1. A follow-up to my previous article on the removal of the Snake River dams.
I would like to interview an Eastern Washington farmer and try to explain the issue through his story. Viewing the world through his eyes would add a new perspective to this highly politicized issue.
2. Business Profile: Plummer Forest Products
Plummer, Idaho is a quaint, rustic community highly dependent on Plummer Forest Products. More than 10,000 logs pass through the mill everyday, keeping the town's economy alive. An article depicting the daily operations of Plummer Forest Products and the lives of its employees would serve as a representation of the hundreds of other local businesses struggling to weather the economic decline.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Attribution exercise
1. “Mary is trying hard in school this semester,” her father said.
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, “How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?”
3. Did Steven Wright say, “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you”?
4. “No,” the taxi driver said, “I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes.”
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session. "Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. “My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, ‘My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law,’” Smitty said.
7. My French professor said my accent is "abominable."
8.“Is Time a magazine you read regularly?” she asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”?
10. “Can you believe,” Dot asked me, “That it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?”
2. Early in the show, Steven Wright asked, “How do you tell when you're out of invisible ink?”
3. Did Steven Wright say, “If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you”?
4. “No,” the taxi driver said, “I cannot get you to the airport in 15 minutes.”
5. Gov. Peterson said she will support a tax increase this session. "Without it, schools will close," she said.
6. “My favorite line is when Jerry Seinfeld said, ‘My parents didn't want to move to Florida, but they turned sixty and that's the law,’” Smitty said.
7. My French professor said my accent is "abominable."
8.“Is Time a magazine you read regularly?” she asked.
9. When did Roosevelt say, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself”?
10. “Can you believe,” Dot asked me, “That it has been almost five years since we've seen each other?”
Monday, September 28, 2009
Beat Update Week 6
Superbug found at five beaches in Pacific Northwest
Due to the appearance of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus, on five Washington beaches, researchers at the University of Washington are recommending that tests be conducted on several Canadian beaches.
Students Call for Global Warming Solutions
Grassroots student groups are mobilizing across the nation, lobbying members of congress to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), which would establish a framework for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Due to the appearance of MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus, on five Washington beaches, researchers at the University of Washington are recommending that tests be conducted on several Canadian beaches.
Students Call for Global Warming Solutions
Grassroots student groups are mobilizing across the nation, lobbying members of congress to vote for the American Clean Energy and Security Act (ACES), which would establish a framework for regulating greenhouse gas emissions.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Obama proposal considers dam breaching
In his first attempt at restoring dwindling salmon populations throughout the Columbia River Basin, President Barack Obama submitted a revised recovery plan to U.S. District Judge Joseph A. Redden on Sept. 15, reigniting one of the fiercest environmental debates in the Pacific Northwest.
The revised plan, called a “biological opinion,” leaves many of the Bush administration’s policies intact, but contains a contingency proposal that could lead to removing four dams on the Snake River if salmon populations “precipitously decline.”
Drawing criticism from both sides of the highly contested issue, Obama administration officials said the $10 billion plan was biologically and legally sound.
Farmers in the wheat fields of the Palouse and Republican congressmen in Washington D.C. expressed concerns about the economic impact dam removal would have on rural farmers who rely on the dams for irrigating their crops. Preliminary analyses conducted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer suggest that removing the dams and the loss of barge traffic would have a combined cost of $100 million annually.
“Dam removal would have a disastrous impact on Eastern Washington,” Destry Henderson, a spokesperson for Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.), said. “Entire towns would become ghost towns.”
Built between 1962 and 1975 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the four dams (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite) provide hydroelectric power and make Lewiston an accessible seaport. The dams produce 1,136 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5 percent of the region’s annual energy needs, according to a 2000 National Resources Defense Council report.
“The Snake River dams light our state with clean, green renewable energy and have been the lynchpin of our economy since they were first built,” McMorris-Rodgers said last Tuesday in a news release. “They’re carbon neutral, salmon-safe and critical to our state’s economy.”
Environmental advocates, including the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition, expressed disapproval at Obama’s plan because it does not take immediate action to explore dam breaching.
“This new plan is the very same plan proposed by the Bush administration,” Natalie Brandon, communications director for Save Our Wild Salmon, said. “They are working very hard trying to get by on the bare minimum.”
“People are very entrenched on this issue,” Brandon said, “but others would like to have a real discussion.”
Edward Weber, a professor of public policy at WSU, said the firestorm of debate is not just about the salmon population or the four dams on the Snake River.
"If you start taking the [the dams] out, some people think every district will lose their dams,” Weber added. “People do not want to open that door.”
“This issue will never be dead,” he said. “Environmentalists will not let it die.”
“Opening the door to dam removal even just a crack would incite dam removal extremists to keep fighting and divert time, attention and resources away from real solutions.” Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) said in a press release.
Charlie Keller, communications director for Hastings, said now that dam removal is back on the table, it looks like the Obama administration is trying to appease environmental extremists.
“The current recovery efforts are working,” Keller said. “Salmon numbers are at record highs.”
The series of dams on the Snake River are not the only obstacles faced by the fish during their migration. Though habitat loss and climate change have taken a toll on the native fish population, dam breaching remains the most controversial proposal for recovering the 13 steelhead and wild salmon runs protected by the Endangered Species Act.
“Salmon recovery is based on the four “H”s: hydroelectric, habitat loss, hatcheries and harvest,” Allyson Beall, an assistant professor of environmental science at WSU said.
It might come down to these four aspects and economics, Beall added.
She said the dams create a gauntlet for migrating fish, but dam removal poses its own challenges and a solution will only appear if people’s values shift.
Obama's biological opinion is not the only attempt at dam breaching currently being considered. Last month, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) proposed legislation for the fifth time that would expedite studies on dam removal.
Rep. McDermott could not be reached for comment.
Judge Redden will have the final say on the proposed plan. Redden rejected two previous plans in 2003 and 2005 that did not consider dam breaching. He is expected to rule sometime in the next few weeks.
Sources
Destry Henderson (Spokesperson for Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rogers): (202) 225-2006
Natalie Brandon, (Communications Director for Save Our Wild Salmon): (206) 286-4455
Charlie Keller (Communications Director for Rep. Doc Hastings):(202) 225-3251
Allyson Beall (Instructor Washington State University)
Office: Troy 209
Phone: (509)335-4037
E-mail: abeall@wsu.edu
Edward Weber (Professor Political Science) (Instructs Pol Sci 430 Environmental Public Policy)
(509) 335-2455
Outline:
1.Lead: Plan and reaction
2.Nut Graph: Describe plan and provide background
3. Describe conflicting views
4. Pro-dam view (either McMorris-Rodgers or Hastings)
-Henderson or Keller quotes
5. Anti-dam view (either McDermott's office or Save our Wild Salmon)
-Brandon quote
6. Economic impact and dam contrustion history maybe
7.Policy breakdown
-Weber quotes
-Beall quotes
8. Expected Redden decision
The revised plan, called a “biological opinion,” leaves many of the Bush administration’s policies intact, but contains a contingency proposal that could lead to removing four dams on the Snake River if salmon populations “precipitously decline.”
Drawing criticism from both sides of the highly contested issue, Obama administration officials said the $10 billion plan was biologically and legally sound.
Farmers in the wheat fields of the Palouse and Republican congressmen in Washington D.C. expressed concerns about the economic impact dam removal would have on rural farmers who rely on the dams for irrigating their crops. Preliminary analyses conducted by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer suggest that removing the dams and the loss of barge traffic would have a combined cost of $100 million annually.
“Dam removal would have a disastrous impact on Eastern Washington,” Destry Henderson, a spokesperson for Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rodgers (R-Wash.), said. “Entire towns would become ghost towns.”
Built between 1962 and 1975 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the four dams (Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose and Lower Granite) provide hydroelectric power and make Lewiston an accessible seaport. The dams produce 1,136 megawatts of electricity, enough to power 5 percent of the region’s annual energy needs, according to a 2000 National Resources Defense Council report.
“The Snake River dams light our state with clean, green renewable energy and have been the lynchpin of our economy since they were first built,” McMorris-Rodgers said last Tuesday in a news release. “They’re carbon neutral, salmon-safe and critical to our state’s economy.”
Environmental advocates, including the Save Our Wild Salmon coalition, expressed disapproval at Obama’s plan because it does not take immediate action to explore dam breaching.
“This new plan is the very same plan proposed by the Bush administration,” Natalie Brandon, communications director for Save Our Wild Salmon, said. “They are working very hard trying to get by on the bare minimum.”
“People are very entrenched on this issue,” Brandon said, “but others would like to have a real discussion.”
Edward Weber, a professor of public policy at WSU, said the firestorm of debate is not just about the salmon population or the four dams on the Snake River.
"If you start taking the [the dams] out, some people think every district will lose their dams,” Weber added. “People do not want to open that door.”
“This issue will never be dead,” he said. “Environmentalists will not let it die.”
“Opening the door to dam removal even just a crack would incite dam removal extremists to keep fighting and divert time, attention and resources away from real solutions.” Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Wash.) said in a press release.
Charlie Keller, communications director for Hastings, said now that dam removal is back on the table, it looks like the Obama administration is trying to appease environmental extremists.
“The current recovery efforts are working,” Keller said. “Salmon numbers are at record highs.”
The series of dams on the Snake River are not the only obstacles faced by the fish during their migration. Though habitat loss and climate change have taken a toll on the native fish population, dam breaching remains the most controversial proposal for recovering the 13 steelhead and wild salmon runs protected by the Endangered Species Act.
“Salmon recovery is based on the four “H”s: hydroelectric, habitat loss, hatcheries and harvest,” Allyson Beall, an assistant professor of environmental science at WSU said.
It might come down to these four aspects and economics, Beall added.
She said the dams create a gauntlet for migrating fish, but dam removal poses its own challenges and a solution will only appear if people’s values shift.
Obama's biological opinion is not the only attempt at dam breaching currently being considered. Last month, Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) proposed legislation for the fifth time that would expedite studies on dam removal.
Rep. McDermott could not be reached for comment.
Judge Redden will have the final say on the proposed plan. Redden rejected two previous plans in 2003 and 2005 that did not consider dam breaching. He is expected to rule sometime in the next few weeks.
Sources
Destry Henderson (Spokesperson for Rep. Cathy McMorris-Rogers): (202) 225-2006
Natalie Brandon, (Communications Director for Save Our Wild Salmon): (206) 286-4455
Charlie Keller (Communications Director for Rep. Doc Hastings):(202) 225-3251
Allyson Beall (Instructor Washington State University)
Office: Troy 209
Phone: (509)335-4037
E-mail: abeall@wsu.edu
Edward Weber (Professor Political Science) (Instructs Pol Sci 430 Environmental Public Policy)
(509) 335-2455
Outline:
1.Lead: Plan and reaction
2.Nut Graph: Describe plan and provide background
3. Describe conflicting views
4. Pro-dam view (either McMorris-Rodgers or Hastings)
-Henderson or Keller quotes
5. Anti-dam view (either McDermott's office or Save our Wild Salmon)
-Brandon quote
6. Economic impact and dam contrustion history maybe
7.Policy breakdown
-Weber quotes
-Beall quotes
8. Expected Redden decision
Monday, September 21, 2009
Beat Update Week 5
Most Colleges Meeting Climate Commitment Goals
More than three-fourths of the nation's colleges and universities that pledged to achieve "climate neutrality" are meeting their deadlines.
A coalition of students protested harmful environmental practices on 10 college campuses.
Northwest salmon recovery plan may include breaching dams.
Another update about the Obama administration's proposed plans for possible dam removal on the Columbia River Basin.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Legislative story ideas
1.Dam removal throughout the Columbia River Basin becomes a national issue
The issue of removing dams along the Columbia River Basin, one of the stories I pitched in the beat note, is gaining national attention because of President Barack Obama's decision to adhere to the Bush administration's stance on the issue.
Original Post: Rep. Jim McDermott proposed legislation that would lead to the removal of several dams along the Snake River, raising many concerns for residents in Eastern Washington . This signals a change in environmental regulation schemes and could impact the region's salmon populations.
Link for the New York Times article: Obama Follows Bush on Salmon Recovery
2.SB 5684 Addressing environmental mitigation in highway construction.
Of the handful of bills passed by the Washington Legislature during the previous session, this is the most pertinent one for my beat. Highway construction disturbs hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles of land. Properly caring for the neighboring areas became a big enough issue for the legislature they were forced to take action. Investigating who supported and opposed this bill and what lobbyists helped shape the legislation could unveil why certain legislators voted the way they did.
3. A look at Susan Fagan and Pat Hailey's environmental records
In the months leading up to the 2008 general election, newspapers published reports focused on particular aspects of the candidates' platforms, with one of the areas being the environment. Neither candidate in the District 9 race has posted a clear breakdown of where they stand on environmental issues.
The issue of removing dams along the Columbia River Basin, one of the stories I pitched in the beat note, is gaining national attention because of President Barack Obama's decision to adhere to the Bush administration's stance on the issue.
Original Post: Rep. Jim McDermott proposed legislation that would lead to the removal of several dams along the Snake River, raising many concerns for residents in Eastern Washington . This signals a change in environmental regulation schemes and could impact the region's salmon populations.
Link for the New York Times article: Obama Follows Bush on Salmon Recovery
2.SB 5684 Addressing environmental mitigation in highway construction.
Of the handful of bills passed by the Washington Legislature during the previous session, this is the most pertinent one for my beat. Highway construction disturbs hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles of land. Properly caring for the neighboring areas became a big enough issue for the legislature they were forced to take action. Investigating who supported and opposed this bill and what lobbyists helped shape the legislation could unveil why certain legislators voted the way they did.
3. A look at Susan Fagan and Pat Hailey's environmental records
In the months leading up to the 2008 general election, newspapers published reports focused on particular aspects of the candidates' platforms, with one of the areas being the environment. Neither candidate in the District 9 race has posted a clear breakdown of where they stand on environmental issues.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
WSU students electrified by police forum
Speaking to a crowd of roughly 50 students, WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart and Pullman Police Senior Patrol Officer Scott Kirk conducted a forum Tuesday afternoon in the CUB Lair concerning the use of non-lethal force.
“You all want to see someone get tased, don’t you? ” said Kirk. “That’s the reason all of you are here.”
Kirk demonstrated the debilitating effects of tasers by shooting Brandon Wilson, a junior criminal justice major, with the “non-lethal” device.
Standing several yards away from Wilson, Kirk aimed the taser at the student’s back and pulled the trigger, sending two barbed hooks spiraling into Wilson. As 50,000 volts passed through Wilson’s body, interrupting his nervous system, the student’s arms clamped against his sides and his body appeared to spasm before going limp. He fell to the ground with the aid of WSU Police Chief Bill Gardiner and officer Stewart.
After regaining motor function about a minute later, Wilson attempted to describe the experience. He said, “I was frozen. I couldn’t do anything.”
The demonstration concluded a two-part discussion that focused on the resistance and enforcement continuums and non-lethal products, such as tear gas, smoke and rubber bullets.
Stewart described the multi-part continuums and how officers are trained to respond to varying levels of aggression. According to Stewart’s PowerPoint presentation, the resistance and enforcement continuums are used by officers to determine whether they should escalate or deescalate their response in relation to a subject’s actions. He said the models are important for officers to understand because sometimes the police make mistakes.
Beginning with “compliant” and ending with “aggravated aggression,” the resistance model also helps officers establish when and how to properly use force. “The bottom line is that an officer’s actions have to be reasonable and necessary,” Stewart said.
Taking the microphone from Stewart, Kirk said, “I get to show you all the fun stuff.” Kirk explained how the non-lethal devices work and which ones are used by local officers. He described the modern police force as "a kinder, gentler police force.”
Junior communications major Keegan Snow said the event cemented his views on tasers. “They are a pretty efficient non-lethal force,” he added. “I kinda want to get tased now.”
Other students said the forums were a good public relations campaign for the Pullman and WSU police forces. “Students don’t think too highly of the police so I recommend students come to these (forums),” freshman criminal justice major Mark Roberto said.
Explaining the importance of interacting with students, Stewart said, “Just because we wear a uniform and a badge, that doesn’t mean we are not approachable.”
WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner said the forums are an attempt to connect with the student body and help students place a name with the badge.
The presentation was the first of three forums that will be hosted by the WSU Police Advisory Board. Subsequent forums will be held on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 and focus on victim’s rights and how drug dogs find illegal narcotics.
Sources
Mark Ferenc Roberto
Student Directory Number (206-542-5157)
Personal Number (206-795-2140)
Keegan James Snow (206-551-7608)
Brandon Neal Wilson (509-448-3411)
WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner (509-335-8548)
WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart (509-335-4408)
Pullman Police Senior Patrol Officer Scott Kirk (509-332-0802)
Questions
1. How has the Pullman Police Department changed its policies for use of force since the 1997 riot?
2. Amnesty International and various other organizations have requested police forces across the country to refrain or limit their use of tasers. How would you address critics who oppose less-lethal uses of force such as tasers?
3. Determining the proper use of force is a largely subjective decision. Describe the training process that new recruits undergo so that they understand the gravity of their decisions? Basically, what should younger officers be told so they will not liberally use devices like the taser?
“You all want to see someone get tased, don’t you? ” said Kirk. “That’s the reason all of you are here.”
Kirk demonstrated the debilitating effects of tasers by shooting Brandon Wilson, a junior criminal justice major, with the “non-lethal” device.
Standing several yards away from Wilson, Kirk aimed the taser at the student’s back and pulled the trigger, sending two barbed hooks spiraling into Wilson. As 50,000 volts passed through Wilson’s body, interrupting his nervous system, the student’s arms clamped against his sides and his body appeared to spasm before going limp. He fell to the ground with the aid of WSU Police Chief Bill Gardiner and officer Stewart.
After regaining motor function about a minute later, Wilson attempted to describe the experience. He said, “I was frozen. I couldn’t do anything.”
The demonstration concluded a two-part discussion that focused on the resistance and enforcement continuums and non-lethal products, such as tear gas, smoke and rubber bullets.
Stewart described the multi-part continuums and how officers are trained to respond to varying levels of aggression. According to Stewart’s PowerPoint presentation, the resistance and enforcement continuums are used by officers to determine whether they should escalate or deescalate their response in relation to a subject’s actions. He said the models are important for officers to understand because sometimes the police make mistakes.
Beginning with “compliant” and ending with “aggravated aggression,” the resistance model also helps officers establish when and how to properly use force. “The bottom line is that an officer’s actions have to be reasonable and necessary,” Stewart said.
Taking the microphone from Stewart, Kirk said, “I get to show you all the fun stuff.” Kirk explained how the non-lethal devices work and which ones are used by local officers. He described the modern police force as "a kinder, gentler police force.”
Junior communications major Keegan Snow said the event cemented his views on tasers. “They are a pretty efficient non-lethal force,” he added. “I kinda want to get tased now.”
Other students said the forums were a good public relations campaign for the Pullman and WSU police forces. “Students don’t think too highly of the police so I recommend students come to these (forums),” freshman criminal justice major Mark Roberto said.
Explaining the importance of interacting with students, Stewart said, “Just because we wear a uniform and a badge, that doesn’t mean we are not approachable.”
WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner said the forums are an attempt to connect with the student body and help students place a name with the badge.
The presentation was the first of three forums that will be hosted by the WSU Police Advisory Board. Subsequent forums will be held on Oct. 13 and Nov. 10 and focus on victim’s rights and how drug dogs find illegal narcotics.
Sources
Mark Ferenc Roberto
Student Directory Number (206-542-5157)
Personal Number (206-795-2140)
Keegan James Snow (206-551-7608)
Brandon Neal Wilson (509-448-3411)
WSU Police Chief Bill Gardner (509-335-8548)
WSU Police Officer Kelly Stewart (509-335-4408)
Pullman Police Senior Patrol Officer Scott Kirk (509-332-0802)
Questions
1. How has the Pullman Police Department changed its policies for use of force since the 1997 riot?
2. Amnesty International and various other organizations have requested police forces across the country to refrain or limit their use of tasers. How would you address critics who oppose less-lethal uses of force such as tasers?
3. Determining the proper use of force is a largely subjective decision. Describe the training process that new recruits undergo so that they understand the gravity of their decisions? Basically, what should younger officers be told so they will not liberally use devices like the taser?
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Legislative exercise
1.Go to www.leg.wa.gov and find a bill on your beat by searching a key word.
HB 1334 Concerning water resource management on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
2.Find one item on the agenda of a committee relevant to your beat.
Environmental health Committee
Find the chair of the committee.
Tom Campbell (R)
Find the name of one committee staffer (Legal counsel, legislative assistant, researcher, etc.).
Pam Madson, Counsel
Who are the three representatives of the 9th District, which includes Whitman County?
Senator Mark Schoesler
Republican
Representative Don Cox
Position 1, Republican
Representative Joe Schmick
Position 2, Republican
On which committees does Sen. Mark Schoesler serve?
Committees:Agriculture & Rural Economic Development(Ranking Minority Member)Financial Institutions Housing & InsuranceRulesWays & Means
Find one bill sponsored by Schoesler.
SB 5076 Creating the Washington grain commission.
What’s the phone number for Rep. Joe Schmick?
(360) 786-7844
Find audio or video of a committee meeting relevant to your beat.
TVW
When is the next meeting of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee?
Ways & Means - 09/30/09 3:30 p.m.
What’s the difference between an RCW and a WAC?
RCW is the revised Code of Washington and WAC is the Washington Administrative Code.
Unlike the WAC, the RCW is a collection of laws that includes all subsequent revisions due to amendments and repeals.
What is the status of SB 5039?
Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Who sponsored the bill?
Senators Jarrett, Kohl-Welles
What was the projected cost of the bill in FY2010?
$5,257
Which state agency creates the fiscal notes?
Office of Fiscal Management
Using the Web site www.pdc.wa.gov, determine how much Gov. Chris Gregoire received in campaign contributions last year.
$13,656, 561.01
a. Use the Web site www.fec.gov to find out how much Cathy McMorris raised through the end of 2008? She raised $1,426,107 through 2008.
According to Open Secrets, McMorris-Rogers' campaign committee raised $1,442,687 during the 2008 election cycle.
b. Use the Web site www.opensecrets.org to find the top five donors to McMorris in 2007-2008.
What’s an RSS feed on a bill and how could it be useful to journalists?
RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary." These feeds are used to frequently publish new postings on blogs or news sites and help journalists follow emerging trends in their stories.
HB 1334 Concerning water resource management on the Columbia and Snake rivers.
2.Find one item on the agenda of a committee relevant to your beat.
Environmental health Committee
Find the chair of the committee.
Tom Campbell (R)
Find the name of one committee staffer (Legal counsel, legislative assistant, researcher, etc.).
Pam Madson, Counsel
Who are the three representatives of the 9th District, which includes Whitman County?
Senator Mark Schoesler
Republican
Representative Don Cox
Position 1, Republican
Representative Joe Schmick
Position 2, Republican
On which committees does Sen. Mark Schoesler serve?
Committees:Agriculture & Rural Economic Development(Ranking Minority Member)Financial Institutions Housing & InsuranceRulesWays & Means
Find one bill sponsored by Schoesler.
SB 5076 Creating the Washington grain commission.
What’s the phone number for Rep. Joe Schmick?
(360) 786-7844
Find audio or video of a committee meeting relevant to your beat.
TVW
When is the next meeting of the Senate’s Ways and Means Committee?
Ways & Means - 09/30/09 3:30 p.m.
What’s the difference between an RCW and a WAC?
RCW is the revised Code of Washington and WAC is the Washington Administrative Code.
Unlike the WAC, the RCW is a collection of laws that includes all subsequent revisions due to amendments and repeals.
What is the status of SB 5039?
Made eligible to be placed on second reading.
Who sponsored the bill?
Senators Jarrett, Kohl-Welles
What was the projected cost of the bill in FY2010?
$5,257
Which state agency creates the fiscal notes?
Office of Fiscal Management
Using the Web site www.pdc.wa.gov, determine how much Gov. Chris Gregoire received in campaign contributions last year.
$13,656, 561.01
a. Use the Web site www.fec.gov to find out how much Cathy McMorris raised through the end of 2008? She raised $1,426,107 through 2008.
According to Open Secrets, McMorris-Rogers' campaign committee raised $1,442,687 during the 2008 election cycle.
b. Use the Web site www.opensecrets.org to find the top five donors to McMorris in 2007-2008.
| 1 | Avista Corp | |||
| 2 | Hecla Mining | |||
| 3 | Microsoft Corp | |||
| 4 | Wells Fargo | |||
| 5 | Alltel Corp |
What’s an RSS feed on a bill and how could it be useful to journalists?
RSS stands for "Really Simple Syndication" or "Rich Site Summary." These feeds are used to frequently publish new postings on blogs or news sites and help journalists follow emerging trends in their stories.
Floyd Blog Post
In an attempt to quell anxieties about the H1N1 virus, President Elson S. Floyd stated Tuesday that adminstration officials are responding to the reported cases and trying to resolve any misconceptions about H1n1.
"WSU has become a test case not just for the medical response to the flu outbreak, but for the media response as well," Floyd said.
"WSU has become a test case not just for the medical response to the flu outbreak, but for the media response as well," Floyd said.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Public Disclosure Commission
1. Susan Fagan (R), Patricia Hailey (R), Glen Stockwell (D), Arthur Swannack (R) and Darin Watkins (R)
2.Total raised and spent:
Raised: $142,213
Spent: $109,439.05
3. Cash contributions for the month of July: 8,700
In-kind contributions for the month of July: None
Total cash and in-kind contributions: $59,887.08
Do you want numbers for expenses during July or the figures from the statement filed at the beginning of July?
Cash contributions from the statement filed at the beginning of July:$9,815
In-kind contributions from the statement filed at the beginning of July :$964.33
Total cash and in-kind contributions for the period: $10,779.93
4. Total as of (8/10/09): $11,301.87
5. Total spent on "candy for parades" on July 6: $118.83
2.Total raised and spent:
Raised: $142,213
Spent: $109,439.05
3. Cash contributions for the month of July: 8,700
In-kind contributions for the month of July: None
Total cash and in-kind contributions: $59,887.08
Do you want numbers for expenses during July or the figures from the statement filed at the beginning of July?
Cash contributions from the statement filed at the beginning of July:$9,815
In-kind contributions from the statement filed at the beginning of July :$964.33
Total cash and in-kind contributions for the period: $10,779.93
4. Total as of (8/10/09): $11,301.87
5. Total spent on "candy for parades" on July 6: $118.83
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
King Speech
Addressing a crowd of 200,000 civil rights activists, Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. decried America’s lengthy history of racial injustice on Tuesday while standing on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” King said.
More than a hundred years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, King said he envisioned a day when all men would be free.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” King said.
More than a hundred years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation, King said he envisioned a day when all men would be free.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Beat Update Week 3
EPA to Soon Decide on Mountaintop-Mining Permits
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is weighing whether or not to allow mountaintop -mining companies to dispose of debris in neighboring valleys. "Mountain-toping" is a controversial mining practice cited for causing a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson's possible decision to ban the practice could significantly limit coal mining in the Appalachian Mountains.
Congress' Approach to Energy Research: There's No Place Like Home
-Potential Story Idea: Congress earmarked $75.2 million for research at a handful of public universities, including Washington State University. An investigation into which Washington congressman designated the funds for WSU would be pertinent for students wanting to understand how public policy is shaped.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is weighing whether or not to allow mountaintop -mining companies to dispose of debris in neighboring valleys. "Mountain-toping" is a controversial mining practice cited for causing a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico. EPA administrator Lisa Jackson's possible decision to ban the practice could significantly limit coal mining in the Appalachian Mountains.
Congress' Approach to Energy Research: There's No Place Like Home
-Potential Story Idea: Congress earmarked $75.2 million for research at a handful of public universities, including Washington State University. An investigation into which Washington congressman designated the funds for WSU would be pertinent for students wanting to understand how public policy is shaped.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Beat Note
For my beat this semester, I would like to cover environmental issues in Eastern Washington with a specific focus on regulation and the people and politics behind the decisions. Environmental issues extend far beyond maintaining rivers, lakes and forests. The food we eat, the water we drink, the air we breath – all of these things have backstories fraught with conflicting business interests and power struggles among politicians. Finding stories that have a human element or conflicting interests will be fairly easy to find on this beat.
The way we interact with nature has societal, political and cultural ramifications. Of course, events like the reactor meltdown at Three Mile Island or the Exxon Valdez tanker spill are not going to occur within close proximity to Pullman, but these stories are relevant because they directly impacted people’s lives. What happens to the environment in Pullman affects people hundreds of miles away. For example, the runoff of pesticides from nearby farms alter the water quality for miles down the Palouse River.
The United States is in the midst of a dramatic shift in environmental regulatory measures. The classic views of conservation and preservation initiated by people like President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir are encountering a new wave of grassroots environmental movements. Chronicling this shift in political discourse will be evident throughout my work. The three ideas listed as possible stories cover a narrow range of topics, specifically water rights and sustainability, but have a huge impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Pullman's rural, agriculture-based community could benefit from reading an environmental beat. With the depletion of the Grande Ronde Aquifer, water conservation is a major concern for everyone in the Pullman community. Issues of sustainability and resource management would be valuable to all readers, especially the thousands of students majoring in environmental science or biology.
Potential Story Ideas:
1.The Palouse Ridge Golf Club was promoted as an “eco-friendly golf course,” which sounds like an oxymoron. Features, such as a special drainage and irrigation system, were touted as state-of-the-art, but few journalists questioned the effectiveness of the system and the pesticides being used at the course when it originally opened. A look at how much water the course uses could force some students to question how necessary it was to build.
2.LEED certification is the latest craze for environmentally conscious architects. However, according to a recent article in The New York Times, LEED certified buildings are failing to achieve their desired goals. The CUB is the first LEED certified building on campus and I would like to take an in-depth look at how cost effective is was to undergo LEED certification.
3.Representative Jim McDermott proposed legislation that would lead to the removal of several dams along the Snake River, raising many concerns for residents in Eastern Washington . This signals a change in environmental regulation schemes and could impact the region's salmon populations.
4. Washington State University is a leading research institute. Numerous research projects are started every year by graduate students who work in the community, making connections with farmers and leaders in the local environmental movement. I would like to report on some of these projects.
Recent stories
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/science/earth/06golf.html
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/washington/story/74017.html
http://www.tricityherald.com/1514/story/692794.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125133578177462487.html
http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=101855.html
Potential Sources
Each story will have its own set of sources, but I would like to routinely question professors Weber and Beall because they approach the same issues from two different disciplines. Beall's students probably have their fingers on the pulse of most local environmental issues as well.
Allyson Beall Instructor Washington State University Office: Troy 209
Phone: (509)335-4037
E-mail: abeall@wsu.edu
Spoke briefly with Chris Pell, one of Professor Beall’s former graduate students.
Edward Weber (interviewed)
Professor Political Science (Instructs Pol Sci 430 Environmental Public Policy)
(509) 335-2455
Todd Lupkes Palouse Ridge Golf Club Superintendent
E-mail: tlupkes@palouseridge.com
phone: (509) 332-1874
Bob Haynes Regional Manager, Idaho Department of Water Resources
Phone: (208) 287-4800
Ray Ledgerwood Program Coordinator, Washington State Conservation Commission
E-mail:rledgerwood@scc.wa.
Phone: (208) 301-4728
Gerald Kelso, Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation
Phone: 509-575-5848
The way we interact with nature has societal, political and cultural ramifications. Of course, events like the reactor meltdown at Three Mile Island or the Exxon Valdez tanker spill are not going to occur within close proximity to Pullman, but these stories are relevant because they directly impacted people’s lives. What happens to the environment in Pullman affects people hundreds of miles away. For example, the runoff of pesticides from nearby farms alter the water quality for miles down the Palouse River.
The United States is in the midst of a dramatic shift in environmental regulatory measures. The classic views of conservation and preservation initiated by people like President Theodore Roosevelt and John Muir are encountering a new wave of grassroots environmental movements. Chronicling this shift in political discourse will be evident throughout my work. The three ideas listed as possible stories cover a narrow range of topics, specifically water rights and sustainability, but have a huge impact on the quality of people’s lives.
Pullman's rural, agriculture-based community could benefit from reading an environmental beat. With the depletion of the Grande Ronde Aquifer, water conservation is a major concern for everyone in the Pullman community. Issues of sustainability and resource management would be valuable to all readers, especially the thousands of students majoring in environmental science or biology.
Potential Story Ideas:
1.The Palouse Ridge Golf Club was promoted as an “eco-friendly golf course,” which sounds like an oxymoron. Features, such as a special drainage and irrigation system, were touted as state-of-the-art, but few journalists questioned the effectiveness of the system and the pesticides being used at the course when it originally opened. A look at how much water the course uses could force some students to question how necessary it was to build.
2.LEED certification is the latest craze for environmentally conscious architects. However, according to a recent article in The New York Times, LEED certified buildings are failing to achieve their desired goals. The CUB is the first LEED certified building on campus and I would like to take an in-depth look at how cost effective is was to undergo LEED certification.
3.Representative Jim McDermott proposed legislation that would lead to the removal of several dams along the Snake River, raising many concerns for residents in Eastern Washington . This signals a change in environmental regulation schemes and could impact the region's salmon populations.
4. Washington State University is a leading research institute. Numerous research projects are started every year by graduate students who work in the community, making connections with farmers and leaders in the local environmental movement. I would like to report on some of these projects.
Recent stories
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/06/science/earth/06golf.html
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/washington/story/74017.html
http://www.tricityherald.com/1514/story/692794.html
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125133578177462487.html
http://www.ncbr.com/article.asp?id=101855.html
Potential Sources
Each story will have its own set of sources, but I would like to routinely question professors Weber and Beall because they approach the same issues from two different disciplines. Beall's students probably have their fingers on the pulse of most local environmental issues as well.
Allyson Beall Instructor Washington State University Office: Troy 209
Phone: (509)335-4037
E-mail: abeall@wsu.edu
Spoke briefly with Chris Pell, one of Professor Beall’s former graduate students.
Edward Weber (interviewed)
Professor Political Science (Instructs Pol Sci 430 Environmental Public Policy)
(509) 335-2455
Todd Lupkes Palouse Ridge Golf Club Superintendent
E-mail: tlupkes@palouseridge.com
phone: (509) 332-1874
Bob Haynes Regional Manager, Idaho Department of Water Resources
Phone: (208) 287-4800
Ray Ledgerwood Program Coordinator, Washington State Conservation Commission
E-mail:rledgerwood@scc.wa.
Phone: (208) 301-4728
Gerald Kelso, Area Manager for the Bureau of Reclamation
Phone: 509-575-5848
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Questions for Jonathan Randal
1. Journalists during the Vietnam War were largely credited for the poor morale in the United States. However, writers like Michael Herr, Neil Sheehan, David Halberstam and Seymour Hersh wrote defining accounts of the conflict that are still highly praised. As someone who was in Vietnam, what is your opinion about the coverage of the Vietnam War.
2. Are there any contemporary journalists, such as Dexter Filkins, Evan Wright, or Rajiv Chandrasekaran, who you feel have done an exemplary job covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
3.What piece of advice would you give an aspiring journalist?
4.During your decades as a journalist, how has the role of the print journalist changed?
5.You have also written several books. How do you strike a balance between being a beat reporter and pursuing your interests with other investigative projects?
6. What effect do you think the reduction of foreign bureaus will have on journalism?
2. Are there any contemporary journalists, such as Dexter Filkins, Evan Wright, or Rajiv Chandrasekaran, who you feel have done an exemplary job covering the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan?
3.What piece of advice would you give an aspiring journalist?
4.During your decades as a journalist, how has the role of the print journalist changed?
5.You have also written several books. How do you strike a balance between being a beat reporter and pursuing your interests with other investigative projects?
6. What effect do you think the reduction of foreign bureaus will have on journalism?
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