Page One reflects a country
in mourning and in chaos

By Kate Kennedy

Violence and grief gripped Pakistan after the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, and the news was carried prominently around the world.

“Bhutto slaying plunges Pakistan into turmoil,” the Chicago Tribune said in a banner headline. “Grief and Fury Sweep Pakistan,” The Sun of Baltimore said. The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., highlighted pieces of the story: “Blame game,” “Voting uncertain,” and “Strategy falters.”

U.S. newspapers had most of a day to report for this morning’s front page. They focused on the violent aftermath, the impact on the upcoming Pakistani election and analysis. “Pakistan bleeds,” The Commercial Appeal of Memphis, Tenn., said. “A life gone, a country in chaos,” The Olympian of Olympia, Wash., said.

The Los Angeles Times noted that the killing was decried worldwide. The news appeared on front pages from The Beijing News to Morgunbladid in Reykjavik, Iceland, to The Daily Al Bayan, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Many U.S. front pages looked at the impact on foreign policy. “Killing in Pakistan imperils U.S. work,” the Detroit Free Press said. The Los Angeles Times said: “By focusing on a person, U.S. could lose a region.” The crisis in Pakistan will remain an issue for the next U.S. president. “Viewpoints on foreign policy take on added significance,” The Des Moines (Iowa) Register said from the campaign trail.

Reaction from Pakistanis in the U.S. also was reported. The Detroit News said the assassination was perceived by its Pakistani community as “another act endangering their relatives, threatening to derail democracy and dimming the brightest hopes of generations.” “Pakistanis in Valley stunned, but hopeful,” The Fresno (Calif.) Bee said. “Heartache for Pakistani-Americans Here,” the Valley News in West Lebanon, N.H., said.

Images were important in telling the story. The Miami Herald and The Philadelphia Inquirer used a series of photos to create a timeline. Photos of anguish appeared in The Washington Post and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Pictures of supporters carrying Bhutto’s coffin were used by other newspapers, including The Boston Globe. The Rocky Mountain News in Denver used a photo of Bhutto speaking at a rally minutes before the shooting. Its headline: “Hope takes a bullet.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Conn. paper reports Bhutto assassination

By Patty Rhule

The assassination of Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto — which broke mid-morning on the East Coast — got onto the front page of the Manchester, Conn., Journal Inquirer.

But for most U.S. newspapers, which went to press much earlier, editors were looking back on 2007, with divergent takes on auld lang syne.

The Bakersfield Californian stripped photos of 12 people the Kern County community lost in 2007 across the top of its front page under the headline “Those we lost.” The Kansas City (Mo.) Star took a similar approach, with family snapshots dominating a front page for “These lives touched so many.”

The Salinas Californian’s year in review looked at crime statistics and found “Salinas murders reach 14.”

For a more uplifting look back, the Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald focused on the arts in today’s year-end roundup, with a look at the award-winning documentary producers of “Darius Goes West” about a boy with muscular dystrophy’s adventure.

The Daily Herald, published in suburban Chicago, trumpeted “Ted Cox’s best and worst Web videos of 2007,” urging the reader to “Grab your Tasers and turn to page 15 for the list.” Don’t point that Taser at us, please.

We’ll turn inside to see what The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer touts as “WEIRD STORIES/ The Lighter Side of 2007.”

In South Carolina, Bluffton Today photographer Stephen Berend aims his lens at the reader to highlight his favorite images of the year.

Editors who pushed San Francisco’s killer tiger story inside on Wednesday brought it out front today, with the stunning news, posed by Phoenix’s The Arizona Republic: “Was tiger let out to kill?”

The San Francisco Examiner focused on the 17-year-old mauling victim with “Horror of attack devastates family of tiger’s victim.”

A terrific graphics and story package in the San Jose Mercury News sketched the tiger’s lair and how it had to scale an 18-foot wall to attack the teen, asking “How did the tiger escape?”

The Tampa Bay Times in St. Petersburg, Fla., crowned the late Tatiana “SUPERCAT/ Is it possible tiger leaped over 18-foot wall before killing a teen in San Francisco?”

The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle calmed local residents about the Sedgwick County Zoo with “Tiger exhibit will include extra security.”

Finally, the Seattle Post-Intelligencer led with a powerful photo package to illustrate “A Family Tragedy: 6 Dead, 2 Arrested.”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

News of happy and unhappy returns

By Patty Rhule

In the news, it was the day of returns — to the mall, to holiday tradition, to the campaign trail.

The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser found retailers hoping for a rescue with “Gift cards cause 2nd sales surge.” Abroad, those hopes turned to Boxing Day sales, as Canada’s Calgary Sun predicted a “Shopping Maul.”

The Telegraph in Alton, Ill., led with a photo of a mouth-watering display of pies to illustrate the tradition of feeding neighbors: “Volunteers serve crowd at church, deliver dinners to residents.”

The Fresno Bee’s “Home for the holidays” told of a California soldier, severely injured in Iraq, who made it home to Fresno, with a photo of a sweet kiss from his cousin.

In the Los Angeles Times, “Skid row’s Christmas cheer is on the money” tells of a Los Angeles man dubbed Father Dollar Bill who gives money to people in need.

In Fargo, N.D., The Forum’s “Gift of gag” told of readers’ worst gifts ever. Take heart, reader, if Santa didn’t fulfill your fantasies. It could be worse.

One news story on many front pages was “Loose tiger kills visitor at S.F. zoo,” as The Herald in Monterey, Calif., said it, with a photo of the tiger, Tatiana.

The San Francisco Chronicle added in a subhead, “Animal is shot to death by police — same cat that mauled a zookeeper who was feeding her almost exactly a year ago.”

The Tahoe Daily Tribune told of a local bookstore that was closing, with the story cleverly inserted into the pages of a book.

Speaking of returns, presidential hopefuls are back on trail, and The Des Moines Register wrote of Grundy Center, Iowa, population 2,531, where 13 candidates have visited this season: “A Can’t-Miss Exit Emerges in Race: Grundy Center.”

In journalism news, The Ledger of Lakeland, Fla., told of an award-winning news anchor in the business for three years. And she’s only 9.

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Page One heralds the season

By Kate Kennedy

Those who believe in Santa Claus soon will get the news they’ve been waiting for: Did Santa bring everything on the wish list? We don’t want to spoil the surprise by reporting news from the North Pole. But we’ll look at what readers in other festive locations are finding in the news.

Christmas, Fla., is east of Orlando, where the Sentinel reported that a father’s wish came true when his son returned home from military duty. “Home from Iraq and Afghanistan, Marine thinks of those left behind.” Christmas, Ariz., is southeast of Phoenix, where readers of The Arizona Republic found “One miracle after another on $50 and a prayer.”

The folks in Dasher, Ga., discovered from The Valdosta Daily Times that some presents already had been wrapped. In Oshkosh, southeast of Rudolph, Wis., the Northwestern pictured Santa and his laptop and teased to an online chat “Straight from St. Nicholas.”

With its wintry weather, the Upper Peninsula — home to Christmas, Mich. — can seem like the North Pole. Just to the south, the Press-Gazette of Green Bay, Wis., issued a warning to holiday travelers: “Messiest holiday weather could storm in tonight.” Old Saint Nick was pictured in a travel package on the Springfield News-Leader, helpful news for folks in Noel, Mo.

There were snowflakes on the masthead of the Lexington Herald-Leader, a promising sign for readers in Mistletoe, Ky. Northeast of Snowflake, Ariz., The Daily Times in Farmington, N.M., sang: “Dreaming of a white Christmas.”

Near Santa Claus, Ind., there were smiles on Page One of The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Ky., as students welcome a holiday break. Looks like a parent put together this front page, as the story explained: “Make the most of the break: Activities can keep students’ skills fresh.”

The people of Europe got an early gift — a border-free zone that allows passport-free travel. The “historic moment” brought celebrations, as pictured in Lidove Noviny of Prague, Czech Republic.

Curious about what’s going on at the North Pole? The Anchorage Daily News, south of North Pole, Alaska, heralded: “‘Gift’ program brightens holiday for Anchorage families.”

May your days be merry and all your front pages bright!

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

With Christmas almost here,
the Grinch isn’t far behind

By Gene Mater

If Christmas is around the corner, can the Grinch be far behind? For our out-of-country readers, the Grinch is a cartoon character created in 1957 and known for messing up the holiday season. To some, Grinch is a different way of saying grouch. And that’s the way some U.S. dailies treated Congress in its closing hours before the Washington, D.C., part-timers go home for the holidays.

For example, the lead story in The Arizona Republic in Phoenix carries the headline, “Congress’ Dems see few gains on goals.” Put another way, down at the bottom of Page One of The Wichita Eagle in Kansas readers find this story: “Democrats control Congress, but little has changed.” The Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star is a little softer with “Democrats struggled to meet their goals,” while the Las Vegas Review-Journal squares off “Democrats count ups, downs” while pointing out in the drophead that “Long list of accomplishments doesn’t include war funding.” The New York Sun takes on the situation squarely with the head, “Democrats will start 2008 with low ratings.” The Herald-Sun in Durham, N.C., also leads with the Democrats’ efforts, its headline saying, “Little to show for year in power.” The Philadelphia Inquirer reports to all that “Congress ends session that fell short,” while The Oregonian in Portland notes that “GOP outflanks Democrats again.”

Other dailies reported on earmarks, the supposedly disappearing system of congressional appropriations for pet projects that occasionally are difficult either to explain or justify. The New York Times has a Page One analytical piece reporting, “The earmark bounces back” — almost 9,000 of them in the latest budget package. The Salt Lake Tribune reports on one that supposedly is a mistake with a Page One head about Utah Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch saying that “Earmark tied to son’s client an ‘oversight.’” The Omaha World-Herald reports, “Federal cash will flow to Nebraska,” and the Billings Gazette reports, “Budget carries $111.6M in Montana projects.” The Sun in Baltimore tells readers that “Md. share of earmarks exceeds $200 million.”

The Grinch appears in other ways. The Tri-City Herald in Kennewick, Wash., squares off a story reporting, “Woman insists she’s alive — no really,” about a 76-year-old trying to convince the Social Security folks that she isn’t dead.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Energized Washington acts on spending,
lending and a pending retirement

By Kate Kennedy

A flurry of news comes from the nation’s capital, as officials in Washington rush toward a holiday break.

The president is expected to sign into law today an energy bill that, among other things, raises fuel-efficiency expectations for autos. “Congress accelerates new energy policy,” the Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal said. “Energy bill promises to change how we live,” said The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which illustrated car mileage, renewable fuels and efficient products. “Auto mpg must rise 40 percent,” said the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, which broke out highlights of the bill. Newspapers in the Detroit, the Motor City, have reported on the legislation, but today’s front pages focused on other auto news: “Ford ready to reward its workers” and “GM offers buyouts to 5,200 workers,” the Free Press said.

In an “Impact on America” package, the Amarillo (Texas) Globe-News paired news of the energy bill with new rules on mortgages and lending proposed by the Federal Reserve. “Fed puts skids on dubious lending,” it said. The Chicago Tribune said: “Fed targets risky lending,” while The Seattle Times noted: “Critics say Fed’s plan won’t fix mortgage mess.”

“Senate OKs $70B for war funding,” the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star said. As Congress worked on the budget bill, some newspapers look at projects important in their communities. “Sound, military money survives,” said The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash.

A picture from Washington appeared on front pages in Mississippi, as Trent Lott, the state’s senior U.S. senator, was honored as he ends a 35-year career in elected office. “Session, career drawing to a close,” The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson said.

Shedding light on a problem: Anyone frustrated by putting up holiday lights will find comfort (and joy) in The San Diego Union-Tribune, which explained: “Two UCSD scientists untangle a mystery … on why long strands tend to become knotted.” The reason Christmas lights get tangled: It’s a law of physics.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

N.J. to Calif.: Page One
capitalizes on state news

By Kate Kennedy

From the legislature to the football field, state news led front pages in some parts of the U.S.

In New Jersey, a measure abolishing capital punishment was signed into law. “N.J. may lead U.S. trend with death penalty repeal,” said the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, which included bulleted “Details about the Death Penalty in N.J.” “First state in 42 years to outlaw punishment,” the Burlington County Times in Willingboro said. “8 condemned men to live rest of natural lives in jail,” The Star-Ledger of Newark said about the action that replaces the death sentence with life in prison without parole.

In California, the state assembly took “a big step,” The Sacramento Bee reported after an overhaul of the state’s health-care system was approved. “Health care for all advances,” said The Modesto Bee’s lead headline. The San Jose Mercury News broke out the health plan’s main points and further steps to becoming law. “Many hurdles await plan to cover all Californians,” The San Diego Union-Tribune added.

Kentucky front pages shared details of a state auditor’s report that questioned whether a restructured state Medicaid program saved money. Nebraska front pages looked at the upcoming drop in the state’s gas tax. And Virginia front pages examined the details of the governor’s two-year budget. His “proposal aims high on health care and education,” The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk said. “The battle begins,” said The Roanoke Times, which broke out the numbers.

In Michigan, the “new Mr. Blue” — University of Michigan Coach Rich Rodriguez — was pictured on front pages. “Coal miner’s son seen as gem for U-M football,” The Detroit News said.

Across the states, the post office was the place for photographers to be. Gift-givers loaded with packages to mail were pictured everywhere. “Time’s Running Out!” said the deadline-driven editors at the Sarasota (Fla.) Herald-Tribune who listed the last days to ship. “Post haste,” The Fresno (Calif.) Bee said. And The Dallas Morning News encouraged: “Let it go, let it go, let it go.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Election time is getting closer;
dailies want to tell you about it

By Gene Mater

Many but not all of the dailies on our Web site have decided that not only Christmas but also the election season soon will be upon us.

One expects that in Iowa, where the caucuses are about three weeks away. Indeed, The Gazette in Cedar Rapids squares off a Page One piece headed “Proud to be primary,” while The Des Moines Register leads with “McCain sees resurgence in his run for president.” The Iowa City Press-Citizen offers a piece on how “Romney’s life is his father’s legacy” and the Quad-City Times in Davenport has a story about Ron Paul at the bottom of the page. But when we found the Anchorage Daily News leading with “Candidates look north to Alaska,” we knew that election season must be real.

The Chicago Tribune has a story claiming that “For the Obama campaign, the closer is in the family,” while the Chicago Sun-Times publishes a somewhat unfriendly photo of Barack Obama labeled “The strong, silent types.” The Boston Herald plays up “Mitt’s weep of faith,” about his choking up as he recalls the day “Mormons fully accepted blacks,” and The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., reports that “Iraq gives Edwards little traction in Iowa.” The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald warns that “Presidential pollsters may check lists twice,” noting that “The holiday bustle is likely to disrupt polling efforts and may skew data.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has a story about Obama at the bottom of Page One and The Arizona Republic in Phoenix tells its readers that “McCain seeks spark from newspaper endorsements.”

We looked for a reality check from our friends at The Monitor in McAllen, Texas, and found instead a Page One tease for an inside story about “Barack’s Buddy” in Chicago who drives to Cedar Rapids every weekend to help his friend.

The upcoming election is on Page One of The New York Times and on the other coast on the Los Angeles Times, but the latter newspaper has another Page One story that we’re going to check out. The head says, “Christmas goose is starting to cook,” and it’s about the “classic holiday meal” gaining popularity in the U.S. On our calendar, Christmas comes before the primaries.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Baseball's steroid report:
a home run front-page story

By Emily Hedges

As expected, Thursday's Mitchell report on steroid use in Major League Baseball was full of stars, shocks and storylines. Editors across the country found the findings to be front-page worthy. Some examples:

The Herald (Monterey, Calif.) listed all 85 of the athletes implicated in the report by name, cleverly, in the shape of "85." Long Island's Newsday showed a picture of each player named in the report. The Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minn.) showed the severity of the report another way, by picking one star from each position and showcasing them on a baseball diamond as a sort of steroids all-star team under the headline, "Say It Ain't So."

The OC Post from Santa Ana, Calif., showed old baseball cards with pictures of some of the named players with the headline "Fallen Stars."

Los Angeles's Daily News said the report "Exposes Major League Baseball's Dopes." RedEye from Chicago had a front-page illustration of a baseball being injected several times — presumably with steroids.

The Hyannis, Mass., Cape Cod Times called the report a "Cheat Sheet," while The Record (Hackensack, N.J.) called it "A shot of truth."

Some papers localized the story. The Examiner in Washington, D.C., said "Five Nats, 17 Orioles listed in steroid probe."

So, what's next? The Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.) quoted MLB Commissioner Bud Selig in its headline: "'I will take action,' Selig vows." The Tyler (Texas) Morning Telegraph said, "You're Out! And Exposed." The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel gave us the final score, "Drugs: 85, baseball: 0."

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Winter wonderlands, other weather
make picture-perfect front-page news

By Emily Hedges

Weather — its ever-changing face and the difficulties it brings — has always been news. Today, many editors chose to feature weather-related pictures on their front pages.

Birds are headed south for warmer weather for the winter — if they haven't already made the trip. In Alaska, they are stopping to feed on snow-frosted berries, as pictured in today's Anchorage Daily News, before they migrate to the Pacific Northwest.

Alaska isn't the only place with wintry weather, however. The ice storms in the Midwest have left many people feeling "Powerless" — literally and figuratively — according to The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. This front page and that of the Hannibal (Mo.) Courier-Post showed pictures of downed trees, and the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star showed men cutting down icy limbs that were lying on power lines. Even as far away as Charleston, W.Va., photos of the "Killer ice storm" dominated the front page of The Charleston Gazette.

In San Diego, the Union-Tribune reminisced about the day it snowed in San Diego, 40 years ago today, with a picture of a California snowman.

Elsewhere, it wasn't snowy weather captured in the front-page snapshots. In Tucson, Ariz., it's fog that captured the front page. A picture of fog settling in the valley with the mountains behind graced the front page of the Arizona Daily Star. The Daily Times (Salisbury, Md.) showed a picture of a man fishing in the ocean thanks to the "Spring-like weather."

In the Caribbean, Tropical Storm Olga wreaked havoc, as shown in front-page pictures from El Nuevo Herald (Miami, Fla.) and the Dominican Republic's El Caribe.

No weather story would be complete without mentioning global warming. Jacksonville's The Florida Times-Union and the Times Union of Albany, N.Y., showed pictures of and discussed the "Alarm over Arctic melt."

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Photos tell 1,000 stories

By Patty Rhule

A bombing linked to al-Qaida in Algeria was the big international news story of the day, but many U.S. editors downplayed it for local news and feature stories.

“Algeria’s 12/11: Al-Qaida bombers kill 26, hurt 177” said Tucson’s Arizona Daily Star, and the Stars and Stripes likewise played the story big.

But on a local level, editors employed some smashing photos to illustrate other stories:

• The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo., used a stark scene to follow up Sunday’s church shooting: “Gunman killed by his own bullet.”
  
  
• Waterbury, Conn.’s Republican-American used a poignant photo of a man caring for his dying mother for “Activist brings mother home.”
  
  
• A dramatic Arctic-scape by the Associated Press illustrates the Tampa Bay Times’ “CHILLING/The Arctic’s ice is vanishing at a much faster rate than even Al Gore told us.”
  
  
• At the other end of the globe, the Chicago Sun-Times featured rugged-looking “Dinosaur hunters’ amazing search for new beast at the end of the earth.”
  
  
• The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World has icicles dripping from the nameplate to illustrate “Storm ices Midwest.”
  
  
• In Nebraska, the Lincoln Journal Star took a similar approach, but below it was a lovely view through icicles of a woman and her horse in “Ire & Ice.”
  
  
• The Des Moines Register used a trio of photos that deftly told “70,000 lose power in storm.”
  
  
• A photographer for California’s Santa Barbara News-Press was surf-side when “Passer-by saves man from ocean.”
  
  
• A steely-eyed soldier “Lying in wait” for insurgents in Iraq commands attention in the Stars and Stripes — Mid-East edition, published in Washington, D.C.

On a much lighter side, The Orange County Register in Santa Ana, Calif., reports “Fat & Jolly/Santa’s high-tech operation results in sedentary lifestyle.” Who knew?

Patty Rhule is a project editor for the Newseum.

Snow and ice make Page One news
for dailies in areas hit by storm

By Gene Mater

We’ve said it before but it bears repeating. In words possibly wrongly attributed to Mark Twain, “everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it.” Newspapers in the area of the U.S. hit by a fierce ice storm can’t do anything about the weather except report it. So did some other dailies. Indeed, we’re down in the number of front pages today, perhaps attributable to the weather in various places.

For the Tulsa World in Oklahoma, literally all of Page One is about the snow and ice that seems to have crippled the area. “Power out in much of Tulsa” is the banner head but other heads also tell the story: “Storm linked to 14 state deaths, 2 here,” “3 hospitals forced to rely on emergency generators,” “Ice storm cripples airport” plus three photos for the readers. The Oregonian in Portland relies on a large photo with the head “Storm freezes roads from southern plains to northeast.” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette also offers a Page One picture and the head “Oklahoma under ice” while The Daily Times in Farmington, N.M., has a story telling its readers that “Colorado ski resorts get flooded with snow” and The Truth in Elkhart, Ind., has a Page One photo and the warning that “Slick coating upsets everyone’s routine,” with some tips about walking on ice. For other dailies, warnings of things to come made Page One. The Northwest Herald in Crystal Lake, Ill., reports “County braces for ice” and the Kane County Chronicle in Geneva, Ill., tells us “Area crews ready for ice.” The Times Herald-Record up in Middletown, N.Y., focused on weather-past and weather-to-come with a banner head warning that “Summer flood victims face long, cold winter.”

The Forum in Fargo, N.D., decided to make different use of a wintry Page One, asking eight youngsters how Santa Claus manages to travel to so many places so fast. Some of the children focused the swiftness of the reindeer, but Austin Goble, age 6, said it best and said it right with his answer: “Christmas magic.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Colorado killings, politicking Oprah
rate unequal Page One treatment

By Gene Mater

We thought we would check out two stories that attracted national television interest and coverage during the weekend, to see how local dailies handled the news. Neither made Page One of The Washington Post, while The New York Times teased the first one with a story inside.

In the first story, shootings at two Colorado church institutions resulted in several deaths. For the Rocky Mountain News in Denver it was a “Sabbath of sorrow” under an almost full-Page One photo of two women as they “await calls from loved ones,” while The Denver Post bannered “Attacks may be linked.” The story rated below-the-fold coverage with AP stories in the Greeley (Colo.) Tribune and in the Daily Camera in Boulder, Colo. However, in faraway Alaska the Anchorage Daily News localized the story with a Page One banner reporting, “Gunman kills Alaskan at Colorado youth mission.”

The other story was Oprah Winfrey’s campaigning for and with would-be president Barack Obama, first in Iowa and then in New Hampshire. For two of the three Iowa dailies on our Web site, the visit is strictly past tense with no Page One follow in either The Des Moines Register or the Quad-City Times in Davenport. However, The Gazette in Cedar Rapids says farewell with a lead story from New Hampshire telling all that “Oprah, Obama hit the road.” And what about the pair in New Hampshire? Well, the Union Leader in Manchester gives over much of Page One to what it refers to as “The power of O,” noting that “Talk show superstar wows NH,” whereas The Telegraph in Nashua settles for a two-column head down below, noting, “Oprah helps fire up crowds for Obama.” The Valley News in West Lebanon uses numbers: “8,500 see Obama, Winfrey in Manchester.” The Conway Daily Sun in North Conway takes a Page One pass and ignores the story.

But for us the Boston Herald gets the prize for telling its readers that “Winfrey wows ‘em in bid to boost whatshisname,” adding for emphasis that “Thousands swoon at N.H. rally,” and suggesting that you turn to page 7 for details if you really care.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Interrogation videos top metros;
faith speech interpreted differently

By Kate Kennedy

At a time when the interrogation and detention of terror suspects are being debated, major U.S. newspapers reported today that the “CIA Destroyed Videos Showing Interrogations.”

The Washington Post called the disclosures “startling.” “Videos Weren’t Provided to a 9/11 Panel or Court During Terrorism Trial,” The New York Times said. The Los Angeles Times added context: “Critics say the action hampers efforts to hold agents accountable for the use of harsh tactics on terrorism suspects.” The Chicago Tribune pictured an al-Qaida suspect who appeared on one of the tapes.

On the campaign trail, GOP candidate Mitt Romney spoke about faith as he tries to become the first Mormon president. “Candidate says beliefs would help, not hurt,” said The Eagle of Bryan-College Station, Texas, where Romney spoke at the George Bush Presidential Library. “Romney vows a balance on religion,” The Boston Globe said. “Romney speech champions ‘Symphony of faith,’” the Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City, Utah, said. Its coverage included an essay by a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is headquartered in Utah. From the Bible Belt, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock said: “Romney tackles concerns about his faith.”

A day after a teenage gunman killed eight at a shopping mall in Nebraska, the Omaha World-Herald featured “The eight lives taken.” The paper devoted its front page to the shooting, including an essay by a police officer who was among the first to arrive at the mall. The Lincoln Journal Star pictured a memorial service: “Hurting, mourning, remembering.”

Today is Dec. 7, the 66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, and the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle honored “The last 5” — five living Cheyenne veterans. The Honolulu Advertiser and The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City detail today’s dedication of the USS Oklahoma Memorial in Hawaii. “429 who died on Dec. 7 finally get their memorial,” The Advertiser said. The Oklahoman’s front page offered historical background — the ship “suffered the second-highest loss of life at Pearl Harbor” — and referred to Web coverage of the dedication.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Massacre at the mall brings
holiday horror to Midwest

By Kate Kennedy

A holiday ritual — shopping for gifts — was shattered in the heartland Wednesday as a young gunman opened fire in a busy mall. “Deathly chill grips Omaha at its heart,” the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald said.

The newspaper paired a story summarizing the events with a profile of the young man who killed himself after shooting eight people. The newspaper’s lead headline was a quote that illustrated the city’s disbelief: “‘It happened to us.’”

Just an hour earlier, President Bush was in Omaha for a fundraiser and tour of a health clinic. The newspaper provided extensive Web coverage of the visit, but the mall shooting filled the printed page.

With news of the shooting breaking in the afternoon, this morning’s front pages sought to offer details. The gunman “had been fired from his job at McDonald’s,” the World-Herald said. “Shooter with troubled past called ‘a good kid,’” the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star reported. "Rifle used, 19-year-old left suicide note," the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader said. “Mall killer sought notoriety,” The Indianapolis Star said.

Photos helped tell the story. “Rifleman on Rampage Shoots Down Shoppers," The Kansas City (Mo.) Star said in a reverse headline. It displayed a photo of shoppers — arms raised in the air — leaving an upscale department store. A photo of a department store employee being comforted by her daughter appeared in The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle. Those and other photos of shocked shoppers appeared on many U.S. front pages. The Daily News of New York chose a photo of the wounded and said: "Massacre at the Mall."

In nearby states, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch broke out key events. The Denver Post printed a World-Herald story and referred to its own Web coverage of the gunman’s past. The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, used maps to locate the mall and shooting scene.

Today’s other big story: A deal to freeze interest rates for homeowners troubled by adjustable mortgages will be announced today. The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk used a percentage sign, a for-sale sign and dollar signs to illustrate the story.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

The report about Iran and the bomb
may be good news, but then again...

By Gene Mater

This is the day when the U.S. editors responsible for Page One had much to ponder. The latest official intelligence estimate of the Iranian nuclear situation reports that Tehran stopped its secret nuclear-weapons development program back in 2003, leaving some to ponder the old question of "what's to worry?". But then President Bush warns that Iran still is a threat and points out that Iran can restart that nuclear-weapons program as swiftly and as secretly as before. What to do? For many editors, the president trumps the possibly cheerful outlook.

The New York Times leads with "Bush Insists Iran Remains a Threat Despite Arms Data" and that's the way many other newspapers played the story. The Anniston (Ala.) Star tells its readers "Bush unmoved by report on Iran's nuclear program"; the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in Little Rock says, "Report on Iran 'a warning signal,' Bush insists"; the Los Angeles Times leads with "Iran is still dangerous, Bush warns"; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution notes that "Bush won't alter U.S. policy" and the Chicago Tribune leads with "Bush says Iran still a threat."

For many other dailies, the unchanged Bush position and his warning is still the Page One story, as it is in The Dallas Morning News, The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., The Kansas City (Mo.) Star and the Las Vegas Review-Journal.

Some dailies took a different approach. For The Providence (R.I.) Journal, it's "Sharp shift over Iran raises serious questions." The Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald says that "Bombshell report guts U.S. credibility on Iran," while The Miami Herald leads with "Bush tries to salvage Iran policy." The Hartford (Conn.) Courant squares off "Behind the Iran bombshell," and The Christian Science Monitor from Boston leads with "Pressure lifts to move against Iran."

However, The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa., has a Page One question that its readers and others may be asking: "Is intelligence credible, or is the president?" Perhaps there is no correct answer. Just keep reading your daily newspaper.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant

Winter storms onto Page One with
drenching rain, measurable snow

By Kate Kennedy

Winter arrived early on the U.S. coasts, and the front page became a weather report.

Record-breaking rain and hurricane-force winds brought flooding — "Liquid misery" — to western Washington state, where the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, The Seattle Times and the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton printed rescue photos that spanned the width of their pages.

"Wet, miserable and braced for more," The News Tribune of Tacoma said. The Olympian listed rain totals, road closures and the forecast. Many newspapers promoted up-to-the-minute details available on their Web sites.

Oregon was "Coping with a tide of trouble," the Statesman Journal of Salem said. "Governor calls state of emergency as power, roads cut," The Oregonian of Portland said.

In contrast, the Valley News of West Lebanon, N.H., pictured a peaceful winter wonderland as the Northeast got its first significant snowfall. The Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle labeled its coverage "Winter Survival Guide" with separate stories on "Tricky Travel" and "Winter Gadgets."

Across the U.S., news that Iran stopped its nuclear program in 2003 made many front pages. "National Intelligence Estimate: Iran Halted Nuclear Work," The Philadelphia Inquirer said. The Dallas Morning News bulleted key findings of the report from the intelligence community, The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville shared the news in a Q&A, and The New York Times paired conflicting findings from 2005 and 2007 reports. "US spies give shock verdict on Iran threat," The Guardian of London said. "A Blow to Bush's Tehran Policy," The Washington Post said in an analysis.

In a dramatic display, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times lined up photos of a local singer in a what-happened-to piece. "How did she go from 'Idol' to this?" the Times asked about a 2005 American Idol contestant who went from being a celebrity to being arrested.

How do you make sense of the national debt? The Atlanta Journal-Constitution put it in terms every man, woman and child in the U.S. could understand.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Two elections with different results
make Page One news all over

By Gene Mater

Two would-be leaders-for-life faced the voters of their respective countries yesterday and were Page One news today. Blustery Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who last made these columns on Nov. 12 when the King of Spain suggested that he "shut up," was told to do so by his countrymen. Russian voters asked their President Vladimir Putin to stick around, although he gave no indication of what he will be doing when his presidential term ends next spring.

For many U.S. dailies, Chavez – closer to home and threatening to cut off the supply of oil – was big news. The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson combines the two elections in one headline: "Putin prevails; Chavez bid to boost power fails." In Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News leads with "Venezuela rejects power bid by Chavez," while the Los Angeles Times tells its Page One readers that "Venezuelan voters reject bid by Chavez to extend powers" and offers a photo and a caption beginning with "Putin gets a strong mandate." The Miami Herald has a bold Page One head telling all in capital letters that "Voters say no to Chavez bid." Chicago Tribune leads with "Chavez bid to boost power fails," while The Boston Globe reports that "Venezuelans rebuff Chavez." The New York Times leads with the Venezuela story and has Russia as the off-lead, echoing the question of many with the head "Party's triumph raises question of Putin's plans." South American dailies, including La Hora in Quito, Ecuador, and Vanguardia Liberal in Bucaramanga, Colombia, like the sound of "Venezuela says NO."

European newspapers played up the Putin story while wondering what it means. For the International Herald Tribune in Paris the off-lead is a news analysis with the head "A Putin landslide and a big question." A drop head asks "Next year, who will be in charge?" while adding that "Vote ushers in a period of instability." Putin is big on Page One of Die Presse in Vienna, Austria, Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin, Le Monde in Paris and SME in Bratislava, Slovakia. But, since questions have been raised about the honesty of the Russian voting, today's prize goes to The Guardian in London for its headline claiming that "Intimidation and dirty tricks help Putin to massive landslide."

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Front pages address giving
thanks and giving back

By Emily Hedges

Although many editors included a front-page story about the link between working late nights and cancer ("It may really be graveyard shift" said The Atlanta Journal-Constitution,) no one story captured front pages across the country. So, on this last day of November, the month of Thanksgiving, we thought we would focus on stories of giving: giving back and giving thanks.

Giving clothes — and fashionable ones, too — to underprivileged children is the goal of Scroll and Fan, "A Stealthy Charity" according to the Greeley (Colo.) Tribune. They are "Giving something back" in Kokomo, Ind., too. The local Kokomo Tribuneem had a story about the local Goodfellows organization that is also collecting clothes for kids.

The State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., included a prominent front-page photo of volunteers filling care packages for troops as part of Operation Christmas Spirit. "Lasting Gratitude" was The Indianapolis Star's front-page headline about American World War II veterans receiving recognition from France. The Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine told the story of a local woman who creates quilts for injured U.S. soldiers.

In Pittsburg, Kan., the Morning Sun reported on a ceremony remembering troops and deceased loved ones by dedicating Christmas trees in the local mall. The Daily Press in Hampton Roads, Va., told of giving back "To those who've lost so much." The Snowball Express, an organization that gives trips to Disneyland to soldier's widows and children, made a stop in Norfolk, Va., to pick up a family there.

The Post-Standard in Syracuse, N.Y., reminded us that we can help the needy all over the world by telling the story of a missionary (who was ordained in Syracuse) who is helping AIDS patients in Thailand. University of Mary Washington students are helping solve the world's problems by finding solutions to indoor air pollution problems created by cooking indoors without proper ventilation through an organization called Students Helping Honduras, according to The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Va.

Yet, the world could always use some more help. The Hannibal (Mo.) Courier-Post was trying to remind people to give back. They ran the story of a Hannibal meal site for the aging that will have to shut its doors if it doesn't get donations.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Republican debate in Fla. gets
editors’ vote for Page One

By Kate Kennedy

Accurate or inaccurate? Trivial or significant? A majority of respondents in Harvard's National Leadership Index said they don't trust press coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign. In a September survey, Americans called coverage biased and too focused on trivial issues.

GOP presidential candidates debated last night in Florida. How did newspapers cover the debate and other campaign news? Let's take a look.

The CNN/YouTube debate dominated the front page of the St. Petersburg Times. It pictured Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani, whose exchanges over immigration led the main story. "Low moments aplenty, and nary a champion," said the headline on a secondary piece by the Times' political editor. The Tampa Tribune devoted one column to the story: "Attacks heat up at GOP debate."

"Political fists fly in GOP debate," The Arizona Republic in Phoenix said. "Sparks" and "fireworks" were descriptors other newspapers used. "GOP debate turns volatile," The Boston Globe said.

The Seattle Times focused on former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: "Jabs at Huckabee throw him firmly into GOP fray." The Los Angeles Times concentrated on the debate format: "Public inspires intense debate."

Newsday on Long Island followed up on a Politico.com report about Giuliani's mayoral expenses: "Hamptons $huffle." "Giuliani trips billed to obscure agencies," the New Hampshire Union Leader in Manchester said. The Des Moines (Iowa) Register highlighted a response: "Giuliani discounts report about security expenses."

Democrats were not forgotten. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on another kind of debate: "Should I vote for Obama because of my race … or vote for Clinton because of my gender?" The Washington Post looked at Internet rumors alleging that Sen. Barack Obama is a "Muslim plant." And the Detroit Free Press examined political donations by the auto industry and found "Detroit 3 swing support to Dems."

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Positive news from peace summit
can’t shake decades of conflict

By Kate Kennedy

Israeli and Palestinian leaders agreed to renew peace talks, but ghosts of talks past infiltrated newspaper headlines.

“Olmert, Abbas agree to aim for comprehensive settlement by end of next year,” The Sun of Baltimore said in a package about the U.S.-sponsored conference held in nearby Annapolis, Md. Haaretz in Tel-Aviv, Israel, broke out quotes from the Israeli prime minister and Palestinian president.

Regional newspapers in the U.S. offered analysis. “New hope, old wariness,” the Los Angeles Times said. “Ambitious goals meet Mideast’s troubled past,” said The Indianapolis Star. “Past demons could haunt peace talks,” The Detroit News said. “Mideast talks haunted by century of animosity,” The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., said. USA TODAY and the Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, paired a picture from Annapolis with a photo from past peace talks.

In Washington Redskins territory, news of the death of safety Sean Taylor made Page One. The Washington Post, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk and The Free Lance-Star in Fredericksburg, Va., pictured grieving fans. “After Desperate Attempt to Save a Life, A Struggle to Understand Its Violent End,” the Post said. Taylor was shot while at home in Florida, where The Miami Herald said: “Police seek mysterious intruder.”

The end of November brings the end of the hurricane season, and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale dubbed this year’s season — one in which no hurricanes hit Florida — as “Our kind of hurricane season.” The newspaper added: “Forecasters worry we might become too complacent” and asked in an online poll: “Do you pay attention to hurricane forecasts?”

News from Nordstrom hit a chord with The Oregonian in Portland, which reported that the retailer is abandoning its live pianists in favor of canned music. A sour note? Maybe, but the newspaper said: “The higher-end retail chain says customers seem to prefer piped-in music.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

International talks about Palestine
rate Page One coverage today

By Gene Mater

American efforts to broker the establishment of a Palestinian state is Page One news here, there and places in between as the 40-nation talks start today in Annapolis, Md.

For The New York Times, the news is in the analysis of what is happening, and that’s the lead story, clearly labeled “news analysis,” and claiming that “Bush Is Offering a Nudge, Not a Shove, to Start Off Wide-Ranging Peace Talks.” The Washington Post leads with “Restrained Optimism for Mideast Peace Talks,” even as The Philadelphia Inquirer reports “Caution, hope on Mideast summit.” Chicago Tribune squares off “Bush makes late peace push,” and the Los Angeles Times offers a straight “Mideast delegates convene.”

What about the region where peace may be good but also is controversial? Haaretz in Tel Aviv, Israel, banners “Bush to call for two nation states,” with the drop head noting that “Tehran feels alone in region” as the major non-invitee to the talks.” The Jerusalem Post in Israel leads with a claim that the Palestinian Authority “must control Gaza before getting a state,” touching on a controversial aspect of the talks, the divided rule in Palestine, and an off-lead story reporting the Russians expect to host a post-Annapolis summit. The conference makes for the lead story in the English-language Iran Daily in Tehran with a warning about “No Compromise on Values.” Gulf News in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates leads with “Bush embarks on final push for Mideast peace,” while An-Naher in Beirut, Lebanon, has a Page One photo and story as does Essahafa in Tunis, Tunisia.

Moving up to Europe, Suddeutsche Zeitung in Munich, Germany, takes an optimistic approach with a story and the head “Peace signals in Annapolis.” Corriere Della Sera in Milan, Italy, has a photo of a woman blowing the traditional ram’s horn and a head reporting “Bush and the peace talks; they are optimistic.” Le Monde in Paris also plays the story on Page One, while The Guardian in London reports a “Frantic bid to bridge Middle East divide.”

No one knows what the outcome will be, but the world’s newspapers will be watching and reporting.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Holiday shopping:
Big spending = big story

By Emily Hedges

With the Thanksgiving holiday and its bellyful of turkey and stuffing squarely behind us, it's the time of year when one singular focus dominates in the U.S.: holiday shopping! As Link (Hampton Roads, Va.) put it, "Let the shopping season begin."

Although Black Friday was three days ago, retailers are just getting back the numbers on the first big shopping weekend of the year. Spending news was good all around. The Hattiesburg (Miss.) American's front page said, "Holiday shopping revives." The headline of the Herald Times Reporter (Manitowoc, Wis.) read, "Retailers report solid holiday shopping sales," but cautioned readers that "Shoppers need to keep buying for season to be a success."

Can't decide what to get for your loved ones? The Tampa Bay Times (St. Petersburg, Fla.) had some "Great gizmos" suggestions on the front page. If you have no ideas whatsoever, you could buy the gifts mentioned in the song "The 12 Days of Christmas." Unfortunately, they will set you back $78,100 according to The Times-Tribune of Scranton, Pa.

Not all shopping news is good news. Many think that, in spite of a strong start, financial woes will curb holiday spending this year. San Bernardino, Calif.'s The Sun asked, "On a budget?" and said, "Consumer concerns may slow season." After the numerous recalls this year, "Toy worries have parents shopping with care" according to The Greenville (S.C.) News.

These days, many of us prefer to shop on our lunch hours or in our pajamas rather than getting up in the wee hours of the morning on Black Friday. For these lazy souls, the Pocono Record (Stroudsburg, Pa.) suggested, "Cyber Monday a stay-at-home option to Black Friday burnout." Cyber Monday, which is today, is the day that online holiday sales start jumping and "E-tailers holiday season begins," according to the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser. "Shop in Peace," suggested The Gadsden (Ala.) Times. The Erie (Pa.) Times-News called Cyber Monday shopping "Clickety-split sales." Just be careful, as Nashville's The Tennessean warned: "Online shoppers risk Web of deceit" as scams and fake ads abound on the Net.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Stem cells join front pages
stuffed with holiday news

By Patty Rhule

A major medical breakthrough on stem cells joined holiday travel, movie and eating stories on Thanksgiving eve front pages.

• “Scientists bypass need for embryo to get stem cells” is how New York Times editors led the front page.
  
  
• The Biloxi, Miss., Sun Herald asked “Is stem cell debate over?” with a photo of a stem cell.
  
  
• Not likely, said The Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal, which had a sidebar to its lead story headlined: “Stem-cell debate is not over, some say.”
  
  
• The Santa Fe New Mexican added the political angle: “Stem-cell discovery may reshape debate/White House says breakthrough vindicates Bush’s opposition to embryo cell research.”
  
  
• The Lima (Ohio) News took it one step further: “New findings could be election plus for Bush, anti-abortion allies.”
  
  
• The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., added a smart Q&A box that put the breakthrough in perspective.

But for many readers, thoughts were on Thanksgiving. The Intelligencer in Doylestown, Pa., offered a hard-to-miss photo graphic on Thanksgiving by the numbers. Bottom line: You’ll eat 3,000 calories and spend more time with the tube than talking to grandma.

Cautionary note: It is unlikely pop star Fergie eats that much, if you look at the taut tummy she shows off in Brazil’s Amazônia Hoje.

In Hampton Roads, Va., Link editors created a photo illustration of a turkey made of football pigskin, complete with stuffing. An arresting image, but it reminded us of leather-tough birds we’ve cooked.

For those who will head to the mall once they are through digesting, Stroudsburg, Pa.’s Pocono Record offered parents graphic front-page help on shopping for game systems.

The St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press got to the point, urging: “See a Wii? A Zune? Better grab it.”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Health, crime news by the
numbers; 60 is magical

By Kate Kennedy

Statistics are in the news, and today’s newspapers try to make sense of the numbers.

Heart deaths down overall: But The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post noted that more women under 45 are dying of heart disease “perhaps due to obesity.” “Startling find in heart disease study,” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer said.

World AIDS numbers off: “U.N. steeply lowers AIDS estimates,” the Los Angeles Times said. “The number of HIV cases … is cut to 33 million,” The Philadelphia Inquirer said.

Hate crimes up: “FBI reports 8% rise in hate crimes,” The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said. The Honolulu Advertiser localized the story: “Number low compared to other states, but still a significant increase.”

Beer sales stale: The Daily Telegraph in London noted that beer sales in Britain are at their lowest level in almost 40 years and a tax fight is brewing.

“Well, why can’t we?” The Times-Picayune in New Orleans asked after the city was rejected as a site for a 2008 presidential debate. “Panel determines N.O. is not ready to host,” said the newspaper, which countered with photos and stats to prove otherwise. Oxford, Miss., was chosen for the first debate on Sept. 26, and The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson reported the details from Ole Miss.

A photo from Bangladesh, which experienced its worst cyclone in a decade, brought heartache to the front page of newspapers including USA TODAY, the Chicago Tribune and The Globe and Mail in Toronto. More than 3,000 have been reported killed.

There were photos and heartfelt congratulations in Europe, as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth and her husband, Prince Philip, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Die Welt in Hamburg, Germany, showed the couple on their diamond anniversary, and Lidové Noviny in Prague, Czech Republic, pictured the couple in 1947 and today.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Thanksgiving themes top front pages

By Patty Rhule

In a holiday week that started with some grim news — a deadly cyclone in Bangladesh and three children killed in Baghdad — editors found stories to remind readers about the spirit of Thanksgiving.

The OC Post in Santa Ana, Calif., focused on the hungry with “WANTED: Donations to food banks have slumped statewide.” The Valdosta (Ga.) Daily Times introduced readers to their neighbors with its “At Random” interview feature. The Times in Shreveport, La., had an arresting photo of a jaundiced 9-month-old boy awaiting a liver and intestinal transplant. Price tag: $1 million. A sidebar told readers how they could help.

The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune combined two Thanksgiving themes with a photo illustration of a plate and a plane headlined: “Travel plans on your plate?” The Denver Post had a witty front-page cartoon to advise how readers can avoid jiggling “like Aunt Sally’s famous Jell-O mold” this holiday. And The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee told us: “Thanks is good therapy/Being grateful brings emotional, physical benefits, experts find.”

Amid the holiday themes were worldly worries. Colorado’s Aurora Sentinel used a powerful AP photo of a child wedged between collapsed pieces of a corrugated-metal house in Bangladesh to illustrate “Cyclone toll tops 2,300.” And an AP special report about child abuse risks in single-parent households caught many editors’ interest, including The (Stockton, Calif.) Record and Ventura County (Calif.) Star: “Case workers link risk of abuse to 1-parent homes.”

For those of us feeling all Al Gore-ish for recycling old computer parts, the Tampa Bay Times in St. Petersburg, Fla., didn’t sugarcoat it: “Recycling: A Big Lie.” Or as the Torrance, Calif., Daily Breeze put it: “You may think you’re doing some good by recycling old electronics but are you really HURTING THE EARTH?”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

President Bush clears the air;
Barry Bonds's legal affair

By Emily Hedges

With Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday season less than a week away, one thing is on many people's minds: traveling. Planes, trains and automobiles, oh my! But which is the best way to travel?

President Bush made flying seem like a viable option again yesterday, revealing a plan to open up some military airspace along the East Coast to ease congestion. The Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel called this space "Rare Air," but The Kansas City Star's Scrooge-esque headline "Long lines, flight delays likely" seemed pessimistic about the plan’s effect. The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel gave us "The Plane Truth" in a front-page article about the overcrowded skies.

Driving is always an option, but are rising gas prices a deterrent? No, said the News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tenn., with the headline, "Have fuel, will travel (price no object)." However you decide to go, The Indianapolis Star warned, "Check Your Plans, Cross Your Fingers" in its Thanksgiving travel guide, and Cleveland's Plain Dealer suggested travelers "Be sure to pack some patience for your journey," in their "Holiday travel turbulence" story.

The big national story today was the story of baseball star Barry Bonds's indictment on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice. The Daily News of Los Angeles quipped, "Homer king strikes out." Hackensack, N.J.'s The Record said, "Steroids can't help him now."

The hometown papers of Bonds's former team, the San Francisco Giants, said "Busted!" (San Francisco Examiner) and the San Francisco Chronicle tried to explain "The Case Against Bonds" with answers to questions like "What's Next?" and "What Is Perjury?" on the front page.

And finally, our vote for most creative Bonds front page goes to the New York Post, which spelled out "Liar" in asterisks.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Gloomy economic news brings
‘woes’ and ‘shortfall’ to Fla., Calif.

By Kate Kennedy

News about the mortgage mess often mentions Florida and California, both hit hard by foreclosures. Now Part II of the story: budget crises.

“Running deep in the red,” the Daily News of Los Angeles said. “State budget shortfall may reach $10B,” the Press-Telegram of Long Beach said.

Problems in the housing market and a slowing economy also are affecting the other sunshine state. “Budget gap widening,” The Miami Herald said. “Housing blamed for state’s financial woes,” The Tampa Tribune said. And a dire prediction from the Sarasota Herald-Tribune: “Forecasters now say worst downturn in 40 years has at least another year to go.” Florida newspapers also reported that the state will allow the Seminole Tribe to operate casino card games and slots. The St. Petersburg Times explained “What the deal means.”

The Los Angeles Times pictured O.J. Simpson, who will stand trial on kidnapping and burglary charges after an incident involving sports memorabilia. The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., printed a story from AP Special Correspondent Linda Deutsch, a longtime courts reporter, and noted “life in prison possible.” Simpson’s hearing was in Las Vegas, where the Review-Journal juggled other big news: Democratic presidential candidates will debate there tonight. “It’s fight night in Las Vegas,” the paper said.

A 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck northern Chile, and El Mercurio in Santiago pictured damage that left thousands homeless. The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee explained the “crushing quake” with photos, a map and bulleted facts.

The San Francisco Chronicle continued its reporting on the bay oil spill. The words “Dumped,” “Probed” and “Botched” highlighted developments.

Could Delta and United be hooking up? In Denver — a United hub — The Post said: “United, Delta airlines urged to jump the broom.” It quoted a shareholder who said “a marriage makes sense.” “Bunk” was the headline word used in The Enquirer of Cincinnati, a Delta hub.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Praying up a storm; demanding
a resignation; blaming O.J.

By Kate Kennedy

From all corners of the U.S. come headlines that draw national attention:

• “‘Shake the heavens and bring forth the rain,’” the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer said as drought-plagued Georgia prayed for rain in a governor-led service on the steps of the Capitol.
  
  
• “Fake U.S. citizen got FBI secrets from files,” the Detroit Free Press said about a former Detroit woman whose family is thought to have ties to a terrorist group.
  
  
• “Guns blamed on Simpson,” the Las Vegas Review-Journal said after testimony in O.J. Simpson’s armed-robbery case.
  
  
• “Road kill,” the New York Post said as New York’s governor planned to drop his proposal to allow illegal immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses.

The Dow experienced another 300-point close (this time up) and once again it gets minor mention on front pages. Are we becoming desensitized while riding Wall Street’s rollercoaster? Or are newspapers leaving it to the Web?

In an interview broadcast Tuesday on NBC News, Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf said opposition leader Benazir Bhutto “impresses” Western media, hinting of manipulation. Bhutto’s call for Musharraf’s resignation got front-page play today across the U.S. “Ex-Premier Seeking Unity With Rivals,” The Washington Post said. “Bhutto insists on a quick exit for Musharraf,” the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock said. Musharraf was pictured in The New York Times, which printed an interview with the general: “Rebuffing U.S., Musharraf Calls Crackdown Crucial to a Fair Vote.”

As the countdown to the U.S. primaries continues, presidential politics is a more familiar feature on Page One. The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News tried to “clear up some mysteries” with its “10 questions about the California primary.” The Philadelphia Inquirer pointed out that nothing is ever a sure bet in the New Hampshire primary: “N.H. likes to keep them guessing.” And the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel asked: “Are you politically smarter than a college student?" Hint: “The competition may not be too tough.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Some dailies use Page One
to honor veterans who served

By Gene Mater

Perhaps there are stories of more historic importance but to many American dailies, yesterday was Veterans Day and there is space today on Page One to report celebrating the event. For the younger members of the congregation, it started in 1926, calling for the observance of the World War I armistice with what were considered “appropriate ceremonies” every November 11. In 1954, by act of Congress, the name was changed to Veterans Day. In a proclamation, President Eisenhower urged that “On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”

And that’s what The Birmingham News did with a Page One photo and story that “Parade goers show pride, appreciation”; the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson with a Page One picture of "A veteran’s salute on Veterans Day”; The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Ark., with a photo marking “Celebration of Service”; and the Panama City News Herald in Florida and its “Parade of honor” report. Photos and a story “Saluting those who served” are on Page One of The Valdosta Daily Times in Georgia; pictures “Saluting those who served” are in The Indianapolis Star; The Advocate in Baton Rouge, La., has a “Sacrifices gave us freedom” story; and the St. Paul Pioneer Press has a nod “To those who served.” And it is that way in the Niagara Gazette in Niagara Falls, N.Y., the St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri, and the Johnson City Press in Tennessee features a restaurant that offers a free meal to every veteran on Veterans Day.

For other dailies there are other Page One stories generally focusing on the problems in Pakistan, the violence between Hamas and Fatah, the political battles among those who want to be president and the oil spill in San Francisco Bay. We smiled when we looked at The Washington Times, which has a Page One story today about the Spanish king telling a South American politician to “shut up” that we mused about yesterday.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

A king gets some attention
for his most un-kingly words

By Gene Mater

We thought we would start the week by looking at international front pages on our Web site. In particular, we wondered what treatment a contretemps between the King of Spain and would-be president-for-life Hugo Chavez of Venezuela might attract. At an international conference Saturday in Santiago, Chile, Chavez referred to a former prime minister of Spain as a fascist and interrupted other speakers. The King of Spain, in a most un-kingly manner, said to Chavez: “Why don’t you shut up.”

The “shut up” and the follow-up words from Chavez wondering whether Spain was involved in the 2002 coup that briefly ousted him from power indeed attracted Page One coverage today in El Mercurio in Santiago, Chile, in El Mundo in Madrid, in El Pais in Montevideo, Uruguay, and El Universal and Ultimas Noticias in Caracas, Venezuela. Here and there other dailies also thought it worth Page One, such as Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with a story at the bottom of the page reporting, “Shut up, Spain’s king tells Chavez,” and The Namibian in Windhoek with a line above the nameplate touting, “King tells Chavez to ‘shut up.’”

Some international dailies also caught up with the death Saturday of American writer Norman Mailer. Die Tageszeitung in Berlin has a large photo of Mailer with a black background and the story inside on Page 3. The International Herald Tribune in Paris has a short Page One item with photo and the story inside, as does SME in Bratislava, Slovakia, and The Press in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia offers a story with the head, “A brawler with brains loses last bout.” The Guardian in London has a Page One appreciation by Christopher Hitchens with the head, “Farewell to a literary great, with chutzpah.”

American dailies found other things for Page One. The Los Angeles Times is worth a special mention for the story by a staff photographer of the post-combat problems of the man in the iconic “Marlboro Marine” picture. The photo was shot while the photographer was on assignment in Iraq, and the story raises the question of how close a journalist should get to his subject.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Army of Veterans Day photos,
stories fill U.S. front pages

By Kate Kennedy

As we approach Veterans Day, newspapers paused for a salute.

The San Diego Union-Tribune began a three-day series on “the stories of five sailors and Marines who have proved themselves in combat.” Today’s story is illustrated with a photo of a Marine. His “prosthetic eye is etched with the Marine Corps’ eagle-globe-and-anchor emblem.”

Community newspapers from Pierre, S.D., to Willingboro, N.J., reported tributes to service in the armed forces. The State Journal Register in Springfield, Ill., showed a “Tribune to Service” by students. The Corvallis (Ore.) Gazette-Times photographed the distinguished grand marshal of a Veterans Day parade.

The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post noted the 25th anniversary of the Vietnam Wall, and The Seattle Times pictured the “Grueling march to become Marines.”

News from Iraq and Afghanistan continues to make Page One. The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., published an AP photo of soldiers under fire north of Baghdad. The Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal reported on the funeral of a soldier killed in Iraq, and the Post-Tribune in Merrillville, Ind., told a soldier’s story of “High-risk duty” in Afghanistan.

The story doesn’t end when soldiers come home. “A remade life, a remade home,” The Kansas City (Mo.) Star said in a package about a veteran and recipient of an “Extreme Makeover.”

Beyond the war, news of the house arrest of a Pakistani opposition leader also made front pages. “Police ring Bhutto home in crackdown,” the Los Angeles Times said. And a preliminary hearing on armed-robbery charges for O.J. Simpson dominated the Las Vegas Review-Journal. “Curious turn out for the free show,” it said.

“Let us prey,” the New York Post said about a priest accused of stalking Conan O’Brien. Tabloid headlines are often irreverent. Today’s top headline in the Toronto Star is inspired by a 1975 headline in the New York Daily News. “PM to cities: Drop dead,” the Star said about an economic crunch.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

From money news to crime,
papers report it and readers buy it

By Kate Kennedy

U.S. newspapers reported declining circulation in spring and summer — sales down about 3% from the year before. They cited changes in distribution and a cutback in unprofitable circulation, but no one disputes the impact of online news.

A few newspapers made slight gains or retained circulation, and even that is good news. Let’s look today at the front pages of winners in weekday paid circulation.

USA TODAY, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Los Angeles Times and St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times were the largest newspapers in the plus column.

From its beginning 25 years ago, USA TODAY has made air travel one of its signature topics. Today’s front page led with an analysis of aviation-safety records. “Fatigue key to air crew errors,” it said.

The Los Angeles Times said tens of thousands of items are missing from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. The Philadelphia Inquirer pictured a “final salute” to a slain police officer, while the St. Pete Times reported: “Hulk Hogan’s son charged in crash.”

The Times Union of Albany, N.Y., gained paid circulation for the third straight six-month period. The newspaper reported today that a local town will have to wait to a week to see if an eight-decade GOP monopoly on its government will end.

Among small newspapers, the Dothan (Ala.) Eagle, the News Herald of Panama City, Fla., and the Athens (Ga.) Banner-Herald gained circulation. The Eagle today outlined a “grim situation” for peanut farmers facing drought, while the News Herald explained the “Cold, hard facts” of energy prices. The Banner-Herald reported opposition to murder charges against a local soldier.

While print circulation declines, online readership shows promise. For the first time, the combined readership of print and online was reported for about 200 newspapers. Topping that list was the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle, which featured a “Girls vs. Boys” headline on a package on academic disparity. The Times-Dispatch in Richmond, Va., also stands tall on the list. Today it pictured a Norfolk, Va., deputy who will be recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the country’s tallest man.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Local elections are big news
across the country

By Emily Hedges

Voters from Maine to California (and many places in between!) turned out to let their voices be heard on all the issues yesterday, and local papers were charged with the responsibility of covering all the angles.

First, voter turnout. The Porterville (Calif.) Recorder succinctly says, "Slim Turnout," while The Atlanta Journal-Constitution headline reads, "Few 'speak their minds' at polls."

Second, voting problems. It seems there hasn't been an election in the U.S. since 2000 that hasn't had its share of problems, and yesterday's was no exception. The Rocky Mountain News in Denver observes "More counting chaos." Scranton, Pa.'s The Times-Tribune headlines the county’s "Paper Wait" as counting slows "to a crawl." The Star Press (Muncie, Ind.) headline reads "9 Votes" as Muncie elected a new democratic mayor, maybe. The "winner" leads by a margin of nine votes, with a recount looming.

Third, we look at the winners. Kokomo (Ind.) Tribune's clever headline reads, "Good Night for Goodnight" — as Greg Goodnight wins the Kokomo mayoral race. As Lewiston, Maine, re-elects its incumbent mayor with write-in votes (for the first write-in mayoral win in Lewiston's history), the local Sun Journal proclaims, "Jenkins has write stuff." In Virginia, Democrats are victorious as they "Break GOP Hold on Senate," shown by a nifty diagram on the front page of Norfolk's The Virginian-Pilot.

Some places had issues, as opposed to candidates, on the ballot. In Charlotte, N.C., the big winners were a transit tax and school bonds, according to the front page of the Observer. The Victoria (Texas) Advocate asks, "Margarita, anyone?" as voters approve a measure for local restaurants to serve mixed drinks.

In some places, the 2008 presidential election, still a year away, was making news. The Journal News of Westchester County, N.Y., wonders in its headline, "An all-N.Y. race in '08?" That supposes, of course, that Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani each win a party nomination.

Finally, the Palo Alto (Calif.) Daily News reminds us that even in these local elections, "Every Vote Counts," a mantra for democracy-lovers everywhere.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Television writers’ guild strike
makes Page One news all over

By Gene Mater

Why should a strike of 12,000 movie and television writers in Hollywood and New York be Page One news all over the country? Well, Nielsen estimates that there are 286 million television viewers in about 112 million television homes in the United States and that television is watched eight hours and 14 minutes a day in the average household. So that’s why. It might well be argued that what affects television affects us all. If the strike isn’t on Page One today where you live, check again later in the week.

Here in the shadow of the nation’s capital, The Washington Post tells its readers that “Hollywood Strike Turns Punch Lines to Picket Lines,” while The Miami Herald warns viewers: “Hollywood writers strike; it’s re-reruns for late-night talk shows.” The Marietta Daily Journal in Georgia reports at the bottom of Page One that “Writers’ strike in full effect,” while The Lewiston Tribune in Idaho makes “Strike sends TV to reruns” the lead story. The Star Press in Muncie, Ind., contends that if the television strike lasts long “we'll all end up reading or talking or something.” The Sun in Baltimore claims in an unusual head that “Strike could speed ebb of network TV.” Others have made the same claim in past strikes with longer words than “ebb.”

The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., also notes that “Writers strike puts late-night shows on rerun,” while The Kansas City (Mo.) Star in its off-lead story claims “Strike puts TV on ‘mute.’” The St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press leads with a succinct “Writers walk out” even as the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star leads with “Writers strike sends late-night TV into reruns.” You’ll find much the same on Page One of The Oregonian in Portland, The Providence Journal in Rhode Island and the Richmond Times-Dispatch in Virginia.

However, and in the interest of full disclosure, we must admit that when this task is done we’re going back to read the story at the bottom of Page One of the Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic, which reported: “Heifer falls 200 feet onto windshield of van.” Nothing to do with television, but we want to know about that flying cow.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Pakistan problems and King Tut
make it to many U.S. front pages

By Gene Mater

Two international stories made it to many U.S. front pages today — sometimes one, sometimes the other, sometimes both. The first is the situation in Pakistan, a story that leads Page One of many dailies. The other is the first view the world has had of the face of King Tut.

The Decatur (Ala.) Daily skipped Pakistan, but the top of the Page One reads, “Egypt unveils King Tut’s face to public 85 years after discovery of famous tomb.” The Lawrence Journal-World in Kansas puts the photo at the bottom of the page and says: “King Tut’s face on permanent display.” Ditto for the Detroit Free Press, touting “King Tut’s visitors can see the man behind the mask,” while the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune plays it straight with a one-column head, “The face of young pharaoh revealed.” Readers of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution can’t miss the story with the big head “King Tut Revealed,” two Page One photos and then the head “Mummy can finally show his mug.”

For The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., the squared-off top of the page reports “Pakistani Police seize Musharraf foes,” while a one-column photo leads you inside to the King Tut story, even as The Kansas City (Mo.) Star leads with “Enemies placed under arrest” in Pakistan and a one-column photo touts the King Tut story inside. The Chicago Tribune puts a photo and “King Tut unmasked” above the nameplate but leads with “Musharraf puts U.S. in a bind.” The Des Moines (Iowa) Register squares off “In emergency, Pakistan arrests activities” with nary a word about King Tut. The Oregonian in Portland leads with Pakistan and asks at the bottom of Page One: “Is that a smile on King Tut’s face?”

Finally, on behalf of the un-organized League of Former Newspaper Editors Who Went on to Different if Not Better Things, we found the head all of us were looking for on Page One of The Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal. There it is, next to a photo of King Tut, for all to see: “A face only a mummy could love.” We all cheered.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Ceasefire in Southeast water war;
battle for Michigan heats up

By Kate Kennedy

Is it all water under the bridge?

“States to end river rivalry,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said about a deal among Georgia, Florida and Alabama that tries to settle their years-old water war. “Georgia to retain its water,” The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle said about an agreement that will keep more water in Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s water source, and less water flowing from Georgia to Florida and Alabama.

The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, which has been reporting on a drought for months, mapped the source of the fight — Southeastern water basins. But “Water peace won’t come easily,” the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said.

Another rivalry — the Michigan-Michigan State football game — appeared on the front pages of the Lansing State Journal and the Detroit Free Press, as both reported on efforts to prevent Wolverine pranks against Sparty, MSU’s beloved statue.

Cool confidence vs. war games in “A clash of styles” was highlighted when USA Today profiled the coaches of the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. The two undefeated teams meet on Sunday.

The San Antonio Express-News used red down arrows to illustrate more “Economic Turmoil.” The U.S.’s largest newspapers reported on a bad day on Wall Street. “Stocks Tumble As Investors Get Bad News On Citigroup,” The Washington Post said. In San Diego, the Union-Tribune reported: “Retailers fear dearth of cheer for holidays,” while The Miami Herald announced: “Consumers in Florida cut spending.”

Drawing readers in: A front page is more than words, and sometimes it takes an extra effort to illustrate a story. Two newspapers did just that today as The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk used art to share a fish tale and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville made use of symbols to examine school initiatives.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Newspapers follow the money;
Iowa officials gored for tax idea

By Kate Kennedy

With no dominating national or international story, enterprising newspapers turned to pocketbook issues and stories about how we live.

“Fed adds fuel to fire economy,” the Chicago Tribune said about the quarter-percentage point cut in short-term interest rates. “Vexed economy had hot summer,” the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle said about strong third-quarter economic growth.

The Houston Chronicle illustrated a “Volatile day on economic fronts,” and economic woes were felt in many places. “Paycheck loan outlets are booming,” the Omaha World-Herald said about a trend in Nebraska. “Unpaid dues” topped The San Diego Union-Tribune, which reported, “Homeowner associations countywide are hit by foreclosure fallout.” The Detroit News described a “Day of pain” as Chrysler cut jobs.

Other newspapers provided a glimpse into the lives of readers. The El Paso (Texas) Times reported on an increase in diabetes among people living along the U.S.-Mexico border: “1.1 million border residents have disease.” The Times Union in Albany, N.Y., explained how the suburban dream can turn into an isolation nightmare for elderly homeowners. Asking “Have we changed the way we live?” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer reported that “U.S. mayors meet in Seattle to push for a green revolution.”

Tropical storm Noel caused mudslides and flooding in the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and Florida kept watch. Florida Today in Melbourne examined erosion and listed the money spent on beach renourishment.

“Huge award in funeral lawsuit,” The Sun in Baltimore said after a jury decided members of a Kansas church had invaded the privacy of the family of a Marine killed in Iraq by protesting at his funeral.

Today’s lead: The Des Moines (Iowa) Register reported on a state move to charge sales tax on pumpkins used for jack-o’-lanterns: “Here’s a Halloween riddle: What happened when Iowa Department of Revenue officials tried to tax pumpkins? They got squashed.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Front pages offer tricks
and treats for Halloween

By Emily Hedges

Halloween is a day for spooky scares and sweet treats, so we thought we would show you the very different ways that front pages cover the holiday, from the fun to the downright frightening.

One of the most popular ways to mention the holiday is a personality profile of a community's Halloween lovers. The Manitowoc, Wis., Herald Times Reporter tells the story of a woman who carves celebrities, athletes and even the Virgin Mary into foam pumpkins that she displays for trick-or-treaters. The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World tells of a local man who creates a haunted back yard in "Master of macabre's display captures the true spirit of Halloween."

Some papers addressed more practical matters. The Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette uses the scary holiday to report on a scientific study about controlling human fear. The Anniston (Ala.) Star tells of the health and dental dangers of eating too much candy. The Standard-Times (New Bedford, Mass.) asks, "Got bats in your belfry?" and reports that bats aren't quite as terrifying as all those Dracula stories make them out to be.

Stamford, Conn.'s The Advocate reports a creepy tale on "Tracking New England Vampires," while the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star tells the story of Lincoln's own witch trial in 1900. The Charlotte (Fla.) Sun's main front-page story is "Ghost Hunters," a tale about a local group that investigates paranormal activity.

The Corpus Christi (Texas) Caller-Times headline reads: "Happy Hallo- uh, Fall Festival" with the subhead, "School parties have changed with health, religious concerns." The High Point (N.C.) Enterprise also discusses the kiddies with tips to keep trick-or-treating safe.

If you haven't had enough, check out the Reading (Pa.) Eagle, which implores you to "Test Your Halloween Knowledge" by answering questions on everything from costumes to horror movies to pumpkins.

Finally, from Link (Hampton Roads, Va.) and from all of us here, happy Halloween!

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

What’s in a name? For newspapers,
names can be unusual and different

By Gene Mater

Learned tomes have no doubt been written about American newspaper names and how they got that way. We have worked only for newspapers with standard names, such as Sun and Telegram and World and Ledger, so we find it fascinating to look at the unusual nameplates on our Web site. Today we thought that we would check out a few of those unusual-titled dailies to see whether names make a difference.

The Record Searchlight in Redding in Northern California plays up “Dangerous Liaisons” and “How you can tell if your daughter is in an abusive relationship,” while The Signal in the Santa Clarita Valley in Southern California tops Page One with “Garbage Strike Frustrates Residents” and the Daily Breeze in Torrance in Los Angeles County has a Page One piece about how the newspaper is changing. Back east, the Hartford Courant in Connecticut — did you know that one of the definitions of “courant” is “a circulating gazette of news; a newspaper”? — gives over much of Page One to the death of a former governor.

The Times-Picayune in New Orleans — to us “picayune” is something of little value but perhaps there’s a bigger meaning — leads with a problem in the district attorney’s office, while The Daily Reflector in Greenville, N.C., is pleased to report “Missing man found safe in own garage.” In Canton, Ohio, The Repository — there’s a lovely name — squares off a story with the head “Want to run for office?” and adds that “It can cost thousands, or not a penny, to get elected.” The Plain Dealer in Cleveland touts ethical questions about online organ donor use, while The Vindicator in Youngstown, Ohio, warns readers that gasoline prices are going up and The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis., — Crescent? — plays up the Packers beating the Broncos.

There are many more interesting newspaper names but we’ll close with a newspaper in New Braunfels, Texas, that boasts the name Herald-Zeitung. But “zeitung” is German for newspaper so we checked. Yes, the town was founded in 1845 by Germans and the newspaper reportedly was published in German until World War II. The name didn’t change but the stories are all in English, all American, about Halloween, high school bands and an accused killer escaping from jail.

Names are interesting, but news is news whatever you are called.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

World Series result is BIG news
everywhere, or almost everywhere

By Gene Mater

When we saw The New York Times Page One photo and the words “Boston Sweeps Series,” we knew it must be so, even though the full story is on page D6. So we checked the first and last U.S. newspapers on our Web site. The Anniston Star in Alabama carries the words “Boston Red Sox sweep to World Series title” above the nameplate, while the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle in Cheyenne reports in the biggest type readily available “The End,” noting that the “Storybook ride is over for the Rockies.”

In Colorado, you can’t miss the story in the Aurora Sentinel, with a big picture and the head “Swept away,” adding “The Rockies’ storybook playoff run comes to an end under the lights of Coors Field with a 4-3 loss.” And if you really want to read more, turn to page 15. For The Gazette in Colorado Springs, the head says it all: “Rocky Horror,” in bold caps, while the Greeley Tribune has a photo and the head “Rocky Mountain Sigh.” In Denver, The Post did a special wrap-around section on the Series outcome, and the regular Page One has non-baseball news.

In Boston, however, The Globe offers a BIG photo topped by second-coming type reporting “THE BEST!” Yes, that’s an exclamation mark or a bang, as we used to call it, for emphasis. The head on the story below reads “Underdogs no longer, Red Sox Sweep Series again.” The Boston Herald fills Page One with a photo and the words “HOW SWEEP IT IS!” also followed by a bang. We wondered whether the other Boston newspaper, The Christian Science Monitor, would take notice of the World Series and it did. Sort of. The off-lead story has the head “Red Sox are rich, but more than fat payrolls at work,” noting in the third paragraph that “The two teams' payroll disparity — $143.1 million versus $54.4 million this year — became a major means of comparison before the Series began, even renewing years-old talk of a salary cap for Major League Baseball, the only big professional league that lacks one.” Couldn’t you wait until the cheering stopped?

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

It doesn’t always take a fire
to make for a hot lead story

By Gene Mater

A week is a long time for any running news story. Although the newspaper of record, The New York Times, again leads with the California fires, to many editors it was enough already. Even the East Bay Daily News in Berkeley played up Halloween kids dressed in costumes for trick-or-treat activities, although the neighboring Oakland Tribune localized the fires down below as the off-lead with “SoCal smoke makes way to Bay,” complete with photo.

The Aurora Sentinel in the Colorado town of the same name plays up the World Series while admitting that the locals are not doing so well, trailing 2-0. However, the Boston Herald fills Page One with a photo touting “Gutsy Schilling helps Sox take 2-0 Series lead.”

But for many front pages, neither the fires nor the Series were stories of front-page importance. The Wichita Eagle tells its Kansas readers that it’s “Last chance for input “ about the city parks while The Times in Gainesville, Ga., plays up “First phase of gardens unveiled,” and does so with three pictures. The Lincoln Journal Star helps its readers re-live “the devastating 1997 storm,” when the problem, according to the Page One photo, was snow and ice, while leading with the newspaper’s editor resigning “after 30 years in Nebraska journalism.” If you’re out in Nevada today, you can read all about “Brothel owner’s home searched,” up at the top of the Reno Gazette-Journal front page. For the two competing dailies in New York City there was only one story and the same picture, with the Daily News yelling “SUPERBUG KILLS BOY” and the New York Post a tad louder with “SUPERBUG KILLS NYC KID.”

If you’re in Texas, the El Paso Times reports the good news that “Teen pregnancies fall.”

But we have two choices for gripping local coverage. The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle reports about its hometown ”Cheyenne ranked as least-fit city for kids” in a national magazine while the Lexington Herald-Leader in Kentucky touts an inside story referred to as “some of the best places to go,” which, the editor notes is “all about best public restrooms.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Fires in California are news
in just about any language

By Gene Mater

The fires in California still rate Page One attention in this country, but we wondered whether newspapers around the world felt the four-day-old story was worthy of attention for a readership that probably will never see the Golden State. The answer is decidedly yes, with the results of a quick survey of our Web site resulting in too much coverage to warrant little more than a sampling.

Kompas in Jakarta, Indonesia, has a five-column picture of the fire scene across the top of Page One, while Star in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has a photo of a house ablaze in Running Springs, Calif., aptly captioned “Hell of a fire.” The Manila Times in the Philippines has a fire picture at the bottom of the page, labeled “California burnin’,” while The West Australian in Perth settles for a fire photo.

Hospodárské Noviny in Prague, Czech Republic, has a fire photo worthy of a prize, showing a sign in English reading “$1,000 fine for littering” and a scene of devastation. Le Figaro in Paris has a large photo plus story that continues on page 3. Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin has a photo and story about a million Californians taking flight, as the Süddeutsche Zeitung in Munich offers a major Page One story about those million Californians on the run. The fire, sometimes with a picture, also is news for Público in Lisbon, Portugal; Irish Examiner in Cork; SME in Bratislava, Slovak Republic; Basler Zeitung in Basel, Switzerland; and The Guardian in London.

El Nuevo Dia in San Juan, Puerto Rico, has a fire photo taking up most the front page, Portafolio in Bogota, Colombia, has a smaller Page One picture with story inside, and O Globo in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, starts its story on Page One.

We haven’t reported all the dailies abroad that are covering the California fires, but it’s clear that news is news, wherever you are, and a good picture helps tell the story.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Covering Calif. fires: reporting
beyond ‘what’ to ‘how,’ ‘why’

By Kate Kennedy

Day three of the California wildfires was covered in up-to-the-minute reporting on the Internet, radio and cable. The evening network news was broadcast live from Southern California.

How did newspapers distinguish themselves?

The Los Angeles Times front page was primarily about the fires, with photos from up high and down low. Times stories examined preparedness in the region and “Why some averted disaster.” The San Diego Union-Tribune led with “Help from above” — a reference to additional air crews, reinforcements in the firefighting ranks and improving weather conditions.

The New York Times looked at the randomness of the destruction: “Victims in Wildfires’ Fickle Path say, ‘Why Me?’” The Washington Post described how Southern California is coping in “a distinctly California style”: “In the Great State of Serenity, Staying Cool Amid the Flames.”

The Press-Enterprise of Riverside, Calif., said: “Wildfires’ epic ruin blamed on heat, drought, wind, people.” The Hartford (Conn.) Courant broke out the news from California but focused on drought and climate change as “More fuel for Wildfires.”

The Inland Valley Daily Bulletin of Ontario, Calif., proclaimed: “Scorched Earth.” It used the page to feature highlights and refer to a special section inside the paper and timely updates on its Web site.

Some headline writers seized on a fire crew’s description of the flames as unstoppable; others focused on the exodus out of the region. “‘We can’t stop it,’” the Ventura County (Calif.) Star said. Reporters for The Desert Sun of Palm Springs, Calif., said evacuees were finding safety in their area.

The Orange County (Calif.) Register centered its page around a satellite photo that showed smoke being blown offshore by Santa Ana winds. Newspapers in other places also used a satellite photo. In Virginia, The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk used an aerial photo from San Diego County and pulled the quote: “‘It’s like a bomb went off.’”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Fires fan Page One creativity

By Patty Rhule

Fires in California made front pages from the West Coast to Canada.

California layout and photo editors got creative in telling a story made more dramatic by amazing photographs of the fire zones:

• The Bakersfield Californian topped its nameplate with the headline “California Inferno.”
  
  
• “Hell on earth,” proclaimed Los Angeles’ Daily News.
  
  
• Los Angeles Times reported “Massive evacuations ordered as onslaught of fires spreads” with a sidebar on the decision to flee, “Fire line divides a dutiful cop and a holdout homeowner.”
  
  
• The Modesto Bee had a dramatic photo of a helicopter dropping water over a hillside.
  
  
• Monterey’s The Herald went local: “Local firefighters off to battle SoCal blazes.”
  
  
• The tabloid OC Post in Santa Ana called it “Out of control.”
  
  
• The Orange County Register provided a user’s guide to “Runaway Flames” with maps, weather, traffic and health tips.
  
  
• Tahoe Daily Tribune in South Lake Tahoe said: “South Shore aids SoCal firefighting.”

In Canada, The Hamilton Spectator found “Southern California on Fire.”

The case of Don Siegelman, jailed former governor of Alabama, made headlines in his home state as Congress is about to hear accusations his prosecution was politically motivated. The Birmingham (Ala.) News said, “Imprisoned Siegelman gets day on Capitol Hill,” while The Decatur (Ala.) Daily said: “Ex-Siegelman lawyer to testify.”

As breast-cancer awareness month nears its end, The Miami Herald went pink on Page One. The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle reported on a startling trend, “More women fight cancer by removing both breasts.”

Hangman’s nooses are in the news again, as Bridgeport’s Connecticut Post has a photo of a controversial Halloween display in Stratford: “Racial implications stop ‘hanging man.’ ”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Dramatic photos capture
California battling wildfires

By Kate Kennedy

Flames of red, orange and yellow dominated front pages in Southern California, where wildfires driven by Santa Ana winds have displaced thousands.

The Los Angeles Times led with a photo of the Malibu Presbyterian Church engulfed by flames. Readers of The Sacramento Bee got a closer look at the scene and wind-whipped embers swirling around a firefighter.

“Fires ride the wind,” said The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, which pictured the battle from the air and the ground. “About 10 areas from Santa Barbara to the Mexican border catch fire, killing 1,” The Orange County Register said.

The Press Democrat in Santa Rosa published Los Angeles Times photos of an Airstream trailer being overtaken by flames and firefighters struggling in the wind. (The newspaper celebrates its 150th anniversary today. It recreated its Sonoma Democrat flag from 1857 in advance of tomorrow’s debut of a new nameplate.) The story of the fires was the only story for the Ventura County Star, which filled its pages with five locally produced photos.

In Louisiana, one man’s photo appeared with few exceptions. Bobby Jindal, a 36-year-old Republican, was elected governor Saturday night. The Times-Picayune of New Orleans pictured him greeting well-wishers Sunday and noted he would be “up against Demo Senate.”

Today’s pages allowed for Monday-morning quarterbacking. “Third straight loss to Sox sends Tribe home for the winter,” said The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, which pictured “the pain of defeat” for baseball’s Indians.

In football, The Washington Post pictured an Arizona Cardinals kicker reacting after a missed field goal gave the Redskins a win. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette showed a Steelers quarterback “Caught in a stampede” in a game won by a last-second Broncos field goal.

“…And sometimes the Bears get you,” The Press of Atlantic City said. Eagles fans were stunned by a Bears touchdown pass with nine seconds left. “That’s why you stay till the end, folks,” the Chicago Tribune advised.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Photos illustrate a joyful political
homecoming marred by violence

By Kate Kennedy

Graphic photos brought news from Pakistan of a failed assassination attempt.

“Shattered homecoming,” said the Toronto Star, whose photo from Karachi spanned the width of its page. The return from exile of former Prime Minster Benazir Bhutto turned deadly as two bombs exploded, killing more than 100 who had gathered to celebrate. “Horror in Pakistan,” said The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which pictured the wounded being carried away. The Kansas City (Mo.) Star published a “Chaos in Pakistan” photo with a black background, reversing its headline and cutline type. The Los Angeles Times also showed Bhutto uninjured after the attack.

In the U.S., newspapers reported the inability of the House to override President Bush’s veto of an expansion of a child health-insurance program. The vote “bodes ill for health care reform,” the Idaho Statesman in Boise said.

Sports pushed its way onto the front page, as Yankees Manager Joe Torre resigned rather than accept a contract with a pay cut. “Walking Tall,” said Newsday, which produced a 16-page special section on the news. The Daily News in New York and New York Post weren’t so polite with “SHOVE IT” headlines. “Era over: Torre walks on odd pitch,” the Hartford (Conn.) Courant said. The Poughkeepsie (N.Y.) Journal asked: “Who’s next?”

The Plain Dealer of Cleveland moved regular news inside and devoted its page to the Indians’ slipping lead over the Red Sox in the American League championship series. “Back to Boston,” it said after a 7-1 Indians’ loss.

Newspapers from the Star Tribune in Minneapolis to The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post showed their appreciation of two entertainment icons. “The entertainment world lost two notable performers Thursday with the passing of Deborah Kerr and Joey Bishop,” said The Dallas Morning News, one of a number of newspapers including salutes to the “From Here to Eternity” actress and Rat Pack comedian. The Las Vegas Review-Journal returned to the 1960s with photos, noting Bishop “helped define cool.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

In praise of peace as conflict
continues in corners of world

By Kate Kennedy

The Dalai Lama — a symbol of peace — was pictured on the front pages of large newspapers in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world, as the Tibetan hero was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. “Honoring a man of peace,” the Houston Chronicle said about the exiled spiritual leader.

But elsewhere the focus was on conflict and war.

Turkey’s Parliament OK’d sending troops into northern Iraq to seek out Kurdish rebels. The Turkish Daily News in Istanbul pictured Parliament members and included world reaction. A press conference photo of President Bush was featured in The Jerusalem Post, which quoted him in its lead headline: “Stymie nuclear Iran or face World War III.” A photo of Benazir Bhutto dominated The Globe and Mail in Toronto, which reported on the former prime minister’s return to Pakistan today after eight years of self-imposed exile. In a Page One centerpiece, the Chicago Tribune looked “Inside A City Destroyed” — Mogadishu, 14 years after the U.S. left Somalia.

Some U.S. newspapers reported on how the war in Iraq is affecting local communities. “Home from war, troops get much-needed vacation,” The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said. In San Francisco, the Chronicle captured “A war of words” during a Berkeley protest. Two newspapers looked at the resettlement of Iraqi refugees. “Iraqi refugees creating new life in Northwest,” The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Wash., said. The Oregonian in Portland: “No bullets to dodge now, just rain.”

Today’s headline: “93 & free,” said the Pioneer Press of St. Paul, Minn., which pictured the release of Minnesota’s oldest prison inmate. The woman fellow inmates called “Grandma” was freed after serving four years for first-degree assault.

Two thumbs up? What is South Carolina saying about the presidential aspirations of native son Stephen Colbert? “Colbert running; S.C. smiling,” said The State in Columbia, which noted that the comedian’s presidential campaign in both the Republican and Democratic primaries “begins (and ends) here.” “Nothing says ‘truthiness’ like Colbert for president,” The Island Packet in Hilton Head said. The Comedy Central star got only a teaser in The Post and Courier of hometown Charleston: “Republicrat courts Palmetto State.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Superbug flies onto front pages,
but regional stories reign supreme

By Emily Hedges

Only one story was able to garner national attention today: the deadly staph-infection story. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer's headline asked, "Deadlier than AIDS?" concerning a report that drug-resistant infection is killing more Americans than AIDS is. The Salt Lake Tribune had the ominous headline, "Superbug tightens deadly grip on America," and gave tips for resisting infection. The Daily Press in Hampton Roads, Va., discussed how schools — susceptible to the spread of infection — were taking more steps toward "Battling the bug" with extra cleanliness.

However, most headlines covered other things, and we'll focus on the stories that captivated states and regions.

In Colorado, the Colorado Rockies were given front-page visibility after easily sliding into the World Series. The Denver Post asked "Who's got next?" and weighed the pros and cons of the Rockies' potential World Series foes — the Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians. The Greeley (Colo.) Tribune focused on the economic impact of having the hometown team in the World Series with a story about the rush of fans clamoring to buy Rockies gear.

Iowa focused on political news, with the moving of the Republican caucuses to Jan. 3 being the top local story. In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, The Gazette led with the straightforward headline, "Iowa GOP to hold caucuses Jan. 3." The Des Moines (Iowa) Register said, "GOP Shuffle 'Keeps Us First,'" and had a great January 2008 calendar graphic detailing other important January dates such as other primaries, the NFL playoffs and Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday.

The Jena Six were still on the minds of editors in Louisiana, many of whom had stories about them on the front page. The Advocate in Baton Rouge, La., told us "Justice Department criticized in Jena case," while The News-Star from Monroe, La., said, "House probes Jena's 'bias,'" and showed a photo of the Rev. Al Sharpton testifying about the case on Capitol Hill.

Finally, transportation news, specifically the tolls charged on I-80, showed up on the front page of several Pennsylvania papers today. The Pocono Record in Stroudsburg said simply, "25 bucks to cross Pa.," and the Williamsport (Pa.) Sun-Gazette detailed the approval needed for the toll with "Future of I-80 now in hands of Washington."

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Today’s tabloids don’t seem to be
what memories say they were

By Gene Mater

The days of great tabloid headlines such as “Headless Body in Topless Bar” in the New York Post in 1982 might be memories of the past, but we thought that it would be worth looking at what some of the U.S. tabloids are offering their readers today, albeit in this time of shrinking newspaper page size, “tabloid” may refer more to format than content.

The East Bay Daily News in Berkeley, Calif., has a banner “Getting New Leash on Life” about an Oakland measure that “could allow owners to tie up pets on public property,” a story seemingly as tame as the pets. The Examiner in San Francisco has a big head reporting “Spare the rod, spoil the parents, sayeth The City,” giving the spell check on this machine fits. The story is about the DA wanting to go after “truant kids’ guardians.” For the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, Page One is a full-page photo showing Todd Helton squeezing the final out for the Rockies, putting the team in the World Series for the first time.

Moving eastward, the Chicago Sun-Times’ major play is an alderman in photo and story about his not being treated like everyone else. The Examiner in Baltimore leads with an investigation of bogus parking tickets, while the Philadelphia Daily News has an assortment of Page One items — a “blood trail” from Pennsylvania to Delaware and what a television critic watches just for fun. The big picture is of Roxie McNabb, wife of Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, touting an interview. Quick in Dallas also offers a few Page One heads and a big photo of the “Soul Survivor,” which leads to an inside story claiming “Angie Stone is Stronger than Ever.” The Citizens’ Voice in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., gives most of Page One to coverage of a teachers’ strike.

Finally, let’s check the two tabloids in New York City. The New York Post plays up the “FBI ‘rogue’ on trial,” replete with “Shocking Murder Charges,” while the Daily News whoops up its exclusive about “Terror on the Tarmac,” about a “Tamil Tiger mastermind” allegedly working as an airport security guard.

It all seems a bit tame, or, as the Daily News said when the U.S. Senate failed to convict President Clinton on impeachment charges in 1999, “Close But No Cigar.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

What is news to some editors
isn’t worth mentioning to others

By Gene Mater

It’s a phenomenon worthy of a journalism-school study. The lead story in the nation’s biggest daily newspaper — USA TODAY — tells several million readers that “Cancer deaths drop off rapidly,” a report that many other dailies — mostly smaller publications — also whooped up on Page One as news readers really want to know.

But there is no mention of it on Page One of the nation’s second-biggest daily, The Wall Street Journal (although there is a Page One story about kidney swaps). The third-biggest daily — the newspaper of record, The New York Times — settles for teasing the story on page A18. And here in the shadow of the nation’s capital, The Washington Post has nothing on Page One or inside, although a quick check found three versions on the Post’s Web site. And there’s nothing on Page One of The Washington Times.

The Anniston (Ala.) Star plays up “Cancer death rates falling at faster pace,” and you’ll find a similar head on Page One of the Valley News in West Lebanon, N.H. The Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star leads with “Cancer death rates drop faster than ever,” while the Savannah (Ga.) Morning News plays up “Cancer death rates drop” and The Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Ind., leads with “Cancer deaths declining steadily.” For The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., the lead is “U.S. cancer death rates declining,” The Denver Post finds room at the bottom of the page for “Cancer’s toll falls faster in recent years,” and the Johnson City (Tenn.) Press says: “Report: Cancer rates fall.” The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa., tells its readers about “Cancer death rates declining.” The Salt Lake Tribune leads with the story, and on and on.

But a quick look at the nation’s major-market dailies finds no such coverage, not in the Chicago Tribune, The Detroit News, the Los Angeles Times or the Daily News in Los Angeles, The Boston Globe, The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and so on.

Is there a second-guesser in the congregation?

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Page One stories: From tragedy
and loss to hope and a win

By Kate Kennedy

Just in time for the cold season, medicine for babies and toddlers was pulled from store shelves, making front-page news across the U.S.

“Manufacturers acknowledge risk of overdose in babies,” The Dallas Morning News said. Photos of cold meds were featured in newspapers from Kansas City, Mo., to Columbia, S.C. “The voluntary withdrawal of cold remedies comes as safety issues are being debated,” said the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times, which listed “What to try instead.”

A day after a high school shooting, The Plain Dealer of Cleveland examined the life of the 14-year-old who wounded four: “Asa Coon’s death was tragic. His life wasn’t much better.” In Philadelphia, The Inquirer reported on a local teen who is accused of planning a “Columbine-type” attack: “Boy’s arsenal, arrest a chilling reminder.”

In Mexico City, a writer working on a book about cannibalism was arrested after body parts of a girlfriend were found in his apartment. “Poetry of a Cannibal,” Excelsior said.

The Arizona Republic in Phoenix pictured tension in the opening game of the National League championship, as the Diamondbacks lost to the Colorado Rockies. “Razing Arizona,” boasted The Denver Post.

The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram explained “How Jerry got his groove.” That’s Jerry Jones, owner of the undefeated Dallas Cowboys, who’s featured dancing in a Papa John’s Pizza commercial that no doubt will be shown during Sunday’s Cowboys-Patriots game.

“Nothing but hope,” The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post said about the Forest Hill High School football team, which is scoreless in five games. The team, which holds the state record for consecutive losses, plays tonight and doesn’t believe it’s pointless. “Without a win, or even a point, the Falcons say they’ve ‘got to believe.’”

Al Gore shared in the Nobel Peace Prize, but the timing of this morning’s announcement meant most newspapers will have to wait to carry the story in their print editions tomorrow. Not so for the San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News, which was able to put the news and Gore’s photo at the bottom of the page.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Ohio newspapers try to explain
how, why of school shooting

By Kate Kennedy

“Another school in shock,” The Columbus Dispatch said, as newspapers across Ohio reported on the shooting of four by a 14-year-old suspended student.

The Plain Dealer devoted much of its page to the shooting at a downtown Cleveland high school. It broke out the sequence of events and highlighted “How it happened” and “The victims.” “Teen troubled, violent, called genius by some,” it said. Photos of stunned students and family members were played prominently in The Cincinnati Enquirer, The Repository of Canton and The Blade of Toledo.

The Akron Beacon Journal juggled two stories of keen local interest. Two photos, a story and a map about the school shooting filled the center, while a story about a tentative deal in the UAW-Chrysler strike topped the page.

The six-hour strike and outcome filled the front page of the Detroit Free Press, which focused on what’s next: “2 deals, 1 to go.” “Ford now becomes an uneasy 3rd target,” it added. The Detroit News spelled out terms of the agreement.

Hot, dry weather has been in the news in the Southeast for weeks. Today, the news spread north, with The Washington Post saying: “Balmy Weather Might Feel Great, but Lawns Are Shriveled, Farmers Are Frazzled and Houses Need a Cool Drink of Water.” The drought has turned into a crisis in Georgia, where The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported on “Metro Atlanta’s need for water.” “Three months from a mudhole,” said the newspaper, which explained that Lake Lanier, the city’s main source of water, has only three months of storage left. The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer pictured a well being drilled to illustrate residents’ moves to tap groundwater.

Deficient health care for children also made Page One. “Kids get appropriate care less than half the time,” the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader said. A study, reported in today’s New England Journal of Medicine, was conducted in Seattle, where the Post-Intelligencer pictured the lead author and charted care by ailment.

German newspapers celebrated the success of Gerhard Ertl, who won the Nobel Prize in chemistry. It wasn’t a formulaic front page for Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin, which pictured Ertl, who won the award on his 71st birthday.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Contractors kill again in Iraq
as local police forces get scrutiny

By Tim Friend

News of Iraqi civilians shot by private contractors captured the attention of many Page One editors today. Cops at home also made headlines that must have raised eyebrows at editorial meetings.

The New York Times displays a stunning photograph of a blood-stained, bullet-riddled car and a boy’s face. You have to look to decide what he’s feeling. Two women were sprayed with gunfire by guards from an Australian-run firm. The headline said: “Latest shooting by contractors kills two Iraqis.” The story explains that the contractor works for the United States Agency for International Development.

The Gazette of Colorado Springs, Colo., said: “Iraqi killings reignite anger.” It’s been less than a month since guards for another firm killed Baghdad residents. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution emphasized “Focus back on private guards.” The St. Cloud (Minn.) Times also ran the story out front.

The Los Angeles Times led with “LAPD takes blame for Park melee.” Last May, chaos broke out in MacArthur Park during demonstrations over immigration. TV cameras showed cops beating people with batons and firing “less-than-lethal rounds” at journalists and protesters. The “melee” injured 246 journalists and protesters and 18 officers. The FBI is investigating and yesterday the LAPD admitted it used excessive force.

The Chicago Sun-Times said “GOOD RIDDANCE” as Chicago’s police department may be disbanding its “elite special operations unit.” The bad boy who turned on the heat was a cop reportedly putting a hit on another cop.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale carries a front-page piece on the Taser phenomenon. Cops love ’em. A by-the-numbers breakout is thought-provoking. In six months, 49 locals have been shocked; 100 city cops carry Tasers. At the Broward Sheriff’s Office, 800 deputies carry Tasers and unholstered the stunners 344 times.

Finally, some big-city papers carried the Republican debate, with Mitt Romney and Rudolph Giuliani getting top billing. The Boston Globe summed it up: “Romney, Giuliani spar over budgets.” Considering the Sun-Sentinel’s interesting statistics, how would candidates spar if given Tasers before a debate? That sure would make Page One.

Tim Friend is a member of the Newseum's exhibit- development team.

Newspapers speak our language
and make themselves heard

By Gene Mater

Alexis de Tocqueville, whose 1840 book about the emerging U.S. democracy has been acclaimed by some as the best work written by the citizen of one country about another, said of the American newspapermen of his day that “They certainly are not great writers, but they speak their country’s language and they make themselves heard.” We won’t debate the language issue, but we thought we’d do a sampling of how they are making themselves heard.

We found two dailies at opposite ends of the country complaining about the high price of eating, and both did it by asking the reader similar questions. For The Sun in San Bernardino, Calif., the question is “Had your fill?” and sort of answers by warning that “Food inflation shows no signs of stopping.” For the Star-Banner in Ocala, Fla., the question is “Higher grocery bill?” and answers with “Blame China and biofuels.” Two newspapers almost a continent apart found news in Google, with the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson whooping up the fact that “Google installs Tucson on the (interactive) map,” claiming that “Street-level look at Old Pueblo puts our city in exclusive category” while The Atlanta Journal-Constitution tells everyone that “Google makes oodles for investors.”

Other dailies focus in telling ways about local issues. For The Wichita Eagle in Kansas much of Page One is devoted to “Defeating the stereotypes,” reporting how the “The lives of many young black men show what it takes to succeed,” while The Daily Times in Salisbury, Md., reports how “Winning teacher tries to make middle school fun.” The Star Tribune in Minneapolis takes on “The decision by St. Thomas not to invite Desmond Tutu to speak reflects a recurring tension at colleges nationwide.” Two dailies many miles apart play up a Nobel Prize winner, The Salt Lake Tribune because that’s where he is based and The Intelligencer in Doylestown, Pa., because he grew up and went to a famous school in the area.

Meanwhile, the Journal Star in Peoria, Ill., says it with the picture of day, six small boys looking up at the rigging of a modern-day version of Columbus’ ship, six small boys with mouths and minds open in amazement.

We hear and understand.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

All politics is local, Tip O’Neill said;
all news is local, editors say

By Gene Mater

The biography of the late speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Tip O’Neill, is masterfully titled All Politics is Local: And Other Rules of the Game. A reading of the many of our front pages today, from big cities and small, leads to a similar conclusion: All news is local.

The Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News devotes a chunk of Page One to an illustrated piece reporting that “Divers locate Alaska’s oldest U.S. shipwreck after 139 years.” For the Chicago Tribune, the six-column banner and photo say it all: “Heat cuts marathon short,” while a similar problem with the Twin Cities marathon finds the St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press leading with “Muggy run leaves ‘em exhausted” and a picture to prove it. For the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, today’s big story is that “Green Valley residents aim to keep open space,” with a 2,000-acre parcel joining a wish list of preserves.

The Press-Telegram in Long Beach, Calif., localizes the war in the Middle East with a lead story about “Father’s journey to Iraq chases son’s ghost,” about the man who “will finish the book his son was writing before being killed.” The Miami Herald has a major Page One feature titled “Sunset on a Golden Age” about the greatest stars of Cuban music dying or growing old. For the older and homebound members of the community, the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune leads with a story about “Meals without wheels,” because of a shortage of volunteers.

The Sun in Baltimore leads with a story about groups challenging “new standards to earn a high school diploma,” while three Page One photos show the demolition of a local parking garage. In Raleigh, N.C., The News & Observer warns its readers that “Phone and mail scams get slicker,” and the Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Ga., reminds everyone that “Tuesday is the final day to register to vote.” Our friends in McAllen, Texas, devote much of Page One of The Monitor to objections to plans to build “nearly 250 large whirling wind turbines” on an area ranch. Environmental groups are complaining about the possible danger to migrating birds. We’ll go back to read the entire story to learn whether non-bird residents object to the possible noise from 250 giant wind turbines.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Bill Clinton tells of his assignment
if Hillary makes it to White House

By Gene Mater

What is arguably the most interesting story today in the U.S. presidential campaign appears not in an American newspaper but on Page One of The Guardian, in London. There one reads that “If Hillary Clinton wins the US presidency, Bill Clinton will be given the job of repairing America's damaged international reputation, the former President tells the Guardian in an interview today.” The story reports that Clinton “reveals that his wife has said she would ask him to ‘go out and immediately restore America's standing, go out and tell people America was open for business and cooperation again’ after eight years marked by unilateralist policies that have ‘enrage[d] the world’.” What’s the former president doing in London? Raising money for his wife’s campaign, and promoting his new book.

Bill Clinton didn’t make it to Page One of the other two United Kingdom dailies on our Web site today. The Daily Telegraph in London has three closed-circuit photos of Princess Diana and her friend Dodi Fayed across the top of Page One titled, “The last embrace” while The Herald in Glasgow leads with police recovering a stolen da Vinci painting in, of all things, a “law firm raid.”

We thought we would see how the Idaho Statesman in Boise is playing the changed position of Sen. Larry Craig re staying or going. Above a photo of the senator is a head that almost says it all, in caps: “CRAIG STAYS PUT.” And if you haven’t been following the story, below the photo is a sidebar: “THEN: ‘It is my intent to resign’” and another one with the head: “NOW: ‘I will continue to serve.’” The Denver Post finds room on the front page for a story with the lead, “The Colorado State University editor who used the F-word in the student newspaper will keep his job,” a local story that has attracted national attention, since the F-word was aimed at President Bush.

Two dailies have front-page heads that are sure to attract attention. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution announces “BUYING BINGE,” about state workers’ use of official credit cards, while in the city of brotherly love The Philadelphia Inquirer reports, “Three funeral directors held in selling body parts.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

50 years after launch, editors
reflect on Sputnik, space race

By Emily Hedges

"Sputnik Plus 50" proclaimed the front page of The Huntsville (Ala.) Times. Fifty years ago today, the Soviet Union surprised the U.S. with the launching of the first space satellite, Sputnik. The Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal spoke of Sputnik's "revolution" and provided front-page readers with a graphic on launch sequence and a 1950s timeline of the various attempts by the U.S. and Soviet Union to launch satellites. Oklahoma City's The Oklahoman told us "How Sputnik Changed the World" and showed a timeline of important "space race" dates. The Register-Guard of Eugene, Ore., showed a picture of baseball fans at a game in 1957 watching Sputnik as it flew through the sky. Click here to read Newseum front pages editor Kate Kennedy's story on the 1957 space launch.

Speaking of baseball fans, yesterday was the beginning of the 2007 playoffs. Colorado Rockies fans celebrated "At a fever pitch" in Denver as the "Phillies fizzle in opener" according to the Burlington County Times in Willingboro, N.J. The Chicago Cubs also had a rough day as they were, as Chicago's RedEye put it, "Rattled" by the Arizona Diamondbacks."

President Bush made headlines again today with his veto of the children's health care bill. The Los Angeles Times cautioned "Child health veto risky to both parties." The Atlanta Journal-Constitution quoted Bush under the header "Why Bush Vetoed the Bill" and gave readers some numbers about the health care bill. The Greensboro, N.C., News & Record said "Veto provokes backers" and surmised what the impact would be in North Carolina. The Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette called the veto "heartless" in its headline.

Finally, from the "What have you done for me lately, journalists?" file: A news photographer for the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, caught amazing photos of a fugitive jumping from a third-story balcony to elude capture. Then, in true Clark Kent fashion, the photographer also caught the fugitive and held him until police could arrest him.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Blackwater shootings dominate,
but baseball playoffs to trump war news

By Tim Friend

Page One editors know a good story and how to play one with legs. Shocking news began evolving Sept. 16 with shootings of Iraqi civilians by a security company hired to protect U.S. diplomats. Congress grilled Blackwater USA’s chairman Erik Prince. Many newspapers carried the news out front.

The San Diego Union-Tribune said “Blackwater chief defends role in Iraq. Colorado’s Aurora Sentinel wrote, “Blackwater Chair Claims No Offenses.” The Army’s Stars and Stripes said: “Blackwater on the defensive.” In Montana, the Billings Gazette reported “Military contractor defends actions” but added: “Blackwater boss says his company is being made a scapegoat.”

The Washington Post landed a harder one-two punch: “Guards in Iraq Cite Frequent Shootings” with the zinger: “Companies seldom report incidents, U.S. Officials Say.” The Post explains private security companies in Iraq “open fire far more frequently than has been publicly acknowledged and rarely report such incidents to U.S. or Iraqi authorities.”

The Chicago Tribune: “Contractor defends war record” and “Blackwater’s chief tells house panel: We’re not cowboys.” Time will tell. Newspaper reports indicate contractors have more leeway than our troops about when and how they discharge weapons. This story isn’t over.

While war dominates headlines, remember it’s October. Baseball dominates the Chicago Tribune’s Page One with a smiling Alfonso Soriano. The cutline says his “quiet nature is sharp contrast to fellow San Pedro native Sammy Sosa.” Ouch. Soriano is becoming the baseball darling of the Dominican Republic.

The Portland Press Herald in Maine followed the nationals with their headline “Executive defends security company” but locals have baseball on their minds too. A big center photo of Fenway Park preps readers for game one of American League Division playoffs between the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Angels.

Weather trumps war at the Hannibal Courier-Post, Missouri’s oldest newspaper. “Twisters wallop area” read the headline, but the story is of a woman who rode the funnel in her car, was flipped twice and obviously lived to tell about it.

One final story close to our hearts: Georgia’s Marietta Daily Journal’s story “Living History” about a youth museum that lets kids role play. Of the Cobb Youth Museum: “I have never experienced such a fun-filled field trip,” a student said. Wait until you see the Newseum!

Tim Friend plays for the Newseum's exhibit
development team.

Troubles of Iraq war contractor,
pop princess share news spotlight

By Patty Rhule

Declining troop deaths in Iraq and increasing questions about deaths caused by a security contractor topped newspaper agendas today. “American war deaths are falling, but analysts aren’t sure why” said The (Marysville, Calif.) Appeal-Democrat. The Record in Stockton, Calif., was more upbeat: “Gaining ground” read the headline, with a dramatic photo of GIs taking an insurgent into custody. Less certain was the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, which cautioned “Analysts wary of citing ‘surge’ as crucial factor.”

The saga of war contractor Blackwater USA held the attention of front-page editors across the country. “A report reveals troubling details about the security contractor, even as the FBI sends a team to Iraq to probe killings by the firm’s employees,” said The Denver Post in a front-page tease. The Washington Post led with “Other Killings by Blackwater Staff Detailed; State Dept. Papers Tell of Coverup.”

In sports news, the Colorado Rockies’ win in an extra-innings tiebreaker over the San Diego Padres to become a wild card team in the National League playoffs was a case of “Extra Innings, Extra Effort” said The Gazette of Colorado Springs, Colo. “Rock Steady” praised the Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel.

Positive health news about Alzheimer’s found a home on many front pages. “Study: Conscientious achievers less prone to Alzheimer’s Disease” said the Opelika-Auburn News in Alabama. “Purposeful personality may cut Alzheimer’s risk” said Florida Today in Melbourne, Fla.

In local news, the death of legendary, straight-talking Jefferson County, La., Sheriff Harry Lee merited a front-page tribute in The Times-Picayune in New Orleans. It was front-page news in The Town Talk of Alexandria, La., as well.

The sad case of troubled pop tart Britney Spears continues to fascinate.

• “K-Fed gets custody,” said the OC Post of ex-husband Kevin Federline’s winning custody of the pair’s toddlers.
  
  
• “Unfitney!” blasted New York’s Daily News.
  
  
• “The fast life catches up to Britney Spears” finger-wagged The Kansas City (Mo.) Star.

But on the up side of youthful stardom, Hannah Montana’s sellout concert tours ranked a few inches above Britney’s woes in the Waterbury, Conn., RepublicanAmerican.

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Headlines root for home team,
as Phillies finish ahead of the Mets

By Patty Rhule

Whether the news is good or bad often depends on your point of view.

That was true on front pages today as the regular baseball season drew to a close:

• The New York Times announced the Philadelphia Phillies clinching the National League East title over the New York Mets with “In Bitter End to Epic Skid, Mets Are Out.”
  
  
• The Philadelphia Daily News celebrated “Red October: Those amazing Phillies head for the playoffs.”
  
  
• Philadelphia neighbors at The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., had a little phun, er, fun: “Phillies ‘Phinally’ back in playoffs.”
  
  
• And The Philadelphia Inquirer bragged “Playoff bound! Ending a 14-year drought, Phils taste sweet victory.”
  
  
• The New York Post with “Cryin’ Shame” and Long Island, N.Y.’s Newsday with “Crying Shame” both used photos of young Mets fans weeping in the stands.

Varied perspectives also came clear in political headlines. The Examiner — Washington, D.C. quoted Republication presidential candidate Rudolph Giuliani boasting “I can ‘beat Hillary.’” Not so sure about Rudy are members of the religious right, says the Los Angeles Times: “Evangelicals split on GOP field.”

A new term for the U.S. Supreme Court means a “Contentious Agenda for High Court,” said The Hartford (Conn.) Courant. News that the court will hear challenges to the use of a lethal cocktail in some executions had a local angle for the Florence, Ala., Times Daily: “State Faces Execution Challenge.”

Sports and politics aside, on a slow-news Monday, editors relied on pieces by The Associated Press on the Soviet space launch of Sputnik and on student loans to fill their front pages.

“Sputnik at 50: Soviets won space race by launching a makeshift satellite,” the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News said. The Fresno (Calif.) Bee offered: “Secrets emerge about first orbit.”

The Bradenton (Fla.) Herald used an illustration of a graduate dragging a ball and chain with the headline “Degree of debt.” The Reading (Pa.) Eagle warned: “Crisis feared in college loan spike.” The Johnson City (Tenn.) Press had both the Sputnik and the loan story: “Explosion in student loan costs raise concerns.”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Politics to sports: Numbers
figure in front-page play

By Kate Kennedy

On front pages filled with words, numbers made the news today.

“Is it all in the numbers?” The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City asked after several state residents won the Powerball. It quoted a winner saying her choices were based on a Learning Channel show, which identified most-often-drawn numbers. “After a TV show lists the most-hit combo, digits come up in drawing.”

“Why 13 stripes?” The Orange County (Calif.) Register asked, illustrating the new U.S. citizenship test unveiled on Thursday.

Six was the number as The Sun of Baltimore pictured lesser-known Republican presidential candidates who had the stage all to themselves at Morgan State University, a historically black university. “Candidate debate on issues of importance to minorities is notable as much for who’s not there as for what’s said,” the newspaper said.

Other presidential candidates were on the fundraising trail looking to add to their numbers. “Thompson finds local support,” The Leaf-Chronicle of Clarksville, Tenn., said about former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson. “Shaking money tree from different angles,” The Buffalo (N.Y.) News said about the fundraising efforts of Democratic candidates.

Michigan newspapers focused on state budget numbers that don’t add up. The Detroit News and the Free Press both pictured the state’s governor and reported how a government shutdown would affect services.

Undefeated in 51 games, the U.S. women’s soccer team made Page One of The Washington Post when it lost to Brazil in the World Cup. Speaking of losing efforts, Newsday cried: “Help!” when the Phillies caught the Mets in the National League East race. “FIT TO BE TIED,” proclaimed the New York Post. “After trailing Mets all year, resilient Phils catch up,” The Philadelphia Inquirer said in a front-page column.

Today’s photo: Large newspapers, including The Guardian of London and The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia, pictured a Japanese news photographer who was killed while covering a government crackdown in Myanmar. The photographer, Kenji Nagai, will be nominated for inclusion in the Newseum’s Journalists Memorial, which honors more than 1,800 journalists who have died while reporting the news.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Smuggled out of Myanmar,
protest news is carried worldwide

By Kate Kennedy

Photos of defiance appeared on front pages around the world.

“The whole world is now watching,” the Los Angeles Times quoted British Prime Minister Gordon Brown as saying, as the government of Myanmar in Asia cracked down on pro-democracy protests led by Buddhist monks.

The Internet, cell phones and citizen journalists are playing key roles in spreading the news from the country without a free press. “Web opens window to unrest in Myanmar,” said The Seattle Times, which pictured a monk crying over the arrest of others. “News smuggled out.”

A dramatic photo of monks facing Burmese riot police led a “Report from a nation in crisis” in The Daily Telegraph in London. The photo appeared in newspapers from An-Nahar in Beirut, Lebanon, to Népszabadság in Budapest, Hungary, to The Washington Post. More graphic photos of the unrest were printed in El Mundo in Madrid, Spain, and The Las Vegas Review-Journal, and news of deaths was published in the Star in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A symbolic photo of a single monk facing police led The Boston Globe and The New York Times.

A day after a tentative agreement was reached in the GM-UAW strike, newspapers in the United States looked at what the deal means. “Analysts say deal will help GM cut costs, compete with rivals,” The Indianapolis Star said. The Lansing (Mich.) State Journal shared the quote: “‘A turning point in America.’”

Sports came out on front in some places. “Going, going, gone: It’s over for Barry in S.F.,” the San Francisco Examiner said in reporting Barry Bonds’ last home game as a Giant before becoming a free agent. In Women’s World Cup Soccer being played in China, Germany defeated Norway 3-0 to reach the finals, and celebratory photos graced German newspapers, including Fuldaer Zeitung in Fulda. Germany will play the winner of today’s U.S.-Brazil game.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Page One sheds light on
shadow debate at U.N.

By Kate Kennedy

The opening of the United Nations General Assembly featured arguments over Iran’s nuclear program with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad grabbing the headlines.

“Tehran says it will ignore demands to halt uranium enrichment,” the Los Angeles Times said. The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer pictured seats left empty when the U.S. delegation walked out when Ahmadinejad spoke.

In his address, President Bush announced sanctions against Myanmar, which is cracking down on anti-government protests. Photos of the monk-led protests in the country also known as Burma were featured in the Los Angeles Times and The Washington Post.

The Hartford (Conn.) Courant broke out quotes from Bush, Ahmadinejad and other leaders. The St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press used “He said … He said …” to illustrate what was called a shadow debate.

The constitutionality of lethal injections will be considered by the U.S. Supreme Court, making Page One news in Kentucky, where two death-row inmates challenged the method. “Ky. case may settle issue of execution,” The Courier-Journal in Louisville said. The Lexington Herald-Leader added: “Ruling in Kentucky case could have wide effect.”

A Houston-area man was executed Tuesday night in Texas, where The Dallas Morning News mapped the states authorizing the death penalty, pictured a lethal-injection table and said: “At issue: Do drugs inflict excessive pain?”

Mormon sect leader Warren Jeffs was “convicted for role in child’s rape,” The Arizona Republic reported. The Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City pictured the head of a polygamous splinter group as the verdict was read and quoted jurors: “Girl’s age was crucial to decision.”

Regional stories with national impact were reported from Detroit and Memphis. The two-day GM-UAW strike ended early today. “Sides hammer out two-tier wage deal,” The Detroit News said. “Air traffic outage” was reported by The Commercial Appeal in Tennessee, where communications problems at an FAA regional center affected air travel within a 250-mile radius of Memphis.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Columbia University vs. Iran
makes for Page One news today

By Gene Mater

Controversy is a good way to assure newspaper coverage, and major controversy can make it to Page One. Controversy was what the visit of the Iranian president to Columbia University was all about. There was the controversy about the invitation to the head of a “terrorist state” to visit a major American university, there was the “insulting” introduction of the visitor and then there was what the speaker said and didn't say. Lee C. Bollinger, Columbia’s president, started the ball rolling with the combative introduction of the visitor, observing, among other things, that “Mr. President, you exhibit all the signs of a petty and cruel dictator.” Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad took it from there.

The New York Times has a four-column photo of students and protesters and a story with the headline, “Ahmadinejad, at Columbia, parries and puzzles,” while The Washington Post has two Page One photos and the headline, “Ahmadinejad’s day one in New York: A hostile reception, a rambling talk.” Before checking other U.S. dailies, we thought we might see how the Iran Daily is playing the Columbia story. It’s not. There’s an almost-500-word story about Ahmadinejad but not a word about Columbia. Instead, the piece is about meeting with expats and an interview with the AP, all under a headline promising “no attack on Israel.” The Jerusalem Post in Israel doesn’t agree, offering the banner headline, “Ahmadinejad avoids question of destroying Israel,” while playing up the protests of the Columbia students.

Back to the U.S. and starting with The Honolulu Advertiser, we find “Iran leader runs into New York backlash,” with the photo of the Iranian leader with finger upright that seems to be a favorite of editors. The Los Angeles Times has large photo of protesters and a story that “Iranian leader receives rough reception in N.Y.” And that’s the way it is across the country, for the Chicago Tribune, The Denver Post, The Boston Globe and The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Interest in the story wasn’t universal. It didn’t make Page One of the Detroit Free Press, where the General Motors strike was the only story of the day, or The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Christian Science Monitor and other dailies.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

World newspapers take note
of what you do, not what you say

By Gene Mater

We wondered how the death of a man whose art form transcended the written and the spoken barriers of language differences would be treated by the world press. Marcel Marceau, arguably the world’s greatest mime, died during the weekend at the age of 84. His obituary was teased with a photo and a short item on Page One of The New York Times and The Washington Post, which offers both an obit and an appreciation. We found similar treatment across the United States, in The Miami Herald, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Boston Globe, The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer and other dailies on our Web site. But what about the rest of the world? We looked only for Page One photos, and here is a sampling of what we found.

Le Figaro in Paris — and Marcel Marceau was French — has a big Page One photo with the words “Mime Marceau, the poet of silence.” The Braunschweiger Zeitung in Braunschweig , Germany, also has a large photo and a headline referring to “the king of pantomime.” The Suedwest Presse in Ulm, Germany, has a big picture and the caption “The clown is dead,” while Der Standard in Vienna, Austria, has a photo and tease at the bottom of Page One — similar to the treatment in Nepszabadsag in Budapest, Hungary. For Publico in Lisbon, Portugal, the death needed a large photo, and it was the same for The Guardian in London.

A check of the Latin American dailies found Marcel Marceau’s picture a tease at the top of El Mercurio in Santiago, Chile, and El Tiempo in Bogota, Colombia, while PlanB in Montevideo, Uruguay, preferred a large photo on Page One with the story inside. The Jerusalem Post in Israel also has a photo labeled “The Rest is Silence,” while Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has a small photo and a tease above the nameplate. In the Pacific, the Manila Standard Today in the Philippines has a picture at the bottom of the page with a caption beginning with one strong word: “Gone.” The Sydney Morning Herald in Australia plays it straight with a one-column photo and a one-column head “Marcel Marceau dies.”

Perhaps it isn’t what you say but what you do that counts.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Civil rights and faraway fights
are today's front-page news

By Emily Hedges

In Jena, La., thousands marched in a peaceful protest, according to the headline in The Town Talk in nearby Alexandria, La. The protesting of the treatment of the "Jena Six" was "reminiscent of civil rights era demonstrations" according to The Times-Picayune of New Orleans. The big difference was that this time, most major newspapers, including Southern ones, covered the march. The Huntsville (Ala.) Times had a prominent photo of students holding hands around a noose in a tree, similar to the one in Jena. The Ledger-Enquirer from Columbus, Ga., discussed the cause and reaction to the demonstration, calling it a "march for equal justice." The story was covered around the nation with papers like The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee showing a large photo of thousands of demonstrators on its front page, and Page One of Cheyenne's Wyoming Tribune-Eagle also featured the news of the "rally against inequality."

In other places, the wars and the U.S. soldiers fighting in those conflicts took center stage on the front page. In some places, like Willingboro, N.J., soldiers from Fort Dix heading to Afghanistan covered the front page of the local Burlington County Times. The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., also features a soldier shipping out holding "The Son Who'll Be Waiting," his youngster, Malcolm. Some papers featured soldiers who were coming home. The San Diego Union-Tribune featured a soldier returning to his pregnant wife with the headline "Baby, I'm Home." The Anniston (Ala.) Star had a front-page story about a dad surprising his children at school after returning from a 14-month deployment to Iraq.

Finally, there were front pages with stories about soldiers returning home for good, after sacrificing their lives. The Tyler (Texas) Morning Telegraph's headline was simply "Coming Home" with a picture of a flag-draped casket being carried off a transport plane. The Billings (Mont.) Gazette was "honoring a soldier" with a story about a young man killed in Iraq and photos of his funeral, helping us to remember the real price of war.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Louisiana’s ‘Jena Six’ attracts
attention, stirs action nationally

By Kate Kennedy

From Detroit to Daytona Beach, Fla., and Columbus, Ga., to Charleston, S.C., front pages pictured students, church members and others boarding buses for Jena., La.

An overnight caravan was to bring thousands of people to the central Louisiana town for what the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel called a “Grass-roots civil-rights cause.” “To metro Detroiters, rally in Jena is a fight for equality,” the Detroit Free Press said. The Dallas Morning News labeled its story: “Marching behind six young men.”

The journey to Louisiana was in support of six black teenagers charged in the beating of a white classmate. Protesters say the charges were excessive. “Internet galvanizes Jena, La., demonstration,” The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., said in a package titled “A civil rights phenomenon.” Picturing high school seniors waiting to begin their trek, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said: “Protest could recall those of civil rights era.”

From Louisiana, The News-Star of Monroe said: “Media, marchers put nation’s focus on small La. town.”

In Alexandria, just south of Jena, The Town Talk printed press conference photos, including a picture of the parish district attorney with the victim of the attack. “On eve of huge rally, chaos reigns,” the newspaper said. The Times of Shreveport “shares a big day in Jena,” Executive Editor Alan English said. The newspaper used much of its page for the story and printed a photo of Jena High School, where white students hung nooses from a tree last September “instigating racial tensions and bringing national attention to the community.”

Other headlines in Louisiana represented various views of the events. The Advocate of Baton Rouge said: “Prosecutor says victim of beating lost in ‘racism’ claims.” The Daily World in Opelousas said: “Jena six supported locally.”

In New York, a request by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to visit Ground Zero was denied. How was the news played by the tabs? “No way,” said Newsday on Long Island. “Zero chance,” said the New York Post, adding: “City nixes evil Iran prez bid to tour 9/11 site.” And let’s just say that the Daily News wasn’t welcoming, either.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Federal Reserve action leads
to a lot of interest by Page One

By Tim Friend

The big news today is the Federal Reserve Bank’s cut in the rate that determines what banks pay in the short term to borrow money from each other. Front Pages brought the story home to explain what it means to readers across the nation.

The Tuscaloosa (Ala.) News said, “Dow up 336 on interest rate cut.” The Associated Press story lead spelled it out: "It took more than four years, but borrowers finally got some interest rate relief." Amen. The Los Angeles Times explained: “Fed slashes key rate to stir lenders.” A “Financial score card” bulleted the prime rates for a fast read. The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo., shouted, “HALF-POINT RATE CUT ‘BOLD MOVE’ BY FED.” The lead said, “There was something for just about everyone” in the cut. Indeed.

The Washington Post said: “Fed Cuts Key Rate More Than Expected.” The story’s second graph nailed it: “The rate cut, the first in four years, will eventually lead to lower borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, making it cheaper to take out a car loan or home mortgage or to invest in a business.” What sweet music following sour notes on housing foreclosures. The St. Petersburg Times in Florida borrowed from Clint Eastwood: “Fed makes market’s day with rate cut.” The subhead tied the news to foreclosures.

In Georgia, The Augusta Chronicle’s brass-tacks headline read, “Fed cuts fund rate.” A breakout on “THE IMPACT” explained in a nutshell that borrowers could expect credit-card debt to cost less and, halleluiah, receive less-expensive adjustable mortgage rates.

The Honolulu Advertiser scared readers with: “Home foreclosures tripled in Hawaii.” But it comforted with a second story on how the cut benefits borrowers. The Times-Courier in Charleston, Ill., captured the essence again with the AP story’s key words: “interest rate relief.”

The New York Times told readers that “Stock Markets Soar” and revealed this cut was the Fed’s “most powerful interest rate weapon.” The Times cautioned readers not expect more cuts, as policymakers worry about triggering inflation. A breakout warned housing prices would continue to fall. For young newspaper readers buying a new home this is all very good news.

Tim Friend is on the exhibit development team at the Newseum.

Little fallout for French warning
about war over nuclear weapons

By Gene Mater

On Sunday, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner made a statement on radio about Iran and nuclear weapons that one might expect would attract attention. He said that if Iran went ahead with The Bomb “we have to prepare for the worst, and the worst is war.” His remarks attracted little attention in the U.S., so we thought that we would take a quick look abroad to see what the Kouchner fallout might be.

Le Figaro in Paris today has a picture of a mean-looking Iranian president on Page One and a story about “The anger of Iran against France.” The Paris Trib — officially the International Herald Tribune — reports low on the page that “France seeks to widen Iran sanctions.” We found one German daily — Die Tageszeitung in Berlin — playing up the story with a big photo of what probably are soldiers in the French Foreign Legion and a head that says “France stirs up fear of war.” Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, leads with “Iran scorns war talk amid nuclear crisis.” What about Iran itself? Well, Iran Daily has two Page One stories on the issues: “France anti-Iran stance condemned” and a picture of Mohamed ElBaradei, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, with a story that “ElBaradei warns warmongers.” Perhaps it isn’t bomb-shelter time after all.

What are the U.S. dailies playing up today?

The Daily News in Los Angeles whoops up the O.J. Simpson story and asks in a top-of-the-page squared-off package: “Has O.J. intentionally sought spotlight with heist?” The Arizona Republic in Phoenix leads with a piece labeled “analysis” that says “Outsider nominee marks new Bush tack” about the proposed new attorney general. The Pensacola (Fla.) News Journal tops Page One with a head sure to attract attention: “Prosecutor charged in child-sex sting,” a story claiming that “Assistant U.S. attorney allegedly sought sex with a 5-year-old girl.”

For the Rocky Mountain News in Denver, summer and its related stories are of the past as Page One is taken up with a huge snowy mountain photo, the head proclaiming “Here we go” and reporting “Snow: High country reports season’s first accumulations.” They know what comes first in the hearts and minds of the reader.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

This is a day that at least 2 dailies
want to be sure you don’t forget

By Gene Mater

It’s been a long time since we were anywhere near Opelika or next door in Auburn, Ala., but we would like to be there at 3 p.m. today when area church bells ring to celebrate Constitution Day, according to a Page One story in today’s Opelika-Auburn News. We didn’t check all 511 front pages on our Web site today, but skipping around produced only one other daily (there may be others) paying attention — big attention this time — to “Celebrating the Constitution,” as The Forum in Fargo, N.D., tells its readers in a story noting “Today is one of those holidays that most people don’t realize exists. But 220 years ago, Sept. 17 became one of the most important days in the nation’s history,” and then goes on with a brief history lesson and a sampling of comments from area residents answering the question “What does citizenship mean to you?”

But for most U.S. dailies, the day’s news is much like The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Ark.: “Plane crash in Thailand kills 88,” “Bush names successor to Gonzales” and “Police arrest O.J. Simpson in Las Vegas.” Other dailies found space on Page One, as did The Bakersfield Californian, for a photo and a head “’The Sopranos’ wins top drama at Emmys,” with details on page 12, while another picture touts “Saggy pants: Cities start crackdown.” The Anchorage Daily News up in Alaska has the Simpson story but reserves the top of Page One for a square-off with the inviting head “Murder suspect became cookie-baking volunteer.”

Some newspapers believe that Monday readers want to know about sports. The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., has photos and scores above the nameplate and just below “Fans enjoy a first — U of L, UK both in AP’s Top 25,” meaningful and important words to sports fans, even as The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville has a Page One football photo and a head touting “Look who’s back on the defensive.” The Arizona Republic in Phoenix reports on “Scrappy contenders.” But up here, in the shadow of the nation’s Capitol, we’re going to listen for the Auburn-area bells at 3 this afternoon.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Front pages summarize, analyze
Oval Office address on Iraq

By Kate Kennedy

President Bush’s televised address on U.S. troop presence in Iraq got prominent play on front pages across the country. From Bush’s home state of Texas, the Austin American-Statesman said, “Bush: U.S. still needed.”

The country’s largest newspapers also led with the news. USA TODAY said Bush “Rejects deep cuts; shift not enough, Dems say.”

In a four-column headline, The New York Times said: “Bush says success allows gradual troop cuts.” Bush’s use of the word “success” appeared in many headlines. In an analysis, the Los Angeles Times said: “President’s goal now defined as ‘success’ — not ‘victory.’”

Large newspapers also reported on Page One the killing of an Iraqi tribal leader who had been a key U.S. ally. The Washington Post published a photo from last week of the sheik meeting with Bush.

The Chicago Tribune pictured a serviceman in Baghdad watching the prime-time address, and The Dallas Morning News said: “Texas soldiers and vets say the military has done all it can.”

How did the speech play in locations with military ties? “5,700 soldiers home by Christmas, 21,500 by summer,” the El Paso (Texas) Times said. In Clarksville, Tenn., The Leaf-Chronicle noted news from nearby Fort Campbell: “Brigade ready to head to Iraq.”

The parents of a Marine killed in Iraq were pictured on The Oklahoman of Oklahoma City. “Man remembered as someone who wanted to help,” it said about the corporal who was killed by a suicide bomber.

As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, USA TODAY published a front-page letter from the editor today. Inside, the newspaper told the “American story” of USA TODAY in a two-page spread that included — can you guess? — color photos, bulleted items and graphics. At a USA TODAY-American University School of Communication program last night, founder Al Neuharth said that when USA TODAY was created in 1982 readers were “bored to death by gray newspapers. We had to somehow grab the television generation.”

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

Six years later, 9/11 still big news

By Emily Hedges

Even as Gen. David Petraeus outlines his plan to Congress and President Bush endorses it, many editors found the remembrance of the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack to be the most front-page-worthy story. The story also lent itself to emotion-triggering visual images, which were an important part of many front pages today.

In Gadsden, Ala., the local paper showed photos of children, many too young to remember the 2001 attacks, at a balloon-releasing ceremony at a local elementary school to commemorate Sept. 11. The Los Angeles Times led with the story "A Mother Never Forgets" about a mother's grieving for her daughter who was lost that day. Denver's Rocky Mountain News, perhaps trying to explain why the anniversary was so poignant, said, "Six years later, pain lingers."

The Washington Post showed a photo of the local ceremony at the Pentagon for the lives lost there. Other papers from the areas of the attacks: AM New York showed mourners with a headline, "Day of Pain." Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.) said, "Heads bow in memory," while the Beaver County (Pa.) Times showed a photo of the national memorial in Shanksville, Pa.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution led with a quote headline, “’We ask God to hug them for us'" and a photo of a mourner wrapped in an American flag. The Daily Chronicle from DeKalb, Ill., offered an interview with local firefighters about the impact 9/11 has had on their jobs and their lives.

The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., told the story with a striking photo under the simple headline, "6 Years Later." The Portland (Maine) Press Herald headline, "On hollow ground," referred to a sadness felt by families about the event’s being moved from Ground Zero. The San Antonio Express-News had a photo of the memorial roses in the reflecting pool, surrounded by police officers paying tribute. They discussed the unresolved issues — Osama bin Laden still uncaptured — and Americans’ confidence in the safety of the U.S. today.

Papers from all corners of the U.S. joined in with one voice, one message: We will never forget.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Six years later, 9/11 still big news

By Emily Hedges

Even as Gen. David Petraeus outlines his plan to Congress and President Bush endorses it, many editors found the remembrance of the anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack to be the most front-page-worthy story. The story also lent itself to emotion-triggering visual images, which were an important part of many front pages today.

In Gadsden, Ala., the local paper showed photos of children, many too young to remember the 2001 attacks, at a balloon-releasing ceremony at a local elementary school to commemorate Sept. 11. The Los Angeles Times led with the story "A Mother Never Forgets" about a mother's grieving for her daughter who was lost that day. Denver's Rocky Mountain News, perhaps trying to explain why the anniversary was so poignant, said, "Six years later, pain lingers."

The Washington Post showed a photo of the local ceremony at the Pentagon for the lives lost there. Other papers from the areas of the attacks: AM New York showed mourners with a headline, "Day of Pain." Centre Daily Times (State College, Pa.) said, "Heads bow in memory," while the Beaver County (Pa.) Times showed a photo of the national memorial in Shanksville, Pa.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution led with a quote headline, “’We ask God to hug them for us'" and a photo of a mourner wrapped in an American flag. The Daily Chronicle from DeKalb, Ill., offered an interview with local firefighters about the impact 9/11 has had on their jobs and their lives.

The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., told the story with a striking photo under the simple headline, "6 Years Later." The Portland (Maine) Press Herald headline, "On hollow ground," referred to a sadness felt by families about the event’s being moved from Ground Zero. The San Antonio Express-News had a photo of the memorial roses in the reflecting pool, surrounded by police officers paying tribute. They discussed the unresolved issues — Osama bin Laden still uncaptured — and Americans’ confidence in the safety of the U.S. today.

Papers from all corners of the U.S. joined in with one voice, one message: We will never forget.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Congressional hearings about Iraq
on Page One in U.S., European dailies

By Gene Mater

Congressional hearings on Iraq yesterday made Page One in newspapers in the U.S. and abroad today.

The Honolulu Advertiser leads with the optimistic head “’Surge’ rollback can begin, Petraeus says,” while the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News tells its readers about “’Uneven’ progress cited in Iraq.” For The San Diego Union-Tribune, it’s “Petraeus: Pre-surge level by July,” as the Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal touts “General: Troop surge helps.” The Providence Journal in Rhode Island uses a different approach: “General makes case for staying in Iraq.” The St. Cloud (Minn.) Times reports “General outlines next steps in war,” and The Salt Lake Tribune meets the issues head-on with “Give war a chance, general asks Congress.”

Look at some of the European dailies and you will see a picture of Gen. David H. Petraeus on Page One in the Hospodarske Noviny in Prague, Czech Republic, the Bremer Nachrichten in Bremen, Germany, La Repubblica in Rome, and DAG in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Guardian in London twins two stories with banner headlines: “Washington: the surge is working” and “Baghdad: the lottery of life goes on.”

We know what’s on Page One, but it’s what is inside that might be more important, as newspaper editorial writers and columnists and letter-writers weigh in with comments and questions about the future of Iraq and the testimony of Petraeus and Ambassador Ryan C. Crocker. The Washington Post, which generally supports the U.S. position in Iraq, today editorially asks some questions about the U.S. mission, while The New York Times, an opponent of the war, editorially describes the hearings as “delaying serious decisions” and even sympathizes with those who tried to interrupt the session as “people who just wanted to be heard.”

There were newspapers here and abroad whose editors believed the sixth anniversary of the destruction of World Trade Center rated Page One attention. Newsday on Long Island has 35 images of the Twin Towers site representing the years 1973 to 2007, the OC POST in Santa Ana, Calif., filled the page with “9/11 six years later” and the Greeley (Colo.) Tribune’s page is “America six years later.” Le Figaro in Paris and Der Tagesspiegel in Berlin also have 9/11 stories.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

What will happen in Iraq, what
happened 9/11 top today’s news

By Gene Mater

If you live in the United States and read your local newspaper or one of the national dailies, chances are that one of two stories (or both) will be on the front page — this week’s congressional hearings about Iraq and tomorrow’s sixth anniversary of the terrorist attack that collapsed the twin towers of the World Trade Center, killing almost 3,000 people.

For the biggest daily, USA TODAY, it is indeed both. First, it asks whether “Is 9/11 becoming just another calendar date?” with a lead noting that “Even if you wanted to forget what day it was, you couldn’t.” Below, is a story stating: “Record 60% seek date for pullout” from Iraq.

And that’s the way it is, from coast to coast, one story or the other or both.

The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee devotes much of Page One to the “Crucial reports to Congress,” while 3,000 miles away The Sun in Baltimore leads with “Petraeus to brief Congress on Iraq.” In between, The Birmingham (Ala.) News tells its readers “Officials expect Petraeus to say surge working,” the Idaho Statesman in Boise notes that “Iraq policy won’t change soon, no matter what Petraeus says” and The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., suggests that “Credibility at issue in new Iraq report.” For the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald, “Report on Iraq may be old news,” while The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer contends that the Petraeus report will focus on “Signs of progress” and the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram believes “Petraeus to urge delayed decision.”

Newsday on Long Island and the Daily Record in Parsippany, N.J., prefer to focus Page One attention on the 9/11 memorial and 9/11 services held during the weekend.

For The Miami Herald, there is a different lead story — “Democrats try to speak to Hispanics” — about the first presidential campaign debate in Spanish and English, noting that “the candidates aimed more at embracing the nation's fastest-growing minority group than in breaking new ground on the issues,” while adding “No major gaffes occurred, but the on-air translation of the candidates' answers into Spanish was spotty at times.” There’s a tease to the Iraq story at the bottom of the page, but you have to turn to page 12 for the story and we couldn’t find a reference to 9/11.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Front Page has a ball with
NFL opener, life’s celebrations

By Kate Kennedy

Indianapolis got a kick out of hosting the 2007 NFL season opener. A photo the width of the front page added to a celebratory “Day in the spotlight” package in The Indianapolis Star.

But the Colts’ 41-10 win over the Saints didn’t play so well in New Orleans, where The Times-Picayune said: “First downer.” A photo of Saints Coach Sean Payton said it all.

Speaking of celebrations, a first birthday was captured by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. It was “an occasion for cake” as Mei Lan, a giant panda cub, turned a year old. Like any toddler, Mei Lan has been well-photographed, and the Journal-Constitution turned the top of its page into a baby album.

There also was cake with the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, Calif., which celebrated the birthday of a California woman known for her volunteer work. “Feeling alive at 105,” the newspaper said above a photo of the woman who has volunteered more than 20,900 hours.

There was no cause for celebration in a CDC report that noted an increasing suicide rate among U.S. youth. The Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle charted the trend and said: “Biggest jump is in girls ages 10 to 14.” “2003-2004 spike might stem from fewer using antidepressants,” said the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, another regional newspaper that put the story out front.

“U.S. commander in Iraq resists major troop cut,” the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said in a package that summarized news from Iraq and advanced next week’s testimony to Congress by Gen. David Petraeus. The Hartford (Conn.) Courant used thumbnail descriptors to make sense of four major reports to Congress about the progress in Iraq.

Osama Bin Laden’s picture returned to Page One with news that he will release a video ahead of the sixth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The Daily News of New York teased to an inside story with: “Out of the cave.” A post-Sept. 11 law was dealt a blow when “U.S. judge tosses out key part of Patriot Act,” The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J. said. “Ruling warns of ‘far-reaching invasions of liberty,’” The Arizona Republic in Phoenix said in its top story.

Kate Kennedy is front pages editor at the Newseum.

‘Terror’ returns to headlines
with breakup of German plot

By Kate Kennedy

German authorities thwarted a terror plot targeting Americans, and the news was carried across the United States.

“Germany arrests three suspects it says had ties to an Al Qaeda ally,” the Los Angeles Times said. “Police pulled fast one on plot suspects,” The Seattle Times said, noting: “German officials switched bomb materials.” Photos showed German officers with masks escorting a suspect to and from court. Some German newspapers, including Sächsische Zeitung in Dresden, also covered the face of the suspect.

In advance of next week’s progress report from the Bush administration, news about Iraq played on the big three in the East: The New York Times and The Washington Post said an independent report concluded Iraq’s army is not ready to take over security for the country, at least for another year. USA TODAY’s editorial board interviewed White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten, printing on Page One his comments that “a sizeable presence of U.S. troops would remain in Iraq” after President Bush leaves office.

A B-52 bomber mistakenly loaded with cruise missiles carrying nuclear warheads flew for more than three hours over the central U.S., and newspapers near the path — including The Des Moines (Iowa) Register, The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle and the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald — told the story on Page One. The flight originated Aug. 30 from Minot Air Force Base in North Dakota, where The Forum of Fargo said in a six-column headline: “Nuke slipup shakes officials.” The destination was Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana, where The Times of Shreveport led with the story and reported that a weapons squadron commander had been fired.

A voice known around the world fell silent late Wednesday. “Star tenor’s golden voice brought opera to millions,” The Dallas Morning News said in reporting the death of the Italian tenor Luciano Pavarotti. Its story began: “He was the opera singer every taxi driver and waitress could name.” “Ciao,” said Excelsior from Mexico City.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Pictures really are worth
a thousand words

By Tim Friend

Page One editors today captured local, national and international news with big, color photographs. Snapshots in time tell more than words can about hope, nature, poverty, weather and culture.

In Columbus, Ga., the Ledger-Enquirer displays a flag-draped casket lowered from an airplane as soldiers stand at attention. The simple headline: “Somber greeting.”

The Denver Post shows a woman hugging a large, wet, wild beaver. “A champion for nature’s engineers” is about Sherri Tippie, legally trapping beavers and relocating them for 25 years as humans encroach on animal habitats. The Post was one of many Western newspapers to put the story of missing aviator Steve Fossett out front: “Terrain hinders Fossett search” suggests finding him won’t be easy.

The New York Times shows farm workers. The catch is they're in Mexico. The story is about California farmers relocating to Mexico for labor.

The Miami Herald shows residents in La Ceiba, Honduras, wading thigh-deep down a street after Hurricane Felix passed by. Winds are weakening, but flooding will remain a problem for islands in the storm’s path.

The Indianapolis Star displays a mother of three shopping for school clothes at a thrift store. The headline explains, “Morgan, Hendricks counties see sharp rise in poverty.” This is in the suburbs. The article reports a Census study showing poverty spreading there.

Yesterday was the first day of school for much of the country. So The Standard-Times of New Bedford, Mass., offers a beaming youngster: “Big girl on campus.” The word “girl” is printed in pink. In Port Huron, Mich., the Times Herald also displayed a back-to-school Page One photo of kindergarteners sitting wide-eyed on the floor looking up at a teacher.

Perhaps the best-looking front page belongs to the Record Searchlight of Redding, Calif. The lead photo shows deputies tugging at a monstrous marijuana plant. They’re surrounded by lots of green. The headline: “Growing the force / More pot means more law officers in California’s national forests.” Next to the pot is a photo of Kurt Cobain and a teaser to a study that concludes rock stars party hard and die young. At top right, a bold picture refers to an article about Mattel recalling another 700,000 toys. Lead Paint Barbie won’t be coming out any time soon.

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

There always will be an editor
who doesn’t always mean it

By Gene Mater

Yesterday was an American holiday but one of our far-flung correspondents suggested that we look at the front page of his local newspaper. We were able to do so because our Newseum colleagues post front pages from around the world every day. The newspaper led with the story of North Korea accepting a deal to end nuclear development. The headline on the daily’s lead story said it all and more — “N. Korea agrees to drop nukes” — a headline that reminded us of newspapers of August 1945 when we “dropped nukes,” then called atom bombs, on Japan. In the interest of keeping double entendres within the family, we will not list the name of the newspaper, but we will post a copy on our wall.

That was yesterday and this is today and the surprise visit of President Bush to Iraq and what he said there made Page One headlines in the U.S. as well as in other countries interested in what’s next for the war-torn nation and the congressional debate.

The Anniston (Ala.) Star has a photo under the headline “In Iraq, Bush sets tone for hearings in Congress,” while The Herald in Monterey, Calif., touts “Secret Bush visit to Iraq.” The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post banners “Bush visits Iraq, troops” and illustrates it with a big photo of Bush chatting with a large group of soldiers. For the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune, it was “Surprise visit to Iraq for Bush,” while The Times in Shreveport, La., has a photo and three words: “Bush visits Iraq.” The Star Tribune in Minneapolis reports what some have been pushing: “Bush: Troop reductions possible.”

In the Middle East, Alwaqt in Bahrain, An-Nahar in Beirut, Lebanon, and Olay in Bursa, Turkey, have words we cannot understand in alphabets we cannot read but with Page One photos we can see Bush with the troops. Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, tells its readers (in English): “Bush assembles war council in Iraq.” The Jerusalem Post headlines “Some troops could be sent home — Bush.” On the other side of the world and the president’s ultimate destination for the trip, The Age in Melbourne, Australia, has a photo and a reference to “Bush detours … .” Some detour.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Seasonal favorites: Summer’s
last days, fall’s big games

By Kate Kennedy

Thoughts of a three-day weekend snuck onto today’s front page.

From Oregon to Ocala, Fla., front pages offered information and advice on what The Times Reporter in Dover-New Philadelphia, Ohio, called summer’s final fling. “Burners, barbecuers make a sizzling holiday,” the Reno (Nev.) Gazette-Journal said.

“Plenty to sweat about on Labor Day weekend,” said the Los Angeles Times, which mixed the misery of a heat wave with holiday traffic woes. The San Francisco Chronicle illustrated the anticipated good and bad of weekend driving.

As we celebrate our labors, The New York Times reported on IBM’s flexible, employee-managed vacation policy. Sound like a worker’s dream? A hint from the Times’ headline: “At I.B.M, a vacation anytime, or maybe no vacation at all.”

The Savannah (Ga.) Morning News capitalized on another worker’s dream, $330 million: “Mega Millions drawing lures big dreamers.” “Would you give your lottery millions away?” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer asked in a nicely written story. It pictured a couple who have given millions of their lottery winnings to charity.

Another money story made headlines. “Help on way in mortgage crisis,” The Arizona Republic said about a government response to housing and credit problems caused by subprime adjustable-rate mortgages. “Bush makes a house call,” The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee said. The Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel reported on the reason for the action: “‘Scary’ housing market tumbles.”

It’s back … Page One tackled football of all sorts. The Kansas City (Mo.) Star pictured cheering high school players: “A new season for an old ritual.” The Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star promoted the Nebraska vs. Nevada college game.

Today’s design: The Orange County (Calif.) Register put a new slant on how to cover the demolition of a local landmark.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Katrina headlines reflect skepticism;
they hold grudges in Texas, don’t they?

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Many U.S. front pages continued to lead with Hurricane Katrina anniversary stories today, and President Bush’s New Orleans speech got top mention. The president’s remark that there are “better days ahead” for the Gulf Coast got picked up by several headline writers, and stories noted his positive tone: “Upbeat Bush vows to continue helping,” The Miami Herald International Edition; “Bush: We Understand,” The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La.

But other newspapers focused on residents’ reaction to the president’s visit and government efforts to rebuild the area. Those headlines struck a different note: “Bush met by uneasy welcome in Big Easy,” Marietta (Ga.) Daily Journal; “New Orleans Anger Rife 2 Years After Katrina,” Valley News, West Lebanon, N.H. The Temple (Texas) Daily Telegram put it plainly: “Lingering Disgust.”

Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, continued to take a beating over his alleged adventure in a Minneapolis airport bathroom. Several newspapers focused on the Republican rush to break ranks over the affair: “GOPs: Craig should resign,” Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel. The New York Post was dependably cheeky – “GOPers put heat on ‘I’m not gay’ Larry” – but the Fayetteville, N.C., SmartNews gave the Post a run for its money with “GOP TRIES TO FLUSH SENATOR.”

Finally, The Lufkin (Texas) Daily News gave a lot of front-page ink to an (apparently one-sided) grudge match between city attorney Bob Flournoy and Osama bin Laden. After the 9/11 attacks, Flournoy vowed to wear the same star-spangled tie until bin Laden had been captured or killed. Well, nearly six years later, the tie is a little worse for wear. In fact, it’s downright foul: “Flies kind of gather around me, and I don’t have quite as many friends,” he told the Daily News. So, in the interest of public health, Flournoy has decided that bin Laden “is in an unmarked grave.” The patriotic lawyer has given the suspected terrorist mastermind 13 days to meet him in the Lufkin City Hall park, and prove he’s really alive. Otherwise, the tie is coming off. “It’s been fun, but the fun’s about to end.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Two years after Katrina:
tribute and tribulation

By Kate Kennedy

Thank you. Those two powerful words topped today’s Times-Picayune, as the Gulf Coast marked the two-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

The New Orleans newspaper devoted two-thirds of its page to thanksgiving: “Thousands of New Orleans families have been buoyed by the kindness of strangers, whether in the first desperate days of exile, or even now in the slow slog of rebuilding.”

The Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss., also took a special approach. “Who are these people?” it asked in “A tribute to the people of South Mississippi who have endured and triumphed.” In a front-page essay, Executive Editor Stan Tiner answered the question: “They are an army of one, united by the common ground of their loss.”

The Times of Shreveport, La., used a collage of pictures, and The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., printed the last of a four-part series: “Coast recovery caught up in issues of immigrant workers, insurance premiums and labor needs.”

From St. Petersburg, Fla., to Los Angeles, newspapers assessed the progress in rebuilding. “An old city revels in its new spirit of innovation,” the Los Angeles Times said about New Orleans.

U.S. Census data on poverty and the uninsured allowed newspapers to look at the local story. “In Indiana, 37,500 sink into poverty,” The Indianapolis Star said in a package that included charts and profiles of three women who live in poverty. The Philadelphia Inquirer printed twin stories: “Census’ take on health, wealth.”

Two U.S. senators were in the news. A photo of Sen. Tim Johnson and the quote “I am back” led the Argus Leader of Sioux Falls, S.D., which reported on Johnson’s first public appearance since he suffered a brain hemorrhage. “Craig asks forgiveness; GOP seeks ethics probe,” the Idaho Statesman of Boise said about Sen. Larry Craig, who earlier pleaded guilty to a disorderly conduct charge after an incident in an airport restroom.

McClatchy newspapers published the first interview with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki since calls last week for his resignation. The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., used “I’m not leaving” as the headline for the story by Leila Fadel. “Al-Maliki takes defiant tone,” The Fresno (Calif.) Bee said, with The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer adding: “Iraqi prime minister blames U.S. policies for sectarianism.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Gonzales’ departure tops the news
in the U.S., its neighbors and abroad

By Gene Mater

Whether you are editing the biggest daily in the United States, the second biggest, the newspaper of record or the major daily in the nation’s capital, the departure of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was your top Page One story today. For the four dailies just cited, USA TODAY reported, “As Gonzales exits, battles looming for White House”; The Wall Street Journal leads with “Gonzales resignation ends an era”; The New York Times tells its readers “A defender of Bush’s power, Gonzales resigns”; and The Washington Post banners “Embattled Gonzales resigns.”

And that’s the way it is across the country. The Los Angeles Times tops Page One with “Anger, relief over resignation”; the Aurora (Colo.) Sentinel has a large photo over-printed with the words “Going, going, Gonzales,” while The Day in New London, Conn., banners “A legacy of moral, political turmoil.” For the Northwest Florida Daily News in Fort Walton Beach, it’s a simple one-column head noting that “Gonzales moves on.” The Chicago Tribune grabs your attention with a large photo of the back of Gonzales as he leaves the stage after making his announcement. The Citizens’ Voice in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., uses all of Page One for a photo of Gonzales and the words “Attorney General calls it quits.” At other dailies, editors decided to lead you off Page One to read the details, as the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson does with “Gonzales packs it in,“ while telling you where to find the news and the analysis.

Even outside the U.S., the resignation is news. The Globe and Mail in Toronto has a story at the bottom of the page, claiming that “Bush cleans house but plenty of mud remains” while Excelsior in Mexico City has a small photo at the bottom of the page touting inside coverage. Die Tageszeitung in Berlin has a commentary with the head “Bush’s Texas band disintegrates.” There are teases for Gonzales stories inside in SME, a major daily in Bratislava, The Jerusalem Post and la Repubblica in Rome.

Back in the states, The Buffalo News sums it up with “Relief greets Gonzales’ move.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Many still write about the weather
which is why we won’t, except …

By Gene Mater

"Everybody talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it." Whether Charles D. Warner said it first and then had his words lifted by Mark Twain is a debate that we will avoid. However, we will do something about the weather. Nothing. The weather still is big news on many U.S. front pages — floods and heat — but we will say no more about the subject, with one exception.

Let’s start with the exception. When Hurricane Dean was threatening Texas and nearby areas, the story was whooped-up by many dailies. We noted at the time — but did not report — that one newspaper downplayed the threat. Today, that daily, The Monitor, in McAllen, Texas, leads with “Dean brings flood of bills,” adding that “Gov. Perry stands by his spending of millions to prepare the state for a storm that never arrived.” Three cheers for being right.

For many dailies this morning the big story is the contretemps between some U.S. senators who want him fired and Prime Minister Nour al-Maliki of Iraq, who says that his critics should stop looking at his country as “one of their villages.” The MidEast edition of Stars and Stripes, which primarily serves a military audience, banners the story with the head ”Al-Maliki lashes out at senators,” adding that “Iraqi prime minister rails against his critics, singling out Democrats Clinton and Levin.” Treatment was similar in the Las Vegas Review-Journal, The Roanoke Times in Virginia, the St. Joseph News-Press in Missouri, the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle in Cheyenne, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock and other dailies.

For other editors, it really was dealer’s choice. The Hartford Courant in Connecticut and The Washington Post both lead with the $20,000 bonus for signing up with the Army while the Gazette-Times in Corvallis, Ore., where such things may matter more than where you live, the lead story is the new look for the $100 bill. Not far away, The Register-Guard in Eugene leads with “Wildfires reach site of ancient Olympics” in Greece but our winner for the day is the wildfire story in The Christian Science Monitor in Boston, with the all-cap head “WHY IS GREECE ON FIRE?” Why, indeed.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Wet and wild; hot and steamy:
Weather continues to reign on A1

By Kate Kennedy

Violent weather continued to wallop the Midwest, bringing lead headlines and powerful images.

“Fast and furious,” the Chicago Tribune said after storms cut through northern Illinois. “Now it’s time to brace for flooding,” the Daily Herald of suburban Chicago said.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel quoted a scientist about the cause of the history-making weather: “Stagnant, destructive weather pattern happens once in 100 years.” In hard-hit southeastern Minnesota, the Winona Daily News devoted most of its page to flood cleanup: “Bush declares disaster area.”

In contrast, it’s hot and dry in the southeastern U.S. In “Hotlanta,” The Journal-Constitution’s front page served as a thermometer, charting the month’s awful temperatures.

In sunny locations, new labeling guidelines for sunscreen got play. “Congress pushes FDA to shed more light on sunscreen labels,” the Houston Chronicle said. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale pictured a 2-year-old being slathered with sunscreen and offered: “Here’s how to protect yourself from the sun.”

“A gloomy forecast for Iraq,” The Kansas City (Mo.) Star said of an analysis of Iraq’s government by U.S. intelligence agencies. The report was a common front-page offering. In a related story, a powerful Republican voice — Sen. John Warner of Virginia — suggested that it was time to begin pulling troops out of Iraq. The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville featured Warner prominently with summaries of war-related news.

Columbia Journalism Review has said that The New York Times led in reporting on the subprime mortgage collapse. News of a credit crunch is making front pages in community newspapers as foreclosures increase. “The mortgage meltdown,” The Dallas Morning News said atop today’s centerpiece. “Gone are the days of easy money.” The Plain Dealer in Ohio said: “Foreclosures jump outside Cleveland.”

Today’s photo: Readers of the Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City got a lift from coverage of a military homecoming.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

100-year-old records fall as rain
soaks Ohio, Rangers flood the bases

By Kate Kennedy

A 100-year flood swept Findlay, Ohio, into the news.

An aerial photo in the Hartford (Conn.) Courant and a rescue photo in The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post showed a submerged Findlay after a stubborn storm system in the Midwest brought the worst flooding in more than 100 years. “Dozens rescued,” The Blade of nearby Toledo said. “Flood, tears,” The Plain Dealer of Cleveland said. “State of emergency declared in nine Ohio counties.”

To the south, a weakened Hurricane Dean marched into the Mexican mainland, and newspapers, including El Quintanarroense in Playa del Carmen, pictured the aftermath.

An international story was local news for The Honolulu Advertiser and The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash. “Army’s worst day,” said the Advertiser’s package, which included a graphic and photos of soldiers killed in a helicopter crash in Iraq. “Crash claims crew, 10 others,” The News Tribune said.

At a Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, President Bush invoked the memory of the Vietnam War. A quote was prominently printed in The San Diego Union-Tribune. “‘… We will fight to win,’” the St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press quoted the president as saying during a Kansas City speech.

The results of two studies were frequently found on Page One. The Savannah (Ga.) Morning News noted a study of stomach stapling showed that surgery not only leads to weight loss but also to improved survival rates. The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post called the results of a study of sex among older adults “Late-life lovin.’” “As we age, sex is still fact of life,” the Chicago Tribune said.

“Ouch!” was the word The Washington Post used. “Romp” was the word used by The Dallas Morning News after Texas beat Baltimore 30-3. No, it wasn’t football. The Rangers’ win over the Orioles broke a 110-year-old record for runs. There was no rivalry for the Morning News, which published a Baltimore Sun photo. The Sun printed a photo of the score. Its lead: “It was a loss of epic proportions.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Hurricane, flooding, CIA
missteps top headlines

By Patty Rhule

Weather woes swamped front-page editors today, with floods in Minnesota and Ohio and Hurricane Dean bruising Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

St. Paul’s Pioneer Press in Minnesota covered several bases with “After the floods, fatigue, despair” and “Bush returns with vows of more help.” “Dean misses resorts, slams Mexico villages” summed up the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, whose readership was no doubt relieved to miss the brunt of the hurricane.

Far from storm-struck areas, The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk used a six-column map of the Gulf of Mexico as the background of its front page, inset with photos.

In other news, finger-pointing was another theme of the day, with many front pages reporting on a just-declassified report about the CIA’s efforts leading up to the terrorist attacks of 2001. “Report details CIA missteps before Sept. 11 attacks,” said the Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune. The Blade in Toledo, Ohio, was blunt: “Watchdog faults CIA bosses on 9/11.”

In New York, the Daily News’ “Tragic Blame Game” headline focused not on the CIA, but on the events that killed two firefighters fighting a blaze in the Ground Zero area over the weekend. Metro — New York asked, “Who’s to blame?”

The Yakima (Wash.) Herald-Republic reported on a startling test that could determine which drugs the residents of a city are taking in “Community urinalysis — Scientists need just a teaspoon of waste water to drug test an entire city.”

And a bad-news story for book publishers found lots of interest among Page One editors. “Read between the lines: Bookworms a rare breed,” quipped The Island Packet in Bluffton, S.C., reporting on an Associated Press poll that found 1 in 4 adults read no books in the past year.

We’re hoping they were reading newspapers instead.

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Dean hammers, rattles and rolls;
Americans love to pop those pills

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Weather continued to dominate U.S. front pages today as deadly Hurricane Dean turned toward Mexico. Many headline writers zeroed in on the fact that Dean had reached a Category 5 level; headlines such as “Dean hammers Mexico” and “Dean thrashes Yucatan” were common.

Deadlines came into play as editors tried to get the latest news on the storm’s progression before the presses rolled. Some looked ahead at the storm’s projected path: “Category 5 storm targeting Mexico,” The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Miss.; “Hurricane Dean has Yucatan in its sights,” The Advocate, Baton Rouge, La. Others focused on storm preparations: “Thousands in Mexico flee massive Hurricane Dean,” The San Diego Union-Tribune. While many Gulf Coast newspapers adopted “how will it affect us” angles, so did The Frederick News-Post — in Maryland, which, as you geography buffs know, is on the Atlantic coast: “Will Dean’s force affect Frederick?” Mexico’s Diario de Yucatán had the real front-row seat: “Furia devastadora” – “Devastating fury: Dean punishes the south peninsula with all its force.”

Tabloids and mainstream dailies alike continued to give big play to NFL star Michael Vick, who chose to plead guilty in his federal dog-fighting case. The OC Post’s headline read, “Mr. Vick has agreed to enter a plea of ... guilty,” but the design made sure the reader’s impression was a photo of Vick with a huge “GUILTY” sign across his neck. The New York Post pulled out some trademark wordplay: “CON VICK.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a similarly arresting front-page image — Vick’s face split in two, one side encased in a helmet, the other marked by a single diamond earring. Its headline topped a think piece on a once-promising career: “The Rise and Fall of Michael Vick.”

Finally, an Associated Press report on U.S. prescription drug use captured several Page One editors’ attention: “U.S. gets hooked on pills,” read the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle’s banner head. Retail sales of five major painkillers — spurred by the popularity of Oxycodone — have doubled over the last eight years, according to an AP analysis of drug-sales data. Readers apparently need only look to the McMansion next door for the average addict. Researchers found that painkiller popularity has exploded through the suburbs — the old moniker of “hillbilly heroin” no longer applies.

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Weather really is bad when you see it
on page one of your local newspaper

By Gene Mater

Bad weather always looks worse through a window. That’s an old saying that might be amended to read, Bad weather always looks worse on Page One of your hometown newspaper.

Three states have been hit with what copy editors often refer to as “deadly flooding” — Oklahoma, Wisconsin and Minnesota — as Texas and Mexico brace for Hurricane Dean.

Let’s start where the weather has been. The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City leads with “As storm’s death toll and waters rise, communities turn an EYE TOWARD RECOVERY” while the Tulsa World has as the off-lead story “Floods kill at least 6 in state.” In Minnesota, the Star-Tribune in Minneapolis has an all-cap banner that says it all: “‘THE RAIN NEVER QUIT.’” Page One photos in the St. Cloud Times of homes on the edge of a washed-out area; the water at the top of the wheel and the sad driver in the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and the three “Floods Swamp Minnesota” pictures in the West Central Tribune in Willmar might persuade you not to visit the state right now. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a front-page head over a large photo to tell the story that “Storms Swamp Wisconsin.”

Let’s move south to check on Hurricane Dean. The Daily Express, which bills itself “the national newspaper of Trinidad & Tobago,” fills most of Page One with a storm photo and the head, ‘DEAN CRASHES IN.” El Caribe in the Dominican Republic says there isn’t much hurricane damage on that island; that there’s more in Jamaica and Haiti. Then there are the places in Texas and Mexico that are, in the words of the lead head in the El Paso Times, “Bracing for Dean,” or as the Corpus Christi Caller Times says in its all-cap banner of the day, “MEAN DEAN GATHERS STEAM.” The San Antonio Express-News tells its readers that “Officials Warn: Do not underestimate this storm.” And if you’re in the area of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico, we suggest picking up a copy of Expreso, which devotes almost half of Page One to a map showing the track of Hurricane Dean.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Soldier suicides, disasters,
terror verdict rule headlines

By Tim Friend

War is hell. Some soldiers survive only to take their own lives when they come home. Newspapers across the nation carried Page One headlines today about a rise in suicide deaths of soldiers in the Army. The Stars and Stripes of Washington, D.C., summed up the news with its banner, “Army sees increase in suicide rate.” The suicides are attributed to failed relationships.

The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle says “Army suicide rate at 26-year high.” The Chronicle also captures the essence of what made front-page news in most cities with its stories of Peru’s earthquake, trapped miners and Jose Padilla’s guilty verdict on charges of terrorism conspiracy. The newspaper’s headlines tell us “Rescuers line up bodies for families to identify,” and “Padilla convicted of plotting attacks.”

The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post agreed with the choice of top stories. It carried Padilla’s guilty verdict and informed us that the “Death toll in Peruvian quake climbs to 510.” The Chicago Tribune reads, “Padilla guilty in terror case” and “Peru rushes to find quake survivors.” There is some Page One confusion about the troubled rescue attempt at Utah’s Crandall Canyon mine. But The Santa Fe New Mexican got it right with “Cave-in kills three rescue workers, injures six.”

As earthquakes rattle Peru and Utah, weather harasses the South and Midwest. The Times of Munster, Ind., announced, “Storm damage massive, cleanup overwhelming.” High winds uprooted trees and downed power lines. In Houston, newspapers talk of a small storm with a big punch. Three deaths have been reported. Central Texas is flooding.

The Corpus Christi Caller-Times says, “We prepared for Erin’s worst, but her fury passed us by and drenched Houston.” The Caller-Times also says it’s safe to drink the city’s water, which was contaminated by bacteria.

Meanwhile, some think the economy is heading south. Home sales are slow in many areas, including Corpus Christi and Lawrence, Kan. The Lawrence Journal-World tells readers a “Building slump hits home.” That newspaper also addresses the Army suicides with hope: “Counseling center helps military veterans deal with depression, suicidal thoughts.”

In Minneapolis, the Star Tribune is still focused on the city’s bridge disaster. Today’s headline: “As state money diminished, so did goals for bridge safety.”

One interesting science note is in the Cape Cod Times of Hyannis, Mass. Page One reads, “Tapping into cancer, Cape tree rings may provide clues to cause.” Sleuths are taking core samples from tree trunks and analyzing the chemical composition. Mysterious clusters of cancer in the area might be linked to toxic chemicals absorbed by trees. Chemicals associated with specific rings might reveal dates of exposure.

Tim Friend is senior content specialist at the Newseum.

30 years after his death,
Elvis still makes news

By Tim Friend

The 30th anniversary of Elvis’ death seems like a good day to search for Elvis sightings. He’s on many front pages. Of course, news is happening, too: There’s another horrible death toll from Iraq bombings, warnings about giving infants cough syrup and hazardous Chinese toys dominating Page One.

Clichéd references to Elvis lyrics are expected. The Birmingham News in Alabama writes “Thirty years after death, fans still all shook up.” But below the fold the headline hits the mark with “'Made in China’ America’s new warning label.” It was this way too when I was a kid in the 1960s.

The Tuscaloosa News sent two reporters on a sojourn from Elvis’ birthplace in Tupelo to the Memphis mansion. Newspapers have been cutting travel budgets for years. Whether this story is Page One because of Elvis or the fact that two reporters got to travel is unclear. Both are odd phenomenon.

The Sacramento Bee teases to an inside story on Elvis, but the hard news is “Recalls dampen joy of toys” and “Domestic satellite spying widened.” The spy-satellite story was Page One in yesterday’s Wall Street Journal. Big Brother’s eyes are wide open.

Georgia's Athens Banner-Herald says it's “30 years later: Elvis May Have Died, But It’s Clear He Never Left the Building.” May have died? The Banner-Herald has a great mix. In addition to Elvis, it offers “Tips on how not to learn your lesson with alcohol,” and tells the story of a bomb scare at a marijuana greenhouse. Cops on a pot raid thought a steel pipe was a bomb. It was a device for making hashish. No instructions on how the device operates. Banner photos will get grins with a headline that reads “Watermelon on a Bad Hair Day.” Honest.

In Jackson, Miss., The Clarion-Ledger tells about “Graceland Too in Holly Springs offers fans all things Elvis.” This is about one serious collector of Elvis memorabilia. The collector saw a woman die at his first Elvis concert in 1954 and went on to attend Elvis shows another 113 times.

In Nevada, the Las Vegas Review-Journal shouts “All Hail the King” but one of its top stories asks what manufacturers will do with tainted toys. That’s a good question. Used toys are dumped in the ocean and wash up on beaches of pristine islands. This is one to follow.

The Oregonian refers inside to Elvis but lead stories are of the blast in Iraq and an FDA warning against giving cough syrup to infants. The FDA story is from The New York Times. “Parents warned cough medicine imperils infants.” It seems parents aren’t following label directions.

The Philadelphia Inquirer tells us “Death hasn’t slowed Elvis, 30 years later the King is still making millions.” Finally, I don’t know the Estonian language but Page One of SL Õhtuleht in Tallinn, Estonia, carries a picture of young Elvis with a refer to an inside story. This guy, dead or not, is truly King.

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

The heat is on, both literally and figuratively

By Emily Hedges

It sure is getting warm, as toy manufacturers in China came under fire once again. Mattel recalled millions more defective toys, and front pages reflected the seriousness of the story. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch gave detailed instructions to help people tell the differences between the recalled toys and satisfactory ones. The OC Post in Santa Ana, Calif., had a large graphic even a young child would understand with the headline " 'Too Dangerous.' " The Longview (Texas) News-Journal said, "Recalls Give Toy Industry a Black Eye," which they showed graphically by giving Barbie a black eye.

It's also hot in the South. The Birmingham (Ala.) News said the week's temperatures were "record-setting," with eight straight days of 100 degrees or higher. The Chattanooga (Tenn.) Times Free Press offered a slightly different angle and put a story about outdoor workers coping with the heat on its front page. Greensboro, N.C.'s News & Record said it best with the headline, "We're Just Baking."

Although it still feels like summer outside, it's the beginning of the school year in many places. Oklahoma City's The Oklahoman addressed the issue of summer heat on school days with an article about modifications for classrooms in the triple-digit heat. Cleveland's The Plain Dealer featured the very serious subject of school rankings on its front page. However, The Kentucky Enquirer in Fort Mitchell channeled the child in all of us with its headline, "Vacation Over? But It Just Began!"

And finally, some strange news. The Record Searchlight from Redding, Calif., gave us the front-page story titled "Sticky situation" about a robbery attempt at a liquor store in which the ne'er-do-well concealed his identity by wrapping duct tape around his head. He drew laughs from the patrons of the store he held up. We wouldn't imagine the unmasking was a pleasant experience either. And tied for first place in the strange-headlines category were The Register-Guard (Eugene, Ore.) with the headline, "Fans flock in to see pigs fly," a story about racing pigs who jump hurdles at the local fair; and the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News with "Headless walruses littering beaches," a story about poachers.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

In Europe, some news is the same
while there is much that is different

By Gene Mater

We thought that we would take a look at a few European newspapers this morning to see what makes news in the faraway lands.

We start in England, where they speak a language similar to our own. For The Guardian in London, the big story is about the new prime minister and what he’s been doing, with the major Page One story reporting that he spent “39 billion pounds in first seven weeks” while what we might call the lead story reports “Close to tears, Bush’s right-hand man bids farewell,” a story also played up in the U.S. press. For The Herald in Glasgow, Scotland, the big story is that “We are under siege from racism, say ethnic youths,” a plaint that probably has universal understanding.

Moving across the Channel, the International Herald Tribune, better known to a few generations as the Paris Trib, leads with “Key adviser to Bush announces resignation,” next to a three column photo of President Bush and Karl Rove. But for Le Monde there’s a bigger Page One story — “En Asie, la pire mousson de memoire d’homme,” or “In Asia, the worst monsoon in the memory of man,” which may be difficult to top. Le Figaro, a popular Parisian daily, tries with a big Page One photo of many bicycles and a big story about Parisians and the “revolution of the bicycle,” the campaign to get the locals to use the two-wheelers to resolve some of the traffic problems. In neighboring Spain, Granada Hoy (in Granada, of course) the big story is of an arsenal of the separatist ETA organization being found in the south of France.

The Sueddeutsche Zeitung in Munich plays up “Bush’s closest confidant resigns” while Die Tageszeitung in Berlin reports that the influx of capital by the central banks is feeding the speculators, including a photo of a man sitting on a pile of banknotes while lighting his cigar with one such banknote. And not far away from Munich, the Salzburger Nachrichten in Salzburg, Austria, plays up and warns its readers that the speed limit for cars has been cut to 100 kilometers because of the poor air. There are stories that are of universal interest but there are others that you have to be there to understand.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

There’s plenty of bad news
to fill today’s front pages

By Gene Mater

“Nobody likes the man who brings bad news.” The Greek playwright Sophocles wrote it that way and he may have been the first to do so, in that he died more than 2,000 years ago. The men and women who edit today’s daily newspapers have much unhappy news to report.

Starting way out in the Pacific, The Honolulu Advertiser warns its readers today that “Strong Flossie moves closer,” referring to Hurricane Flossie, while reporting that “Fire Ravages North Shore, forces evacuations, outages,” even as the Los Angeles Times leads with “Fliers fume at LAX chaos” — LAX being the main airport in the area — while the off-lead story reports “Battles raging in remotest Pakistan.” At the bottom of Page One is a story about the bedbug problem in the Southland.

Bouncing around a bit geographically, Alabama’s Birmingham News leads with “Shuttle gouge penetrates shield,” adding that “NASA weighs risky spacewalk repair.” That story tops The Arizona Republic in Phoenix with the head, “NASA weighs spacewalk to fix shuttle,” even as the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in Little Rock reports “NASA looking at patch for gash.” For the St. Louis Post-Dispatch the lead story is “Gunman at church kills 3, wounds 4,” while a story lower down reports from Iraq that “Deadly attack on U.S. soldiers is called new tactic.” The Oregonian in Portland has a Page One square-off about “Fun night on the river turns harrowing,” even as the Houston Chronicle reports “Family’s night out ends in tragedy.”

No blood and guts for the tabloid New York Post but in end-of-the-world type it says SICK and offers an exclusive: “HMO prices sock families.” The Christian Science Monitor up in Boston says “Main St. watches Wall St.” and reports, “The financial credit crisis could affect US consumers.” The Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City uses what could be a standing head for its report on the coal-mine disaster — “It has not gone well.”

P.S. to Sophocles: There’s more but you get the picture. We don’t think the readers dislike us; they have come to expect the bad news along with the good news that we also offer.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Rocked stocks roll on many Page Ones

By Tim Friend

“CREDIT CRISIS SPILLS INTO WORLD MARKETS” says the San Francisco Chronicle, summing up today’s Page One news in the U.S. and much of the world. “Credit Crunch in U.S. Upends Global Markets” says The Washington Post.

But newspapers offered a good mix of front-page stories that kept news local. Mindful of a large black community in Washington, the Post followed the murder last week of a black journalist in Oakland, Calif. The Post’s take: “For some in Oakland, Editor’s Death Shows Subversion of Black Activism.” Today’s Oakland Tribune offers “Editor slaying suspect: I didn’t kill Bailey.” The story is about a 19-year-old handyman charged with the Aug. 2 murder of the editor of the Oakland (Calif.) Post, a weekly newspaper serving black communities of the San Francisco Bay area. The suspect, who works at Your Black Muslim Bakery, had earlier told police he shot Chauncey Bailey, 57, over anger with Bailey’s stories about the bakery’s financial and legal problems.

FLORIDA TODAY, of Melbourne, echoes financial hysterics with “Credit worries sink Dow” and is one paper guaranteed to mention that the “Shuttle arrives at space station today.” Minneapolis’ Star Tribune says “3 more victims recovered” from the bridge disaster that dominated news since last week, while leading with “Mortgage losses rock market worldwide.”

Hey, Midwesterners! Want that steamed or baked? The Wichita Eagle in Kansas complains of a “WHOLE LOT OF HOT.” With triple-digit temperatures the Eagle bemoans that rain only brings steam. Weather trumps finances when people are miserable. The Courier-Journal, of Louisville, Ky., tells readers “Sizzle & steam” with a Page One photo of misery. But its eye is also on the Dow with “Stocks tumble by 387 points.” Investors are “spooked” by the home-loan market. It was too good to be true when borrowing was so easy the past four years.

At The Times-Picayune in New Orleans, all news is local today, with murder, mayhem and battles over deadlines for filing Katrina insurance claims. No end in sight for NO.

Across the pond, Page One of London’s The Daily Telegraph says, “US fears put world markets in turmoil,” but its top story tells Brits of a “Record death toll of British troops in Iraq.” The British are getting restless.

Politics dominates news at The Des Moines (Iowa) Register: “December caucuses a possibility” because South Carolina Republicans are moving the South’s first primary to January. With the presidential campaign off to such an early start, why not move the elections forward too? Democrats might like that.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution leads with “Credit crunch goes global.” But recall a few weeks ago that The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., claimed beer prices were rising due to ethanol. The Journal-Constitution found another link. Its bottom front-page headline declares, “All that dough for one steak? Blame ethanol.”

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

Lots going on today under the Sun

By Gene Mater

Have you ever noticed how many American newspapers have the word Sun in the nameplate? We worked for two such dailies, one on each coast, when we were young enough to wish that our last name was Brown so we could introduce ourselves as “Brown from The Sun.” We thought this morning we would take a look at what’s news under or in The Sun.

The Merced Sun-Star in California plays up a local story — “Mosquito district defends aerial spraying program” — that means something to the locals, while the Charlotte Sun in Florida gives over much of Page One to a local story that is national in scope: “It’s a go” as “Shuttle blasts off,” including a big pre-launch photo. The South Florida Sun-Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale also plays up a local story — “Southwest Ranches hits the small screen” which is explained in the drop head, “Telenovelas trade glitz of Miami for more rural settings.”

The Chicago Sun-Times gives over its front page to “Brangelina arrives in Chicago,” promising “the scoop on where they are sleeping … eating, filming and where you might catch a glimpse of the world’s hottest couple,” if you care. The Sun-Journal in Lewiston, Maine, warns the public about the hurricane season, noting that “It only takes one storm,” while The Sun in Baltimore is checking on bridges that may not be as safe as they should be. The Sun up in Lowell, Mass., offers today’s readers an array of stories, including one below the fold reporting “Area’s Asian population surges.”

The Sun Herald in Biloxi, Miss., has a couple of Page One stories about the opening of schools, while the Las Vegas Sun has a front-page square-off noting that “The EPA is concerned that the density of new coal-burning plants proposed in Nevada is in excess of the demonstrated need for energy throughout the western states.” The New York Sun plays up the weather-related problems of yesterday with the headline, “It’s frustrating, it’s insanity,” which may say it all. For The Sun News in Myrtle Beach, S.C., the big story is that “Area Hispanic population booms” while Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Wash., has a head sure to get to you: “If you hear them hoot, scoot! Foul owls on the island prowl.”

P.S. There don’t seem to be as many newspapers with The Sun in the name as there were yesteryear, but there aren’t as many newspapers today.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Two stories top all the others:
Home-run record and mine rescue

By Gene Mater

The good and the bad often make brothers and sisters of us all. For many newspaper editors, there were two stories worthy of Page One play — San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds setting a new home-run record and rescuers’ continuing efforts to save the six miners trapped in a Utah coal mine.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal played the stories as twin leads. “Effort to save coal miners in Utah stalls,” it said in the right-hand columns. Bonds’ “Cherished record” was the newspaper’s centerpiece. For The Fresno (Calif.) Bee, not far from where the baseball record was set, a photo and the number 756 centered the page, while the lead story said: “Seismic activity stymies rescuers.”

The Santa Barbara (Calif.) News-Press had a banner over its nameplate that told it all: “Bonds blasts into history with No. 756.” Bonds broke a record held by Henry Aaron, who made baseball history and front-page news in April 1974.

The Denver Post devoted most of its page to a big 756 photo, while telling its readers that “Rescue effort ‘back at square one.’” The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville used a skyline “756 Bonds becomes all-time home run king” with the off-lead story “New seismic activity sets back effort to rescue 6 miners.” It was that way for The Lewiston (Idaho) Tribune, with “Bonds is new king” above the nameplate and the off-lead headline “Exec: Seismic shuts down efforts to save miners.” For The Press of Atlantic City, N.J., it was a Bonds skyline and “Tremors halt rescue effort at Utah mine” as the story below.

Beaver County (Pa.) Times also had the Bonds story up high and a story below the fold saying “Seismic activity stops rescue.” The Longview (Texas) News-Journal used the top of the page to tell readers that “Barry Bonds claims home run king crown,” while at the bottom of the page is the sad headline: “‘Back to square one’ in search for miners.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

In Utah, a race to rescue miners;
from Minn., a focus on road safety

By Kate Kennedy

Disaster struck today’s front page, as news came from Utah that six were trapped in a coal mine.

“‘You’ve just got to pray … and hope they’re OK,’” said The Deseret Morning News in Salt Lake City, about 140 miles from the accident site. The Morning News printed an aerial view of the canyon mine and a graphic of the shaft 1,500 feet underground. “Initial rescue called failure; cave-in first thought to be earthquake,” The Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette said. The San Diego Union-Tribune pictured a rescue worker on his way to help and a community member waiting for word: “Rescuers race clock in Utah mine cave-in.”

In Minnesota, the Star Tribune of Minneapolis pictured the dead and still missing in last week’s collapse of an interstate bridge. “Collapse sends shock wave from here to Washington,” said the St. Paul Pioneer Press, which detailed the disaster’s potential impact on politics. The collapse has “focused national attention on the crumbling condition of America’s roadways and bridges,” The News York Times said in its lead story. The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., was one newspaper that picked up the Times story: “Boring old roads cry for help.” Bridge inspectors were pictured at work across the country, including in Roanoke, Va. USA TODAY published a front-page poll that showed 67% of respondents are concerned about the safety of bridges they regularly cross. The newspaper also focused on spending and inspection: “States lag in buying safety technology.”

Readers of The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk and other newspapers got fries with their morning paper. “Small fries prefer McVeggies,” The Modesto (Calif.) Bee said about a study that showed preschoolers thought anything made and packaged by McDonald’s — even carrots — tasted better. The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News incorporated the Golden Arches in its headline.

A weather forecast is a standard feature on the front page, but today’s blistering temperatures in the eastern half of the United States made the weather a full-fledged story. “The heat is on,” said The Herald in Rock Hill, S.C., which pictured residents’ attempts to stay cool. The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram gave a new twist to the “dog days ahead,” asking: “Think you can stand the heat? The ghost chile begs to differ.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

‘A time to pray and heal’
follows Minn. bridge accident

By Kate Kennedy

“Pain, prayer unite Minnesotans.” The Chicago Tribune headline may have best captured the sentiment of headlines in many newspapers across the country, as reporting continued on the interstate bridge collapse in Minnesota.

In the Twin Cities, the St. Paul Pioneer Press showed scenes from an interfaith prayer service: “Together to reflect.” The Star Tribune of Minneapolis pictured Minnesotans gathered on another bridge — a bicycle and pedestrian crossing — to get a glimpse of the collapsed I-35W bridge. Front-page stories in newspapers in many states also looked at the high-tech tools being used in the investigation and posed the question: How did so many survive?

A different question was being asked about a story from another part of the world: “How could this happen?” The Daily Telegraph in London reported that an aging government research facility was linked to an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in cattle. “Human error may have led to outbreak,” The Guardian of London said.

The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has lost track of 30% of the weapons the United States distributed to Iraqi forces. The story was picked up by many newspapers, including The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer, which said: “Officials fear weapons in insurgents’ hands.”

Presidential candidates are a common sight in Iowa, but it was front-page news when nine Republican candidates debated foreign policy, health care and spending in Des Moines. All nine were pictured in a photo in The Gazette of Cedar Rapids. Three faces (John McCain, Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney) made The Des Moines Register. And it was just two (Romney and Giuliani) in the Quad-City Times. (Don’t miss The Register’s unrelated story about the state’s $14,000 liquor cabinet.)

In a Monday enterprise package, the San Antonio Express-News looked at Hispanics at the polls. The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville turned Page One into a chart to report on a school superintendent’s performance review. And in a package titled “Undue influence,” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer examined a broken system that works “in favor of cops busted for DUI.”

All the news that fits: Today’s New York Times is 1 ½ inches narrower, as the newspaper adjusts to an industry standard and moves to cut newsprint costs. A note to readers said: “Slight modifications in design preserve the look and texture of The Times, with … somewhat fewer words per page.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Bridge disaster raises questions for nation

By Tim Friend

Day two of Page One coverage of the Minneapolis bridge collapse warns of troubled bridges over most of America’s waters. In Minneapolis, the Star Tribune shouts “FIGHTING THE RIVER, GRASPING FOR ANSWERS” and predicts “Fuse is lit over nation’s bridges.” The Christian Science Monitor, Boston, informs us of “America’s deferred maintenance” and states one quarter of the nation’s 577,000 bridges were rated deficient in 2004.

Headlines tell most of the story. The Miami Herald reports on the search for victims and who knew what and when about the bridge’s condition. The Indianapolis Star warns “Thousands of bridges in state, U.S., need repair” and cries “I-35W BRIDGE RATED ‘STRUCTURALLY DEFICIENT’ AS EARLY AS 1990.” The Chicago Tribune adds “Bridge fell in 4 seconds.” The Lexington Herald-Leader displays a Page One graphic, “Snapshot of a disaster,” and reports that 4,000 Kentucky bridges have problems. The Hartford Courant cautions that “411 Conn. Bridges Carry ‘Poor’ Rating.”

While bridges dominate a second day, ethics leads The New York Times. The headline “CONGRESS VOTES TO TIGHTEN RULES ON LOBBYIST TIES” is a tease. Yes, the Senate approved a “far-reaching package of new ethics and lobbying rules,” appearing to ban some prime swag such as gifts, meals, free travel. The bill sent to President Bush also tries to block the revolving door for ex-lawmakers wanting to cash in on connections made with industries they supported in office. But the Times adds that “Opponents Say Ethics Overhaul Falls Short.”

The Miami Herald carries a second Page One story not to be missed. “Russian subs stake claim to undersea energy riches” is about scientists planting a Russian flag on the North Pole seabed. This may give Russians mineral and energy rights (black gold, Texas tea) to territories around the North Pole. Look at pictures of the mini-subs. The subs are the same used by James Cameron to film the movie “Titanic.”

We find no mention of bridges or congressional ethics in today’s Washington Times. But don’t miss the bottom head. “Cure for cocaine-fueled hooker parties: a big raise” is about Italy’s Christian Democrat party wanting higher pay to visit their wives at home so they don’t have to snort coke and keep company with prostitutes in Rome.

Finally, a tragedy unfolds for journalists. From the Oakland Tribune, “Prominent journalist shot dead in street.” The California newspaper reports the apparently targeted killing of longtime Bay area journalist Chauncey Bailey, the new editor at the Oakland Post. No motive is known yet for the slaying.

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

Bridge collapse dominates
front-page news

By Emily Hedges

The collapse of a busy bridge spanning the Mississippi River in Minneapolis during rush hour yesterday dominated front pages across the U.S. today.

Minneapolis' own Star Tribune chose the headline "Buckling and Swaying, Then 'Down, Down, Down.' " The paper also had a story about the bridge's rating of "structurally deficient" in 2005. Pioneer Press out of the other Twin City, St. Paul, Minn., used a quote headline that stated,'I Heard it Crack.' " Other quote headlines included, " 'It Just Totally Collapsed,' " from Link (Hampton Roads, Va.), and The Salinas Californian's " 'We were dropping, dropping, dropping.' "

Another home-state paper, the St. Cloud (Minn.) Times, called the collapse "Rush Hour Horror" and recounted the story of a local professor who was in the area when the bridge collapsed. Oklahoma City's The Oklahoman had an onomatopoeic headline: "Boom, Boom, Boom" and had a front-page story about this tragedy evoking memories of a bridge collapse in Oklahoma in 2002.

In large paper coverage, the Houston Chronicle showed more of the horrific pictures and told of "Death, Chaos" at the scene. Also, the paper had a story of a Houston family that plunged "50 feet" off the bridge. The Intelligencer (Doylestown, Pa.) also gave a survival story front-page prominence.

The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle showed the disaster pictorally with four large photos on the front page with the headline "Fatal Collapse." Fargo, N.D.'s The Forum told the story of local rescue workers who were headed to Minneapolis to aid the recovery effort.

The story was even front-page news in some international papers, from Brisbane, Australia's The Courier Mail to Amsterdam, Netherlands' Het Parool and beyond. See the Newseum's front pages gallery for more coverage of this nightmare collapse.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Media mogul all the rage;
Trib gets to fourth base

By Christy Mumford Jerding

There's drought in the South and hitches on the Hill and murder in small towns, but the major U.S. dailies were all about media titan Rupert Murdoch, whose bid to buy the Dow Jones Co. — publisher of The Wall Street Journal — finally succeeded.

So let's start with the Journal's front-page coverage. Under the kicker "Mogul's Dream," headline writers followed typical Journal style — clear and hyperbole-free: "Murdoch Wins His Bid for Dow Jones." The trademark Journal pencil illustration was of a smiling Murdoch, whose "three-month public tango" to buy the company from the Bancroft family ended yesterday with a $5 billion agreement. The Wall Street Journal Asia, published in Hong Kong, went to press before the deal was finalized, so editors had to settle for a What's News brief: "News Corp. was poised to win control of Dow Jones."

A few other metros were a little more cheeky with their headlines and portrayed the deal as the culmination of a hard-fought war: "Murdoch Seizes Wall St. Journal in $5 Billion Coup," The Washington Post; "Dow Jones Deal Gives Murdoch a Coveted Prize," The New York Times; "Murdoch wins his fight for Journal," Austin American-Statesman. The best headline came from The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa.: "Dow Jones bows before Rupert Murdoch's empire."

Several front pages characterized an Iraq War death-toll report as a "good news" story: "U.S. toll in Iraq lowest in 8 months," The Press of Atlantic City, N.J.; "Better month for U.S. in Iraq," Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine. Others reminded readers that, to the families, a death toll of one is too high. The Daily Press in Charlottesville, Va., ran a heartbreaker about Joshua Mattero, whose death in Iraq put him on Page One for the second time: "The first time Josh was on the front page of the Daily Press, he was five years old."

Finally, the Chicago Tribune decided to talk about sex, baby. Readers may have always known that they liked to have sex, but did they know that researchers have quantified why folks like to do it? The Tribune reported that, in fact, there are "237 reasons to have sex." And, since you're dying to know, here are just a few listed on the front page: "My hormones were out of control. It seemed like good exercise. I wanted to change the topic of conversation. I felt obligated." And our personal favorite: "I wanted to get a raise."

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Passing of 3 famous men
passes as news everywhere

By Emily Hedges

News of the deaths of former NFL coach Bill Walsh, former TV host Tom Snyder and film director Ingmar Bergman graced many front pages today. Walsh, the former coach of the San Francisco 49ers, was heralded as a “Coach. Leader. Legend.” on the San Jose Mercury News front page. The Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World had a straightforward headline about Snyder’s death: “‘Tomorrow’ host dies in San Francisco,” and Norrköpings Tidningar, a newspaper from Bergman’s home country of Sweden, filled Page One with Bergman's likeness.

Although numerous pages covered one or more of the men, we would like to focus on newspapers that covered the loss of all three men on their front pages. The Salt Lake Tribune stated simply, “They Made a Difference,” and showed photos of all three men. Texas' Austin American-Statesman said, “Pioneers in film, sports, television are gone,” and gave tidbits of information about each man, explaining “Who he was” and “What he’s best known for.”

The Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal ran mini obituaries of each man on its front page, while The Philadelphia Inquirer started the full obituaries on the front page.

The Kansas City Star called the men “A winner … a legend … and a pioneer.” The St. Louis Post-Dispatch had the largest photos of all three men dubbing them “A football legend,” “A film genius,” and “A television pioneer.”

Finally, and succinctly, The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch said what we all were thinking: “Farewell to Three Greats.”

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Victory wins sports a spot on Page One

By Kate Kennedy

“I always turn to the sports section first,” former U.S. Chief Justice Earl Warren once said. “The sports page records people’s accomplishments; the front page has nothing but man’s failures."

But you didn’t need to turn to the sports pages today to find man’s victories.

“For one day, Iraqis unite in triumph,” the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said, as Iraq celebrated the country’s win in the Asian Cup soccer championship. The Seattle Times called the unity in celebration “a rare gift.” Photos of jubilant Iraqis on the soccer field and in the streets topped The New York Times and appeared in newspapers across Asia and the Middle East. “Divisions melt with Iraqi win,” said The Press-Enterprise of Riverside, Calif.

Cooperstown, N.Y., honored two of baseball’s best, as Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were inducted into the Hall of Fame. The Observer-Dispatch in nearby Utica, N.Y., photographed a record-setting crowd. “Ripken is still shaping his legacy,” The Sun in Baltimore said about the former Oriole in a front-page column. In San Diego, Gwynn dominated the front page. “‘The Padre way’ to immortality,” The Union-Tribune said.

The soccer and baseball accomplishments were noted by the Lexington (Ky.) Herald-Leader, along with news of Alberto Contador’s win in the Tour de France. The Diario de Burgos of Burgos, Spain, pictured the native son on the winner’s podium in Paris.

A photo of a wink and a grin appeared on The Indianapolis Star, which reported Indiana native Tony Stewart won the Allstate 400 at the Brickyard in Indianapolis. And it was the “Toast of the Beach” for The Orange County (Calif.) Register, which featured the winner of the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Making news: Earlier this month, the Chicago Tribune announced it would begin publishing advertisements on its front page. Page-One advertising is found on some newspapers, but the Tribune announcement was met with objections from readers and news people. Today’s page includes a 1 ½-inch mattress ad along the bottom.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

From Wall Street to space fleet,
woes and worries fill the front page

By Kate Kennedy

It was a bad day, pure and simple.

Worries over credit and the housing market sent the stock market tumbling more than 300 points on Thursday. The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., pictured an exasperated New York Stock Exchange trader with the headline: “Doesn’t anyone here feel like buying?”

“Bad Day,” declared FLORDIA TODAY in Melbourne, which devoted much of its page to woes at NASA after reports of astronauts flying under the influence, computer sabotage and embezzlement. The Houston Chronicle printed three stories under the header “New troubles for NASA.”

News came from Washington that the FBI director contradicted Attorney General Alberto Gonzales’ testimony to Congress about a warrantless wiretapping program, and conflict continued over documents and testimony about the firing of federal prosecutors. “Prosecutor probe explodes into three-alarm political blaze,” The Lewiston (Idaho) Tribune said. “Democrats call for special prosecutor,” The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post said in its lead headline.

A photo of NFL quarterback Michael Vick facing a crowd of animal-rights protesters as he arrived at court topped the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. The Atlanta Falcon pleaded not guilty to dogfighting charges, said the newspaper, which published an artist’s drawing of the accused in court.

The Vick case also was big news for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, which juggled two other significant stories: a city councilman in trouble over his foundation and the return to Georgia by “the world’s most famous tuberculosis patient.”

Who was having a good day?

The drop in the Dow was partly attributed to a softening housing market. But in Charlotte, N.C., there’s a boom in high-rise condos, and The Observer pictured and graphed the news. Ford posted a second-quarter profit, prompting the Detroit Free Press to print a “Surprise” at the top of its page. “Hope and caution,” it added.

There’s always hope as a new sports season begins. “‘Last year is over’ theme for team’s new campaign,” said The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., where the New Orleans Saints have started training camp.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

On the home front, a focus
on fix for troops’ medical care

By Kate Kennedy

A call for better care for wounded U.S. soldiers led three of the country’s largest newspapers.

“Bush panel seeks to upgrade care of wounded G.I.’s,” The New York Times said of a bipartisan commission that recommended an overhaul of the military health-care system. USA TODAY pictured President Bush with commission leaders. “Dole-Shalala Commission wants Bush to act quickly,” said The Washington Post, which earlier broke news of poor outpatient care at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. The recommendations also were front-page news outside big cities. The Billings (Mont.) Gazette listed six proposals made by the panel.

Medical research brought two other health stories to Page One. If watching calories and making time for exercise weren’t enough, obesity is now considered contagious. The New England Journal of Medicine report was food for thought for headline writers:

“Friends don’t let friends stay thin, obesity study finds,” The Oregonian in Portland said. “Fat friends can weigh on you,” said The State in Columbia, S.C. “Your circle of friends may expand your waistline,” the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel said. “Study finds obesity loves company,” the Los Angeles Times said. The Sun of Baltimore pictured a bursting waistline and said: “Friendship can raise heavy issue.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch led with a discovery by researchers at a local university: the gene tied to itching. “Relief ahead? Blocking gene could fight chronic itch,” it said.

Tour de France leader Michael Rasmussen was expelled by his team for lying about his training. A photo caption in The New York Times noted that Rasmussen was surrounded by disapproving fellow cyclists. “Tour de Scandal,” The Fresno (Calif.) Bee said in a centerpiece, as “chaos and disgrace enveloped” the race.

The animal most frequently pictured was Oscar, a nursing home cat who seems to curl up to patients in their final hours. “Feline has uncanny knack for predicting death,” the Sun Journal of Lewiston, Maine, said. Said The Boston Globe: “With a purr, death comes on little cat feet.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

No love for Gonzales, Lohan;
Va. is for (naming your) lovers

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Beleaguered Attorney General Alberto Gonzales and troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan duked it out for the most-pictured slot on today's front pages. (The winner was Lohan, by a mugshot.)

Serious-minded mainstream dailies ran with Gonzales' Capitol Hill testimony on a classified domestic-surveillance program. According to the headlines, it didn't go so well. "Grilling swells Capitol distrust," said the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. "Gonzales again told he's shifty." The accompanying photo of the AG brought to mind the word "chagrined." It got worse. "Angry senators blister Gonzales on honesty. Possibility of special prosecutor raised," Seattle Post-Intelligencer. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette gave a nod to the role being played by Sen. Arlen Specter, R-Pa.: "Specter turning up heat; Suggests contempt case against White House if it doesn't appoint special prosecutor over attorneys."

Overall, though, the crown of top-person-who-shouldn't-pick-up-a-paper-today went to Miss Lohan, back in handcuffs after being arrested on charges of driving under the influence and felony cocaine possession. Lohan's booking photo was splattered all over U.S. tabloids and major dailies alike. Headline writers had scant sympathy, or empathy, for the actress, who recently finished a stay in rehab after a previous DUI arrest. "Starlet Lindsay Lohan: an addict, troubled, just an out-of-control BRAT!", Los Angeles Daily News; "Lilo loses it," The Examiner, Washington; "PARTY'S OVER; DUI, coke bust could cook Lindsay's career," AM New York. New York's Daily News decided to package Lohan's arrest with another star who often gets the "troubled" description: "GIRLS GONE WILD! Lilo busted again on DUI as Britney goes berserk at OK! mag photo shoot." The unflattering photos of Lohan and Spears were labeled with the helpful monikers "BUSTED!" and "BONKERS!", respectively.

Finally, male readers of today's Daily Press in Hampton Roads, Va., encountered a coffee-spitting headline this morning: "Had sex? State wants to know." In a move designed to find the fathers of children being put up for adoption, the General Assembly has established the Virginia Putative Father Registry, which calls for any unmarried man who could be a father to voluntarily fill out a registration form and mail it to the state Department of Social Services. This is no joke, state adoption official Pam Cooper told the Daily Press: "If you have sex, you should register."

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Democrats' debate enters 21st century
with blunt questions from YouTube users

By Gene Mater

Although there are purists in the parish who contend that we haven’t had a real presidential candidate debate since the Lincoln-Douglas days, last night’s answering of public questions by eight Democratic presidential wannabes hit the right spot with many U.S. dailies. What made this session different was that, for the first time, only questions forwarded from the video Web site YouTube by the public were used — and it showed on the Page One approach.

The Tuscaloosa News in Alabama has a story below the fold reporting “Voters take on Democrats in first YouTube debate,” while The Bakersfield Californian has a brief, top-of-the-page piece noting “Videos produce blunt questions” although the Los Angeles Times has a big studio photo of the candidates with the head “YouTube debate brings questioners into picture.” The Rocky Mountain News in Denver has photos of some of the questioners adorning Page One with the head “New forum, new faces” followed by “A snowman, a bald woman, a man toting a weapon. Democratic presidential hopefuls field blunt questions as a nation tries Web-driven dialogue.”

The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., plays it as the lead: “Debate offbeat, often blunt.” The Augusta Chronicle in Georgia offers it straight with “YouTube viewers confront hopefuls” as does the Chicago Tribune with “Blunt viewers steer debate,” while The Sun in Baltimore notes that “Issues are familiar but format is new as Democrats debate.” The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina plays it all over Page One, with photos and the head “Answering to voters.” In the nation’s capital, The Washington Post offers a big photo and the head “Public voice adds edge to debate” and The New York Times has a photo at the bottom of Page One and the story on page 18.

There were other approaches. We looked and looked but found nothing on the subject on Page One of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and almost nothing in The Detroit News except for one line “Voters do asking on YouTube. 4A.” And The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville reported “Access denied,” contending that “For most low-income people, YouTube is more like TheirTube because they can’t afford a Web connection to ask a question or anything else.” Well, now … .

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

It takes more than hard news
to fill all Page One holes

By Gene Mater

Your title may vary, but let’s say that you are the editor responsible for getting out today’s daily — starting with Page One. And you look and look but there are no news (at times like this you hope the word “news” is plural). Happily, this being Monday, you also look at what has been left for you to start the day and that takes care of part of Page One.

Let’s start way out there, with The Honolulu Advertiser that plays up a beach scene with the head “Sand between your toes? Eeek, it’s alive!” That will get to every reader. The big piece on Page One of the Anchorage Daily News up in Alaska shows a driver and his passengers with “Taxis on the tundra” and the drop “Where gas is costly and roads are few, a cab is the way to go.” The Fresno Bee in California has a big Page One spread about “Barking up the right tree,” telling the story — with photo — about an area police force that bought its first police dog. Down south in San Bernardino, The Sun gives over Page One to “A film geek’s dream,” about a DVD place with an “enormous selection.”

Move to The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville and we find a timely “Coping with storm insurance” whooped up on Page One. For the Chicago Sun-Times there’s “No parking break here” about the high cost of parking your car downtown. The Morning Call in Allentown, Penn., plays up “Tanzanians’ crying need shakes Moravians’ souls,” Moravians having first settled neighboring Bethlehem and still doing missionary duties. For the Lawrence Journal-World in Kansas the Page One grabber is about “Local retiree living his dream,” a head that gets to everyone over the age of 40. Why, even The Boston Globe plays up “Island back in business,” about a New Hampshire retreat again in business “to relief of regulars.”

Today’s prize goes to the Akron Beacon Journal in Ohio for a Page One photo of a penguin waddling across large pieces of paper with paint on its feet and the alliterative head “Penguin painting pays,” about “art created by animals enriches them and the zoo.” Wonder what the penguin’s cut is.

Mondays aren’t so bad after all.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

From arrest to sentencing,
crime breaks out on front page

By Kate Kennedy

Crime may not pay, but it plays on Page One.

In St. Petersburg, Fla., the photos of five suspects in a loan scam were published at the top of the page. “Investigators describe victims across Florida; then five arrests,” the Times said. In the Pacific Northwest, newspapers pictured a 42-year-old handyman and former Army ranger suspected of serial rape and murder. The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser mapped 27 homicides, and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville noted: Dad’s curiosity about poker “lands him in jail.” He allegedly left his children in a parked car in the heat. A picture told the story in The Star-Ledger of Newark, N.J., when a “murderous wife gets life.” “Indicted” captured the top of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and its story about an executive facing charges over stock dealings. “Question of trash or treason,” said the News Sentinel in Knoxville, Tenn., which printed an artist’s illustration of a former maintenance worker, accused in court of taking materials from a plant once used in the production of nuclear weapons and offering them to the French government.

“FEMA ducked trailer problems,” The Times-Picayune of New Orleans said of news that the federal agency ignored health warnings about trailers provided to hurricane victims. Mississippi residents testified before a U.S. House committee. “Toxic testimony aimed at FEMA,” the Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss., said.

Forty years ago this coming week, rioting broke out in Detroit. “Police and snipers in gun battle; 100 new fires; looting spreads; 14 killed; damage $150 million,” the Free Press declared on July 25, 1967. “Tanks, troops battle snipers on West Side; 12 more die,” The Detroit News said the following day. In the end, 43 people were killed. Today’s Detroit newspapers looked back at that summer. The Free Press examined the lessons. “It’s time to get beyond the shadow of despair,” a front-page column said. In the second part of a two-day series, The News described the city’s racial divide as “Stark reality.” “Black-white economic gap widens,” it said.

Today’s headline comes from the Los Angeles Times. “The computer wears the crown in checkers,” the newspaper said in reporting that, after 13 years of study, computer analysts found that a perfect game of checkers ends in a draw.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Potter casts a spell; Vick’s
endorsements in jeopardy

By Sharon Shahid

The fate of a boy wizard and a wizard of a quarterback dominated the nation’s newspapers today.

Front-page stories from Anchorage to Austria ranged from the mundane to the downright analytical about author J.K. Rowling’s last book in the popular series on Harry Potter.

In a story headlined “Harry Potter and the End of the Line?” Milwaukee’s Journal Sentinel discusses what’s in store for young readers when the series ends. The Anchorage Daily News offers “tips for dealing with death in Potter book.” The New Jersey Herald reports on independent bookstores struggling to compete for Potter sales.

The Akron (Ohio) Beacon Journal was one of the few newspapers in the country that didn’t flip for Harry Potter. It flipped for Jughead instead. “Jughead Flips for Akron Burger,” the paper boasts in a story on the decision of Jughead Comics to put the city’s second annual National Hamburger Festival on its cover.

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick’s indictment on running a dogfighting ring was big news in Georgia and in his home state of Virginia. “Indicted QB Loses Value as Pitchman,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution says of Vick’s sinking endorsements. Hampton Roads, Va.’s Daily Press asks — and explains — “Why is Michael Vick Newsworthy?” USA TODAY explores the “dark world of dogfighting” in its cover story.

Wednesday’s steam-pipe explosion under Midtown Manhattan was the top story in many newspapers in the state of New York, where bold headlines were reminiscent of 9/11. “The Earth Opened,” says the Daily News. “Mayhem,” says Metro. “Midtown Volcano!” screams the New York Post. The Poughkeepsie Journal took the straight-news angle: “Grand Central-area steam blast kills 1,” its headline says. Another big story across the country: the Democrats’ failure to get the votes they needed to begin pulling U.S. troops out of Iraq.

Finally, the issue of money was discussed on some of the nation’s front pages. The Clarion-Ledger of Jackson, Miss., focuses on the salaries of Mississippi’s college presidents. The Plain Dealer of Cleveland reports on the 2008 presidential candidates who are raising the big bucks. And The Morning Call of Allentown, Pa., highlights the 2008 campaign’s top fundraisers in Pennsylvania and the nation.

Sharon Shahid is the Newseum’s senior writer.

Fires, crashes, wrecks fill front pages;
Potter fans: Stop reading the news

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Brazilian front pages — often filled with bikini-clad starlets and beloved futbol teams — today instead were dominated by fiery photos of a deadly plane crash in Sao Paulo. Agora gave over its entire Page One to the Airbus crash and wrapped it up with a universally understandable banner head: "HORROR." Diario de S. Paulo topped its coverage with a graphic on the sequence of the accident and used the reported death toll, which included people in nearby office buildings, as its headline: "191 MORTOS."

Some U.S. newspapers also led with the Brazil crash, but others had backyard tragedies to contend with. The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune ran a striking oversized photo of a young man sitting on an empty railroad track, grieving the death of his cousin. The same spot was the scene of two deadly crashes, 24 hours apart: "TRACKS FATAL AGAIN JUST 1 DAY LATER." Meanwhile, The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle was preoccupied with a serious chemical plant blaze: "FIRE EMPTIES TOWN."

A new report on the terrorist threat got top play in several dailies, but headlines indicated slightly different spins on the report's conclusions (and the spelling of al-Qaida): "Al Qaeda strategy is flawed," Austin American-Statesman; "Revitalized Al-Qaida keeps U.S. in its sights," The Kansas City (Mo.) Star. The St. Joseph (Mo.) News-Press' headline was the most alarming of the bunch: "Al-Qaida readying new attack."

Finally, a friendly warning to fellow Harry Potter fans: Stop reading newspapers. Right now. The final installment of J.K. Rowling's book series about the heroic young wizard doesn't hit the streets until July 21, but editors already are putting Potter mania out front. Some stories seemed safe: "Harry's Last Stand," OC Post. Others, not so much: "Pirated copies thicken 'Harry Potter' plot," San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News. If you don't want to know what happens before you actually read the book, there's only one good strategy: total media blackout.

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

What’s news in Europe today
may not be news where you are

By Gene Mater

We thought we might take a look at some of the European dailies offered in Today’s Front Pages to see what editors on the other side of the Atlantic feel is deserving of Page One attention.

In London, the big news for The Guardian is “Cold war diplomacy is back as UK expels spies” with the drop head “Moscow vows retaliation after four agents thrown out over Litvinenko case” while The Daily Telegraph puts the story this way: “Putin vows revenge as Britain expels four diplomats.” Across the channel, the International Herald Tribune in Paris treats that one as the off-lead story as “London expels 4 Russian diplomats” with the deck explaining “Relations deteriorate over Moscow refusal to extradite suspect.” For the Paris Trib and other dailies in the City of Light the lead story is the French-German agreement to streamline the leadership of the parent company of the Airbus, hailed as “a great day for the Franco-German axis” by the president of France. We found big headlines about the change in the company known as EADS in La Tribune, Le Figaro and Le Monde, with the Paris Trib offering a more sedate head “Dual leadership ending at EADS.”

We checked a couple of German newspapers to see if they felt the same way about EADS. Yes, it’s the lead story in Financial Times Deutschland in Hamburg as well as in the Sueddeutsche Zeitung in Munich, which plays it as a German victory with the clever head “Sarkozy allows what Merkel wants,” where Sarkozy is the French president and Merkel the German chancellor. The Basler Zeitung in Basel, Switzerland, gets to the reader with a big Page One photo of a three-member family of some years back listening to a big old radio and the head “Longing for the good old family.”

Then there’s always the weather. Take a look at page one of Die Presse or Kurier in Vienna or Prazsky Denik in Prague and you’ll get the message from the pictures if not the words: It’s hot! Indeed, that photo of the elephant being watered down also is on the front page of Lidove Noviny in Prague, where the Page One table shows that it is 35 degrees Celsius or, if you prefer, 95 degrees Fahrenheit, which is hot for central Europe.

See what you’re missing, wherever you are?

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Printing the news, raising hell
in kinder, gentler fashion

By Gene Mater

“It is a newspaper’s duty to print the news and raise hell.” Wilbur F. Storey, a fire-and-brimstone newspaper editor of the old school, wrote those words in 1861. We know about printing the news but we wondered what a quick hop, skip and jump around the country’s dailies would show in the way of hell-raising.

For the Montgomery Advertiser in Alabama it’s telling about “Grieving family awaits aid” because “State fund for crime victims shuts out widow, son,” while The Morning News in Fayetteville, Ark., whoops up “Hospital ownership questioned,” noting that “Veterans Affairs, county disagree over control.” In case you thought the Scooter Libby story was behind us, take a look at the San Francisco Chronicle with the top-of-the-page square-off asking “Double Standard?” and adding that “Bush’s leniency for Libby doesn’t jibe with administration’s push to enforce mandatory minimum sentences.” In Meriden, Conn., the Record-Journal offers a local push with “Towns lag nation in police staffing” while The Atlanta Journal-Constitution warns that “Drinking, drug abuse plague U.S. work force.”

Even way out in the Pacific, The Honolulu Advertiser warns about “Putting kids in harm’s way” in a major Page One piece about dangerous roads near schools, while the Chicago Tribune leads with the clever head “Food safety lacks teeth, critics say,” while on a closer coast the Portland Press Herald up in Maine warns its readers that “Portland schools go deeper in debt.” The Star Tribune in Minneapolis reports/complains that “Bureaucratic tape entangles couples trying to tie the knot” and The Buffalo News has a Page One piece about “Ethics reform meets reality in Congress,” and it’s about problems. We wondered how The Philadelphia Inquirer treated the new abysmal record of the home team. They did their hell-raising in red, stretched across the top of Page One, above the masthead in caps "PHILS POUNDED FOR LOSS NO. 10,000" but you have to go to the sports section to read all about it.

We’d like to think that Mr. Storey would be pleased.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Washington clashes over Iraq:
Mixed report card; push to pull out

By Kate Kennedy

The battle over Iraq marched onto today’s front pages.

Some newspapers stressed news of mixed progress in Iraq. “Little gain, much failure seen in Iraq,” the St. Louis Post-Dispatch said. “White House study only finds progress on 8 of 18 Iraqi goals,” the Ottawa (Canada) Citizen said. The Hartford (Conn.) Courant broke out the assessment of benchmarks, reaction and details. Other newspapers highlighted a House vote to pull most U.S. combat troops out of Iraq by April 1.

In Seattle, readers got both sides of the story. “Bush: Iraq war is ‘ugly,’ but give it 2 months,” The Seattle Times said. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer: “House defies Bush, OKs exit.”

President Bush released the progress report on troop buildup in Iraq at a Thursday morning press conference. “Bush to Congress: Don’t meddle in war,” the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said. The San Diego Union-Tribune said: “Bush chides Congress on Iraq policy.” In other newspapers, including The Washington Post, photos of the president conveyed the same message. The Chicago Tribune pulled a telling quote and used it as the caption for a picture of a resolute Bush: “Everybody wants to be loved. Just sometimes the decisions you make and the consequences don’t enable you to be loved.”

Today’s headlines: “An exam walks into a bar…,” The Oregonian in Portland began. It was, in fact, no joke. Coasters with sobering brain teasers about alcohol are being distributed to Oregon pubs and taverns. And in McAllen, Texas, The Monitor’s headline was: “Home Groan,” a reference to a slumping housing market and its impact on construction.

Queen for the day: “There she still is: Miss N.J.,” The Philadelphia Inquirer said about Amy Polumbo, who will keep her crown as Miss New Jersey despite making public “unlady-like” photos of herself. The summertime mini-scandal has gotten wide play on radio, TV and the Internet. The Burlington County Times in Willingboro, N.J., printed a large photo of the Garden State queen and inset into its package one of the photos that caused all the fuss.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Lady Bird Johnson’s death
captures nation’s newspapers

By Tim Friend

Death, destruction and deceit typify news reported on today’s Front Pages — basically what most people discuss on a normal day. The death that’s making history is of a former first lady, Lady Bird Johnson. She was 94 years old, living in Austin, Texas. The Austin American-Statesman stated, “Texas’ Lady Bird is gone, Mrs. Johnson helped refine our vision and expand our vistas.” Many of the nation’s newspapers echoed her passing. “Lady Bird Johnson, first lady, dies,” said The Birmingham (Ala.) News. “American icon passes,” reported The Arizona Republic.

But the big news on Page One of The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville is “Council’s Sunshine could cost you.” The investigative article tells of the city council’s “culture of blatant disregard for open meetings laws.” Apparently, council members have been hiring private lawyers to defend violations of open-meetings laws and charging taxpayers for the attorney’s fees. The article is part of a Times-Union series on the city council’s tendency not to inform citizens of meetings it would rather keep quiet. The paper gave Lady Bird a head shot and referred to an inside obituary. It was serious news only at the Times-Union, which also headlined a new intelligence report on the resurgence of al-Qaida. Many newspapers carried this grim news. Across the state, the St. Petersburg Times ran the intelligence analysis with a banner “Al-Qaida thrives, U.S. says.” It’s another banner day in the Marietta (Ga.) Daily Journal with its headline, “U.S. report: Al-Qaida has regained strength.” Still, the Daily Journal gives nearly half of the front-page real estate to “Losing Lady Bird.”

In Long Beach, Calif., the Press-Telegram declared, “Lady Bird Johnson, first lady, made Texas beautiful.” But leading the news in Long Beach is a story headlined, “L.B. Port rolls out cleaner trains.” This one’s about “green” locomotives on the rails at Long Beach’s shipping port. Not only are the locomotives eco-friendly, but a local councilwoman is quoted saying they are “very nice-looking.” Maybe eco-friendly car makers will catch that train. The Desert Sun of Palm Springs, Calif., felt that Lady Bird’s influence reached beyond Texas. It says “She sought to beautify America.” But The Desert Sun led with what appears to be an environmental theme too: “Lizard woes might hinder local projects.” Lizards and developers are at a crossroads. If a permit loophole for developers isn’t fixed soon, builders will have to seek actual environment permits. This is certainly a common theme as cities steadily expand into nature. It’s doubtful we’ll see a follow-up headline that says, “Lizards win! Builders leave desert alone.”

The Denver Post ran Mrs. Johnson’s photo on Page One, but shocked with a banner headline announcing: “Insurer offers healthy bonus.” This news may herald a trend. The story is about one of the first insurance plans in the country to offer financial incentives to people who keep their blood pressure low, don’t smoke and meet other healthful lifestyle benchmarks.

In Little Rock, Ark., front-page news is focused on war. “Bid to give GI’s more rest fails in Senate vote,” says the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Included is “Ignore subpoena, Bush orders ex-counsel Miers.”

In Hawaii, attention is on a local 16-year-old golfer. “Tadd’s turn to go pro,” The Honolulu Advertiser announced. No mention of al-Qaida, but Page One carries Lady Bird’s obit and a local investigative piece on the State Bureau of Conveyances favoring big title companies. The free press is working today across the United States.

In another land, where news content is government-controlled, the Gulf News of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, reports “Sheba’s shock for Israelis, UN cartographer says farms captured in 1967 war belong to Lebanon.” The daily gossip in the oil-rich Emirates: “Divorcee ‘weds’ Bin Laden’s son after romance.”

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

Pope, Potter and Plane Crash
are Today's "Ginormous" Stories

By Emily Hedges

Editors had many front-page worthy stories to choose from today. It's no wonder that the front pages were so varied.

Many papers had a story about the pope's declaration of the Catholic Church being Christ's "one Church." The San Antonio Express-News straightforward headline says "Pope Defines 'True' Church." The Birmingham (Ala.) News uses stronger quotes from the document saying Protestant churches "suffer from defects" and are not churches "in the proper sense."

Regional coverage saw a plane crash in Sanford, Fla. covering front pages all over that state, and the San Francisco All-Star game made news in California. The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune had a succinct headline "Plane Crash Kills 5," while the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel showed pictures of the victims on the front page. The (Jacksonville) Florida Times-Union headline quoted a neighbor who said, "I saw smoke — black, black smoke." The San Jose (Calif.) Mercury News covered the All-Star tribute to former San Franciso Giant Willie Mays on their front page, while the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune discussed the dominance of the American League, which has won 10 All-Star games since 1998.

Harry Potter, much beloved child wizard, made many front pages today, as the latest Harry Potter movie opened last night at midnight, and the final book in the series hits stores this month as well. The Forum, from Fargo, N.D., reported on the people who waited in line for the movie yesterday under the headline "Midnight Magic." The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said "It's a magical month for fans of Harry Potter," as the paper kicks off 12 days of Potter-mania coverage between the movie opening and the book opening, offering quizzes and a predictions contest. Toronto's National Post called the movie "Voldemortifying," although we're pretty sure that's a compliment.

In other pop culture news, the world finally knows which Springfield the Simpsons hail from. 109,582 votes later, Springfield, Vt., edged its competitor from Illinois with 15,367 total votes. The Burlington (Vt.) Free Press declared "We Won!" The Springfield, Ill., paper, The State Journal Register was obviously reeling with a front page editorial titled, "Cheating or fraud? How did we lose?"

Merriam-Webster announced the new additions for the coming dictionary edition. Headline writers obviously had fun, with headlines like "Do you listen to crunk while doing sudoku?" from the Cape Cod Times in Hyannis, Mass., and "Merriam-Webster gives its buttoned-down image a ginormous smackdown" from the Great Falls (Mont.) Tribune.

Finally, a high-flying story of soaring achievement to lift your day. Or perhaps, just a childhood dream come true. Kent Couch used "105 balloons, 1 lawn chair," according to Boise's Idaho Statesman's headline to fly 193 miles from Bend, Ore., to Union, Ore., near the Idaho border. The Statesman included a fantastic picture of Couch aloft above the mountains. Bend, Ore. paper The Bulletin talked about the national coverage of the story, saying, "Balloonist gets 15 minutes." Too bad it took nine hours.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

Pa. papers play up budget deal;
another loss as we age: funny bone

By Gene Mater

Let’s make a quick return visit to Pennsylvania front pages. Faithful readers will recall that yesterday all but two of the 15 dailies in Today’s Front Pages played up and often led with the shutdown of state facilities because of a budget impasse. Well, last night agreement was reached. All sides, of course, claimed victory and the 24,000 (or the oft-reported 25,000) state employees ended their unplanned furlough and are back at work. There are 18 Pennsylvania front pages to be viewed today and all but one plays up the end of the impasse. The second-day prize goes to the Erie Times-News for its big, bold “Welcome back” head. The Philadelphia Inquirer leads with “Deal ends shutdown,” the same words used across the top of Page One in the Centre Daily Times in State College, while The Patriot-News in Harrisburg says “Back to work” and the same words lead The Tribune-Democrat in Johnstown. You get the message. Oh, yes, the tabloid Philadelphia Daily News notes at the top of Page One “Deal on state budget: Page 6.”

What are the rest of the nation’s dailies touting today to grab our attention, you ask? Well, let’s take a look. The Los Angeles Times scares us with a lead story head warning “60 million Californians by mid-century” while The Birmingham News leads with “At $18, city’s new burger is not the same old grind.” Tampa Bay Times in Florida will get your attention with a photo and the head, all in caps, "O’REILLY SNARED IN LESBIAN SCANDAL" as, it explains, “The Fox News commentator has been spreading a real doozy of a yarn about marauding lesbian gangs. It’s about as fair and balanced as this headline,” but you’ll have to go to page 15 to read the story.

The Arizona Republic in Phoenix claims “Sure, it’s sizzling, but heat has pluses,” which we’ll read when it cools down. Above the masthead of the Rocky Mountain News in Denver we learn that “Iraqis miss all reform targets,” to which is added “Failure to reach any benchmarks expected to sharpen debate about withdrawing American troops, scaling back presence,” which is followed by “Iraq’s foreign minister cites U.S. ’responsibility’ to stay,” with details on page 25 if you want more. The Times-Picayune in New Orleans finds a story to top the continuing problems in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina about a U.S. senator from Louisiana and the streamer across the top of Page One says it all: “Vitter on ‘D.C. Madam’ list.”

On the lighter side, there’s a Page One story in today’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch that rates leisure-time reading. The head asks “What’s the punch line?", adding “Study examines why people’s ability to get jokes may decline as they age.” See, there’s something for everyone in Today’s Front Pages.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Partial shutdown rattles Pa.;
New plane takes off on some pages

By Gene Mater

What to lead with today was editor’s choice unless you were working in Pennsylvania. There, where the state Legislature reached a budget impasse, Gov. Ed Rendell ordered a partial state shutdown, furloughing an estimated 25,000 state employees and causing editors to look for the end-of-the-world type.

The Erie Times-News found it and told the story with a one-word, all-caps head: SHUTDOWN. The Patriot-News in Harrisburg, the state capital, spelled it out with IT’S A SHUTDOWN, also in black caps. The Tribune-Review in Greensburg preferred a more sedate “State furloughs take effect.” The Intelligencer Journal in Lancaster spelled it out with “No deal on budget” and “’Non-essential’ services will be shut down.” The Pocono Record in Stroudsburg wins today’s prize for its lead head: “Sorry, we’re closed.” And so it went. Of the 15 Pennsylvania dailies in Today’s Front Pages, only two don’t whoop up the state closings. The Philadelphia Daily News ran a tease at the bottom of Page One: “24,000 state workers idled in budget impasse. Page 5” although the sister Philadelphia Inquirer says it’s 25,000. And the Williamsport Sun-Gazette has an earlier story, before the shutdown was ordered.

But there were other stories for the rest of the country. Some found Page One space for the new Boeing airplane, typified by The Wichita Eagle in Kansas with a big photo and the head “Now the Dreamliner is real”; the Press-Telegram in Long Beach, Calif., has a different photo and the head “Cleared for takeoff.” The Miami Herald tells it all with “Boeing rolls out new jet touted to be economical, comfortable.”

The Chicago Tribune tells what everyone sweltering in the Midwest was thinking, with the lead head, “Baked city begs for a breeze.” The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., plays up the anniversary of local riots with the head, “5 days that changed a city.”

Maybe you have to be there to want to read the piece that takes up much of page one of The Honolulu Advertiser: “At the sound of the siren …” It’s the a new "Please Abide, Move Aside" campaign to remind drivers to pull over. For the tabloid Daily News in what O. Henry called Baghdad-on-the-Subway, there’s a photo of the only female anchor on a network evening news broadcast, with the head, “I have days when I’m like, My God, what did I do?”, quoting “Katie Couric on joining ‘CBS Evening News.’”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Gender gab equity, vicious weather
lead nation’s front pages

By Tim Friend

Today’s news is about shattering myths that women talk more than men and, of course, the weather — unpleasant, unwanted weather.

The story gracing most front pages is about a seven-year study that shows men and women talk about as much as each other on any given day. The Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News summed it up straight with its headline “Listen up: Men gab just as much as women, study finds. Each sex averages 16,000 words daily.” The San Francisco Chronicle wrote, “He says, She says” and “Battle of the blab is a draw…”

Headline writers were stuck with the cliché of Chatty Cathy but they appear to have had some fun coming up with different ways of describing talkative men. FLORIDA TODAY calls us Talkative Tonys while the Daytona Beach (Fla.) News-Journal calls us Chatty Carls. The Oklahoman of Oklahoma City came up with Silent Sam. That’s a keeper.

The Fresno (Calif.) Bee captured the myth-busting story of the day as well as the weather. Its Page One headlines “Cooling it all day long” and “Gift of gab is an old wives' tale” is on target for most of the nation. What’s unclear is whether more women than men are writing the Page One headlines. This one from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has some fire in it: “Muzzling a female stereotype.” The same newspaper calls it square with the weather, “What’s Cooking? The West.” In the South it’s rain, rain, rain. The San Antonio Express-News says, “Enough is enough. Texas has seen 40 days of rain.” Louisiana and Mississippi newspapers are rife with stories of flooding and soggy days.

A handful of newspapers focused on tomorrow’s date of 07-07-07. Apparently this is lucky for brides and grooms. The (Toledo) Blade wrote a somewhat old-fashioned headline, “For lady Luck and Lady Love, tomorrow may be perfect date.” The Kansas City Star says, “Couples placing their bets on triple 7 wedding day.” Maybe compatibility is the better bet.

The Washington Post and The Boston Globe have investigative pieces focused on China. From the Post: “Farmed in China’s foul waters, Imported fish treated with drugs.” A single Chinese fish farm that sends 2.7 million catfish fillets to the United States through a Virginia importer is using antibiotics and herbal remedies on fish sickened by polluted waters. The Globe looked locally and found evidence of tainted toothpaste, which was in the news earlier this week: “Suspicious toothpaste is ordered off shelves. Antifreeze product may be in tubes from China.”

But the prize for enterprise reporting of the day might go to The (Wilmington, Del.) News Journal. Its banner headline: “Beer budget blown? Blame biofuel. Ethanol production main reason behind price hike.” So burning oil means cheaper beer? This could become a serious campaign issue.

Tim Friend is senior content specialist for exhibit development at the Newseum.

Page One explodes with color and
Star-Spangled Banner headlines

By Kate Kennedy

What’s black and white and red and blue all over? Today’s newspaper.

From Boston to Philadelphia to Washington, D.C., and across the USA, the colors of Independence Day celebrations and fireworks displays decorated today’s front pages.

Some newspapers — including the Los Angeles Times — used one photo to tell the story. Others, such as the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, used a collage of photos. Whatever the choice, it was “red, white and boom” — as The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer said.

Headline writers were faced with the yearly task of describing the Fourth’s festivities. The results ranged from traditional — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: “Bombs bursting in air” — to modern — The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa.: “Free for 231 years.” Others described the obvious: “Glowing all the way,” “Dazzling display” and “Rockets’ red glare.” A chilly Fourth gave The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., something to play with: “Happy birrrrthday, U.S.A.”

“Of country — and citizenship,” said the Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel, in reporting that 4,000 people became U.S. citizens. They included 1,000 people who took the citizenship oath at Walt Disney World and 325 foreign-born soldiers who were sworn in during ceremonies in Iraq. The ceremonies were pictured in The New York Times, along with a report that “sharp rise seen in applications for citizenship.”

“Numb with pain,” the Toronto Sun proclaimed after six Canadian soldiers were killed in a roadside blast in Afghanistan. The deaths were Page One news across Canada. “Taliban attack deadliest since Easter,” said The Vancouver Sun, which pictured a young father who was among the dead.

In the United Kingdom, newspapers rejoiced in the release of BBC reporter Alan Johnston, who had been held captive in Gaza. “After 114 days in captivity, BBC man celebrates freedom … with a haircut,” The Guardian of London said.

There also were cheers as Sochi, a Russian resort city, was chosen to host the 2014 Winter Olympics. The San Antonio (Texas) Express-News called the first Olympics for Russia “history-making news.” Not making the cut were South Korean and Austrian locations.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

President spares Libby from jail;
doctors tied to British terror plot

By Gene Mater

Had the nation’s editors gathered late yesterday to decide what belongs on Page One, there would have been a general albeit not unanimous show of hands for two stories: the president’s commuting of Scooter Libby’s jail sentence and the continuing saga of terrorist activities against British airports and possibly the effects on U.S. travel.

Typical is today’s Ventura County Star in California, with a top-of-the-page square off reporting “Bush commutes Libby prison sentence” and a one-column head below that noting that “Terrorism suspects traced overseas.” The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Ark., prefers two below-the-fold stories: “Bush commutes Libby’s sentence” and “Police identify two suspects in terror plot as Iraqi, Palestinian physicians.” The Denver Post whoops up “Libby move reaps whirlwind” with a one-column story below that reporting “Australia arrests 1 in U.K. terrorism.”

In the nation’s capital, The Washington Post tells all that “Bush commutes Libby’s prison sentence” with the one-column lead below that advising that “Bomb plot suspects are foreign physicians,” updating the story that only made it to page 15 yesterday with a front-page tease. The New York Times leads with the four-column head “Bush commutes Libby sentence, saying 30 months ‘is excessive’ ” while yesterday’s lead is at the bottom of the page: “Medical workers emerge as focus in British inquiry.” The South Bend Tribune out in Indiana went the other way, leading with “Brits say physicians involved in terror plots “ and “No Libby prison time, Bush says” below that.

For The Sun in Baltimore the lead is “Bush spares Libby from prison term,” with “Mideast doctors held in British terror plot.” Even in Hyannis in Mass, the Cape Cod Times plays up “Bush commutes Libby’s prison sentence” and below that the British story with a big, all-caps head that seems to be jiggling as you read “SECURITY JITTERS.” The Las Vegas Review-Journal tells its readers “Bush spares Libby jail time” and “Doctors suspected in U.K. terror plot.”

Up in Alaska they do it differently. Those two big stories are teased to inside pages while across the top of Page One of the Anchorage Daily News we find “Young bear makes downtown rounds” with the lead “A brown bear ambling around downtown Anchorage has been keeping wildlife authorities busy this week.” We guess you have to be there to appreciate that one.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Amid hunt for terror suspects,
a musical memorial in the UK

By Kate Kennedy

A fast-paced investigation into car-bombing attempts in London and Glasgow, Scotland, made headlines across continents. “British anti-terror forces in high gear,” the Los Angeles Times said. “UK vows to stand up to Al Qaida threat,” said the Gulf News in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In the United Kingdom, The Daily Telegraph of London published a photo of a suspect being restrained after an attack on the Glasgow airport. “Police: we are closing in on UK network of terror,” The Herald in Glasgow said in reporting arrests.

In the United States, newspapers reported on the UK investigation — The Dallas Morning News: “British police raid homes, assert link to al-Qaeda” — and U.S. reaction — The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Security added to overseas flights.”

Other news from London cast a different mood across front pages. “Rocking tribute to Di,” The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee said about a charity concert given in tribute to Princess Diana. The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post used photos to explain the event. And from Italy to Israel, Diana’s sons, Princes William and Harry, were pictured honoring their mother on what would have been her 46th birthday.

Monday’s research reports: A “way to shrink, grow fat” was reported at the top of The Washington Post. A scientific finding that stress can promote fat “could be revolutionary,” said The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., one newspaper that published the Post story. The Sun of Baltimore was “listening in on elephant’s calls” in a story about how elephants find meaning in vibrations. The discovery of “seismic chatter” could help hearing-impaired humans, the newspaper said.

Today’s photos: Evidence that residents are returning to Hurricane Katrina-devastated New Orleans? A sequence of photos in The Times-Picayune that shows increasing lights in the western side of the city.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Editors toss a coin on today’s lead;
the Tesh takes over Centennial State

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Today’s front pages left a six-of-one, half-a-dozen-of-the-other impression when it came to the top national story — it was either the defeat of the immigration bill or a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on school diversity.

For the immigration story, headlines were littered with words like “collapsed,” “buried,” “killed,” “quashed.” The Winona (Minn.) Daily News’ approach was typical: “Immigration bill crushed.” The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald pulled out a strong action verb: “Immigration bill thrashed.” California newspapers played the story big; the Los Angeles Times ran a banner head, “Senate buries immigration bill,” and a photo of obviously dejected senators including its own Diane Feinstein. The Press-Telegram in Long Beach took a more personal approach to its reaction story: “Joy, sorrow greet death of immigration bill.” New York’s Daily News, in typical fashion, went for the jugular: “DEAD DUCK WALKING: Bush now worse than lame duck after immigration bill’s defeat.”

On the Supreme Court story, many headlines concentrated on the ruling’s narrow margin and the ensuing uncertainty expressed by local school officials. Getting all that across often meant explanatory subheads: “Court axes efforts at desegregation; A shaky 5-4 majority says school diversity plans violated students’ rights. How local districts should proceed, however, is unclear,” St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times. Other editors emphasized the movement of the court from its last ruling on desegregation policies: “Justices, in shift, reject 2 race-based school plans,” The Boston Globe.

In the midst of such heavy news, some editors made some front-page room for Independence Day holiday planning. The Tennessean lamented the limited opportunities brought on by a Wednesday July 4: “Midweek holiday reshapes travel plans; Many Tennesseans intend to spend Fourth at home.” That suits Liz Gruen — the West Paterson, N.J., Herald News’ cover girl — just fine. She hardly ever takes time off, part of a trend the newspaper called “No Vacation Nation.”

Some Colorado ladies apparently were happy to take some time off — to meet “The Tesh.” If you don’t know who “The Tesh” is, The Gazette laid it all out on Page One. John Tesh — a former Entertainment Tonight host who has found a second life as a musician and radio host — was in town to “cull the best local talent” with a competition titled “Dancing with The Tesh.” Young dancers flocked to the auditions, even though they didn’t appreciate the glory of The Tesh — they had no idea who he was. Their moms sure did. “I’d dance, if you got to dance with him,” gushed 46-year-old Susan Stout. But The Tesh was having none of it: “I’m not much of a dancer,” he said “coolly.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Eagle, floods, fires dominate news

By Patty Rhule

Tony Blair left his job as British prime minister and the war in Iraq that cost him his job raged on, but nature news dominated front pages Thursday.

The good news of the return of the bald eagle from near-extinction was trumpeted across front pages from Alabama to Virginia, where The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, beakily — er, cheekily — asked, “Why is this bird smiling?” Minneapolis’ Star Tribune had a photo and a graphic to set off the story of “A national symbol, saved.”

A respite for firefighters battling brushfires in South Lake Tahoe was cheered by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, “Light shines on the South Shore” but the Ventura County Star wasn’t convinced: “Troubles not over with fire in Tahoe.” San Francisco Chronicle editors helpfully offered a map showing the range of the fire.

Flooding in Texas dominated front pages in the south and southwest, with the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram offering a dramatic shot of rooftops barely above floodwaters.

After a Utah boy was killed by a black bear, editors of The Salt Lake Tribune offered a front-page tip sheet with graphics on “Bearproof sense.”

Off the nature beat, great minds thought alike in the newsrooms of The New York Times and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, both of which featured goodbye/hello photo pairings of Britain’s outgoing and incoming prime ministers.

And the death of designer Liz Claiborne made front pages from The Times of Munster, Ind., to The New York Times for her efforts to help working women look chic on the job.

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

‘Secrets’ leave a lot to be desired;
wrestler’s exit sparks speculation

By Christy Mumford Jerding

The New York Times and other major dailies splashed a story about newly uncovered “CIA skeletons” across their front pages today, and headlines led readers to conclude that the revelations — involving wiretaps, assassination plots and “mind control” — would, well, reveal some juicy information. But a closer read showed that reporters were frustrated that they could still drive a truck through the story’s holes: “Large sections are censored, showing that the C.I.A. still cannot bring itself to expose all the skeletons in its closet,” the Times said in the fourth graf. Several editors focused on the details of a plan, launched in 1960, to kill our communist neighbor to the south: “Records confirm plot to kill Castro,” Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald. The Washington Post bumped the CIA story down the food chain in favor of its ongoing investigative series on Vice President Dick Cheney.

A sad tale of murder and suicide that dominated yesterday’s cable news coverage got somewhat more restrained coverage on today’s front pages. Professional wrestler Chris Benoit, known as the “Canadian Crippler,” apparently killed his wife and son at their Fayette, Ga., home over the weekend, and then killed himself. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran a large package titled “Murder-suicide rocks wrestling fans, Fayette.” But other headline writers went straight to the “why” part of the story, and came up with the same speculation: “Was it ‘roid rage?”, AM New York; “’Roid Rage Eyed in Slayings,” Calgary Sun.

On to more pleasant topics. A business story got a front-page play as consumers must be about to blow a gasket over a new tech toy: the iPhone, on sale Friday. Silicon Valley editors weren’t the only ones on the iPhone watch. Down in Lufkin, Texas, the Daily News exhorted its readers: “Want one of these? Get in line. Lufkin has only store in Deep East Texas that will be selling Apple’s new iPhone on Friday.”

Today’s headline double-take award goes to the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune: “Inmate’s quest for new sex in court.” Turns out convicted murderer Robert J. Kosilek wants the state to pay for his sex-change operation. And he’d like to be called Michelle.

Finally, a happy tale with Page One play from The Middleton (Ohio) Journal: “A bewitching stroke of luck for one black cat.” Columnist Rick McCrabb entertained readers with the odyssey of a skinny kitty named Salem, who wandered away from his owners and ended up in various shelters and adopted homes, alternately named Elvis and Ralph. Through a twist of fate — otherwise known as a lost-cat poster — Kathryn and Jon Snowden eventually were reunited with Salem, four months later. “We were all meant to be together,” Kathryn told the Journal.

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Court's rulings on campaign issue ads,
inexplicable student speech reign Supreme

By Gene Mater

The Supreme Court of the United States — SCOTUS to those in the business — made news yesterday with decisions that affect everyone. The New York Times today leads with “Justices loosen ad restrictions in campaign law” while The Washington Post also leads with “5-4 Supreme Court weakens curbs on pre-election TV ads.” What about the newspaper that you read? We thought that we would do an unscientific survey of a few dailies here and there.

Some newspapers agreed with the above approach. For The Herald in Monterey, Calif., the Page One head is “High court loosens political ad rules” even as The Washington Times leads with “Court rules for funding of issue ads.”

But other dailies preferred to highlight a high school free-speech case involving the strange sign reading “Bong Hits 4 Jesus” that we will not attempt to explain. For the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock the lead story is “Alaskan loses at high court on ‘bong’ sign,” up in Alaska the Anchorage Daily News reports “’Bong hits’ student loses,” and the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, tells its readers “’Bong hits’ sign-maker loses case.”

But for many dailies the story of the day is the direction SCOTUS seems to be taking. The Gazette in Colorado Springs says it this way in a top of Page One square off: “Supreme Court takes a right turn” and The Ledger in Lakeland, Fla., notes “Rightward tilt shows in rulings” while The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., states that “Supreme Court’s rulings show conservative shift.” For the Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., the story rates the head “Rulings confirm shape of court under Roberts.” Out in Boise, the Idaho Statesman leads with “5-4 rulings reflect new tilt on high court.”

Then there are the dailies that didn’t feel the various SCOTUS decisions were worth Page One treatment. We looked and looked and found nothing about the decisions on Page One of the Hartford (Conn.) Courant, Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald, South Bend Tribune in Indiana or the St. Paul Pioneer Press in Minnesota. For the San Francisco Chronicle and the East Valley Tribune in Mesa, Ariz., the Supreme Court rates a Page One tease and stories inside.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Newspapers provide the light,
readers find their own way

By Gene Mater

Give light and the people will find their own way. That's one of the greatest newspaper — indeed one of the greatest media — mottoes of all times. It belongs to the E.W. Scripps Company, although scholarly readers may claim that Dante used some similar words a few hundred years ago. We thought that we would see how much light today's front pages are shining on the world around us.

Only five of the 19 Scripps dailies are available on our Web site today so the sampling is neither as extensive nor as scientific as we would have liked, but this is what we found. The appropriately named Record-Searchlight in Redding, up in northern California, offers a busy Page One full of local news, noting that “Happy Valley farmers offer map of local produce” while also reporting “New green-waste disposal site opens” and a few other items of interest to the residents. Down south in California, the Ventura County Star — which is the only one of the five to have a stylized Scripps lighthouse in its masthead — also offers a Page One full of local news — a grocery strike, problems with the repairs of an apartment complex, the falling-off of attendance at parades, and so on. The lead story, however, tells us that “Generals say Iraqis not yet up to the job.” Rocky Mountain News in Denver devotes most of Page One to photos of the gay-pride parade for which “tens of thousands” gathered. In Texas, the Caller Times in Corpus Christi has a couple of major education stories on Page One, the lead about a cut in health funds and the concern that “Schools must find new way to insure” with a story at the bottom of the page reporting “Teacher shortage distresses schools.” Finally, the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Wash., leads with a “relay for life,” about people helping to fight cancer while the off-lead tells the reader that the local arson trail “grows colder.” There’s the light; let the people decide.

Sure there are other stories around. The New York Times leads with “Hussein’s cousin sentenced to die for Kurd attacks” and The Washington Post plays up “Illegal immigrants targeted by states” while the biggest daily of them all, USA TODAY, leads with “U.S. to reward Iraqi tribes,” but perhaps it all depends on what helps you find your way.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Air rules on Page One; enterprise
reporting sheds light on Va. Tech, Gitmo

By Kate Kennedy

Readers got a breath of fresh air today.

“Ozone limits may get stiffer,” the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said. The newspaper looked at proposed changes in acceptable smog levels and what results new limits would have locally. The Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa, mapped the 533 U.S. counties — including its own — that might exceed more stringent standards. “Cleaning up the region’s air could change your life by 2010. Here’s how,” the Star-Telegram explained over a photo of a smoggy Fort Worth, Texas, skyline.

The Senate passed tougher standards for gas mileage. The bill, which sets a 35 miles-per-gallon average requirement, “now goes to House,” the Seattle Post-Intelligencer said. “The mileage increase could make this year’s energy bill the most significant in years,” the Los Angeles Times said.

“Echoes from Virginia Tech” were published in a Washington Post centerpiece. “8 minutes after 911 call, a rescue from madness,” said a story created from more than three dozen interviews. The Virginian Pilot in Norfolk examined donations inspired by the campus killings: “Families, Tech at odds over fund payout.”

An Associated Press story outlining the Bush administration’s interest in closing the Guantanamo Bay prison was widely published. “Detainees would be sent to military prisons for trial,” the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said.

The American Medical Association is pushing to have excessive video-game playing classified as a psychiatric disorder. “No longer a game,” said The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City, which told the story in bulleted highlights.

Illustrating the story: The Chicago Tribune turned to artist sketches to illustrate the start of the “Family Secrets” mob trial. The Plain Dealer in Cleveland combined a map and photos to tell the story of the search by 1,500 people for a missing Ohio woman.

Public service or privacy invasion? “Pay database angers state workers,” said The Lansing (Mich.) State Journal, which on Thursday posted on its Web site the salaries of state government workers. The newspaper said the searchable database was part of a public-information initiative that would continue.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Seeing daylight: Page One
welcomes summer’s first day

By Kate Kennedy

A calendar item made today’s front page.

“Summer: It’s official,” The Arizona Republic in Phoenix said in announcing the first day of Summer 2007. The expected temperature in Phoenix: 113.

In North Carolina, the Winston-Salem Journal used an art headline — “Time to bake” — in predicting the results of a hot summer ahead. The Sarasota (Fla.) Herald-Tribune marked the last day of spring with a photo of a walk on the beach. “Sun sets on spring,” said The Post-Standard of Syracuse, N.Y. Its photo of a sunset was accompanied by calculations on the length of daylight on this longest day of the year.

A Blizzard made news in Anchorage, Alaska. It wasn’t snow but Dairy Queen ice cream. The Anchorage Daily News reported that the city’s new — and only — DQ set company sales records.

Of the boys of summer, one stood out in The Dallas Morning News. “Sammy slams his way into exclusive club with homer against former team.” It pictured the Rangers’ Sammy Sosa, who hit his 600th career home run.

Looking ahead to a new season, The Boston Globe illustrated the uniform design for the 2007-08 hockey season: “NHL suits up like never before.”

News from Washington made the front pages of regional newspapers. In coverage of President Bush’s veto of the stem-cell bill, the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal Star outlined “What Bush did,” “What Bush said,” and “What critics said.” The Record of Hackensack, N.J., and The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C., were among newspapers that considered local impact. “New Jersey research could gain from Bush’s veto,” The Record said.

The Post and Courier of Charleston, S.C., used two words — “Grief. Questions” — in its continuing coverage of the deaths of nine firefighters. The State in Columbia, S.C., interviewed a furniture warehouse employee rescued by firefighters: “Rescuers sounded ‘like sweet angels calling for me.’”

Today’s headline: The St. Paul (Minn.) Pioneer Press pictured a 1957 Mercury Montclair with news of a weekend classic-car event. Its headline: “Chrome, sweet chrome.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Firefighters’ heroic battle,
loss told in single image

By Kate Kennedy

Nine firefighters died battling a South Carolina furniture warehouse fire. But it was the image of a lone firefighter that told the story on today’s front pages.

From Savannah, Ga., to Fresno, Calif., the photo of a firefighter pausing for a moment dominated Page One. The Associated Press photo taken by a Charleston photographer also led USA TODAY, which pulled the quote: “We will never forget.” The deadliest day for firefighters since 9/11 also led The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post and The Sun in Baltimore. The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer focused on the image of a tearful fire chief.

South Carolina newspapers balanced their coverage of the fire’s aftermath with another big story: the indictment of the state’s treasurer on federal cocaine charges. The State of Columbia printed news of the indictment above its nameplate and devoted the remainder of its page to the firefighters’ deaths. The Herald of Rock Hill began both stories at the top of the page and relegated its most important city story to an inside-the-newspaper reference.

“Mike’s big move” made the New York tabloids, which reported Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s departure from the Republican Party and possible presidential run as an independent.

Headline writers’ prayers were answered when news from the Vatican — “Guidelines for the Pastoral Care of the Road” — gave them an opportunity to have some fun. The San Antonio Express-News scrolled the “10 commandments of the road” across its front page with the headline: “Thou shall not drive like a goof.” Other heavenly offerings:

• Orlando (Fla.) Sentinel: “Thou shall not hog road and drive like a jerk.”
  
  
• The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “Vatican prays motorists will avoid sins of the road.”
  
  
• Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Little Rock: “Vatican tries back-seat driving.”

An archeological find in Peru prompted The Philadelphia Inquirer to ask: “The first gunshot victim in the Americas?” Said the Los Angeles Times about the discovery from the 16th century: “Inca warrior’s wound tells another tale of conquest.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

White House e-mails under scrutiny;
pastor accused of attacking husband

By Gene Mater

American humorist Will Rogers once wrote that “I read about eight newspapers a day. When I’m in a town with only one newspaper, I read it eight times.” We thought we’d check on a few of those one-newspaper towns to see what Mr. Rogers would have found on Page One, read up to eight times.

Starting with The Anniston Star in the town of the same name in Alabama, we find that there’s a “Water watch,” with the first city in the county restricting water use, and that “White House e-mails may have broken federal law.” For the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock, the lead story is that “U.S. ends Palestinian aid ban,” with the off-lead that e-mail story referred to as “fishy.” Page One of The Advocate in Stamford, Conn., is full of local stories with one that might attract an outsider’s attention: “City pastor jailed in slashing attack on her husband.” The Augusta Chronicle reports — with photo and headline — about new quadruplets “Stranded in Sacramento” and needing a ride home to Georgia.

We didn’t find that story on Page One of The Sacramento Bee, learning instead that a panel claims that “Rove sent e-mails illegally” and that pay hikes are in store for the California top brass. In the same state, we were a little puzzled by the lead story in the Merced Sun-Star, with the head “Local judge dismisses suit against Mercy Merced.” You have to be a local to understand that one right away; it turns out that the story involves the Mercy Medical Center Merced. As for the Rome News-Tribune in Georgia, we’re going to read the story squared off on Page One under the head “City fills seat, OKs sidewalk cafes” to learn whether the seat is in one of the cafés. The Idaho Statesman in Boise was straightforward with that e-mail story: “White House e-mails may have broken law.”

The Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa, is strictly local with its top-of the-page square-off reporting “West Rock River Bridge inaugurated.” The Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, attracts attention to its Page One with a big picture and a report that “Graffiti ‘writers’ seek place to display work.” Meanwhile, The Beaufort Gazette in South Carolina might get Will Rogers to read at least once its top story on Page One with the inviting head “Woman shocked, beaten by ex-boyfriend.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Gaza shake-up, Kabul bombing
vie for top spot in domestic dailies

By Gene Mater

For newspapers that believe there is a place on Page One for international news of interest and importance, today is editor’s choice, with Iraq, Afghanistan and Palestine leading the way if not the front page.

The Arizona Republic in Phoenix does a square-off at the top of Page One, quoting a general saying that “Stable Iraq is decade away,” while the Daily News in Los Angeles goes heavy with “Afghan violence escalates” and the Las Vegas Review-Journal leads with “Abbas imposes cabinet” in Palestine. Up in Eugene, Ore., The Register-Guard also leads with Palestine, telling its readers that “Abbas puts new cabinet in place, banning Hamas,” similar to The Washington Times in the nation’s capital leading with “Abbas forms cabinet free of Hamas.” For The Miami Herald it is “Rift over Gaza Strip widens” and the Chicago Tribune leads with local news but tells its readers at the bottom of Page One that ”Abbas swears in new cabinet.”

Bomb blasts attract Page One attention for some dailies — The Telegraph in Macon, Ga., leads with “Afghan blast worst since 2001” while The Gazette in Colorado Springs prefers “Suicide bomber kills 35 in Kabul” and The Charleston Gazette in West Virginia reports that “35 killed in Afghanistan bomb blast,” and The News Journal in Wilmington, Del., leading with “Bomb tears through bus, killing 35 in Afghanistan,” perhaps believing that numbers really tell the story. The Philadelphia Inquirer also leads with “Attack on police bus kills 35 in Kabul.

The New York Times, the newspaper of record, leads with a story unseen elsewhere, how “In Ethiopian desert, fears and cries of army brutality,” about internal fighting in that African nation, while The Christian Science Monitor looks at the bigger picture of the problems in Palestine, leading with “Palestinian split rattles region.” For The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., where the nation’s media have been focused for almost a week on a hearing resulting in the disbarment of a local district attorney, the lead today is “Taliban bring carnage to Kabul” while that local story is in a holding pattern at the bottom of Page One.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Hamas takeover dominates news;
plastic army men trigger free-speech fight

By Emily Hedges

The Hamas takeover in Gaza dominated headlines around the world. The Christian Science Monitor told of Palestinians fleeing the area. The Jerusalem Post called the Hamas gunmen "The New Lords of Gaza," and told of the effect the takeover could have on Israel. Toronto's The Globe and Mail told the story in a headline: "Palestinian unity dealt a death blow."

Ruth Graham, the wife of evangelist Billy Graham, died yesterday. Her death made many front pages, especially in the Bible Belt. The Marietta (Ga.) Daily Journal's headline quote called Ruth Graham "An indomitable spirit." The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer quoted Billy Graham speaking about his wife in the headline "Called by God as a team." Ruth Graham was 87.

Gay marriage dodged a bullet in Massachusetts yesterday when an amendment to ban the practice was voted down. Many Massachusetts papers had the story on the front page. The Standard-Times from New Bedford, Mass., included large pullout quotes from people on both sides of the issue. The Telegram & Gazette from Worcester, Mass., had a table showing how individual lawmakers voted.

Feeling down? A new study from the University of Oregon reported that giving away money activates the same pleasure centers in the brain as falling in love or eating. The Register-Guard from Eugene, Ore., said giving money is "not a no-brainer," and The Oregonian from Portland, suggested paying taxes to improve your day.

Nancy Drew, the beloved book character, will become a movie star this weekend. The Los Angeles Daily News invited you to test your Nancy knowledge with trivia questions, and The News Tribune from Tacoma, Wash., had fashion tips to get Nancy Drew's timeless look.

Father's Day is Sunday, June 17. To celebrate dear old dad, the West Central Tribune from Willmar, Minn., offered last-minute gift tips for procrastinators. Link from Hampton Roads, Va., had an argyle cover with a tie.

Daily Breeze in Torrance, Calif., reported on a free-speech issue that had parents up in arms, well, firearms. A fifth-grader was told he couldn't graduate with his toy soldiers-decorated mortar board unless he cut the guns off of the plastic soldiers, as the school has a no-weapons policy.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

U.S. flag celebrates its banner day;
Bird-like dinosaur is in, Toucan Sam is out

By Emily Hedges

June 14 is Flag Day, and The Anniston (Ala.) Star wants you to "Test your flag knowledge." Trivia, folding and etiquette tips, and Old Glory-related stories abound, including the Appleton, Wis., The Post-Crescent's story on disagreements on when the flag should be lowered to half-staff.

The bombing of a shrine in Iraq was front-page news. USA TODAY shows three pictures of the mosque: before it had been bombed in 2003, after a first bombing in 2006 and the remains after yesterday's bombing. The Washington Post used this latest bombing as a platform to discuss a Pentagon report about the steady level of violence in Iraq that has not decreased despite an increase in troops.

If you're commuting alone, well, you're not alone. Despite high environmental concern and higher gas prices, more than 70% of U.S. drivers commute solo. Papers like The News Journal out of Wilmington, Del., and The Herald from Bradenton, Fla., discuss the trend, nationally and with a local slant.

Renderings of a newly discovered bird-like dinosaur, like the one in the Edmonton Journal, graced many front pages. In other news featuring our feathered friends, Toucan Sam may not be a recognizable figure for the youth of the next generation. The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald gives front-page billing to news that Kellogg's will no longer be promoting their more sugary cereals in ads that target the under-12 demographic.

School's out! Many papers prominently feature stories about exceptional grads, like the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune. The Erie (Pa.) Times-News wants to know how students are going to spend their summer vacation.

Finally, in sports news: Winning is not the most important story, money is. With the Cleveland Cavaliers just one game away from losing in the NBA Finals, Cleveland's The Plain Dealer examines the economic boost, if not the winning boost, that having LeBron James on the team gives the city.

Emily Hedges is an assistant editor at the Newseum.

The case of the wayward watch;
Culpeper’s lede a no-brainer

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Editors had plenty of national and international stories to choose from to top their front pages: immigration reform, violence in the Gaza Strip, presidential campaign machinations and that old stand-by, the Iraq War. But several Page One editors instead seemed fascinated with a presidential mystery: the case of the wayward watch.

Front-page photo essays in The Bakersfield Californian, Doylestown, Pa., Intelligencer, the Toronto Globe and Mail and other newspapers chronicled the apparent disappearance of President Bush’s wristwatch during his Albanian meet-and-greet on Sunday. The photos showed effusive, affectionate Albanians practically mobbing the president (in a nice way). But the missing watch led Intelligencer editors to wonder: “Did it fall off? Did one of his bodyguards remove it? Or did one of the crowd artfully slip it off his wrist and pocket it?” The Globe and Mail noted that the U.S. State Department has warned tourists to “beware of pickpockets in Albania.” Alas, the truth was fairly anti-climactic. Spokesman Tony Snow told reporters that the president merely had decided to put it in his pocket, and it “returned safely home.”

For true crime stories, editors had to stick close to home, and they weren’t disappointed. Ne’er-do-wells and their homes-away-from-home — otherwise known as jail — were the subject of many Page One pieces today. The San Francisco Chronicle, still fascinated with the fact that celebutante Paris Hilton is sitting in the big house, ran a feature examining the quality of prison chow: “Jailhouse grub gets a bum rap.” The Ventura County Star in California put together a package on “Unusual Suspects,” serial bank robbers who have earned media-friendly names like “The Preppie Bandit,” “The Big Nose Bandit” and — a personal favorite — “The Irreconcilable Differences Bandit, who told a teller “he was forced into a life of crime to pay for his divorce.” In the “nothing is sacred anymore” category, the Lincoln (Neb.) Journal-Star gave its readers “The inside scoop on ICE CREAM MEN.” Apparently, several of these supposedly good-humored men are actually long-time criminals.

Finally, the editors of the Culpeper (Va.) Star-Exponent surely had an easy night picking its lede: “Nude woman crashes truck.” It would be fine to stop there, but the photo bears noting: Police officers holding sheets up to the U-Haul truck — sticking out of the side of a house — to shield Lady Godiva from the shutter-bug.

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Bush policy on combatants
takes hit; vote on Gonzales fizzles

By Gene Mater

It’s not a universal truism, but when a federal appeals court comes out with a major ruling that overturns a presidential position, that’s a story worthy of Page One as so many editors agree today. The headline on The New York Times lead story plays it straight, “Judges say U.S. can’t hold man as ‘combatant,’” as did The Birmingham News in Alabama with “Charge or release detainee, court says.” For the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, it’s “U.S. citizens can’t be held indefinitely, court rules,” while The Day in New London, Conn., leads with “’Combatant’ can’t be held indefinitely, judges decide.” The Ledger in Lakeland, Fla., tells its readers in the lead story “”Combatant’ title takes legal hit” and the Chicago Tribune says in a square-off at the top of Page One “Detention ruled unlawful.” The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., uses the same makeup approach with the head “Court: Charge or release suspect.”

Other U.S. dailies saw it as a knock at President Bush’s policies and said so, loud and clear. For The Philadelphia Inquirer, it’s “Bush rebuked on combatant,” while The Kansas City Star sees the decision as “Ruling a setback for Bush” and The Telegraph in Macon, Ga., leads with “Court rejects Bush policy.”

For other dailies there were other top stories, including national ones, such as The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., telling its readers “GOP stops Senate vote to rebuke Gonzales,” the Los Angeles Times leading with “Giuliani and Clinton stay in the lead” and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette in Little Rock choosing as its top story “Missile doubts raised as Bush visits Bulgaria.”

But the San Francisco Chronicle tempts some of us with a cloak-and-dagger story out of the past: “Secret revealed: Nisei’s WWII role,” adding “The U.S. military quietly recruited Japanese-Americans with language skills for special training — before Pearl Harbor.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Covering tales of the heart,
mob hits — real and on TV

By Gene Mater

With less than unanimity about what should lead the daily newspapers of America today, we thought this might be an opportune time to do an unscientific sampling of the tabloids and tabloid-type dailies to see what they were offering to their readers on a quiet Monday morning.

The OC Post in Santa Ana, Calif., focuses on the “Many eyes on UCI” — the University of California, Irvine, for non-locals — explaining that those “eyes” involve “Campus battles perception amid Jewish-Muslim war of words.” For the Tahoe Daily Tribune in South Lake Tahoe, Calif., Page One is devoted to “Endless winter” up in the mountains with a smaller piece about the effects of global warming on the lake. Moving over to Denver and the Rocky Mountain News, Page One features a large photo of a 10-year-old who received his second heart transplant in February being hugged by his mother and his effort to enlist more donors in what is reported as a “Cause close to his hearts.”

tbt — aka Tampa Bay Times in St. Petersburg, Fla. — tells of “An untold tale of terror,” touted as “A horrific murder case with white victims and black defendants gets little publicity” and asks “Why?” The Chicago Sun-Times reports on “The Mob hit on our dad,” quoting one child saying “I remember seeing (him) lying in the grass.” But for RedEye, also in Chicago, the “So long, rat race” asks “Would you leave your life behind to live your dream” and invites you to read on to “Find out how these Chicagoans started over.”

New York Post offers the reader a choice of reading about the final episode of the "Sopranos" or about “Scare planes” and the “Five near misses over N.Y. in May” while Newsday out on Long Island fills much of Page One with pictures of bottles and tells you to read on about “New push to add deposit to more beverage containers.” AM New York whoops up “50 and Fabulous,” all about “Puerto Rican parade marks milestone.” Philadelphia Daily News wants its readers to be concerned about “The real cost of crack,” reporting about babies becoming addicted in the womb, while Metro in the same city doesn’t like the ending of the "Sopranos" and wants to tell you why. The Citizens’ Voice up in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., offers a softer problem about an area couple planning a vacation to Australia but finding themselves in “Passport purgatory.” And you thought you had problems.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Immigration and heiress
heat up headlines

By Patty Rhule

As an immigration bill faltered, the space shuttle poised for liftoff and Tony Soprano prepared to bid adieu, newspaper editors appeared grateful today that they will always have Paris.

The petite heiress’ early release from jail for driving on a suspended license was front-page news across the nation and the world:

• In Melbourne, Australia, The Age put Paris Hilton above the fold.
  
  
• Closer to home, California’s OC Post led with “Home-grown controversy; Paris Hilton is out of jail after 3 days, but, wait, an L.A. judge may send her back.”
  
  
• On the East Coast, the New York Post fumed “Blonde justice: Fury as Paris gets out of jail.”

The setback for immigration reform was played straight in the Miami Herald, as “Immigration bill on life support.” The Washington Times offered a look-forward analysis, “Kennedy alliance costly to GOP senators.” And The Christian Science Monitor said “Immigration divides GOP.”

In the Southeast, dry weather was a front-page focus. Florida’s Charlotte Herald-Tribune offered a photo of parched land with the headline, “Redefining dry.” The Dothan (Ala.) Eagle is also “Battling drought.” But in Iowa, The Gazette noted that a moist spring would bring hordes of mosquitoes: “This forecast bites.”

A positive side to nature news: The Northwest Florida Daily News reported that scientists aren’t giving up on the ivory-billed woodpecker, once believed to be extinct. A jazzy graphic set off a cheerful headline: “There’s hope for the ol’ bird.”

In health news, a study on vitamin D’s benefits in reducing cancer risk made headlines in Hackensack, N.J., where The Record also offered a sidebar on how to get enough D in your diet. A surgical setback for a set of conjoined twins was explained in a graphic treatment in The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer.

Finally, a letter unearthed from Abraham Lincoln to the Union general after Gettysburg piqued editors’ interest. In Bend, Ore., The Bulletin reported, “1863 letter reveals an optimistic Lincoln.”

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Mouse cell breakthrough excites editors

By Patty Rhule

Amid the G-8 summit of world leaders, immigration debate and the anniversary of D-Day, it was a mouse that roared to the top of newspaper front pages today.

That is, the scientific discovery that mouse skin cells could be used to replicate embryonic stem cells in research. The story made news across the country:

• The Beaver County (Pa.) Times said, “Scientists say they can mimic stem cells.”
  
  
• And the Oakland (Calif.) Tribune advanced the story with “Stem cell discovery may change debate.”

The Decatur (Ala.) Daily took the immigration debate in the U.S. Congress local, with “Senators oppose Bush on Illegals.” And the San Francisco Chronicle chimed in with “Visa plan angers Silicon Valley.”

In the news business, The Arizona Republic announced a gathering of journalists to honor the paper’s investigative reporter Don Bolles, killed when a bomb went off in his car: “Journalists gather to honor ‘martyr.’ ”

The San Francisco Examiner noted layoffs at The Chronicle.

But all business news wasn’t bad news. The Detroit Free Press trumpeted good news for the struggling U.S. auto industry in a story about good ratings for new Ford vehicles: “Quality? It’s Ford. Amid turnaround plan, automaker steals spotlight away from Toyota.”

The tragic end for a missing teen made headlines in the Midwest. The (Toledo, Ohio) Blade reported: “Police believe body discovered in Missouri is abducted teen.”

Editors tipped their front-page hats to veterans of World War II. The (Albany, N.Y.) Times Union had a graveyard photo with “Remembering D-Day.” The Stars and Stripes said “History Lives at Normandy D-Day remembrance.” And The (Ft. Myers) News-Press noted “Soldiers of 1944 honored by France.”

Los Angeles’ Daily News, like many papers, continues the long goodbye to retiring game-show host Bob Barker: “Bidding Bob Farewell.”

While the dog days of summer aren’t here yet, in Alaska, news about the zoo’s lone African elephant was front-page worthy. “Zoo board agrees to send Maggie south …” announced the Anchorage Daily News in a story about a decision to reunite the pachyderm with pals in the lower 48.

Patty Rhule is a project editor at the Newseum.

Libby looms, Putin put-down;
cockfighting wanes in La.

By Christy Mumford Jerding

U.S. dailies paid a lot of attention to the sentencing of former White House official Scooter Libby in the CIA leak investigation. Some editors topped their front pages with the straight news: “Libby to go to prison,” Intelligencer Journal, Lancaster, Pa. But others went straight for the armchair, saying the sentencing would lead to further consternation for President Bush: “Libby term poses dilemma; 2-½ year sentence may put pressure on Bush for pardon,” Los Angeles Times. The Hartford (Conn.) Courant said it even more plainly: “Now, it’s Bush’s call.”

The president also got a good deal of newspaper ink from a speech, delivered in the Czech Republic, in which he addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s statements about a planned U.S. missile defense system. Headlines touched on the tension between the two presidents; the Chicago Tribune started at the beginning for readers who might be unfamiliar with the conflict: “Why the hot war of words in U.S.-Russia affairs? Putin fears missile defense will upset balance between two powers.” The Blade in Toledo, Ohio, was a little more blunt in its assessment: “Bush slams Russia over democracy.” Bush’s visit also topped all four Czech dailies that participate in the Newseum’s Today’s Front Pages online exhibit.

Back home, the seemingly endless run-up to the 2008 presidential election continued with a debate among Republican candidates in Manchester, N.H., and the state’s major dailies led with the verbal sparring. But the headlines pulled out different elements of the event; The Telegraph said “Immigration the hot topic.” The Concord Monitor went with “Republicans’ foe: Bush.” The Union Leader simply titled its coverage “Republican rumble.”

The Times Herald-Record in Middleton, N.Y., used its front page to pose a question today: “Will D-Day be remembered?” Several U.S. dailies answered “yes.” The Mississippi Press profiled local vet John l. Baker, who was on the beach 63 years ago today. The Fayetteville (N.C.) Observer used the same tactic on its Page One, focusing on paratrooper Everett Bullard.

Finally, The Daily Advertiser in Lafayette, La., topped its front page with some legal news: “Deal may end cockfights this year.” The state legislature apparently wants to put cockfighters out of business, but still protect farmers and chicken-plant owners. The whole thing has turned into a real barnyard dust-up among lawmakers, according to the Advertiser. The best quote came from lobbyist Charlie Smith: “The House and Senate are playing chicken over cockfighting.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Missile shield scores in Europe;
U.S. broadcasters win profanity battle

By Gene Mater

Europe isn’t on the agenda of the U.S. dailies today, but America is making the European headlines in one way or another. President George W. Bush and his wife flew into Prague, making for nice Page One photos in Lidove Noviny and Denik in that city but that’s where nice ends. The Daily Telegraph in London headlines the most immediate problem — “Bush flies into row over missile shield,” the proposed U.S. missile shield in the Czech Republic and Poland to protect parts of Europe. Russian President Putin doesn’t like it, with a headline in El Periodico in Barcelona about Putin reviving talk about an atomic threat while The Guardian in London reports “Putin missile threat ‘unhelpful’ U.S. says.” La Tribune in Paris prefers to report about Bush going to the G8 meetings in Germany and the potential problems following the recent riots even before the summit sessions begin. Indeed, Die Welt in Hamburg has a Page One photo and a story headlined “Controversy over the police strategy in Rostock,” about the response to the riots in recent days. La Repubblica’s Page One story for its readers in Rome notes the problem of “too little” for the poor countries in the coming G8 economic talks.

But the U.S. dailies had other stories for Page One, including what the Daily News in Los Angeles headlined “No fines for potty mouths on TV,” a development that The Washington Post preferred to headline “Broadcasters win appeal of FCC’s profanity ruling” and The New York Times called “Decency ruling thwarts FCC on vulgarities.” The indictment of sitting Congressman William Jefferson also was a Page One story for many newspapers. You couldn’t miss it in his New Orleans hometown daily, The Times-Picayune, with the all-caps bold headline “Jefferson indicted in bribery scheme.” The story was squared off at the top of Page One in The Washington Times: “Jefferson charged in bribery and corruption.”

For The Boston Globe and the News & Record in Greensboro, N.C., there was room on Page One for a photo and a story about the “Polish Anne Frank” and her holocaust diary, with both quoting “I simply can’t believe that one day I will be allowed to leave this house without the yellow star. Or even that this war will end.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

U.S. troops’ death toll
leads front pages

By Gene Mater

From Hawaii in the Pacific to states along the Atlantic coast, America’s dailies agreed that one story was worth Page One treatment — the high U.S. military death toll in Iraq. The Honolulu Advertiser says it as many do: “14 troops die over 3 days in Iraq.” The heads varied a little. The Arizona Republic in Phoenix leads with “15 troops die in Iraq over 3 days” while The San Diego Union-Tribune tells its readers that “14 troops reported killed in 3 days” and The Birmingham News in Alabama squares off “14 more troops killed in Iraq.” For The Advocate in Baton Rouge it is “Battle intensifies; 14 soldiers killed,” while the Portland Press Herald in Maine banners “Fourteen more U.S. troops killed” and the St. Petersburg Times in Florida leads with “15 U.S. Troops killed in Iraq.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution warns “June’s U.S. toll in Iraq heavy.” In Peoria, Ill., the Journal Star tells its readers “14 U.S. Troops Killed in Iraq” as the Lincoln Journal Star in Nebraska also warns “June off to deadly start in Iraq.”

Many others played up Iraq but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. Some reported on the Democratic candidates’ debate. But for the Kokomo Tribune in Indiana, the Page One banner reads “Long courtship, but still no wedding,” bemoaning the fact that “A year later, Kokomo still without a sister city.” Up in Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News warns at the top of Page One that “Alaska not immune from immigration pinch.”

But the lightest note — and a musical note, at that — may be in Kansas, on Page One of the Lawrence Journal-World about “Guitar players hope to make history,” with a picture of them as far as the eye can see: 1,683 guitarists gathered to make the Guinness record book.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

New twists in the tuberculosis
case keep story on Page One

By Kate Kennedy

Three details emerged in the story of the TB-infected Georgia man who traveled on two continents. Variations of the story appeared on front pages across the U.S.

• “Man with TB identified,” the Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette said, reporting that he is an Atlanta lawyer. “Lawyer deemed an all-around ‘great guy,’” said The Denver Post, quoting friends and neighbors. The newspaper also quoted the patient: “Forgive me for scare.”
  
  
• “TB traveler’s father-in-law works at CDC,” said The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, adding that the relative is “an expert on the disease.”
  
  
• “U.S. border inspector ignored TB warning,” the Albuquerque (N.M.) Journal said. “Probe sought of TB border crossing,” USA TODAY noted.

Meanwhile, The Seattle Times asked what many were wondering: “What was TB guy thinking?”

In advance of next week’s Group of Eight summit, President Bush proposed goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. “Bush changes climate course,” said The Fresno (Calif.) Bee, noting that the White House had resisted limits for economic reasons. The Las Vegas Review-Journal charted carbon-dioxide emissions, and the Chicago Tribune added: “Analysts say offer too little, too late.”

California is home to the winner of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, and newspapers there, including the Contra Costa Times, pictured a 13-year-old named Evan who won the competition with the word “serrefine.” The runner-up, a Canadian named “Nate the great,” was No. 1 in the Edmonton Journal.

Today’s image: Former presidents saluted the Rev. Billy Graham during the dedication of the Graham library in North Carolina. A photo capturing the moment spanned the width of The Charlotte Observer.

Say cheese: The San Diego Union-Tribune pictured a cheese sandwich at the top of its front page with a report that a school system serves cheese sandwiches to kids who are behind in paying for school lunches. “What’s for lunch? Stigma sandwich.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Tiptoeing toward a presidential run;
going toe-to-toe for spelling title

By Kate Kennedy

The Washington Post and The New York Times called it a stir in the GOP, as former Sen. Fred Thompson took steps to run for president.

USA TODAY posted an interview with the actor-politician on its Web site Wednesday. “‘Law & Order’ actor planning a bid for the GOP nomination that will mix his folksy approach with some tech-savvy campaign tactics,” it said in a centerpiece on today’s front page. So far, Thompson is taking steps to run. How best to describe the news? The Des Moines (Iowa) Register said: “Thompson tiptoes toward official ’08 bid.” In Nashville — from which Thompson plans to run his campaign — The Tennessean reported that he is expected to officially announce his bid for the presidency on July 4.

Second-day news about a tuberculosis scare brought questions about governments’ response. “How did infected man leave Atlanta?” The Journal-Constitution asked. “Tuberculosis patient was not stopped by safeguards,” The Miami Herald International Edition said.

The infected man jetted off to Europe for his wedding and honeymoon. Thirty-one local students are “in thick of TB scare,” said The State in Columbia, S.C., which quoted a student who likely was sitting in the same row on an Air France flight as the man. “Colo. next stop for TB traveler,” said The Denver Post, reporting that the man will get treatment for a rare, drug-resistant strain. The newspaper published a graphic explaining the disease.

The 2007 hurricane season begins tomorrow, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning Sun Herald of Biloxi, Miss., printed a “flight plan” with its story about evacuations. Other newspapers along the Gulf Coast referred to hurricane guides inside.

Wanted: Classifieds are usually printed inside the newspaper, but today’s Duluth (Minn.) News Tribune featured a help-wanted request as the government seeks a new caretaker for a landmark — a light tower near a harbor at the head of the Great Lakes.

Guess who’s coming to dinner? To residents of Kennebunkport, Maine, visits by presidents and dignitaries are commonplace. But news that the U.S. and Russian presidents will meet there in July made front-page news in the Portland Press Herald. “Given recent tensions, George Bush and Vladimir Putin are more likely to butt heads at the summit,” it predicted.

Today’s images: Spellbound students were featured in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which reported on the p-r-e-s-s-u-r-e of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Taking stock of where TB story
did — and didn't — make news

By Gene Mater

Today’s lede is about the story that didn’t make Page One. Where the story started and ended, Atlanta, it is on Page One, as the top story in The Journal-Constitution relates: “Atlantan quarantined with deadly TB strain.” The man’s saga started in Atlanta, on a flight to Paris on Air France on May 12, returning from Prague on a Czech Air flight to Montreal on May 24, and from there by car back to the U.S. And although health authorities are trying to locate passengers who may have been seated near the now-quarantined traveler and possibly exposed to a potentially deadly disease, coverage in cities affected is limited. In Paris, the International Herald-Tribune carries a Page One story with the head “Aggressive TB case on 2 Atlantic flights.” But that’s not the play given by Le Monde, La Tribune and Le Figaro, where there were other stories worth Page One attention. The same seems to be true for the two Montreal dailies featured on our Web site, although The Globe and Mail in Toronto played the story on Page One as “Airline passenger had deadly form of TB” and as did The Boston Globe with “CDC quarantines man who has lethal TB strain.”

As for some of the other dailies, the San Francisco Chronicle gives the top of Page One to a picture, a map and the story of the “Wandering whales homing in on open sea,” a story that has been a front-page West Coast feature for many days. Indeed, with the wayward whales finally heading in the right direction, The Sacramento Bee has a photo and head proclaiming “And away they go.”

The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Ark., plays up state and local news but finds space at the bottom of Page One for “Five Britons kidnapped in Iraq after 10 soldiers killed on Memorial Day.” But the Los Angeles Times leads with “Still on the job, more seniors find retiring doesn’t work for them,” a story that shows up from time to time, while the Chicago Tribune leads with “U.S. adds to Sudan sanctions.”

If you’re looking for a little light reading, you might check out the Tampa Bay Times down in St. Petersburg, Fla., which teases on Page One that “The bride wore Target” and promises an inside piece to answer the question “So how good is Target’s new budget line?.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

U.S., Iran end diplomatic chill;
communities remember the fallen

By Gene Mater

One international story — the first meeting of U.S. and Iranian diplomats in almost 30 years — attracted Page One attention on an international scale. Many U.S. dailies also found Page One space for the celebration of Memorial Day, remembering and honoring the dead of current and past wars with pictures and stories.

The Arizona Daily Star in Tucson headlines its Page One story “U.S.-Iran meeting brings end to 27 year diplomatic freeze” but that is below a large photo “Honoring fallen soldiers.” The lead story in the Daily News in Los Angeles clearly is “U.S., Iran talk Iraq stability” while The Denver Post tells its readers that “U.S., Iran hold firm at talks.” The daily meant for the armed forces, the MidEast edition of Stars and Stripes, banners “U.S., Iranian envoys hold first Iraq talks” while also using Page One for a photo labeled “Salute to the fallen.”

There were exceptions, of course. The New York Times couldn’t find space on Page One for the story, although the caption on a Page One Iraq photo notes that “In the Green Zone, U.S. and Iranian officials held a rare meeting, focusing on the war. Page A8,” while its sister daily, The Boston Globe, leads with “Talks called positive as U.S. asks Iran for help on Iraq.”

In Europe, some dailies played up the Mideast talks. Die Presse in Vienna carries the U.S. and the Iranian flags, in color, under the banner “‘Satan’ trifft ‘Schurkenstaat’” or “Satan meets rogue state,” playing up the quarter-century war of words. The International Herald Tribune — better known as the Paris Trib — leads with “U.S. holds first talks with Iran in decades” while the Sueddeutsche Zeitung in Munich carries a large Page One photo of the talks labeled “First meeting since 1979.” Die Welt prefers the head “Vier Stunden Gespraeh nach 27 Jahren Schweigen” or “Four hours of talks after 27 years of silence.” Le Figaro in Paris leads with “Etats-Unis et Iran: reprise de contact positive” or “United States and Iran: positive resumption of contact.”

In London, The Guardian tells its Page One readers “U.S. and Iran envoys end 27-purdah,” a word rarely seen these days but from the days of the empire. “Purdah” is a Hindi word referring to the separation of the sexes by keeping women in seclusion.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

As Memorial Day nears, news
about war, overwhelming memories

By Kate Kennedy

Congress approved funding for the war in Iraq, but newspapers indicated the story was far from over.

“Battle shifts as Bush gets war funding,” said The Philadelphia Inquirer, noting that “more tough clashes on Hill and in Iraq” are ahead. “Bush wins the battle over timeline, but fight ‘will go on,’” The Register-Guard in Eugene, Ore., said.

The Blade in Toledo printed highlights of a busy news day on Capitol Hill. The Los Angeles Times led with President Bush’s comments during a Rose Garden news conference: “Bush opens door to troop withdrawal.” The Charleston (W.Va.) Gazette noted: “Minimum wage increase passes with Iraq funds bill.”

“Soldier data since 1607 available to kin online,” The Buffalo (N.Y.) News reported. The editor of The Gazette in Colorado Springs searched the newly available U.S. war records on Ancestry.com and wrote about a distant ancestor who served in the Union Army.

“Lean to the left? It may be mommy’s fault,” the Albuquerque (N.M.) Journal said in its lead headline. A University of New Mexico study found that those who experienced stress in childhood were more likely to have liberal political views, the paper reported.

Dominant images: In some newspapers, a single image carried the day:

• A WW II veteran “Overwhelmed by memories” was pictured in The Hartford (Conn.) Courant.

• The State in Columbia, S.C., featured a kiss and a farewell for a National Guardsman.

• In Cleveland, The Plain Dealer showed a “Bitter finish, again” by the Cavaliers.

Does it measure up today? Excelsior of Mexico City was a top winner in the Society for News Design’s Best of Newspaper Design contest. Is it among the world’s best-designed newspapers today? You decide.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Testimony on Capitol Hill;
grief in a military family

By Kate Kennedy

New details from two continuing stories — firings of U.S. attorneys and missing U.S. soldiers in Iraq — appeared on front pages today.

An ex-aide to the attorney general testified before a House panel, saying she had “crossed the line” by using political considerations in hiring at the Justice Department. “Aide rebuts AG’s story,” said the Times Union in Albany, N.Y. The Dallas Morning News noted “What was said.”

“Torrance soldier is dead,” the Daily Breeze in California said after a body found in the Euphrates River in Iraq was identified. “Relatives agonize over body’s discovery,” The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post said. The Wyoming Tribune-Eagle in Cheyenne pictured the sister of the dead soldier and noted: “The whereabouts of two other troops have yet to be confirmed.”

The Irish go to the polls today in a general election. The Irish Examiner in Cork featured six candidates and a front-page editorial encouraging readers to vote: “They’ve had their say … now have yours.”

Can you find Redmond, Wash., on a map? A 14-year-old from Redmond won the 19th annual National Geographic Bee. “Washington teen perfect in geography bee victory,” said The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., about 50 miles from Caitlin Snaring’s hometown. Her picture was printed in The Seattle Times. “Her secret: location, location, location.”

Today’s design: A new Coca-Cola museum was news in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Bottle opener,” it said in a design that featured the trademark Coke red.

Get out of town: Memorial Day weekend means travel for many Americans. “685,000 Tennesseans to travel during holiday weekend,” said The Tennessean in Nashville, which showed the numbers of people traveling by car, by air and by bus or train. Record-high gas prices continued to be in the news. “Your weekend planner” filled the right columns of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which noted the average local price and prices in three regional cities. The Indianapolis Star tried to help by illustrating the cost of driving to nearby cities: “Road trips: short and cheap.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

It’s gettin’ hot in ’Bama;
flock’s farewell to Falwell

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Readers found a Chinese menu of lead stories on today’s front pages — everything from gangs in Georgia to dead goats in California.

Political wrangling over Iraq War policy topped several Page Ones. Most headlines played the development as a concession by Democrats: “Demand for Iraq timeline dropped; Democrats soften on troop pullout and move toward deal with Bush,” Austin (Texas) American-Statesman. New York’s Newsday used a lot fewer words: “Dems Blink.”

In the deep South, editors gave a big play to predictions about the severity of this year’s hurricane season. Bad news meant big headlines: “Outlook is ominous,” Florida Today; “Five major hurricanes forecast,” The Times-Picayune, New Orleans.

On to the as-promised gangs and goats. The Savannah (Ga.) Morning News had the hurricane forecast up top, but gave over the rest of the front page to crime news: “27 gang members yanked off streets.” The ins-and-outs of alleged murders among the the Hitch Village Posse, Waters Avenue Crew and the Gwinnett Street Posse were so complicated, the News had to bust out a flow chart, complete with handy police mugshots. The Oakland (Calif.) Tribune had its own story of murder and mayhem: “15 goats shot dead in Oakland hills.” The poor goats had been decapitated and mutilated. “It’s a baffler,” an animal services officer told the Tribune.

Finally, from the Bible Belt, two very different lead stories. The Anniston (Ala.) Star had “Officials wait on sex toys decision,” an update on the constitutionality of a state law that bans the sale of sex toys. (Readers learned that sex-toy sales can continue until the U.S. Supreme Court weighs in.) But in Virginia, the funeral of the Rev. Jerry Falwell — who famously battled Hustler publisher Larry Flynt all the way to the nation’s top court over sexually charged First Amendment issues — was the big news. The Roanoke Times’ subhead touched on Falwell’s notoriety: “Thousands attend the service for the charismatic, controversial evangelist.” The News & Advance in Lynchburg — home of Falwell’s Liberty University — gave the preacher’s “Final Farewell” its entire Page One.

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Immigration, Carter, gas prices
provide volatile mix for Page One

By Gene Mater

The background noise you hear as you go through today’s front pages is the sound of the nation’s editors mumbling, “What’s going to lead Page One — and what else am I going to put on the page?”

The immigration-bill debate in the U.S. Senate was the choice of some, with The Register-Guard in Eugene, Ore., winning today’s prize for a word rarely seen in a newspaper headline: “Contentious immigration debate starts in Senate,” all in a one-column head. For the Wyoming Tribune-Eagle in Cheyenne, the story rated a Page One banner: “Immigration decision delayed,” while The Morning Call in Allentown, Pa., offered a major front-page effort with pros and cons about “The immigration debate.” For the Star-Banner in Ocala, Fla., it was “Senate puts off deal on immigrants.”

For other editors, former President Carter’s comments on his comments about the Bush administration rated Page One attention. The Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Ga., squared off the story with the head “Carter calls comments ‘careless,’” while The Bakersfield Californian reported that “Carter backs off Bush comments” and included an unflattering photo of President Carter. The Sentinel-Record in Hot Springs, Ark., told its readers that “Carter says remark was ‘careless or misinterpreted.’”

The price of gasoline made it for some dailies. The Tuscaloosa News in Alabama reported “Rising gas prices affect those who travel for a living.” The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina, noting that “Gas prices high by land, by sea,” added that there will be “No holiday from driving.” The Salt Lake Tribune suggested that “Gas prices could cut Utahns’ trips short.” For the Las Vegas Review-Journal the lead was something many know: “Prices at pump soaring.” That didn’t stop Newsday on Long Island, N.Y., from filling its tabloid Page One with a picture of a car wreck and the words “Deadly day on the roads.”

There were miscellaneous front-page leads, such as The Lima News in Ohio warning about a “Summer of discontent?” and adding that “Top cops concerned about hot weather, high crime.” For the Bridgewater, N.J., Courier-News, the story of the day was the “Countywide fitness initiative still accepting participants” for a slim-down program. For The Telegraph in Nashua, N.H., the lead was concern that “Seat belt bill may not be clicking.” But for The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., the lead story could have been slugged AOT, meaning Any Old Time, with the head “Private college tuition rising.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Deaths of U.S. soldiers in Iraq,
civilians in Idaho take top spots

By Gene Mater

There was no unanimity today about what leads the nation’s daily newspapers. Page One varied with stories about Iraq, gasoline prices, high school and college graduations and here and there a story that you had to be there to understand.

The increasing death toll in Iraq is the lead story in The Columbus Dispatch out in Ohio with “7 troops killed; May toll hits 71,” while The Birmingham News in Alabama settles for “Iraq blasts kill seven U.S. soldiers” and the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in Little Rock reports “7 U.S. soldiers die in Iraq explosions; oil plan criticized.” Even up in Alaska, the Anchorage Daily News tells its readers that “Seven U.S. soldiers die in roadside bombings” while in Louisiana, The Times in Shreveport has a Page One story asking “How long should we stay in Iraq?”

The Daily Progress in Charlottesville, home of the University of Virginia, goes local today, with a big Page One photo illustrating the story that “UVa honors class of ’07.” The Courier-Journal in Louisville takes a different approach to education, leading Page One with “Schools may add music, ads on buses.”

Out in Idaho there is only one story of importance — the sniper killings that left three dead and two wounded in Moscow. The Idaho Statesman tells its readers that “Moscow pastor asks for prayers after shooting” while The Lewiston Tribune has a Page One banner head, in caps, that says it all: “MOSCOW AMBUSH.”

For the New York Post there is only one story and one photo for Page One, with the head “Boy Wonder,” to which is added “Baby bomber beats Mets,” with a BIG photo of Yankee Tyler Clippard, all of 22, pitching. The Kentucky Enquirer in Fort Mitchell tells its readers what they already may know, that “High prices have vacation plans all over the map” while The Times in Munster, Ind., has a little item at the bottom of Page One that may make local readers feel better: “Chicago tops U.S. gas prices at $3.59 a gallon.”

But it’s the Omaha World-Herald that devotes most of Page One to a story with photos and a map with the head “Paring back on the Platte.” If you don’t understand, you can read that “Water overuse isn’t as bad on the Republican River, but it will cost the state millions.” Oh.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Immigration deal, Wolfowitz's fall
vie for top billing on Page One

By Gene Mater

They didn’t agree on how the stories should be played but many U.S. newspaper editors decided that two stories belong on Page One today — the three-way deal between the White House and the Senate's Democrats and Republicans that may result in a new immigration law and the resignation of Paul Wolfowitz as president of the World Bank.

For The Washington Post, the two stories fought it out for attention across the top of Page One leading with the immigration deal and making Wolfowitz the off-lead. For the Los Angeles Times “Senators craft immigration compromise” is the lead story while Wolfowitz rates only a photo and reference down at the bottom of Page One along with other news “Inside Today’s Times.” Up north in Portland, The Oregonian uses as the off-lead “Deal could legalize millions of immigrants” with Wolfowitz teased with a photo down below. And if you go all the way up north, you will find that the Anchorage Daily News teases both stories on Page One with details inside.

For the Daily News in Los Angeles, a top-of-the-page banner tells you “Immigration deal struck” while Wolfowitz waves goodbye at the bottom. As we travel inland, we find both stories on Page One but below the fold in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in Little Rock, while the Daily Camera in Boulder, Colo., tells its readers that “Illegals closer to legal” while the Wolfowitz story is referred to inside in the business section. The Chicago Tribune manages to get both stories on Page One with bold heads: “Bipartisan immigration deal reached” and “Wolfowitz out as World Bank chief.” The Las Vegas Review Journal leads with immigration but looks ahead with a headline noting “Deal sets stage for squabble" and “Immigration compromise draws critics on left, right.” The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., has a banner proclaiming “Senators strike immigration deal” while telling readers that the Wolfowitz story is inside. The Blade in Toledo managed to get both stories started on Page One as did The Courier-Journal in Louisville.

To complete the search, we decided to check on the truth in The Truth in Elkhart, Ind., where we read a banner head “Senators strike deal on immigration law” but couldn’t find any Page One reference to Wolfowitz. And to end the day with The Day in New London, Conn., we found Wolfowitz leading Page One and, right below, a tease to the immigration story inside.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Editors say minority population,
whales, wildfires are what is news

By Gene Mater

No one seems to know who said it first but “The news is what I say it is” is the mantra of the editors responsible for the nation’s Page One newspaper lineups today.

A few dailies serving this nation of immigrants picked up on the latest minority figures. The Anniston Star in Alabama leads with “Census: Minority population 100 million” even as the San Francisco Chronicle tells its readers that “Minority population grows to 100 million — 1 of 3 in U.S.” But featured higher than that on Page One for the Bay Area daily is a picture and a story about an “Urgent bid to rescue 2 wounded whales.” The Los Angeles Times also has the wayward whales on Page One, but down at the bottom, preferring to lead with “Mexico takes a risk in drug war.” For the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, Page One is dominated by the square-off at the top of the page: “20 dead in Sonora shootouts,” sure to attract attention.

For some dailies, rising gas prices still trump all other news. For the RedEye in Chicago a picture of a gas pump takes up most of Page One plus the question “Why so high?” while The Wichita Eagle in Kansas leads with “Little relief in sight for drivers’ gas pains.” Other newspapers continue with Page One coverage of the nation’s wild fires. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution warns “Smoke fuels air-quality angst” while the Sarasota Herald-Tribune in Florida tells its readers that “Wildfires could burn for months.” The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., leads with “The rain that saved the day,” with the drop head “Downpour helps firefighters stem Pinelands blaze.”

For a brighter note and a story probably worth reading, down at the bottom of Page One of The Christian Science Monitor in Boston there’s a head that offers hope for the future: “U.S. students aren’t history whizzes, but they’re improving.”

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Politics and pulpit: Falwell’s
life and legacy reviewed

By Kate Kennedy

He was called a “folksy preacher,” “TV evangelist,” “Religious Right crusader” and “An icon, minister, man.”

The death of the Rev. Jerry Falwell left headline writers with the task of summing up a spiritual leader’s life and influence.

“A pioneer of pulpit power,” said The Des Moines (Iowa) Register, which illustrated four areas in which the creator of the Moral Majority “made his presence felt.”

The news of Falwell’s death at 73 was carried across the country, but it dominated front pages in his home state of Virginia. Hometown newspaper, The News & Advance of Lynchburg, devoted the entire page to a tribute to the founder of local Liberty University and referred to a 10-page special section. “Spiritual leader retained the style of a folksy, small-town preacher,” the Danville Register & Bee said. A photo of the grief at Liberty University appeared in The Roanoke Times and other newspapers. The Daily Press of Hampton Roads explained “Why you should know about Jerry Falwell.”

The political right also was in the news in South Carolina, where 10 GOP presidential candidates gathered. “Debate turned heated on 9-11 attacks, abortion,” said The Herald in Rock Hill, which pictured all 10. “Take that back!” the Daily News of New York said, picturing former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who “rips GOP rival for saying U.S. to blame for 9/11.”

A leadership transfer was noted by Le Figaro of Paris, which pictured Nicolas Sarkozy, who took over the presidency of France today from Jacques Chirac.

U.S. soldiers missing in Iraq were identified as from Fort Drum’s 10th Mountain Division. The nearby Post-Standard of Syracuse, N.Y., named the troops and said the search goes on. The Daily Breeze of Torrance, Calif., quoted the father of one of the soldiers: “We have to wait.”

Today’s headlines: “Vote goes awry, town goes dry,” the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle said about Potter, a town of 1,800 that accidentally banned beer sales because of confusing ballot questions and outdated state regulation. “Scratch and stiffed?” asked the Ocala (Fla.) Star-Banner about a disagreement over a lottery ticket. The holder says he won $500,000; the state says the ticket was a misprint.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Newspapers fill up on news
of record-high gas prices

By Kate Kennedy

With no big national story, regional trends emerged on the front page.

“Anger, no impact” was the story in the Midwest, where news of record-high gas prices topped the page. “Investigations and boycotts common, but usually futile,” The Cincinnati Enquirer said. The Gazette in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, did a spot check of prices and illustrated the results, and the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald charted rising prices along its nameplate.

Newspapers in the Pacific Northwest featured a “Vacation on the rocks,” as the Anchorage (Alaska) Daily News called it. A cruise ship ran aground near Juneau, Alaska. “206 people ‘surprisingly calm’ as other boats came to their aid,” The Seattle Times said. The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., led with the story, saying: “Ship has run aground at least twice before in Washington.”

Newspapers in communities with military ties reported that the plug had been pulled on troops’ access to popular online sites. “No space for MySpace on military bandwidth,” FLORIDA TODAY in Melbourne said. The Waco (Texas) Tribune-Herald printed a soldier’s image from YouTube with a reference to the story.

Eight state attorneys general want data on registered sex offenders who use the Internet, making news in those states. “MySpace asked to name sex offenders,” The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Miss., said in its top story.

Other newspapers used numbers to tell stories:

• The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post updated readers on Florida wildfires with a map, chart and by-the-numbers graph.
  
  
• The Oklahoman in Oklahoma City reported “Three developments that could help or hurt your budget crunch.”
  
  
• The San Francisco Chronicle displayed stats showing Barry Bonds is “Hammering toward Hank” Aaron’s home-run record.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Story of missing soldiers brings
news of search, claim of credit

By Kate Kennedy

Iraq, Iran and other international news made headlines across the United States today.

“Al-Qaida claims it captured soldiers,” The Arizona Republic said about three U.S. soldiers missing in Iraq since a weekend ambush. The Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch also led with the story, noting the “group takes credit for hit; search intensifies.” The word “scour” appeared in many headlines as newspapers, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, focused on the search.

The Spokesman-Review of Spokane, Wash., paired the Iraq story with news that U.S. and Iranian officials will meet soon about stabilizing Iraq. “U.S. and Tehran plan to discuss security in Iraq,” The Star-Ledger of Newark said about the adversaries.

The New York Times published at the top of its page a photo of the body of a Taliban leader killed in Afghanistan. The body of Mullah Dadullah was draped in pink sheets, as photographers were shown taking pictures. The Washington Post noted the display of the body in its Page One story about the “face of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan” but didn’t publish the photo.

It was local news that filled The Post-Crescent in Appleton, Wis. The editor explained in a column that “local news — our bread and butter — … now is in the front of the paper.” The page was local except for a reference to an inside-the-paper story about Florida wildfires. Its national and world report has been moved to the paper’s third section.

Detroit newspapers focused on the late-breaking news that a private equity firm had been chosen by DaimlerChrysler to buy Chrysler. “Deal may be announced today,” the Free Press said. The Detroit News devoted three-quarters of its page to the news, including “What we know” about the deal and the players.

In health news, the Los Angeles Times reported the results of a compilation of scientific reports: “Common chemicals linked to breast cancer.”

Today’s design: Newspapers noted higher stamp prices, but The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune had the story licked. “Stamp prices are going up, but you have a new option,” it said about the “forever” stamp in the only full story on the front.

The naked truth: The Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Wash., reported that nudist groups are offering discounts to attract younger patrons. “Nudist groups tired of being rebuffed by younger crowd,” it said. A G-rated photo accompanied the story.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Two familiar names call it quits;
tossing and turning to court

By Kate Kennedy

A day of departures brought news from Britain that Prime Minister Tony Blair will leave office in June. The Guardian of London was among newspapers that quoted Blair, a staunch U.S. ally: “I did what I thought was right.”

With Blair’s announcement coming early in the day, U.S. newspapers were able to look at impact. “Blair is out; will Brown back war?” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked about Blair’s apparent successor. The Tennessean of Nashville provided reaction and analysis by quoting a history professor and British expatriates.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s departure from his late father’s company topped the St. Louis Post-Dispatch: “Earnhardt takes new turn.” The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune gave the story soap-opera treatment with “As the wheels turn” — a look at the family clash that convinced the NASCAR superstar to become a free agent.

President Bush departed from his interest in a no-strings-attached Iraq war spending bill and agreed to consider benchmarks to measure progress in Iraq. “Bush gives ground on Iraq war funding,” the Chicago Tribune said.

People aren’t departing marriages, said the many newspapers that printed an AP story about a steady decline in divorce. “Rate hits lowest level since 1970, but experts differ on reason why,” said the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer, which graphed the trend.

Today’s images: Pope Benedict’s visit to Latin America gave Brazilian editors a variety of colorful images to choose from, and the pope appeared on most front pages.

Photos provided dramatic coverage of wildfires in the West and Southeast. An image of smoke rising above Catalina Island was spread across the Press-Telegram of Long Beach, Calif. The Daily Breeze of Torrance, Calif., added pictures of evacuees. Across the country, the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times showed smoke and haze in its coverage of 236 wildfires in the state.

The day’s headline: “Cheat sheets?” asked The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, which reported “consumers tossing and turning their way into court, claiming they’ve been misled over thread counts of pricier bed linens.”

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Bush, Cheney hit disaster on all fronts;
Jamestown letdown in Virginia

By Christy Mumford Jerding

With Queen Elizabeth safely away back to the old country, the president and vice president headed in opposite directions, and their trips got a lot of front-page mention today. Several newspapers led with Bush’s visit to tornado-ravaged Greenburg, Kan., and his tour produced some eye-catching artwork. The Kansas City Star used a presidential pronouncement as its headline — “’BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD,’ BUSH PROMISES TOWN,” and ran a big photo of Marine One hovering over a debris-littered landscape. The Wichita Eagle went with an emotionally charged image of Bush comforting a Greenburg resident: “Bush offers solace to storm-weary residents.” The Oklahoman reflected that weariness with its headline: “Are the storms over yet?”

Meanwhile, Vice President Cheney’s visit to Baghdad made the top spot on several front pages. The Casper (Wyo.) Star-Tribune’s story led with Cheney’s message that Iraq’s leaders should “do more to reduce violence,” but its headline focused on the potential danger to the VP himself: “Bomb shakes embassy while Cheney visits.” When Bush and Cheney got back to Washington, the Chicago Tribune said they’d be getting more bad news from the front — the political front: “GOP pressures Bush on war.”

Virginia newspapers continued their wall-to-wall Page One coverage of Jamestown’s 400th anniversary celebrations. The Hampton Roads Daily Press topped its package with some “tantalizing” new archaeological discoveries. The Richmond Times-Dispatch led with a nostalgic look back at the colony’s last big party — the 350th anniversary celebrations — but its secondary story was a downer for history buffs and tourism boosters: “Many tickets unsold for big anniversary weekend.”

Maybe Jamestown organizers need a little pop culture to excite the masses. The Tacoma, Wash., News Tribune’s top story also was about a big visit — not by the president, not by the vice president, not even by the queen — it was Sanjaya Malakar, the ever-smiling American Idol warbler, who was kicked off the show weeks ago but is still packing ‘em in: “Crowd goes gaga over Sanjaya.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Man vs. man, man vs. nature,
bear vs. moose, all on Page One

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Six N.J. men arrested in an alleged terrorist plot against Fort Dix took top spots in many U.S. dailies, especially in the Garden State and its environs. No photos of the men were available, so Page One editors had to make do with photos of the base and artist’s drawings of the suspects. Some of the more interesting headlines and story angles came from outside N.J.: “Rats in a Trap,” New York Daily News. Several regional dailies seized opportunities to localize the story: “Dover air base considered by suspects detained in N.J.,” The News Journal, Wilmington, Del.; “Six Islamic militants trained in Poconos, FBI says,” The Morning Call, Allentown, Pa. Even the Elkton, Md., Cecil Whig got into the act: “Fort Dix terror plot hits close to home. How close? 85 miles.”

Other states grappled with a more frightening foe: Mother Nature. Several California newspapers ran large photos of a picturesque but deadly fire rolling through Griffith Park. Floridians were fighting fires, too. Front pages warned readers that smoke from fires in Georgia and northern Florida were being moved by coastal winds into the Tampa Bay area, hurting air quality: “AIR ON SIDE OF CAUTION,” The Tampa (Fla.) Tribune. Those same winds were causing damaging surf: “TROUBLE BLOWS IN: FIRES, WAVES,” The Florida Times-Union.

The Anchorage Daily News didn’t have terrorists, fires or threatening waves leading its front page. Instead, it concentrated on the eternal battle of man vs. beast. In “Drivers, beware,” reporter Brandon Loomis told readers that it’s “roadkill season.” But in Alaska, roadkill apparently doesn’t mean dogs, cats or possums. It means moose. Twinned with the roadkill story, the News pointed readers to a new video, just posted on its Web site: “Homer couple watched 500-pound grizzly attack and kill an adult moose in their driveway.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Gala dinner with queen
captures editors' fancy

By Gene Mater

There were other stories of importance — the chaos left by storms, the problems of the World Bank, the fighting in Iraq — but the story that attracted the attention of Page One editors of many U.S. daily newspapers today was best put by The Arizona Republic in Phoenix with the headline over a photo that said “All hail the queen.” The queen — Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom — is in town. For a day she was our queen and for a day Washington, D.C., was our town.

From The Charlotte Observer in North Carolina to the Charlotte Sun in Florida, there’s her picture on Page One, with the former newspaper noting “All eyes on her” and the latter focusing on a humorous gaffe by President Bush. The Denver Post headline noted “From hugs to white ties, D.C. regales British royalty.” The “white ties” referred to the gala dinner. You and I didn’t make the A list, but 130 invitees did; we know all about it from many of our local dailies.

The Post-Standard in Syracuse, N.Y., has a large photo and the head “A stately night in Washington” and a Page One story that said — truly — “Howdy, Queen.” The Blade out in Toledo offered this head on its Page One story and photo: “D.C. star-struck as Queen Elizabeth II arrives for dinner.” The Morning Call in Pennsylvania also went for the president’s slight gaffe with the head over the photo “God save the President from slip about queen’s age.” The Philadelphia Inquirer twinned up two photos with the heads “A little gaffe … a little laugh.”

Some dailies — The Santa Fe New Mexican, the Sun Journal in Lewiston, Maine, the Omaha World-Herald, The Kentucky Enquirer in Fort Mitchell — seemed to be in competition to produce the smallest Page One photo of the visit.

No matter, she’s here and she is our guest.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

French voters say ‘oui’
to President Sarkozy

By Gene Mater

From coast to coast in the U.S. and elsewhere around the world, an international story made Page One — the election of Nicolas Sarkozy as the new president of France. Indeed, El Periodico in Barcelona had the best lead headline of the day with its “Sarko si.”

For the Anchorage Daily News in Alaska, France (and everywhere else) is far away, so the French story was only teased on Page One. But not for The Fresno Bee in California, where “Sarkozy wins French election” was the lead story. The Page One story in the Chicago Tribune was “U.S.-friendly Sarkozy wins French vote.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution told its readers “French choose pro-U.S. president” and The Times-Picayune in New Orleans had a sky box reading “France elects Nicolas Sarkozy as new president” in bold capital letters. For The Star-Ledger in Newark, N.J., it was “France’s voters give presidency to conservative” while The Wall Street Journal led with “Sarkozy Elected French President by Solid Margin.” The election also was the lead story in The Washington Post with “Sarkozy Wins, Vows to Restore Pride in France,” and The New York Times reported “Sarkozy, elected in France, vows break with the past.”

In Europe, the Basler Zeitung in Basel, Switzerland, said “France votes conservative” while The Daily Telegraph in London — with domestic political problems the lead — told readers that “Winner Sarkozy promises a French revolution.” In Paris, La Tribune and Le Figaro filled Page One with pictures of the new president. Die Presse in Vienna took a different approach with “The impossible job in the Elysee,” where the new president will hold sway. The Passauer Neue Presse in Passau, Germany, led with “Sarkozy is the new president of France.” Meanwhile, readers of Gulf News in Dubai learned “Sarkozy triumphs,” which said it all.

Gene Mater is a Freedom Forum media consultant.

Horse races: GOP 10 debate;
Louisville readies for derby

By Kate Kennedy

Ronald Reagan hasn’t been president for 18 years, yet his name was prominent on today’s front pages.

“10 agree: Rekindle Reagan spirit,” the Ventura County (Calif.) Star said about the first GOP presidential debate, which was held at the Reagan Presidential Library in California. “Bush is barely mentioned as Reagan is lionized in forum,” The Sacramento Bee said. “Reagan wannabes,” said the Daily News of Los Angeles, which printed portraits of the candidates and quotes.

New York newspapers focused on the debate performance of former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani. “Giuliani sets himself apart on abortion,” The Buffalo News said.

Florida is moving up its primary election date, prompting the St. Petersburg Times to say: “State seizes primary position.” A Jan. 29 primary would make Florida the first large state to vote. “Florida set to add clout with earlier primary date,” the Orlando Sentinel said.

Religion news is rarely on Page One, but the 56th annual National Day of Prayer brought it out front. “A day to give thanks,” the Marietta (Ga.) Daily Journal said.

Horses and hats: The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., was on track this week as it counted down to Saturday’s Kentucky Derby. “1 Day to Derby,” it said today. Its front page was filled with derby doings in text, photos and graphics, and the paper referred to “everything you want to know” on its Web site.

Queen and queasy: As Queen Elizabeth II arrived in North America, the Winnipeg Free Press of Canada said: “Her majesty comes calling.” But the queen had to share space with worms “worst in 10 years.” Images of worms crawled across the Free Press.

Lifestyles highlighted: The Arizona Republic in Phoenix pictured a woman with mementos from her deceased husband with a story on “Baby boomers putting new spin on funerals.” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Americans are now drinking more bottled water than milk. The newspaper graphed consumption and noted that if the trend continues, we soon will be drinking more bottled than tap water.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Queen Elizabeth’s visit
to U.S. gets royal treatment

By Kate Kennedy

A photo of baton-wielding Los Angeles police officers led the Los Angeles Times, which reported questions about whether police overreacted in dispersing the crowd at an immigration rally. “Chief vows full inquiry into violence,” the newspaper said.

“LAPD takes a beating,” said the Daily News of Los Angeles, which printed three images from a Web site. The news was noted elsewhere, as well. The Leaf-Chronicle, Clarksville, Tenn. said: “Video shows cops firing rubber bullets, striking people with batons.”

Newspapers in western states documented the story of a New Jersey hiker who died of thirst during a wilderness-survival adventure in the Utah desert. “It didn’t have to happen,” said The Denver Post, reporting that his guides were carrying water.

Curtsy alert: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrives in America today for a six-day visit, and newspapers were giddy. The Washington Times printed an invitation and said: “Royal protocol holds sway for queen’s visit.” Translation: You can leave your white gloves at home, but mind your manners. The queen’s new formal portrait by photographer Annie Leibovitz adorned The Washington Post. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, the queen will spend two hours in the capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia. The cost to the state: $11 million. A chance to see the queen: Priceless.

It wasn’t monarchs but bees that made news in other newspapers. Something is killing honeybees across the country, and there could be a big impact on our dinner plates. “Will mysterious honeybee killer create a food crisis?” the South Bend (Ind.) Tribune asked.

First-name basis: The headline said only “Michael and Tiger,” but you didn’t need to see the photo of Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods to know whom The Charlotte (N.C.) Observer was talking about. “Thousands flock when Tiger and Mike tee off,” USA TODAY said about the pro-am round of the Wachovia Championship.

Today’s design: Chris was voted off “American Idol,” and The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk graphically told the story of the local resident’s 11 performances on the Fox show. A second contestant also was eliminated Wednesday night. “Phil’s run is done,” The Wichita (Kan.) Eagle said of a former Wichitan.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

From Washington: A day of political
theater and quotable moments

By Kate Kennedy

A slugfest. A war of words. A tug of war.

Newspapers used various descriptions as President Bush vetoed the Iraq war spending bill and the president’s confrontation with Congress over a timetable for troop withdrawal from Iraq continued. It was a “day of political theater for both parties,” the Los Angeles Times said. A quote from the president — “This is a prescription for chaos and confusion…” — was highlighted in papers including The Boston Globe.

Photos played a part in the coverage, with The Washington Post picturing Bush walking alone on the White House lawn. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch used photos to help illustrate the face-off.

The Republican-American in Waterbury, Conn., was among newspapers that asked: “What’s next?” The Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald brought the story home with “War funding standoff worries Guard leaders” and statistics on the deaths of local soldiers in Iraq.

Rallies for immigrants’ rights were held in cities across the country Tuesday, but the number of participants was down from last year. “Roar subdued,” The Orange County (Calif.) Register said. What do you think? asked The Hartford Courant, which published a poll that showed a majority of Connecticut residents support in-state college tuition for illegal immigrants.

Sports on the front: Quoting an academic study of the NBA, The New York Times reported that racial bias plays a role in calling fouls. There is no bias, responded the NBA, which conducted its own study.

Today’s images: The Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram showed power forward Dirk Nowitzki giving the Dallas Mavericks a “fighting chance” in the NBA playoffs. The San Francisco Chronicle pictured the agony of defeat for fans of the Golden State Warriors, who “let Game 5 slip away.”

The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post pictured a highway patrolman ordering a motorcyclist to his patrol car after the cyclist was clocked going 116 miles per hour. Accompanying the photo was today’s best quote: “Why would I get a motorcycle if I’m not going to drive fast?” asked the man, who was arrested.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

April is the cruellest month in Iraq;
murder, mayhem and a madam

By Christy Mumford Jerding

The headline writer for the Ledger-Enquirer in Columbus, Ga., echoed the famous opening line of T.S. Eliot’s 1922 poem “The Waste Land” with today’s headline about the Iraq death toll: “Iraq’s cruel April.” Editors judged it cruel, indeed, as many of them gave the top national news slot to the fact that 104 U.S. troops were killed during April, making it the 6th-deadliest month since the war began. The Ledger in Lakeland, Fla., put a lot of illustration into the AP report on troop deaths, running big photos of a car-bomb crater in Baghdad and a soldier on patrol in Mosul. The Intelligencer in Doylestown, Pa., had an opportunity, as so many dailies have had, to localize the Iraq War story. The headline read simply “Local Marine killed in Iraq,” as the editor chose to display prominently a relative’s quote that conveyed the story much better: “If there were more people like Travis Manion, the world would be a better place.”

On the domestic front, the news wasn’t much better. Several newspapers had particularly grisly tales of murder out front. The Hartford (Conn.) Courant led with “Chilling Tales in Brutal Death,” an account of two roommates charged with beating a woman to death and stuffing her body into a cardboard box. The Tampa Bay Times’ top story, “It’s Not Over, Creeps,” gave readers a look at two men who allegedly killed another man, cut up his body, and dumped parts in trash bins around the city. (Neither of them has been charged with murder.) The New York tabs were taken with the testimony of a woman who said she was attacked by a man dressed as a firefighter on Halloween: “Fire fiend sex attack: MY 13 HOURS OF HELL,” New York Post.

War — check. Murder — check. On to sex … The so-called “D.C. Madam” story began showing up outside the Beltway today, as news that Deborah Jeane Palfrey — accused of running a Washington prostitution ring — began talking to the media. The Los Angeles Times fronted an update on Palfrey, emphasizing her claim that her client list reaches “high into the echelons of power.” The Ventura County Star had its own sexy scandal to cover on Page One: “Photo shoot at Ventura fire station gets too hot.” (Firefighters claim they kicked the ladies out once the women started taking off their clothes for the camera.)

Finally, no day of front-page perusal is complete without a crazy animal story. Today we found two. The Los Angeles Daily News had “Reclusive runaway reptile resurfaces after 18 months,” an update on Reggie the alligator, again spotted cruising through Lake Machado. The Detroit News kept continuing car-industry woes up top, but carved out a big spot for the tabloid-esque story “COYOTES STALKING OUR STREETS.” The key quote from a state biologist, sure to strike fear into the state’s McMansion dwellers: “Even though we say in Michigan that we don’t know of anyone who’s ever been attacked by a coyote, it’s only a matter of time.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Commuter consternation in Calif.;
big ol’ light bill in Lufkin, Texas

By Christy Mumford Jerding

The collapse of a big highway overpass near San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge got a lot of front-page play in California and around the United States today. The Modesto (Calif.) Bee gave most of Page One over to “WHAT A MESS,” a package of stories and photos that laid out the chain of events that led to the disaster. The images were reminiscent of news photos from the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but this time the highway succumbed to a blazing fire started by a gas truck.

The San Francisco Chronicle headlined its coverage “THE MAZE MELTDOWN,” and its design was really striking. The newspaper’s nameplate took a back seat to a huge photo of a raging fire engulfing the overpass. The other key art was a detailed info graphic that explained the “Anatomy of the Collapse” for readers. All of the newspapers gave alternate routes and other information for drivers who might be flummoxed by the loss of the usual route. The San Jose Mercury News didn’t sugarcoat their prospects: “NIGHTMARE AHEAD FOR COMMUTERS.”

Other newspapers saw a chance to twin news stories about the overpass with local highway problems. The Beaver County Times in Pennsylvania topped its front page with “TROUBLED SPANS,” a story about a report that a third of the state’s bridges are “structurally deficient.” But the subhead — “Unsafe? No” — may have left some readers confused about the true scope of the problem.

The Lufkin (Texas) Daily News (motto: “Serving the Texas Forest Country for 100 Years”) had some interesting Page One art today. It was an electric bill from TXU Energy for one Leeland Wayne Temple. The damage: $12,864.51. TXU told Leeland he had to pay by May 3, or it would cut off power to his 14- by 60-foot trailer down on Post Oak Road. “They’re crazy. They have lost their minds,” he told the News. After an inquiry by the newspaper, TXU said the bill was the result of an employee error. But Leeland didn’t seem mollified. Under a photograph of him holding the bill, the caption quoted him: “The reason I’m not smiling in that picture is because it’s hard to smile when you get a light bill like this.”

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.

Legislation, debate keep
Iraq war out front

By Kate Kennedy

Yesterday, the House. Today, the Senate. Next week, the White House.

Newspapers across the country reported that the Senate joined the House in approving an Iraq war spending bill that sets a timetable for troop withdrawal. “White House declares it ‘dead before arrival,’ ” the Winston-Salem (N.C.) Journal said as part of its two-story package. “Senate sends tough message to president,” The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., said in its top headline, “but concedes it doesn’t have override clout.” The Plain Dealer of Cleveland looked at what’s next: “As Senate passage seals its fate, talk turns to next try.” Nine portraits appeared in The News & Observer of Raleigh, N.C. — the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers killed this week by suicide truck bombers.

Iraq was the issue all eight Democratic presidential candidates agreed on in their first debate. The South Carolina event provided candidates a chance to make a first national impression. “Sharpening their images,” said The Hartford (Conn.) Courant, whose sharp package included quotes from six candidates and pictured Sens. Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama.

While The State of Columbia, S.C., asked who stood out, home-state newspapers focused on locals. “Richardson makes points, but fails debate challenge,” The Santa Fe New Mexican said in a commentary on Gov. Bill Richardson’s performance. “Polished Biden says he can lead,” The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., said of Sen. Joe Biden. The Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin pictured Sen. Chris Dodd with local reaction. Republican John McCain was in South Carolina, too. The Arizona Republic in Phoenix is following the Arizona senator closely.

Who says newspapers don’t print good news? “It’s a new Ford,” the Detroit Free Press said about the motor company’s strong first-quarter financial results. “Ford rebound gains ground,” said neighbor The Detroit News.

Someone else was riding high. The world’s most famous scientist floated in zero gravity in the skies above the Atlantic Ocean. “Stephen Hawking takes an improbable spin, gets closer to fulfilling dream of space trip,” the Houston Chronicle said. His quote — “Space, here I come” — dominated FLORIDA TODAY in Melbourne.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Political showdown in Washington,
and show time in South Carolina

By Kate Kennedy

Today’s front pages were marked with defiance.

“House defies Bush on Iraq,” said The Philadelphia Inquirer, one of a number of newspapers that used the word “defies” after the House passed war-spending legislation that would require the United States to begin withdrawing troops from Iraq by Oct. 1. “Bush vows to veto plan,” The Blade of Toledo, Ohio, said. The Seattle Post-Intelligencer printed dueling quotes about the showdown.

“Dow Wow,” the New York Post said about the Dow Jones industrial average move above the 13,000 mark. “Wall Street on a rocket,” the Albuquerque (N.M.) Journal said. Some newspapers charted the record, while the Las Vegas Review-Journal photographed the floor of the New York Stock Exchange.

After reviewing historical documents, The Associated Press reported that thousands of Japanese women were employed to provide cheap sex to U.S. servicemen after World War II. Newspapers, including The Honolulu Advertiser, published a photo of a “comfort station” frequented by GIs.

Looking ahead: South Carolina hosts a debate for Democratic presidential candidates tonight, and The State in Columbia made a preview central to its front page. Its coverage included photos of the eight candidates, logistical information and predictions by a debate expert. “It’s show time for Dems,” The Post and Courier of Charleston said.

Going for gross: “What’s that sound?” The Star-Ledger of Newark asked. The answer: “It’s a real guy thing” — the bleating, bellowing and chirping of male toads and frogs in a springtime ritual in New Jersey. In Chicago, it is cicadas. “Bride wore white (plus a few cicadas),” the Chicago Tribune said about news that brides and grooms are unhappy with the prospect of uninvited guests at their outdoor weddings. The Star Tribune of Minneapolis was “Talkin’ turkey” for a story about the country’s first manure-burning power plant, which will open in June in Minnesota.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Discovery of Earth-like planet
generates universal interest

By Kate Kennedy

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch called it “A world-class find.”

Although declining home prices, rising property taxes and an Indiana prison riot were in the news, “Gliese 581 c” was the story most consistently found on today’s front pages.

“Scientists discover an Earth-like planet that could support life,” the Post-Dispatch said. The story gave headline writers something to play with:

• Chicago Tribune: “A lot like home, yet light-years from Earth.”
  
  
• The Fresno (Calif.) Bee: “The right stuff?”
  
  
• Quad-City Times, Davenport, Iowa: “Did astronomers find Mother Earth’s distant cousin?”
  
  
• The Oklahoman, Oklahoma City: “There’s no place like home – or is there?”

The brother of former NFL star Pat Tillman was pictured in many newspapers, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, after he told a House committee that the government deliberately misreported details about his brother’s death in Afghanistan. “Deep investigation of false war accounts is promised,” The Dallas Morning News said.

Eye catchers: Who wouldn’t stop to read The Florida Times-Union’s centerpiece on gas prices? “How $4 a gallon would hit your wallet,” Jacksonville’s newspaper said, charting mileage and the costs of trips and weekly commutes. “Could you feed yourself for $3 a day?” The Oregonian in Portland asked after the governor tried to live on a food-stamp budget for a week. It illustrated the story with a receipt from the governor’s trip to the grocery store. The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk packaged two follow-up stories to the Virginia Tech shootings, using text and icons as graphic elements.

Today’s headline: “Sales signal Toyota is in the passing lane,” the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said about news that Toyota is outselling General Motors.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

In death, Russian leader Yeltsin
remembered as larger than life

By Kate Kennedy

From Hungary to Ireland and Brazil to Turkey, news of the death of former Russian president Boris Yeltsin was shared with readers around the world.

A hero to the West for bringing democracy to Russia, Yeltsin left a mixed legacy. “He changed a nation. Still, Russians remain ambivalent about his legacy,” the Fort Worth (Texas) Star-Telegram said. “Russian president left complex legacy of freedom, chaos,” The Seattle Times said. The Herald of Glasgow, Scotland, called Russia’s first post-communist president a contradictory figure. “Shrunken giant,” said The Hartford (Conn.) Courant, which quoted former world leaders on the front page and referred to Yeltsin’s obituary inside.

An animated figure, Yeltsin was shown waving in many newspapers, including SME in Bratislava, Slovakia. The Iltalehti in Helsinki, Finland, pictured him dancing at a rock concert, and the Público in Lisbon, Portugal, showed him standing in front of a statue of Vladimir Lenin. Fist raised, Yeltsin was shown atop a tank in a Chicago Tribune photo. Mlada Fronta DNES in Prague, Czech Republic, published one of the few photos of Yeltsin not smiling.

In newspapers including The Palm Beach (Fla.) Post, The Boston Globe and The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, Yeltsin’s death was paired with news of a second death. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author David Halberstam died in a California auto accident, the San Jose Mercury News reported.

The Iraq war returned to some front pages with news that Democratic congressional leaders agreed on legislation requiring an Oct. 1 withdrawal and a report that nine U.S. soldiers were killed at a military outpost northeast of Baghdad. “Duty at outposts and police stations makes them more vulnerable,” the Austin (Texas) American-Statesman quoted soldiers as saying.

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

A week later: Virginia Tech tries
to get back into the routine

By Kate Kennedy

With classes resuming today on the Virginia Tech campus, newspapers focused on the return of students.

Photos of students with suitcases coming back to campus were published in many newspapers, including the Richmond (Va.) Times-Dispatch. “Virginia Tech remembers victims, seeks a return to normal,” The San Diego Union-Tribune said. “Va. Tech tries to get back to normal,” The Arizona Republic said in its lead headline.

But only a week after the campus massacre, words other than “normal” might be more appropriate. “Students return to shattered campus,” The Dallas Morning News said. “Students return to a campus forever changed,” said The News Tribune in Tacoma, Wash.

“French vote sets stage for a new political era,” the Los Angeles Times said about the center-right party candidate and a socialist who will face off in France’s May 6 runoff presidential election. La Tribune in Paris pictured the two in reporting the heavy voter turnout and “shocking” vote.

Newspapers fulfilled their watchdog role in reporting on the government’s performance. A Washington Post report on the Food and Drug Administration was picked up by other newspapers, noting that the FDA knew for years about contamination problems at farms and food processors that led to disease and recalls. News about the Federal Emergency Management Agency was reported in yet other newspapers. “Recovery funds wasted,” the American Press of Lake Charles, La., said about Hurricane Katrina contracts given to companies with poor credit histories and bad paperwork. “New report says FEMA mismanaged bidding, wasted over $1 billion,” The Sun of Baltimore said.

Worth a closer look: The Seattle Post-Intelligencer used a “passed-failed” approach to report on the close of the legislative session. Stories, headlines and a photo of a pink flamingo aided the recap.

Today’s image: The Kansas City (Mo.) Star featured a large photo of the Rev. Will Bowen surrounded by purple “no-complaints” bracelets that his church created to encourage positive thinking. People from almost 80 countries have asked the church for 4.5 million bracelets, but who’s complaining?

Kate Kennedy, a former newspaper Page One editor,
is director/diversity programs.

Gonzales squirms across Page One;
Tech coverage continues to evolve

By Christy Mumford Jerding

Attorney General Alberto Gonzales' Senate testimony about the firings of eight U.S. attorneys took the top national news slot in many U.S. dailies. The gist of the coverage: Gonzales endured a grueling inquisition by the Judiciary Committee, and editors' photo choices communicated that idea instantly. The Providence (R.I.) Journal went with an image of Gonzales, sitting alone at a table, surrounded by photographers and hearing attendees. The New York Times went with a three-shot series of Gonzales during his testimony, his expressions alternately showing resolve and resignation. Speaking of resignation, some headline writers thought his might be on the way: "GOP support melts away as Gonzales faces the heat," The Kansas City (Mo.) Star; "Gonzales clings to job," The Courier-Journal, Louisville, Ky.

U.S. front pages again gave over a lot of real estate to the Virginia Tech shootings. New facts, new angles and new images made for a lot of variety. An AP story about the emerging profile of the killer as a "textbook case of a school shooter" got a lot of play. But several newspapers shifted gears a bit to look at ways to prevent another similar tragedy. The Lincoln (Neb.) Journal-Star put together a big package titled "If you spotted a troubled youth, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?" The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville went with "Virginia Tech slayings: Anti-bullying bill call intensifies."

Other editors turned the lens on themselves to examine the wall-to-wall media coverage. The Cleveland Plain Dealer led with a story on a father's plea to reporters to "remember victims, not shooter" — 'Focus on life, love, light.' " Boston's Metro ran with a photo of a sign found on campus that read "VT Stay Strong, Media Stay Away." Virginia newspapers focused on today's designation as an official day of mourning for the victims and stuck with simple, stark front-page designs: "Hokie Nation," Link, Hampton Roads.

The Daytona Beach News-Journal had the Gonzales and Tech news out front, but it found a little room at the bottom to give its readers a smile. The headline: "Donkey testifies on own behalf in dispute about doo and noise." The nut graf: "Buddy the donkey appeared in court Wednesday. He walked to the bench and stared at the jury, the picture of a gentle, well-mannered creature and not the loud, aggressive animal he had been accused of being." The feel-good close: "Despite the donkey's appearance, neither jurors nor Buddy had the last say — the neighbors settled their dispute."

Christy Mumford Jerding is the editorial director
of the Freedom Forum.