The NPF Newsbag

Brush-Up On Your Supreme Court Trivia

Did you know that the last Justice confirmed without a dissenting vote was Anthony Kennedy, a Reagan choice, in 1987? Check out more fun facts about the history of Supreme Court nominations after the jump. The contents are reprinted from a publication by Clarus Research Group.

To preview the debate about the newest Supreme Court nomination, join us for a Capitol Hill Issues Briefing on May 21^st. We’re collaborating with The Center on Congress at Indiana University and POLITICO to help you prepare for hearings around this historic nomination. For a list of speakers and registration information, click here. Space is limited. This briefing is underwritten by the Kiplinger Foundation. 

Regionals' Worth

A study soon to be published by the Journal of Political Economy proves that regionals matter. Authors James Snyder from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and David Strömberg of Stockholm University address the importance of local press in keeping politicians accountable.

For 22 years, NPF’s Paul Miller Washington Reporting Fellowship has trained hundreds of Washington-based regional reporters. Learn how you can become part of the 2010-2011 Paul Miller Class. Accepting applications now!  

“Press Coverage and Political Accountability” will be published online and in print this week. Read full press release after the jump.

Deadline Approaching for All-Expenses-Paid Retirement Issues Program

Want to get better at covering the Baby Boomers?  Concerned about the future of their retirement – and yours?  Enjoy getting the latest insight into social issues and financial strategies?  The National Press Foundation will be hosting an all-expenses-paid four-day program for journalists that will explore all issues related to retirement from June 20-23 in Washington, DC.

This is the sixth year in a row we have offered this valuable program. The program will give you on-the-record access to some of the country’s leading retirement experts from the federal government, think tanks and various interest groups.   You will get the inside scoop on what you and your viewers, listeners and readers need to know about trends in  retirement programs, the state of Social Security and how Americans can plan for their futures.

NPF Launches Capitol Hill Issues Briefings

NPF, in collaboration with POLITICO and the The Center on Congress at Indiana University, launched a series of monthly Capitol Hill Issues Briefings on April 23 with a discussion of the financial reform legislation that’s now on the Hill. POLITICO’s Martin Kady moderated the 90-minute panel. The briefing was sponsored by Allstate Insurance. Coming up May 21: A discussion of the Supreme Court nominee. Watch the website for registration information.

In photo: TOP LEFT: Dow Jones Newswires Reporter Victoria McGrane, left, Steve Verdier of the Independent Community Bankers Association and Kathleen Day of the Center for Responsible Lending comprised our expert panel.
TOP RIGHT: Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel Reporter Diana Marrero interviewed Steve Verdier after the briefing.
BOTTOM LEFT: Former Cong. Lee Hamilton opened the briefing by charging journalists to be the watchdogs of Congress.
BOTTOM RIGHT: Steve Verdier and Kathleen Day, expert panelists

It’s All in the Headline

 
“Pack your URL with power words,” said Mark Silva (audio), the producer of The Swamp, who spoke to the 2009-2010 class of Paul Miller fellows on March 15. The headline should not only clue readers in, but reflect Google Trends for the day.  Update often, don’t let stories get stale, and aim to create a community among your readers by encouraging comments and discussion. Silva is a national correspondent in the Washington Bureau of Tribune Newspapers and the main contributor and editor for the political blog, The Swamp.

APPLICATIONS DUE APRIL 6 FOR FREE RETIREMENT ISSUES PROGRAM

 

Too often these days, the ABCs of journalism seem to be "Anxious, Beleaguered and Canned." But one of the best ways to secure your existing job or to find a new one is expand your knowledge and skill set. The motto of the National Press Foundation is "We Make Journalists Better." Well,  better journalists have more job options. You're never too good, or too busy, or too broke, to consider the kind of mid-career training that can give you an edge. And that's what we offer, at no cost to you.

For media types who cover financial, lifestyle and retirement news, we have a program May 31-June 3 that will shed light on new retirement saving options, as well as the impact of the financial crisis on various demographics: retirees, wannabes, soon-to-bes, and worker bees. Supported by Prudential Financial, the sessions will be held in Washington, DC, and will likely include meetings on Capitol Hill as well as presentations by experts in every aspect of this timely topic. More information and the application are here.

Fellowships include airfare, transfers, three or four nights’ lodging (depending on flight schedules) and most meals. You'll find the application on our website, here. Do it now. Deadline is April 6.

These programs are for you.

They're free.

No excuses.

Welcome to the NPF Community Blog

I'm going to be highlighting our program alumnus, past speakers, and the Foundation's activities. Stay tuned for more.