September 1

Two related articles:
*http://www.spokesmanreview.com/sections/warming/?ID=272063
---this is relevant because it is about the area, also interesting to local people because it is something they could implement themselves, have studied in classes or want to know how to support
--- a little old, but this is constantly a relevant issue, how many more farmers are doing this?, is it still working? improvements? updates?
*http://www.examiner.com/x-10389-Chicago-Restaurant-News-Examiner~y2009m8d30-Dining-101-The-difference-between-natural-and-organic-food
--- this is relevant because college (some) students are concerned about eating ethically and healthily, and with the the agricultural base of this area people are interested in farming practices and being responsible with food, we also have a large organic and local farm sector that is growing. this is also relevant because, I think, a lot of people are confused about how to take their desire to eat organic and apply it to their trip to Safeway for chips.
--- not about the Palouse and a little blog-ish but could be geared toward this area and something that college students and local would find interesting

Story Ideas:
* update on the no-till farming
* analysis of organic/natural eating options in Pullman: Moscow co-op, dining centers, Dissmores/Safeway, farmer's markets, community gardens

Possible Beats

The general direction I would like to puruse with my beat is ecojustice or social justice. I am planning on going to grad school next year to study these topics, so I would like to start work on research and learning now. Environment, education, religion, or low-income issues would also be interesting, or could be investigated under my broader topic of eco/social justice.