Today's Front Pages Analysis
Ceasefire in Southeast water war; battle for Michigan heats up
Is it all water under the bridge?
“States to end river rivalry,” The Atlanta Journal-Constitution said about a deal among Georgia, Florida and Alabama that tries to settle their years-old water war. “Georgia to retain its water,” The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle said about an agreement that will keep more water in Lake Lanier, Atlanta’s water source, and less water flowing from Georgia to Florida and Alabama.
The Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser, which has been reporting on a drought for months, mapped the source of the fight — Southeastern water basins. But “Water peace won’t come easily,” the St. Petersburg (Fla.) Times said.
Another rivalry — the Michigan-Michigan State football game — appeared on the front pages of the Lansing State Journal and the Detroit Free Press, as both reported on efforts to prevent Wolverine pranks against Sparty, MSU’s beloved statue.
Cool confidence vs. war games in “A clash of styles” was highlighted when USA Today profiled the coaches of the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts. The two undefeated teams meet on Sunday.
The San Antonio Express-News used red down arrows to illustrate more “Economic Turmoil.” The U.S.’s largest newspapers reported on a bad day on Wall Street. “Stocks Tumble As Investors Get Bad News On Citigroup,” The Washington Post said. In San Diego, the Union-Tribune reported: “Retailers fear dearth of cheer for holidays,” while The Miami Herald announced: “Consumers in Florida cut spending.”
Drawing readers in: A front page is more than words, and sometimes it takes an extra effort to illustrate a story. Two newspapers did just that today as The Virginian-Pilot in Norfolk used art to share a fish tale and The Florida Times-Union in Jacksonville made use of symbols to examine school initiatives.
kkennedy@freedomforum.org Kate Kennedy is front-pages editor at the Newseum.
