Monthly Archives: May 2012

May 29

Find Environmental Problems in Your Area

Posted on May 29, 2012 by Barbara Fought

I live near the very beautiful, but polluted Onondaga Lake. That I knew, but I found out many other environmental concerns in my area by using mapping data on NEPAssist, from the Environmental Protection Agency. The always-helpful Society of Environmental … Read More →

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May 25

Use Kaiser Health News For Story Ideas

Posted on May 25, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Memorial Day brings thoughts of veterans and I was surprised to read in Kaiser Health News  (KHN) today that 10 percent of veterans under 65 go without health insurance. They’re not getting help through the Veterans Administration and they account for … Read More →

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May 22

Use More Than Google for Searching

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Why use a spoon for every kitchen activity when sometimes a knife or a tongs would work a lot better? Or why use Google for every search? Research shows most people type just a word or two into a search … Read More →

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May 19

How to Find Crime Data

Posted on May 19, 2012 by Barbara Fought

All law enforcement agencies have to report certain crime statistics to the FBI which publishes them through the Bureau of Justice Statistics.  These Uniform Crime Reports, or UCRs, include the following crimes: murder and nonnegligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated … Read More →

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May 14

Track how the feds are doing with TRAC

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of  a series on databases. Tucked in a suite behind a non-descript beige door here at the Newhouse School at Syracuse University is an amazing group of people who crunch numbers and publish surprising statistics that help your readers/listeners/viewers gain … Read More →

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May 08

If A Plane Crashes — Be Ready!

Posted on May 8, 2012 by Barbara Fought

More than 470 people died in airline accidents in 2010, the latest year for which the National Transportation Safety Board reports. That’s many fewer lives than are killed each year on highways, nearly 33,000.  Still, you’ll probably have an airline … Read More →

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May 03

Find Doctors In Your Area Paid by Drug Companies

Posted on May 3, 2012 by Barbara Fought

Part of a series on databases to help in daily reporting. One important journalistic principle is avoiding conflicts of interest. We usually think about that for journalist avoiding ties that might taint their work. But I think it applies to … Read More →

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