Jeremy Herb’s top 10 stories
“Breach of Trust,” Bay Area News Group, March 30, 2008, page A1.
The first in a four part series revealing the full extent of Catholic priest abuse in the Diocese of Oakland. I had bylines on three of the four articles and took the lead writing the third story. The series won a 2008 Public Service Award from the Associated Press Managing Editors Association.
Day 2: Leadership disregard
Day 3: Abuse was common in religious orders
Day 4: Dealing with the demons
“Scratchers won’t find $1M prize,” The Indianapolis Star, July 6, 2008, page A1.
My story revealed that scratch-off tickets were sold up to 45 days after all top prizes had been given away, a policy that was ended a week later.
“A ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ repeal won’t heal all” Star Tribune, August 16, 2010, page A1.
Macalester College student William Gordon knew that once he sent the letter, his military career was likely over.
“Santa Clara’s underground coke scene,” The Santa Clara, April 19, 2007, page 1.
A detailed look at Santa Clara’s underground world of students who use cocaine and the student-dealers who provide it for them. This story won two national awards for feature writing and in-depth reporting.
“Franken ratchets up rhetoric in war against corporate power,” Star Tribune, Sept. 6, 2010, page A1.
U.S. Sen. Al Franken sees a nation increasingly dominated by powerful corporations, and he doesn’t like it.
“Hand-off on Iron Range is rocky,” Star Tribune, Dec. 10, 2010, page A1.
I broke open the story about a fight over constituent casework — and a literal lack of communication — as Minnesota’s Eighth District congressional seat changed hands for the first time in 40 years.
“Erlinder acknowledges suicide attempt in jail,” Star Tribune, June 15, 2010, page B1.
One of numerous stories the Star Tribune’s Washington bureau broke after St. Paul law professor Peter Erlinder was arrested in Rwanda, this article was pieced together with some startling details thanks to audio recordings obtained of Erlinder testifying in court.
“Bachmann’s bid shows GOP divide,” Star Tribune, Nov. 15, 2010, page A1.
U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann headed off an intra-party fight when she dropped her bid for a House leadership spot, but her candidacy showcased the divisions surrounding the Tea Party’s newfound presence inside the Republican Party.
“Frank leads push to disband mortgage corporations,” The Boston Globe, Jan. 31, 2010, page A3.
Barney Frank was once among the staunchest defenders of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but then he reversed course and said they should be abolished.
“A road to peace in Israel that neither Jews nor Palestinians will travel,” Santa Clara University Capstone, June 13, 2008.
I traveled to Israel for more than two weeks reporting this story, living in the “Oasis of Peace,” a half-Israeli, half-Palestinian village where the two sides choose to live as neighbors and equals. My story is about the youth of the village, who have shown they can slowly erase the problems of deep political conflict, though they live in a way that mainstream Jews and Palestinians reject.
Extended portfolio
“Frank battles for transgender workers’ rights,” The Boston Globe, May 14, 2010, page A2.
Three years ago, Representative Barney Frank dropped transgender individuals from his bill to protect gays and lesbians in the workplace in order to get it passed in the House. Now Frank has vowed to keep transgender rights in his current measure, despite opposition from some key moderates that could derail the proposal.
“’07 slaying by Rio police has man’s kin on mission,” The Boston Globe, May 6, 2010, page B1.
The killing of a Massachusetts man by Rio police has turned his family into outspoken advocates for curbing police violence in Brazil, and the family persuaded Congress to examine the issue.
“Lynch explains road to reconciliation,” The Boston Globe, March 23, 2010, page A10.
Representative Stephen Lynch explains why he was one of just two Democrats who voted against the historic health reform bill but then voted in favor of the Senate reconciliation bill.
“Google’s DC ties worry some consumer advocates,” The Boston Globe, March 10, 2010, page A8.
Scott Brown’s campaign staff members liked to say the Republican senator’s underdog campaign was “powered by Google.” But some consumer advocates worry that Google’s growing business in campaign advertising will give it an unfair advantage in Washington, where it also is pursuing a broad lobbying agenda.
“Campaign financing shift may aid critics,” The Boston Globe, Feb. 24, 2010, page A1.
The Supreme Court’s watershed decision on campaign finance, lamented by critics who say it gives undue influence to corporations, could strengthen the very advocacy groups that oppose the ruling.
“Frank gets delay in law restricting Net casinos,” Dec. 14, 2009, The Boston Globe, page A1.
My first story freelancing in Washington for The Boston Globe detailed Representative Barney Frank’s continued quest to legalize and tax Internet gambling.
“Why the CBO estimates Shouldn’t Count for Much,” The Gaggle, Newsweek, Oct. 8, 2009.
The Obama administration has handed the Congressional Budget Office more power than ever with its health bill scores. Why those cost estimates should be taken with a grain of salt.
“The 16th Minute: Picking on kids his own size,” Newsweek, Oct. 5, 2009.
Danny Almonte continues to harbor Major League ambitions eight years after he was known around the world as a cheat.
“Six Ways Obama Can Take Charge on Health Care,” The Gaggle, Newsweek, Sept. 8, 2009.
With public support for the public option fading, a look at how Obama can regain control of the debate as his major health speech approaches.
“The Fight Over Rescissions,” The Gaggle, Newsweek, Sept. 1, 2009.
Insurers revoking insurance from their customers to keep from paying costly bills gives reform advocates — and one House committee — a window to attack.
“The Next Money Pits,” Newsweek, Aug. 10, 2009, page 15.
While California faces a harrowing budget deficit, several other states are in danger of falling into the same fiscal hole.
“Healthy Options,” Newsweek, July 20, 2009, page 21.
No matter what plan emerges from the health-care debate, it will draw on approaches that the states are already taking.
“Seven Charged, Two Arraigned on Complaints by Rev. George’s Wife,” The Local, The New York Times, May 5, 2009.
The latest story in the months-long “saga” from a January incident at the local high school involving a reverend and baseball bat, where a student wound up in the hospital — and charged with simple assault.
“Fordham students reflect on their religious beliefs,” The Bronx Beat, May 1, 2009.
A Pew study revealed more Americans were changing faiths, especially at a young age. I examined how this trend was playing out at Fordham University, a Jesuit school in the Bronx.
Interactive graphic: Switching faiths
“A Parking Lot Is, Unexpectedly, Added to Millburn’s Downtown,” The Local, The New York Times, April 30, 2009.
I used the state property tax database to generate this story about a land purchase now sitting idle, and created the accompanying map displaying all the property the township owned.
“Friendship among two priests helps heal violent wound,” Coveringreligion.org: Beyond the Brogue, April 26, 2009.
In the days after two British soldiers were killed in Northern Ireland, a long-term friendship between two priests helped to make a decisive stand for peace.
“Bronx mosque in foreclosure battle,” The Bronx Beat, April 24, 2009.
This story tells of West African immigrants entangled in a court battle to to keep ownership of their mosque.
“Building on a storied legacy,” The Bronx Beat, April 13, 2009, page 3.
The lead story in a special 10-page section about the opening of the new Yankee Stadium.
“An Outcry Over Parking,” The New York Times, March 29, 2009, page NJ2.
This article about local business complaints with downtown parking appeared in the weekly New Jersey section of The New York Times.
“Trader Joe’s and PetSmart in talks over Whole Foods building,” The Local, The New York Times, March 5, 2009.
I broke the story revealing Millburn residents may finally get their wish: a Trader Joe’s coming to town.
“Fickle No More, Irwin Feinberg Moves On,” The Local, The New York Times, March 2, 2009.
Irwin Feinberg worked on Millburn Avenue for 35 years as co-owner of the Fickle Follicle hair salon, but now he’s closing his shop and moving to another salon.
“Obama makes history,” Decision NYC: A special edition of Columbia Journalist, Nov. 4, 2008.
This was one of seven print stories from Columbia on Election Night, along with three broadcasts, for the most extensive election coverage the school has ever produced. Amy Wang and I reported and wrote the presidential story, and I filed updates throughout the night from the New York Republican event.
“Trash War on Dean Street,” The Brooklyn Paper, Oct. 22, 2008.
Neighbors of an elementary school in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, are fed up with trash sitting outside the elementary school on their street, complaining the garbage is leaking and attracting rodents.
“Senate Manor takes on HUD,” The Indianapolis Star, Aug. 8, 2008, page B1.
The government is trying to revoke Senate Manor’s subsidized housing funds, but the landlord and tenants have filed suit to stop it.
“Political donation amplifies radio issue,” The Indianapolis Star, Aug. 2, 2008, page B1.
The chairman of the agency overseeing Motorola’s new radio system, who has supported them in recent disputes, received a campaign contribution from Motorola in his 2007 mayoral run.
“More fire mergers are on the docket,” The Indianapolis Star, July 30, 2008, page B1.
Two more townships in Marion County are looking to consolidate fire service, though several others remain staunchly opposed.
“In the mood for security,” The Indianapolis Star, July 21, 2008, page A1.
The new Indianapolis airport is adopting a calmer approach to airport security, designed to ease anxiety through an often chaotic checkpoint.
“Radios cause static between agency chair, board,” The Indianapolis Star, July 21, 2008, page B3.
Public Safety Director and MECA Board member Scott Newman calls for the ouster of the MECA Board Chair over a refusal to hold meetings and criticism of city dispatchers.
“Lottery to pull scratch-offs if big prizes gone,” The Indianapolis Star, July 12, 2008, page A1.
A week after my story revealing scratch-offs continued to be sold when the top prize was awarded, the state lottery changed course and pulled the tickets. The story was picked up by the AP and ran throughout Indiana.
“Lottery may face more litigants,” The Indianapolis Star, July 11, 2008, page B1.
I broke this story about a lawsuit against the state lottery receiving class-action status, which was also picked up by the AP.
“This fourth, more bucks for your bang,” The Indianapolis Star, July 2, 2008, page A1.
Problems in China, the world’s major fireworks distributor, have caused higher prices for fireworks this July 4. Next year could be even worse.
“Safety under review after 3 die in collapse,” The Indianapolis Star, June 27, 2008, page A1.
A sudden thunderstorm caused a wall under construction in a truck yard to collapse, killing three workers.
“New digital radios could put firefighters at risk, chiefs say,” The Indianapolis Star, June 26, 2008, page A1.
My first of seven stories about Marion County’s new radio system: Fire chiefs warn that new digital radios could prove disastrous in an emergency, and a federal study backs up their concerns.
“Report: More kids in state slip into poverty,” The Indianapolis Star, June 12, 2008, page A1.
My first Indy Star story: A federally study shows more of Indiana’s youth are living in poverty, while funding to some social programs that could help them is being cut.
“Crossing the fence,” One World Magazine, May 2008, pages 21-23.
Wissam Darhaj has to cross the Israel-West Bank separation barrier every time he travels from his home to work, a trek that a growing number of West Bank Palestinians take to work illegally in Israel. This is a secondary story I found while in Israel reporting on the Oasis of Peace, where Wissam works.
“Police ID body found in car trunk,” The Argus, Oct. 7, 2007, page B1.
Police identified the man who was found dead in a car trunk, also revealing that the man owned the car.
“Youth’s bone marrow tour draws crowd in Fremont,” The Argus, July 7, 2007, page B1.
A 12-year-old leads a nationwide bone marrow drive to register 5,000 donors — while he is still recovering from Leukemia.
“Teen arrested in Union City fatal shooting,” The Argus, June 25, 2007, page A1.
A teen was arrested on suspicion of murder the day after 17-year-old recent high school grad Biniam Yifru was slain in the house of his school principal.
“Teen killed in Union City shooting,” The Argus, June 24, 2007, page A1.
A 17-year-old teenager was shot and killed when a fight broke out during a party at the house of a high school principal, who didn’t know the party was occurring.
“Fremont police seek murder charge: The suspect,” The Argus, Aug. 31, 2006, page A1.
My story was one of three on the hit-and-run rampage, profiling the suspect who police said ran over and killed one pedestrian in Fremont before driving to San Francisco and injuring 18 more.
“Man’s body found in park,” The Argus, Aug. 26, 2006, page A1.
Police had little details after a man was found dead in a park on a Friday evening.
“Lyme Disease often misdiagnosed,” The Daily Journal, Aug. 22, 2006, page 1.
An in-depth look at how San Mateo residents who have Lyme Disease deal with its ailments and the difficultly in diagnosing it.
“Dentist changes name of business under threat of suit,” The Argus, Aug. 13, 2006, page B1.
A local dentist had to change the name of her business, Gentle Plus Dental, after the Gentle Dental chain decided to rename all its Fremont dentist offices as the chain name.
“Fremont residents join in local cease fire vigil,” The Argus, Aug. 8, 2006, page A1.
Local Fremont activists rallied for peace at a busy street corner to join in a global call for a cease fire between Israel and Lebanon.
“San Jose Grand Prix runs more smoothly for everyone this year,” Oakland Tribune, July 30, 2006, page A1.
This story ran throughout the then-Alameda News Group, describing what was a smoother ride for both drivers and fans at the second San Jose Grand Prix.
“Fremont man makes lifelong habit of donating blood,” The Argus, July 28, 2006, page A1.
Rod Smith has donated the blood of 10 men, giving 15 gallons — a human has 10 to 12 pints — over the course of 35 years.
“Lack of funds may wipe out Fremont boarding park,” The Argus, July 19, 2006, page B1.
The city put in a temporary skate park, with plans to build a permanent one, but those plans were abandoned and the city has sat on $84,000 for the project.
“Quake group to fill exhibit’s financial cracks,” The Argus, June 30, 2006, page A1.
My first Argus story: Officials have kept alive an earthquake exhibit that sits inside the Hayward Fault, and now they are trying to raise funds for a permanent exhibit.
“Cheer coach probed after money goes missing,” The Santa Clara, April 20, 2006, page 1.
The Athletic Department opened an internal investigation into allegations that the cheerleading coach stole money from cheerleaders and a team raffle.
“30-year-old train project may be history,” The Santa Clara, April 6, 2006, page 1.
One retiring Jesuit’s 30-year handmade train collection is a casualty of Santa Clara priests’ move into a new residence.
“Zags continue to dominate,” The Santa Clara, March 3, 2006, page 16.
After the Steve Nash-era ended at Santa Clara, the Broncos faded from national prominence as a new conference dynasty arose: Gonzaga.
“Poll: Few aware of disaster plans,” The Santa Clara, Jan. 26, 2006, page 1.
A poll I conducted found most students were unprepared for a disaster, which led to a university public relations campaign to improve disaster preparedness.
“Morrison leads Zags past Broncos,” The Santa Clara, Jan. 12, 2006, page 16.
Santa Clara fans heckled Adam Morrison all night, but their team couldn’t stop the Gonzaga standout as he led the Bulldogs to a 81-68 win.
