National (U.S.)

 

In the wake of newly declared newspaper bankruptcy declarations in Minneapolis and Philadelphia…and shut-downs of print editions in Seattle and Denver — we have a challenge — the nation's media must do a responsible job in covering the coming climate change debates in Washington.

Research suggests that the news media block or transform "beyond recognition" the aims of environmental and other activist groups. But a recent study suggests otherwise. It concludes that investigative journalists often are activists, but they stay within professional boundaries.

The key ingredient of credible daily journalism — the passion to make a difference — will lead to a bright future, no matter which medium delivers it.

SEJ President Christy George explains why she's convinced that an awareness of "sense of place" adds a deeper dimension to our reporting. What is nature writing if not an exploration of very particular places? And I mean nature writing in the broadest sense, including writing about PCBs, CFCs, or CAFOs.

Two competing bills before Congress would pay people to scrap old, inefficient vehicles. But some say the proposed legislation is not as green as it looks and other factors need to be taken into consideration.

White-nose syndrome, an increasing cause of bat mortality, is spreading. Bats play an important role in controlling insect populations and pollinating plants.

Researchers, journalists in tow, will be chasing tornadoes around the central US in May and June to learn more about how tornadoes work, and better predict them and their paths.

There could be a story breeding behind the emergency pesticide exemptions — which could number in the hundreds — in your state.

A U.S. Chemical Safety Board public hearing, delayed for a month due to Bayer's pleas for secrecy, finds lack of safety to be contributing factors to the 'accident' that killed two at an Institute, WV, plant in August 2008.