The Chicago Tribune has a story about Alderman Arenda Troutman that illustrates some different ways of looking at public corruption. It was the headline on the home page that caught my eye: Ex-Ald. Troutman pleads guilty in corruption case The former alderman admits taking cash to support zoning changes and permits for developers. Really? She "admits taking cash" from … [Read more...] about Why They Are Corrupt
Rob Gillies Demonstrates How To Write a Great Lede
I've had a few short seminars in newswriting, and one of the things they emphasize is writing a great lede. That's the first sentence of a news story, and it's supposed to hook the reader into the rest of the story. I spotted this awesome lede in a piece by AP writer Rob Gillies: Greyhound has scrapped an ad campaign that extolled the relaxing upside of bus travel after one of … [Read more...] about Rob Gillies Demonstrates How To Write a Great Lede
Remember David Kowal
A jury just convicted California medical marijuana provider Charles Lynch of federal drug distribution charges. His marijuana dispensary was entirely legal under California law, and he operated it wth the blessing of local officials, including the mayor and city attorney of Morro Bay. However, he was charged under federal anti-drug laws, so none of that mattered. He was also … [Read more...] about Remember David Kowal
Tarika Wilson’s Killer Found Not Guilty
Sgt. Joseph Chavalia, the Lima SWAT team member who killed Tarika Wilson and wounded her infant son, was not convicted. Not knowing all the facts of the case, that may even be the right decision. I've always felt that the problem with these tragedies is not necessarily with the officers who pull the trigger, but with the very idea that it's a good idea to have cops doing armed … [Read more...] about Tarika Wilson’s Killer Found Not Guilty
What the Heck Does Paris Hilton Have To Do With the Election?
Maybe it's just because I don't pay enough attention to election campaigns, but this is about the stupidest argument I've ever seen. … [Read more...] about What the Heck Does Paris Hilton Have To Do With the Election?