not a ton of work, and you can make some nice money.

If you're interested in writing for us this year, please let me know ASAP, ok? Thanks, and hope to hear from you!

Best,

Lisa Friedman

phone: 202-662-8731
e-mail: lisa.friedman@langnews.com

Hey, regionals! Interested in some freelance work?

2007-12-04T13:45:00.001-08:00

Dec. 4: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-04T08:10:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Transplanted New Yorkers in Florida are pushing Rudy ahead of the pack, Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News; Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports on Clinton's attacks on Obama in Iowa, as well as Huckabee's surge; Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media looks at Huckabee's position on immigration; and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune analyzes Romney's plan to speak tonight on his Mormon faith.

LEADERSHIP: Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette that Sen. Mike Enzi has his eye on a Senate Finance Committee slot opening with the retirement of Sen. Trent Lott.

SEX SCANDAL!: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on the arrest of an aide to Sen. Maria Cantwell on charges of soliciting sex with a 13-year-old boy.

HEALTH CARE: Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post reports on the findings of a national health care commission that the U.S. is not prepared to deal with its aging populaton.

Dec. 3: Regionals in Today's News

2007-12-03T09:50:00.001-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune advances Mitt Romney's upcoming "Mormon" speech; Bill Adair touts the St. Petersburg Times' Truth-o-Meter; and Nicole Guadiano reports in the Wilmington News Journal on the fallout from the Clinton hostage situation.

LOCAL RACES: Noelle Straub in the Billings Gazette analyzes Sen. Max Baucus' political contributions; congressional candidates in North Texas are ready to file, Trish Coate reports in the Wichita Falls Times Record News.

PROFILES: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record profiles 84-year-old New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg's efforts to stay young; Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call profiles Rep. Patrick Murphy's efforts to get Democrat Iraq war veterans to run for Congress; and Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star profiles departing White House economic advisor Al Hubbard.

FARM BILL: Aaron Sadler for Stephens Media looks at the Farm Bill's likely impact on Arkansas.

WRAPPING IT ALL UP: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun wraps up the week's news with some great Nevada-oriented analysis.

Do It For Your Paper

2007-12-03T09:50:00.000-08:00

Regionals did some great features and policy analysis pieces this weekend. Many of them are pieces that you can do for your own paper. Hope they offer some good ideas and inspiration!

AMT: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record delves into IRS data to show that a growing number of New Jersey families are paying the alternative minimum tax and reports on efforts in Congress to reform it.

IRAQ: Sadly, the number of wounded soldiers as well as the casualties keep growing in Iraq. Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post profiles a local soldier who has undergone 14 surgeries to repair his shattered bones and muscles. This story is also a great example in incorporating audio/video.

SENTENCING GUIDELINES: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette reports on potential new sentencing guidelines, using state-by-state numbers to show what would happen to Indiana prisoners. The state numbers can be found HERE.

THE GREAT COIN CONTROVERSY: This is a doosey. Coin collectors are pissed off at the State Department for a new restriction against the importation of ancient coins. Who knew? Check out Rob Hotakainen's piece for McClatchy.

ORNAMENT FEACH: Perfect for a slow holiday news day - check out Noelle Straub's piece in the Jackson Hole Star Tribune.

Regional Holiday Features

2007-11-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

Check out Suzanne Struglinski's story in today's Deseret Morning News on the White House Christmas Tree and Utah's role in beautifying it. This year the White House theme is Naitonal Parks, and if your state has one, there's a good chance it's represented on a pretty little silver ball. The White House reception was yesterday, but there's sitll plenty of time to pull a slow-day feature story out of this. Enjoy!

Nov. 30: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-30T08:56:00.000-08:00

ENERGY POLITICS: Ed Felker in the Rochester (Minn.) Post-Bulletin reports on Rep. Tim Walz's attempt to win support from both environmentalists and energy producers.

ETHANOL POLITICS: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader reports on progress on a stalled energy bill that could deliver a boon to ethanol producers.

IRAQ: Lawmakers return from Iraq trips with opinions, Alicia Mundy reports in the Seattle Times.

EARMARKS: Raju Chebium for Gannett looks at defense earmarks for New Jersey.

NUCLEAR MELTDOWN: Lisa Friedman for the Los Angeles Daily News reports on findings of 1959 wind data that could shed light on a nuclear reactor meltdown.

CHURCH FALL-OUT: Rob Hotakainen for McClatchy Newspapers advances today's closing arguments in the case against a Kansas church whose members picket military funerals.

Looking for a Story?

2007-11-29T13:43:00.000-08:00

If you haven't already checked to see if your state has nursing homes on the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services list of 54 worst-performing facilities, do it now.

Here's the link -- click on Special Focus Facility Public List for details.

Nov. 29: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-29T10:21:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Wes Allison in the St. Petersburg Times reports on last night's YouTube debate; and Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Barack Obama is making moves to win Utah.

NURSING HOME REPORT: Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette looks at Wisconsin nursing homes that are among the nation's worst facilities, according to a new report.

FLYING FILNER: The airport baggage who says she was assaulted by Rep. Bob Filner said she is not satisfied with the court-ordered apology she received and may file a civil suit, Dana Wilkie reports in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

RESIGNATION: Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Tribune reports that Indiana businessman Al Hubbard is stepping down as Bush's top economic advisor.

OFF THE HILL: Suzanne Struglinski reports on the 30th annual Festival of Lights at the LDS Church in Kensington, Md., for the Deseret Morning News.

Nov. 28: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Mitt Romney's Mormon faith will be a focus of several questions in tonight's YouTube debate; Mike Huckabee vows to increase funding for the Delta Regional Authority if elected president, Aaron Sadler reports for Stephens Media; Will the real conservative please stand up? Wes Allison reports in the St. Petersburg Times on the search for the "right" man.

LEADERSHIP: Bartholomew Sullivan in the Commercial Appeal reports on political maneuverings in the wake of Trent Lott's retirement annoucement; and Todd Gillman in the Dallas Morning News reports on Texas Sen. Kay Baily Hutchison's leadership ambitions.

WATER POLITICS: Faith Bremner reports in the Great Falls Tribune on a dirth of federal funding for Montana water projects.

MORTGAGE MESS: Bill Theobold in the Tennessean reports on the mortgage crisis' impact in Nashville.

OKLAHOMA QUARTERS: Jim Myers reports on the new Oklahoma quarter in the Tulsa World.

FIRE POLITICS: California Sen. Dianne Feinstein wants national standards for building in fire-prone areas, Dana Wilkie reports in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Nov. 27: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-27T06:44:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Pennsylvania is important in the presidential elections, Josh Drobnyk reports in the Allentown Morning Call; meanwhile, a Kucinich-Paul ticket? Sabrina Eaton and Stephen Koff report in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

LEADERSHIP POLITICS: Sen. Lamar Alexander will try again for Senate Minority Whip now that Trent Lott is retiring, Bill Theobald reports for Gannett; Sen. John Thune also may run, reports Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader.

MIDEAST POLITICS: Sen. Chuck Hagel is hopeful as talks in Annapolis begin between Israeli and Palestinian leaders, Jake Thompson reports in the Omaha World Herald.

Some Great Holiday Feaches

2007-11-26T11:35:00.000-08:00

check 'em out...

Rob Hotakainen in the Kansas City Star reports on the "center aisle" caucus which tries to find bipartisanship over bowls of chicken lo mein.
What does a small business have to do to land a federal contract? An awful lot, according to Keith Chu in the Bend (Oregon) Bulletin, who followed a local hand creme company's quest.
Leo Shane III in Stars and Stripes tells the story of a father and son who reunited after 19 years - in Baghdad.
Josh Drobnyk has an Odd Couple piece in the Allentown Morning Call on Reps. Charlie Dent and Jim Gerlach.

crap. here's what happens when a blogger takes a vacation

2007-11-21T10:14:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Was Romney behind his own smear campaign? A Utah polling firm denies ties to the campaign, Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune; a Pennsylvania congressman is working against Mike Huckabee, Josh Drobnyk reports in the Allentown Morning Call; A panel finds New Orleans hasn't recovered sufficiently to host a presidential debate, Bruce Alpert reports in the Times-Picayune; women could put Clinton in the White House, Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News; and Fred Thompson keeps trying to convince people he's not lazy, by Bill Theobold in the Tennessean.

PRIMARY POLITICS: Howard Dean claims Wisconsin's primary matters, Craig Gilbert reports in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel; meanwhile, people in Utah think their state will also matter in the primary, Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune.

LOCAL RACES: Ed Felker in the Rochester Post-Bulletin looks at who blogs and who doesn't in a Minnesota congressional race; Rep. Mike Ferguson won't seek reelection, Raju Chebium reports for Gannett; and New Jersey Sen. Frank Lautenberg's son is getting into politics, Herb Jackson reports in the Bergen Record.

>IRAQ: Lisa Mascaro in the Las Vegas Sun reports on Nevada Sen. John Porter, who is holding fast in his support of the war.

SCHIP: States are running out of money for children's health insurance, Faith Bremner reports in the Argus Leader.

APPROPS: Congress and the President fight over spending, report Ellyn Ferguson for Gannett, Sean Reilly in the Mobile Press-Register, Jake Thompson in the Omaha World Herald and Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News; meanwhile, Brian Tumulty looks at the presidential candidates' earmarking ability in the Hudson Journal News.

MINE DISASTER: The owner of a Utah mine in which six workers were trapped in August was subpoenaed to appear before a Senate investigative committee, Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret News.

DRUNK DRIVING: Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette on Montana's drunk driving ranking from MADD.

CODELS: Rep. Zach Space is paying for a CODEL to Greece out of his own pocket after the trip raised questions at home, Ellyn Ferguson reports for Gannett; Ferguson also reports on a border trip that lawmakers said showed a need for more agents.

GAMBLING POLITICS: Lawmakers are pushing the Bush administration to relax laws against Internet gambling, Steve Tetreault reports in the Casino City Times.

FDA: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times reports on the FDA's relationship with the pharmaceutical industry.

LEAD TOYS: Lead tops the reasons for toy recalls, Deborah Barfield Berry reports for Gannett.

DANGEROUS CITY REPORT: Dana Wilkie in the San Diego Union Tribune examines the PC tensions behind a controversial study that found Detroit to be the most dangerous city in the country.

ASTEROID POLITICS: Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News reports on lawmakers' attempt to get funding to study plummeting asteroids.

Excellent Tip

2007-11-16T08:05:00.000-08:00

This just in from Herb Jackson, Bergen Record:

Maybe everyone else knows about it, but just in case, I made a discoverylast night I wanted to share.I was ticked to learn that the PDF versions of the conference reports on theapprops bills had images of the pages, rather than searchable text. Thatmade finding the final amounts for the earmarks for "my" guys tougher. Well,it made it practically impossible because I wasn't going to page thru 185pages of blurry text.But looking at the Transportation-HUD bill last night, I noticed a link onthe bill summary report on Thomas for the text as published in theCongressional Record.To see what I mean, click the link that says "in Congressional Record" fromthis pagehttp://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.03074:Then ask for "printer friendly display."You can either search that page in your web browser for members names'; orwith a little work you can cut and paste the entire table with the earmarklistings into an Excel spreadsheet.

Nov. 16: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Jerry Zremski in the Buffalo News covers last night's Democratic debate in Nevada; and Barack Obama is setting up a field office in Utah, Thomas Burr reports in the Salt Lake Tribune.

LOCAL RACES: An ex-congressman endorses Rep. Julia Carson's grandson for a House seat next year, Maureen Groppe reports in the Indianapolis Star.

APPROPRIATIONS WARS: Noelle Straub reports in the Helena (Montana) Independent Record on a House Republican maneuver to block all earmarks until a special panel holds hearings on the process.

FARM BILL: Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader covers the partisan maneuverings surrounding the Farm Bill.

MORTGAGE MESS: Malia Rulon in the Cincinnati Enquirer covers the House passage of new mortgage regulations.

CLIMATE CHANGE: Western governors are creating a TV ad on climate change, Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News.

ARMY DEATH: Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star reports on the Army's response to the death of a local soldier at an Army treatment facility.

ENERGY CORRIDORS: The Bush administration is proposing energy corridors in 11 Western states, prompting concerns from environmentalists, Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News.

GRANTS & AWARDS: Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune covered the 2007 William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence, granted to Utah's Supreme Court chief justice.

and finally...

PASTRAMI VS. TURKEY: Did Rep. Souder storm out of a Capitol Hill cafe when a worker failed to toast his bread? Check out Sylvia Smith's piece in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette.

Office X-mas Party Locales?

2007-11-15T06:22:00.000-08:00

This request in from Steve Tetreault, Stephens Washington Bureau Chief:

We at the Stephens Media bureau are looking for a fresh place to have our Christmas party, which for a small group of six to eight tends to be a Saturday night dinner at a decent restaurant in or around town.... Any recommendations? A couple of us have been here quite a while, and as we try to find someplace different each year we have gone to most of the obvious places.... We look for places that have a bit of a varied menu ..... and usually try to find someplace that can sit us at a round table ( a tradition)... Any ideas most welcomed.

Steve Tetreault

Nov. 15: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-15T05:49:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Giuliani is planning a $1,000-per-plate luncheon in Bethlehem Township, Pa., Josh Drobnyk reports in the Morning Call.

LOCAL RACES: A New Jersey rabbi plans to challenge Rep. Scott Garrett, Herb Jackson reports in the Bergen Record.

BILLS, HEARINGS & MARK-UPS: Warren Buffett teams up with ranchers to testify on the estate tax in the Senate, Noelle Straub reports in the Billings Gazette and Faith Bremner in the Argus Leader; and American Medical Association testifies against allowing pharmacies to sell behind-the-counter drugs without a doctor's prescription, Nicole Guadiano reports in the Wilmington News Journal.

APPROPS: Bush signs Defense Budget, Leo Shane III reports in Stars and Stripes.

More from Nov. 14...

MEDICARE: Larry Lipman in the Austin American Statesman reports on audit findings that generic drugs are keeping Medicare Part D costs down.

Nov. 14: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: The National Right to Life Committee endorsed Fred Thompson, Bill Theobold reports in the Clarksville (Tenn.) Leaf Chronicle.

APPROPS: Ellyn Ferguson in the Green Bay Press Gazette reports on local money in the Defense and Labor/HHS bills.

HEARINGS, BILLS AND MARK-UPS: Faith Bremner in the Coloradan reports on a hearing into a federal agreement that could lead to designating much of Rocky Mountain National Park as a wilderness area; Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record reports on a hearing that examined ways to stem the shortcomings in the customs and border patrol detection system; and Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record reports on a hearing to boost a Lautenberg bill that would beef up cigarette labeling.

FARM BILL: Sylvia Smith in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette has a commentary piece on Farm Bill subsidies.

More from Nov. 13...

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald profiles Bill Richardson's journey between countries and cultures; and Edward Felker in the Rochester (Minn.) Post Bulletin examines some local congressional races.

FARM BILL: Joseph Morton in the Omaha World Herald reports on the fate of ethanol in the farm bill.

If you use FedSpending.org...

2007-11-13T14:12:00.000-08:00

... you won't want to miss this. (and if you don't use it, you should!)

Sent to us by the folks at OMB watch:
--------------------------------
To mark the one-year anniversary of FedSpending.org's successful launch and celebrate its first exciting year, OMB Watch and the Sunlight Foundation are hosting an informal gathering to announce new features on the website and look to what lies ahead for FedSpending.org.

Come see OMB Watch experts present new FedSpending.org features, such as:
Mapping capabilities
Expandable Summary Page views
Groundbreaking SuperSearch functions
Complete FAADS data from FY 2006

Take a "test drive" of the new features on the site.

Hear about plans for FedSpending.org for 2008, including:
A new Master Search function allowing simultaneous searches of both the contracts and assistance databases
An inflation calculator
Additional "per capita" functions for data displays
Inclusion of additional data sets, such as demographics data, lobbying records, or contractor/grantee misconduct
Continued data updates throughout the year

Celebrate the one-year anniversary of FedSpending.org with OMB Watch and Sunlight Foundation staff, congressional allies, reporters, and colleagues.. A reception will follow the presentation.

Thursday, November 29, 4-6 pmat OMB Watch
2040 S St. NW
Washington, DC 20009

Please RSVP by Monday, Nov. 26 (space is limited)
to Brian Gumm, bgumm@ombwatch.org, (202) 234-8494

Nov. 13: Seriously? You guys found things to write about yesterday? Impressive...

2007-11-13T10:10:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Fred Thompson picks up the National Right to Life endorsement, Bill Theobold reports in the Tennessean.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret Morning News on Utah contractors still waiting for the government to pay them for work on the Grand Canyon for years ago.

FEATURES: Suzanne Struglinski also has a nifty feach on a DEA exhibit on drugged-out mice with roots in Utah; and Sylvia Smith examined in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette the nationwide spike in charitable demand, even as contributions remain stagnant.

And I just noticed this one!

REGOINALS WRITE SPORTS: Aaron Sadler in the Pine Bluff Commercial Appeal spent Sunday at the Eagles-Redskins game and came away with a story on offensive lineman (and Arkansas native!) Shawn Andrews for the Pine Bluff Commercial.

Not seeing your stories?

2007-11-12T07:33:00.001-08:00

Let's figure out why not!

Either e-mail me directly at lisa.friedman@langnews.com

or through RRA at

regionalreporters@gmail.com

Thanks!

Featured Stories

2007-11-12T07:28:00.000-08:00

Check 'em out....

Two interesting pieces from the weekend: Alicia Mundy in the Seattle Times explores the tension between gender and politics in a story about why Washington State's three top Democratic women have not endorsed Hillary Clinton; and Rob Hotkainen in the Kansas City Star has a take-out on the impact in Missouri of the Supreme Court's questioning of lethal injections.

Nov. 12: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-12T06:36:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Hillary Clinton fires back at critics, Jerry Zremski reports in the Buffalo News.

IMMIGRATION: Two top lawmakers declare immigration reform totally, officially dead, Lisa Friedman reports in the Torrance Daily Breeze; and Jake Thompson in the Omaha World Herald explores the immigration law surrounding an 13-year-old boy whose parents brought him to the U.S. illegally and who is unable to reenter the U.S. after being sexually assaulted and kidnapped to Mexico by a teacher.

Nov. 10-11: Regionals in the Weekend News

2007-11-12T06:35:00.000-08:00

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL: Florida doesn't like George Bush anymore according to new polling, Lesley Clark reports in the Miami Herald; Mitt Romney may or may not give a speech about his Mormon faith, Thomas Burr in the Salt Lake Tribune and Suzanne Struglinski in the Deseret News report; Meanwhile, McCain's mother makes some unintelligible slam on Romney's religion, Thomas Burr also reports in the Salt Lake Tribune. Fred Thompson has a plan for Social Security, Bill Theobold reports in the Tennessean; and finally, Aaron Sadler in the Arkansas News Bureau has a profile on Janet Huckabee.

VETERANS DAY STORIES: Aaron Sadler in the Northwest Arkansas Daily News tells the story of Vietnam War soldier whose name was misspelled on the wall, and whose family has been trying for years to get it fixed; and Leo Shane in Stars and Stripes reports on a recent veterans' convention.

AMT: Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record and Jim Myers in the Tulsa World report on alternative minimum tax legislation that passed the House on Friday.

ETHANOL POLITICS: Ellyn Ferguson in the Argus Leader reports on the impact of proposed gasoline legislation on the ethanol industry.

BILLS, MARK-UPS AND HEARINGS: Josh Drobnyk in the Allentown Morning Call reports on legislation requiring private prisons to release the same information as those run by governments.

MONEY STUFF: Utah will get fire grant funding, Suzanne Struglinski reports in the Deseret News; Louisiana just had a $12 billion day, Gerard Shields reports in the Baton Rouge Advocate; and Cincinati will get funding from the Labor/HHS bill, Malia Rulon reports in the Cincinati Enquirer.

Nov. 9: Regionals in Today's News

2007-11-09T14:13:00.000-08:00

STILL MORE WATER: Congress on Thursday successfully overrode President Bush's veto of a the Water Resources Development Act. Lots of states are getting water pork and are very, very happy. Herb Jackson in the Bergen Record; Raju Chebium in the Courier (N.J.) Post; Lesley Clark in the Miami Herald; Maureen Groppe in the Indianapolis Star; Bruce Alpert in the Times-Picayune; Noelle Straub in the Helena Independent Record; Larry Lipman in the Palm Beach Post; and Malia Rulon in the Cincinati Enquirer.

RETIREMENTS: Another Republican - Jim Saxon of New Jersey - announces a retirement, Raju Chebium reports in the Vineland (N.J.) Daily Journal.

VITTER: This story just keeps getting better. Gerard Shields reports in the Baton Rouge Advocate reports that a prostitute who claims Sen. Vitter was a regular client is appearing in Hustler. She says his chief rule was: no perfumes, no body lotions.

BILLS, HEARINGS AND MARK-UPS: The House on Thursday approved a plan to create a federal disaster program, Larry Lipman reports in the Palm Beach Post.

MUSEUM THEFT: Thousands of mementos are missing from the Reagan Presidential Library. Or maybe not. Lisa Friedman in the Los Angeles Daily News.