The Day the Investigative Reporting Came In

By Ravi Somaiya, 6:55 AM on Mon Nov 9 2009, 3,863 views (Edit, to draft, Slurp)

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When news of the Fort Hood shooting came in last week, papers covered the breaking story. Now they've had a chance to send reporters out, look what they found!

Firstly there's a new image - of Hasan in his military uniform. (It's the equivalent of running a graduation photo when someone dies young - it's shorthand for 'look what potential we lost in this tragedy'.) Secondly there's apparently a link between Hasan and two of the 9/11 attackers, through a mosque they all shared. This will only fuel the wingnut scapegoating of Muslims.

The Washington Post carries the considered version of the story, below the fold, as well as a stellar story about the execution of the DC sniper. The New York Post - which runs the mosque link on the front page - is somewhat less measured. The New York Times, conversely, looks at what it's like to be Muslim in the US military as part of an above-the-fold package of stories. The main tale is the work of 12 reporters and researchers, and is worth every one. The Daily News, meanwhile, has an exclusive interview with the mother of a soldier who was treated by psychiatrist Hasan.

Disclosure: I freelance write and report for newspapers that are included in this roundup. Where there is a direct conflict of interest I will make it clear.