Detroit Reacts to News from Washington

Breaking news from Washington was welcomed in Detroit, as President Bush announced $17.4 billion in bridge loans for GM and Chrysler. The Free Press linked to 11 related stories and two opinion pieces from its home page. "Thank you, Mr. President," said the Tom Walsh business column. "Sigh of relief as Bush gets it, finally," said the headline on Stephen Henderson's blog. The Detroit News linked to an editorial, video, details of the plan and a cyber survey (Will the bailout plan work?). In other home page stories, the News printed a letter to Chrysler employees from CEO Bob Nardelli and reaction to the loans from GM's CEO Rick Wagner. Meanwhile, Detroit is being hit with a major snow storm that also is getting major play.

Leadership in the Community

The Detroit Free Press devoted its front page today to a "Message to Washington" editorial that calls on members of Congress to help the ailing Big 3 automakers.

Editor Paul Anger noted that a copy of the newspaper was being sent to every member of Congress. "We ... know that while a newspaper needs to inform, there are times when a newspaper needs to speak up for what's right."

Economic Woes in Detroit

The auto industry drives Detroit and Michigan, so yesterday's news that the U.S. House might move on aid to the Big 3 made banner headlines.

U.S. House Speaker "Pelosi pushes fast auto aid," The News said. The Free Press used details in its headlines: "$25-billion lifeline may be at hand/Plan is strict on exec pay, environmental promises."

The Free Press noted the drop in the price of GM stock and referred to a business-section story "GM must cut 3,500 more salaried workers." Its Web site also linked to a cartoon, commentary and the story "GM retirees flood Medicare hotline."

The News referred to an inside story "Collapse of U.S. automaker would disrupt Toyota, Nissan, Honda because they share parts suppliers" and an opinion piece "Failure too costly."

Signs of ripple effects were apparent in both papers. The News reported on the impact of state budget woes. The Free Press said, "Economy is focus in Detroit mayoral race."

How are you covering the impact of the global economic crisis in your community?