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.
White House Beat High on Aggravation
Reporters Devise Strategies to Work Around Limited Flow of Information
Covering Congress
Congressional Reporting 101
Covering Campaigns
Checking in with the Fact-Checkers
Real-Time Fact-Checking of Politicians Important in Election Coverage
Don’t give politicians a free pass when they make outrageous claims. Reporters can provide context and facts to offset those claims.
Federal Budget
Making Sense of the Federal Budget
The CBO Story
U.S. and Global Immigration Issues
FAA Reauthorization
Gay Marriage
Defense Reporting
The Supreme Court
Office of Management and Budget
Q&A with Lee Hamilton
Cabinet Agencies
Covering the White House
