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From Nieman Reports | Joining digital forces to strengthen local investigative reporting SHOWCASE ‘Our goal is to build online tools that the people can easily use to enhance their ability as watchdogs—whether they are citizens or journalists.’ (From Nieman Reports) 
The 3rd annual award | Craig McCoy of the Inquirer wins the 2010 I.F. Stone Medal SHOWCASE The reporter has exposed injustice and corruption in Philadelphia for almost three decades; he is said to be persistent, able to penetrate the ‘official fog,’ and imbued with a strong sense of civic right and wrong. And all in all, he is said 'to bring to mind I.F. Stone.'
| The Nieman Foundation names its 2011 Fellows SHOWCASE Curator notes ‘extraordinarily diverse backgrounds and interests' as 25 American and international journalists are selected.
Embedded with killers | (Un) Covering the Death Squads in El Salvador SHOWCASE On the 30th anniversary of the brutal assassination of Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero, a veteran reporter looks back at some extraordinary and daring close-in coverage that was spurred by personal anger at the murder of the priest.
Initiatives show amazing results, but who notices? | Bill Gates wants money from Congress COMMENTARY The multi-billionaire testifies on behalf of global health spending, saying vaccines, drugs and innovative approaches are saving millions of lives. It’s a cause that’s not well understood, he says, and not very well covered.
Letter from Kuwait | Iraq’s neighbor to the south continues to play a pivotal role for the American military COMMENTARY Kuwaitis accept the American presence but aren’t exactly comfortable with it. At the same time, unlike almost all other Middle Eastern Arab countries, Kuwait is moving toward democracy. Signs of it include electing women to the National Assembly when as recently as 2004 women couldn’t even vote.
Panel transcript | 'Has the press become, less skeptical, less insurgent?' SHOWCASE A transcript of a panel discussion held Oct. 7 in conjunction with the presentation of the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence.
Panel trancript | 'Has the press become, less skeptical, less insurgent?' (Part two) SHOWCASE A transcript of a panel discussion held Oct. 7 in conjunction with the presentation of the I.F. Stone Medal for Journalistic Independence. (Part two of two.)
Minding Georgia | Why is the U.S. being so provocative toward Russia? ASK THIS Does anyone really think that expanding NATO into Eastern Europe is going to bring out the best in Russia? A former CIA station chief says there's a lot more to the Georgian conflict than meets the eye.
Russia Revisited | Is this the beginning of a major geopolitical conflict? ASK THIS Richard Falk warns that the Russian invasion of Georgia could be the first significant collision between the U.S.’s new global conception of security and the more traditional sphere-of-influence view. And he suggests it's time to consider the adverse consequences of antagonizing Russia.
Toolbox | The History Commons -- an online tool for journalists SHOWCASE Individuals do research to create aggregated, searchable timelines for major events and stories, creating a resource for reporters and editors.
| A tribute to a journalism innovator, and a look at the Internet SHOWCASE On the occasion of the retirement of Phil Meyer, the University of North Carolina's journalism school holds a two-day symposium pondering what the Internet hath wrought.
Multimedia | An online version of 'Bush's War' SHOWCASE In addition to the current two-part, 4-1/2-hour documentary, Frontline has an extensive online component. Among other things, it presents 175 video clips and transcripts of more than 400 interviews.
A gliobal plan | Containment as a basis for national security COMMENTARY Yale scholar and author Ian Shapiro proposes that containment, the strategy designed by George F. Kennan in the 1940s to deal with the Soviet Union, be implemented today to cope with the new challenges of terrorism. He sees it as a way for the U.S. to establish a rational, respected, effective foreign policy.
A gadfly's view | Public diplomacy in a time of choler COMMENTARY Chas Freeman, a former ambassador to Saudi Arabia, writes that we have lost international support not because foreigners hate our values but because they believe we are repudiating them and behaving contrary to them. 'If we can rediscover and reaffirm the identity and values that made our republic so great, we will find much support abroad, including among those in the Muslim world we now wrongly dismiss as enemies rather than friends.'
Databases provided | Tracking the rise of the political consultants SHOWCASE In a helpful bit of journalism, the Center for Public Integrity reports that some 600 political consultants got paid $1.78 billion by candidates for election in 2004. A lot of it went to TV ads—but there was a lot left over, also.
The overseas press | Arab commentators on Bush’s Middle East policies COMMENTARY The phrase ‘Islamic fascists’ draws rebukes. Says one writer: ‘Bush has no idea about Islam; he is unable to make the imaginative leap that would enable him to understand what Islam means, how it is practiced or why it is of such vital importance to people all over the world’
Extra! Extra! | American watchdog reporting roundup SHOWCASE Exposing the hidden history of racial expulsions, questionable policies at the Federal Air Marshal Service and organic food standards
Whose national security? | Hey, hey LBJ, got any secrets to give away? SHOWCASE Personal history: Veteran military affairs reporter George Wilson tells how Lyndon Johnson used classified information for PR purposes, and how, in a secret court session, Wilson thwarted attorneys for Nixon who were trying to block release of the Pentagon Papers.
The long-term image | What about anti-American views after Bush and Iraq? COMMENTARY Murrey Marder, taking a second look at a Watchdog survey of Nieman fellows around the world, finds broad, deep concerns over whether America's image may have become tarnished beyond repair for years to come.
A series of reports | TRAC offers helpful data on immigration SHOWCASE Syracuse University research center is a powerful resource for journalists to define and deal with complicated issues.
Up 43% in 5 years | Hunger, almost eliminated in the 70’s, is now widespread ASK THIS The United States is the only western industrial democracy that lets millions go hungry, including many above the poverty line, and the problem is getting worse. Dr. J. Larry Brown, who runs the Center on Hunger and Poverty at Brandeis, has questions reporters need to ask.
A major transfer point | Guatemala, home of powerful drug runners ASK THIS In an article in the Texas Observer, Frank Smyth tells how the Guatemalan military and U.S.-trained anti-narcotics police have been running drugs and committing violence with impunity for more than a decade. Here he provides some background and links on this seldom-reported story.
Oversight lacking | Imperial presidency, invisible Congress ASK THIS The post-Watergate checks to presidential power have crumbled. Andrew Rudalevige, author of ‘The New Imperial Presidency,’ proposes that reporters ask members of Congress when and if they plan to reassert themselves.
Breathtaking new fortunes | The wealth puzzle: There’s a lot of money someplace, but where? ASK THIS The IRS estimates, from records obtained from credit card companies, that one to two million U.S. citizens have offshore bank accounts. If they are using them to avoid taxes, it’s at least in part because the government encourages them.
Much harshness revealed | Two Web sites help reporters overcome the language barrier SHOWCASE MEMRI translates Arabic, Farsi and Turkish media to English and other languages; 'Watching America' focuses on what the world thinks about the U.S.
Religion and politics | How about looking at the Democrats' 'secular' problem? ASK THIS A poll conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life says that only 29 percent of Americans believe the Democratic Party is 'friendly toward religion.' As Laura Olson notes, that's a good starting point for reporters.
Elections 2006 | Start asking questions now about vote-counting in your area ASK THIS Do the citizens in your area have good reason to be confident that, if they make it into the voting booth, their votes will actually be counted? Don’t wait until the next election is upon us. Here are some important basic questions to which the public deserves answers.
The India relationship | Will President Bush's 'one big idea' turn out to be a bad one? ASK THIS The president’s longstanding desire for closer relations with India led to his dramatic proposal in July to share nuclear technology with India. But Brookings Institution scholar Stephen Cohen thinks reporters should be exploring what the fallout would be in such areas as non-proliferation and relations with China.
A matter of emphasis | Gas prices aren’t at a record high (yet) but health care costs are ASK THIS Increases at the pump make news because they are dramatic but only medical care prices are advancing far beyond the level of inflation, and they are doing so month after month. [Editor's note, Sept. 1: No longer true; gas prices are now at record levels.]
System is getting worse | Government reduces in-prison education even though it helps lower recidivism ASK THIS John Britton offers guidance on a story begging to be reported wherever there’s a prison, or ex-offenders.
'Identifying up' | Yes, there are lots of blue-collar Republicans. But why? ASK THIS Before moving on to the 2006 and 2008 elections, let's understand 2004 a little better. Sociologist Arlie Hochschild has some questions that need to be addressed.
Trade talk | Getting beyond the myths of CAFTA ASK THIS The debate over CAFTA is often framed as being one between the forces of free trade and the forces of protection. But that has little to do with the realities of CAFTA, a complex managed trade agreement that caters to the elites and would doom the workers of Central America to an unacceptable status quo.
View from the ground | On shooting down planes over residential neighborhoods ASK THIS Is the government taking into consideration what might happen on the ground if a plane is shot out of the sky over Washington?
Oversight, out of mind | Why is Congress failing to keep watch? ASK THIS It used to be that the oversight role – the 'informing function' – of Congress was considered even more important than its legislating one. A law professor identifies some areas that beg for increased Congressional vigilance.
Homeland security | A flu pandemic is virtually certain but where's the plan to deal with it? ASK THIS The Department of Homeland Security views a flu pandemic as one of the 12 most deadly scenarios for the U.S. and one that is virtually certain to occur. But a Harvard School of Public Health scientist says the government is doing hardly anything to prevent it or dull the impact.
Gas prices | Where the pain is ASK THIS For some people, stratospheric gas prices are the biggest news story of the year. Here are a few questions that ought to be answered.
The media game | What do leading Republicans have to say about the executive branch's fake news videos? ASK THIS If Bush's allies are critical, then the propaganda charge can't be written off as mere partisan bickering.
'Welcome to Doomsday' | Understanding religious fervor is a key to reporting politics ASK THIS Bill Moyers writes in a New York Review essay on political religion: 'The delusional…has come in from the fringe to influence the seats of power.'
Hunger in America, Part 6 | Reporting on the movement for 'assets development' ASK THIS The press should report on existing programs and new proposals to enable low-income Americans to earn and save their way out of poverty. (Last in a series)
Legacy of Watergate | Would you use the adjective 'heroic' to describe the American news media? COMMENTARY Anthony Lewis on broadcasters who sound like a cheering section, a government that would charge $372,799 for an FOIA request, and a press that, overall, isn’t exactly heroic.
Hunger in America, Part 5 | Wages and their impact on hunger and poverty ASK THIS News organizations should investigate whether soaring executive pay and a stagnant minimum wage may be contributing to poverty in America. (Fifth in a series)
Hunger in America, Part 4 | Reporting on the forgotten issue of welfare reform ASK THIS News organizations should be asking if welfare reform is working at a time of increasing poverty and still-lagging employment. (Fourth in a series)
Hunger in America, Part 3 | Reporting on the link between hunger and obesity ASK THIS The press should be asking whether hunger and food insecurity may, paradoxically, be increasing obesity in America. (Third in a series)
Hunger in America, Part 2 | Reporting on the real views of the 'armies of compassion' ASK THIS News organizations should directly ask the heads of private charities, including those that are faith-based, what they think are the solutions to hunger and poverty in America. (Second in a series)
Hunger in America, Part 1 | Reporting on the 'hidden' issue of domestic hunger ASK THIS News organizations should do a far better job of covering the poverty, hunger, and lack of food security experienced year-round by tens of millions of Americans. (First in a series)
Inaugural address revisited | Identifying the pathways to freedom ASK THIS In the wake of President Bush's inaugural address, Freedom House's research director suggests some questions about the push to promote – and protect— liberty in China and elsewhere.
Questions about liberty | Seriously interested in defeating tyranny? ASK THIS Some basic questions about the U.S.'s inconsistent, and sometimes very supportive, relationships with autocratic regimes in the Middle East.
Next target? | A guide to reporting on relations between the U.S. and Iran ASK THIS News organizations were stung by their pre-Iraq invasion coverage; here are some questions they should be asking about Iran
'U.S. will not ignore oppression' | Bush’s second inaugural address: an idealistic policy or a diversion? ASK THIS Is America embarking on a worldwide anti-tyranny movement, as Bush said, or isn't it? Either way, the press needs to follow up on the president’s lofty rhetoric.
Make it a beat | Important questions about Social Security ASK THIS The press needs to dig beyond the political rhetoric and make sure people understand what's motivating the push for private accounts, and what's at stake.
Bush’s National Guard service | The Boccardi-Thornburgh report leaves some questions unanswered COMMENTARY Phil Meyer writes that the CBS investigative panel focuses more on procedures and less on the story itself, and that it offers at least one promising lead for reporters to pick up on.
House of cards V | The falling dollar, Social Security and foreign debt ASK THIS The last of five questions reporters should be asking about who's lending us all this money, why, and for how long?
A more progressive system | Bush wants to privatize Social Security. Why not just lift the FICA cap? ASK THIS Author William Greider says eliminating the cap is an obvious, fair solution to any long-term problems Social Security may run into. Shouldn't reporters be doing the arithmetic and asking about that?
Regression analysis | Berkeley sociologists say odds are 999 to 1 that electronic machines gave Bush far too many votes in Florida. ASK THIS By itself, switching these votes still wouldn't make Kerry the winner. But it's two presidential elections in a row that appear to have been messed up in Florida. Can the press help avoid a trifecta?
A failed system | Some good reporting now could bring integrity to voting and help make it more tamper-proof ASK THIS Follow the lead of Keith Olbermann and The New York Times editorial page. Go over this year's vote count, and consider making election systems a beat to help bring about reform for next time.
One a month, maybe? | More presidential press conferences, please ASK THIS The White House correspondents missed their first chance to ask Bush to hold more sessions with them.
Available online | Frontline and The Washington Post present 'Rumsfeld's War' SHOWCASE| October 28, 2004 An outstanding report that breaks through the wall of secrecy in the Bush administration.
Buying loyalty, maybe | Senators and House members dole out lots of cash. What's that about? ASK THIS Through so-called "leadership PACs," Tom DeLay, Hillary Clinton and others in Congress raise money and pass it on to colleagues. What do they get in return?
Abdication to cable | Rosenstiel laments the decline of broadcast TV COMMENTARY Media analyst Tom Rosenstiel says network TV is tossing away its prestige and influence, and that its owners act as though they don't even care.
National security | Is nuclear terrorism the ultimate preventable catastrophe? ASK THIS National security expert Graham Allison writes that when it comes to preventing nuclear terrorism, the press should be asking what, if anything,has the Bush administration accomplished — and what needs to be done.
Poverty | Are we better off today than we were – 30 years ago? ASK THIS University of Michigan public policy professor Sheldon Danziger says that reporters writing about the recent income report missed the big picture: We have had a generation in which there was no progress against poverty, even as the rich got richer.
Looking ahead | Questions for a wartime president ASK THIS| August 31, 2004 In a Washington Post op-ed, columnist David Ignatius poses three big questions for the Bush administration.
Politics as farce | Record turnout — more than 100% — looms as a possibility for the Afghan election in October ASK THIS You say that doesn't add up? Can't have more than 100% without the election being rigged? Somebody tell Bush, who's boasting about high voter registration.
My Lai, Tiger Force, etc. | If we have to cover the Swift-boat controversy, let's at least get it right ASK THIS You say there are other, more important campaign issues? Oh.
Campaign finance | How soft money gets dirty in a way no one can trace ASK THIS Some political campaign groups play by the rules, registering their activities with the FEC, the IRS or both, writes freelance journalist Frank Smyth. Others, including ones that run vicious attack ads on TV, may skirt the law — or rely on lack of oversight by the IRS — to find ways of keeping secret the names of their contributors.
The electorate | Is the Culture War a myth? ASK THIS Most Americans stand in the middle of the political landscape, asserts Stanford Professor Morris P. Fiorina. He encourages the media to cast a skeptical eye on the activists – he suggests calling them blowhards - who would tell you otherwise.
Congressional gridlock | Even routine legislation, like the highway bill, is hung up because of partisan rancor ASK THIS How bad is the current political gridlock -- and is there any way out?
For the record | Homeland security questions for state and local candidates ASK THIS Americans are concerned about terrorism but many are skeptical about homeland security warnings. How do local office-seekers weigh in? Whom do they believe and what are they themselves doing? (Fourth in a series)
Fighting Terrorism | Intelligence reform isn't just about the chart ASK THIS Harvard counterterrorism expert Juliette Kayyem writes that when it comes to improving intelligence, the press should be asking less about bureaucratic shuffles and more about basic intelligence-gathering – and whether white guys make the best spies.
Homeland security warning | Ridge raises terror alert for financial institutions ASK THIS| August 01, 2004 Some questions for the business community in the wake of Ridge's new warning (Third in a series on homeland security.)
Election 2004 | A matter of stenography at The New York Times COMMENTARY After the election will The Times have to apologize for some of the reporting it's doing now?
Reporting local plans | Covering homeland security on Main Street ASK THIS Attention has focused on the national issues relating to homeland security, but it's the local and state plans — and news reports — that will most impact readers and viewers. (Second in a series on homeland security.)
Ways around an impasse | Covering the Department of Homeland Security ASK THIS Questions for Department of Homeland Security officers — if you can get them to talk — and for members of Congress. (First in a series on homeland security)
Labor Unions | What are "card checks," and why is the NLRB questioning their legality? ASK THIS| July 01, 2004 Donovan McClure, a union advocate, says membership in labor unions isn't shrinking fast enough for the majority of the National Labor Relations Board.
Privacy and airline travel | Follow the data ASK THIS| June 23, 2004 The government's new "Registered Traveler" pilot program allows the busy airline passenger to trade a lot of privacy for, maybe, a little less airport hassle. Good deal? Marc Rotenberg, head of the Electronic Privacy Information Center, has some questions to consider.
Elections | What about campaign finance at the state level? ASK THIS| June 14, 2004 In Maine and Arizona, candidates for state office now have the option of receiving full public financing for their campaigns, in exchange for voluntarily refusing to raise private money and agreeing to abide by strict spending limits. Shouldn't other states be exploring alternatives to the current system?
Disgrace behind bars | Abu Ghraib aside; where is the reporting on U.S. prisons? ASK THIS| May 21, 2004 America was once a model for humane punishment but not any longer...
Arms Control | Aren't hair-trigger nuclear missiles a target for terrorists? ASK THIS Q. True or false: Since they are no longer enemies, and haven't been for years, the United States and Russia no longer have launch-ready nuclear missiles pointed at each other. Answer: way false, and isn't this worth reporting on every now and then?
Iraq | Missing before the war: Journalism 101 questions COMMENTARY| May 07, 2004 With a few exceptions, tough reporting was nonexistent in the months leading to the invasion
No sound bites | Get candidates to talk seriously about terrorism ASK THIS| April 25, 2004 Terrorism has changed life on this planet. It's time to recognize that, and ask tougher questions
Multimedia | Now on video: Editorial board interviews SHOWCASE| April 11, 2004 Some newspapers have been posting editorial board interviews with political candidates on their Web sites – an excellent multimedia enhancement for people who'd like to follow politics closely.
Ballot fraud? | Will your vote be counted in November? Maybe not. ASK THIS Electronic voting systems may be subject to manipulation. How would you know?
Calling all readers | Wanted: Tough questions for the presidential debates ASK THIS The Internet can make the presidential debates better. NiemanWatchdog.org will make it happen – with your help.
Foreign policy | 10 tough questions for Thursday's debate ASK THIS The first batch of winners in NiemanWatchdog.org's debate-question contest.
Presidential debate | Questions for Bush and Kerry keep coming in (mostly for Bush) ASK THIS "Why are death penalty juries okay but civil case juries flawed?"
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