Jennifer Harper

Do pennies still make sense?

The Abraham Lincoln brand is in fine fettle these days, bolstered by presidential admiration and civic pride among towns claiming a link to the Lincoln pedigree.

February 13, 2009

Press corps fractures as news bureaus wane

The Washington press corps is no longer a homogeneous gaggle of mainstream media reporters. It has become a hybrid coalition of unrelated tribes that ultimately could shortchange the American public in favor of special interests.

February 12, 2009

Press bearish, Obama still draws public

His first televised prime-time press conference drew 50 million viewers. He's chummy with Katie Couric, gets glib at town hall meetings, casts benign favor on bloggers and one day, perhaps, he'll have a beer with Sean Hannity.

February 11, 2009

Many Americans vexed by spelling

The nation is not letter perfect. Americans may be embarassed, even. Make that "embarrassed" - it's among the common words that vex the spell-challenged in an age of spell check.

February 10, 2009

Inside Politics Weekend: Call to order

Just so you can keep track of everything, we now provide a handy-dandy guide to the latest cultural embellishments on the Office of the President of the United States.

February 8, 2009

Pot backers hit Kellogg’s over Phelps

Yes, he smoked it. But Michael Phelps has not gone to pot just yet.

February 7, 2009

Soleless protesters toss shoes

At least they're not throwing rocks. Or their underwear. Or pies.

February 6, 2009

One-ton, 43-ft. snake roamed Earth

It was as big as a bus, weighed a ton, swallowed crocodiles like hors d'oeuvres and was as mean as a snake. Wait. It was a snake -- the biggest snake that ever slithered the Earth -- or so its 60-million-year-old remains would indicated.

February 5, 2009

Civility still MIA in era of Obama

So much for civility in the capital of the Free World.

February 5, 2009

‘Octo-Mom’ gives birth to fertility ethics debate

Mega-birth is no simple matter. The fertility-enhanced birth of octuplets to an unmarried mother with six other children has forced Americans to wrestle with questionable celebrity.

February 4, 2009

Nader throws hat in the ring against Limbaugh

Another combatant joined the ever-expanding Limbaugh wars Monday.

February 3, 2009

Inside Politics Weekend: Nerves of Steele

He's chairman of GOPAC, a Republican National Committee heavy — and Michael S. Steele is ready to rumble, ready to provide a rallying point for GOPers who meekly peer at the new Obama-world around them.

February 1, 2009

Obama comment gets icy reception

Go ahead. Talk about the weather. We dare you.

January 30, 2009

Odd first names linked to criminality

Mama, stick with Michael. But Malcolm? Maybe not.

January 29, 2009

Super Bowl can lead to odd injuries

They choke. They sprain something. They forget to visit the restroom or attempt to open a beer bottle - with their teeth.

January 27, 2009

Inside Politics Weekend: Day by day

Lofty observers are now applying the same historic standard to the two opposing circumstances of President Obama and former President George W. Bush: "Only time will tell."

January 25, 2009

Still kicking: Dictators make rounds

They're tanned, they're fit -- well, they're upright, anyway. A pair of world leaders resurfaced on Friday just in time for a post-inaugural audience and a new administration in Washington.

January 24, 2009

Press’s affair with Obama hits bumps

He enjoyed unprecedented positive coverage on the campaign trail, and has vowed to be transparent with the news media. President Obama, however, has garnered a skimpy press honeymoon, though some say journalists will favor him as long as they agree with his concept of "change."

January 23, 2009

Pro-life marchers lose attention

She's asked President Obama to come for a visit, and she has bloggers on her side now.

January 22, 2009

Pro-life marchers lose attention

She's asked President Obama to come for a visit, and she has bloggers on her side now. Still, Nellie Gray — who founded the March for Life 36 years ago — pines for some meaningful attention from the press.

January 21, 2009