Freedom of Information Act 101
The Mechanics of Filing a FOIA Request
A FOIA expert shows how reporters can break through a tangled web of statutes, case law, regulations and written and unwritten policies to pry loose information.
How Reporters Use FOIA
When it Comes to Public Records, Sometimes the Law Only Gets You so Far
Reporters who use FOIA regularly know the tricks for making it work to your advantage.
Reporting on the Border and Immigration
Always Highly Charged, Immigration Beat Has Gotten Even Hotter
Reporters covering immigration and border security describe complex beat that is continually in the spotlight.
Understanding the Dynamics of Immigration
As Immigration Debate Ramps Up, Two Sides Square Off
Is an agreement on U.S. immigration policy possible in these polarized times?
Tracking the Regulatory Process
Rules, Guidance, Executive Orders – Making Sense of How Government Changes
Laws passed on Capitol Hill get all the glory, but understanding the nitty-gritty of the regulatory process can give reporters a leg up.
Finding People – and – Stories on Capitol Hill
Information is Everywhere in Congress if You Know Where to Look
Congress is a place where laws are made. But for reporters on the Hill, it’s also a massive institution that sometimes spends money in unusual ways worth tracking.
Reporting on the Military in an Ever-Hostile World
As Wars in Iraq, Afghanistan Drew Down, Pentagon’s Focus Shifted
Is the military well-staffed and technologically advanced enough for handling the range of threats the U.S. now faces?
Unraveling the Federal-State Fiscal Relationship
Uncle Sam Doles Out $3.4 Trillion to the States
Some people love to hate Washington, but the fiscal ties between the federal government and states run deep.
Overhauling the Tax System
If GOP Changes the Tax System, What Would it Look Like?
The tax system is a mess, most experts agree – but changing it is exceedingly difficult. How might it happen?
How the U.S. Debt Ceiling Works
How – and Why – Congress Regularly Plays Fiscal Chicken
If the federal government can’t pay its debts, it could play havoc on financial markets. So why does Congress regularly threaten to do so?
Understanding How the Federal Budget is Made
How to Cover a Process That’s Been Broken for Years
Congress rarely passes budgets the way it’s supposed to – but that doesn’t mean the spending stops. Where is federal spending headed next?
Covering Complicated Fiscal Issues
Taking Washington Budgets and Debt Out of the Beltway
As reporters explore the dysfunctional federal budget process, they should keep in mind who is affected by it (and that doesn’t mean politicians and lobbyists).
Keeping Tabs on a Hostile Administration
As White House Ups Antagonism Toward the Press, Journalists Decide How to Repond
Amid a rocky start in the Trump-press relationship, news organizations are struggling to find workarounds – and deciding when to band together.
Is American Military Readiness at Risk?
While Politicians Talk About a ‘Broken’ Military, an Expert Says Things Are Not So Dire
The military has been stretched thin the past two decades, but that doesn’t mean it’s been depleted. Some tips on how to recognize the difference.
Deciphering the Pentagon’s Budget
With Defense Spending Likely to Rise, A Primer on How to Read the Numbers
Donald Trump campaigned on promises of a big boost in military spending. An expert gives tips on tracking that $600 billion.
Clamping Down on Unfair Trade
New Administration Vows to Get Tough on Cheap Imports
Curbing the flow of imports into the United States was one of President Trump’s campaign pledges. Can he accomplish it?
The Politics of Trade
Trump’s Anti-Trade Message Could be Hard to Implement
While Donald Trump won the presidency with an anti-free trade message, public opinion isn’t fixed on that position.
Debunking Myths on Immigration
As New Administration Seeks to Tighten Borders, A History of Immigration in the U.S.
The flow of immigrants into the United States has waxed and waned over the decades as Congress and presidents responded to demands of the voters.
Understanding the Immigration Beat
Veterans on the Beat Counsel Caution as Reporters Dig into Immigration Changes
Understanding the nuances of the law and the frailties of the human condition are vital to reporting on immigration.
Using FOIA to Crack Government Secrets
An Updated Freedom of Information Law Could Add to Reporters’ Toolbox
FOIA has been around for 50 years, and recent changes could help the press – and the public – get access to government records.
Tips for Reporting on Immigration
5 Immigration Issues Beyond the Ban and the Wall
11 million unauthorized immigrants live in the United States and thousands more are arrested trying to get here each year.
White House Beat: High Profile, Low Access
Working White House Beat Can be Demanding, Frustrating – and Exciting.
A $1 Trillion Pothole?
Finding Money to Fix America’s Broken Infrastructure
Understanding Tax Breaks and Incentives
Tax Breaks for Businesses and Sports Teams – Boon or Boondogle?
Elaine S. Povich, a senior staff writer for Stateline, shares her expertise.
Covering the Repeal of Obamacare
Republicans Can Undo the Affordable Care Act – and Reporters Should be Prepared
Undoing 8 Years of Environmental Rules
Administration of Donald Trump Promises Major Changes to Clean Air, Water Rules.
President Obama expanded environmental regulations through the federal rulemaking process; President Trump will be able to undo them that way as well.
Covering the Halls of Congress
Congress Offers Unusual Openness for Reporters
More than other D.C. beats, Congress can be free-wheeling and accessible – especially for the reporters who know where to look and aren’t afraid to ask questions.
Protecting the Press Pool
Will Constant Tension be the New Normal in White House-Media Relations?
Early signs are that Trump White House will stiff-arm journalists, although some access is protected by law.
Covering Executive Power
A New President Enters the Oval Office with Vast Powers
Even if he didn’t have Congress on his side, Donald Trump will start his presidency with the ability to quickly undo much of what the outgoing president did.
What One-Party Control Means
GOP Controls Both Congress and White House
Checks and balances – and politics – will pose some limitations on one-party control at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Making Abstract Budget Stories Come Alive
How to Cover Big Debt, Deficit Numbers in a Way that Helps Readers
Two journalists steeped in budget arcana give tips on how to understand what’s actually happening when Congress and the White House talk taxes and spending.
How Federal Spending Affects States
Spending From Washington Can Have Major Impact on State Finances
Journalists looking to make Washington spending relevant in home markets are able to track federal spending to statehouses.
Getting a Handle on the National Debt, Deficit
Understanding the Complexities of the U.S. Budget as the National Debt Increases
An advocate calling on Congress and the White House to curb their debt addiction says reporters should seek to understand the government’s arcane budgeting process.
The Revolving Door Between Public and Private Service
When One Administration Ends, Where Do All Those Top Officials Go?
Experts with political watchdog organization track the so-called “revolving door” between government and special interests – and how reporters can use the information for stories.
Covering a Presidential Transition
Finding Sources and Stories When Congress and the White House Change Over
Reporters covering a transition in power in Washington are in for some big surprises – and several veteran journalists offer tips on how to deal with them.
Formalizing the Presidential Transition Process
Presidential Transition Like An “Epic Corporate Takeover”
For the first time, a nonpartisan organization is guiding the presidential transition process months before the new president is sworn in.
Judiciary Beat Offers Insight to Other Beats
Reporters Can Find Stories in All Federal Courts – Not Just the Supreme One
Courts offer rich trove of stories and sources, and most of them are overlooked by beat reporters.
Public Pensions Falling Short
In State Capitals, a Wide Variation in Pension Performance
As the stock market turned erratic over the past two decades, some statehouses managed funds for retirees well while others resisted change – and underperformed.
Covering the Courts
Supremes Take the Spotlight, but Stories Abound in Other Courts
The courts beat is rich with potential stories, well beyond the Supreme Court.
Delegate Rules and Covering Conventions
Tips and Resources for Journalists Going to Cleveland and Philly
Journalists share their knowledge about covering presidential nominating conventions – and the possibility of a brokered GOP convention.
