Holly Edgell · Storify

The NRA Meets in St. Louis 2012

Holly Edgell — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 14:05:38 GMT

Picture me, a career local journalist, covering the first full day of the convention on behalf of the New York Daily News. But aren't all politics and news local anyway? Here's a look at some of the highlights from news media and social media.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Sun, Apr 15 2012 07:05:38

The big event of the day Friday was the Celebration of American Values Leadership Forum, featuring an all-star line up of NRA leaders and supporters, including two of the remaining four GOP presidential candidates and one who recently suspended his campaign.

Chris Cox of @NRA “In November we need to fire the president” #NRA2012 #STL
— Holly Edgell · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:31:53

#NRA2012 line to see #Romney & other leaders at forum. #STL http://twitpic.com/99bzkt @NRA · Holly Edgell

Chris Cox, executive director of the NRA Institute for Legislative Action, served as MC. The forum started just after 1 p.m. Slated to last two hours, but was still going at 5 p.m.

NRA Convention: Media, Operation 'Fast And Furious', Obama Targeted By Speakers

Chris Cox, the chief lobbyist of the NRA, spoke of Operation Fast And Furious, alleging a cover-up after the government lost track of som...

Cox set the tone with jabs at the media (specifically the broadcast and cable networks, FOX excepted), President Obama, US Attorney General Eric Holder, and more.

Then Wayne LaPierre, NRA's executive vice president, kicked things off, invoking the convention's slogan "All In."

"This is an all in election." Wayne LaPierre "...President Barack Obama will have us to thank for his defeat." #NRA2012 #STL @NRA
— Holly Edgell · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:37:07

Nrastore

Then the slate of all-stars kicked off.

Chris Cox of @NRA "President Obama will not be here, but the next president, Mitt #Romney is here" #NRA2012 #STL
— Holly Edgell · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:40:41

Abcnews

Mitt Romney criticizes Obama at NRA convention

Bobby Jindal (Louisiana), Rick Perry (Texas) and Scott Walker (Wisconsin), who won the NRA's highest honor for legislative achievemen...

Moms became part of the national political conversation this week, after statements from Hilary Rosen. Friday, Ann Romney joined her husband on the NRA stage, the same day that Rosen tweeted her apology.

I deeply apologize again to work-in-home moms, Mrs Romney & the POTUS. Not going on #MTP this weekend. I'm going to be a mom who stays home
— Hilary Rosen · Fri, Apr 13 2012 07:39:01

Mitt brings Ann onstage at NRA

By MAGGIE HABERMAN | Mitt Romney led off his speech to the National Rifle Association meeting in St. Louis with a surprise introduction o...

"I happen to believe all moms are working moms." Mitt #Romney. "My sweetheart, Ann Romney" #NRA2012 #STL @NRA
— Holly Edgell · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:51:33

Romney has a mixed record on gun laws from his days as Massachusetts governor.

Romney courts gun owners and pivots to general election

While Second Amendment rights were on the agenda -- Romney praised NRA officials and promised to stand up for the rights of gun owners --...

At #NRA2012 in #STL a Rochester NY man told me "#Romney is not my favorite." Critics point to mixed record on guns http://www.washingtonpost.com/romney-to-try-to-reassure-nra-that-he-will-aggressively-defend-gun-rights/2012/04/13/gIQArrKCFT_story.html #STL
— Holly Edgell · Fri, Apr 13 2012 11:55:29

Mitt Romney is obviously wanting to convince the members of the NRA he is a good-ole-boy. He denies hunting big game but instead focuses on rabbit, vermin or rodents. I can imagine the look on Ann's face as Mittens has his butler hand over the bush meat (squirrel) for preparation of dinner. She did say having him home was like having another boy in the house. (like this gives him personality) I think hunting lesson from Cheney would be a good adventure for him, teach him all the proper manners of the field.
— Bert Ligon · Sat, Apr 14 2012 06:53:45

Pope Benedict visits Cuba: Voices and Views

Holly Edgell — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:54:31 GMT

The pontiff arrived in the city of Santiago on Monday, March 26. He held a mass, which was attended by Cuban leader Raul Castro.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Wed, Mar 28 2012 05:54:31

BBC News - Pope Benedict meets Raul Castro at start of Cuba visit

15 minutes ago ... Pope Benedict XVI arrives in Cuba for a three-day stay - the first papal visit to the island for 14 years - after a ...

Amazonaws

Com

For many Cubans the visit is no less remarkable than Pope John Paul's trip in 1998, which is credited with prompting a softening of Cuban anti-Church policy. Still, practicing Catholics are in the minority. Having visited Cuba five times (2002-2005), I suspect most Cubans find economic and social reforms more pressing than religious freedom. They hope the Pope's visit will be a sort of panacea for a whole gamut of issues.

Publicbroadcasting

BBC iPlayer - Witness: Pope John Paul the Second visits Cuba

2 days ago ... In 1998 the then Pope, John Paul the Second, made a visit to the Communist island.

Appeared on @CBSThisMorning to talk about Pope and changing Cuba. http://cbsn.ws/HbUv9W
— Byron Pitts · Tue, Mar 27 2012 07:18:07

On Monday there were a number of Tweets from @BenedictXVICuba (or his social media person) in English and Spanish. This is my favorite.

#BenedictCuba: "It is touching to see how God not only respects human freedom: he almost seems to require it." #PopeCuba #Cuba
— Pope Benedict XVI · Mon, Mar 26 2012 18:35:38

Pope Celebrates Mass in Santiago, Cuba · associatedpress

#BenedictoCuba: "Resulta conmovedor ver cómo Dios no sólo respeta la libertad humana, sino que parece necesitarla." #PapaCuba #Cuba
— Pope Benedict XVI · Mon, Mar 26 2012 18:29:04

#BenedictCuba: "Armed with peace, forgiveness and understanding, that you may strive to build a renewed and open society..." #PopeCuba #Cuba
— Pope Benedict XVI · Mon, Mar 26 2012 18:38:00

The Pope had a full day in Santiago. Here he is arriving at Mass in his popemobile. Just a lob wedge away http://pic.twitter.com/jNoZmdje · Byron Pitts

Abcnews

I've been following the Cuban blogger Yoani Sanchez on Twitter for a few years now. You also can find her on the Huffington Post. She is often a go-to person when foreign journalists are seeking on the record quotes in Cuba.

Of Popes and Potatoes - by Yoani Sánchez

BY YOANI SÁNCHEZ | MARCH 23, 2012 January 1998 was a moment of discovery and creativity, of unprecedented scenes and audible prayers. Joh...

Yoani Sanchez on Voice of America

HAVANA TIMES, March 21 — An exclusive interview with Cuba's multi-award winning blogger Yoani Sanchez was aired today by Voice of Ame...

Pope Prepares for Visit to Mexico, Cuba

Related Articles Dissident Cuban Blogger Sees Opportunity in Pope Visit Yoani Sánchez believes the visit will not have a major political ...

Thinkaboutit

Ms. Sanchez traveled from her home in Havana to attend the papal mass and Tweet from the scene. In English, her Tweets have a poetic tone.

Anatomy: Mainstream News Media Coverage of the Trayvon Martin Case

Holly Edgell — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 12:31:14 GMT

So how are the mainstream journalists doing as they cover this case? In the beginning, it was all about social media. The digital grassroots spread the word and most journalists caught on later.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Mon, Mar 26 2012 05:31:14

Trayvon Martin, 17, died in late February in Sanford, FL (a community near Orlando). We were well into March before the mainstream media started focusing on the Miami teen's case.

Social media vaulted Trayvon Martin case into spotlight

"People feel, 'We don't have to wait for the mainstream coverage; we can start our own movement on Facebook and Twitter.'...

Unscientific but telling: I did a custom range search on Google News using the term "Trayvon Martin" for the last week of February. The only hit I got from Feb. 26 through March 1 was a story on WFTV. I did the same for the week of March 1. That yielded a bit more: The Miami Herald on March 2. Then, Reuters picked up on the story on March 7. Gawker published an item on March 8, as did Fox News.

Trayvon Martin Case: Timeline of Events

The slaying of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, a Florida high school student who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a self-appointed ne...

Trayvon Martin: Aftermath of a Tragedy: Here's how events have unfolded since the unarmed teenager's shooting de... http://bit.ly/GKbcb6
— CAAS U of M · Wed, Mar 21 2012 22:15:34

News continued to trickle out through March 13, which is about when the story really exploded into the national news media consciousness. That's when we learned the case was in the hands of the Florida State Attorney.

Trayvon Martin Case Sent To State Attorney's Office Amid Growing Tension ...

Police have turned over the investigation into last month's killing of Trayvon Martin, 17, to the Seminole County State Attorney'...

Trayvon Martin

An aggregation of social media reactions to the death of Trayvon Martin, the 17-year-old fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a Neighborhood...

Really have to pace myself with these updates, for fear I might spontaneously combust. I am simply livid. Hope to see lots of you at 6pm tonight for A Million Hoodies March for Trayvon Martin - NYC. Trayvon's mum and dad will be right there in Union Square.
— Frances Uku · Wed, Mar 21 2012 11:36:28

It was around March 19 when more mainstream media began to ask questions about the Florida "Stand Your Ground Law," which police say allowed George Zimmerman to use deadly force to defend himself. Here is the actual statute.

Trayvon Martin Killing Puts 'Stand Your Ground' Law In Spotlight

Sanford, Fla. police said Zimmerman has claimed self defense, so they've handed the case over to the state attorney. "As long as...

'Stand Your Ground Law' at center of Fla. shooting

Zimmerman is the neighborhood watch captain who shot unarmed teenager Trayvon Martin, 17, in a gated community in Sanford, Fla., in Febru...

Other states have similar statutes, often referred to as the Castle Doctrine; as in "a man's home is his castle."

Castle doctrine - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

A Castle Doctrine (also known as a Castle Law or a Defense of Habitation Law) is an American legal doctrine that designates a person...

In the news cycle circa March 21-22 the national media started ooking more closely at who exactly George Zimmerman is.

Who is George Zimmerman? - The Washington Post

23 hours ago ... Details emerge about the neighborhood watch captain who shot an unarmed black teenager in Florida late last month.

Orlando Sentinel: Who is Neighborhood Watch volunteer George Zimmerman? http://bit.ly/GBYZXn
— Touré · Wed, Mar 21 2012 20:50:03

George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin's Shooter, Is From D.C. Area

21 hours ago ... George Zimmerman, the 28-year-old neighborhood watch captain who fatally shot unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin in...

So who is george zimmerman? What non psychopath calls 911 46 times? Moved w/ 'rents to Fl. frm manassas VA, domest. abuse charges vs him '05
— Laura Rozen · Tue, Mar 20 2012 20:08:43

Who is Florida neighborhood crime watch volunteer George ...

1 day ago ... George Zimmerman, the Neighborhood Watch volunteer who fired the shot that claimed the life of Trayvon Martin on a rainy ...

Show Me St. Louis Entrepreneurs and Innovation

Holly Edgell — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:49:33 GMT

Did you know that great ideas are born in our backyard? The metro St. Louis innovation ecosystem is expanding. Creativity galore! This timeline will include news stories, resources and social media conversation about the journey.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Mon, Apr 23 2012 05:49:33

Politicmo

I read the following article about a great legal resource for entrepreneurs in St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Startups and nonprofits have legal teams at the ready

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri has worked for decades to provide “survival services,” said Daniel Glazier, the agency's executive...

Right now @STLonAir @stlpublicradio on ideas for moving #STL forward http://www.stlpublicradio.org/programs/slota/index.php
— Holly Edgell · Mon, Mar 12 2012 09:16:12

nextSTL

Be informed. Be engaged. Be part of what's next in St. Louis!

17thwardstl

A Great Time for St Louis Entrepreneurs by Derek Weber ...

Feb 13, 2012 ... It is an exciting time in the entrepreneurial space in St Louis right now; there is so much momentum and focus on help...

Twitter is alive with people who want to move St. Louis forward.

Over 200 Expected at DEMO DAY April 4th http://stl2020.org/?p=34
— StL2020 · Fri, Mar 16 2012 20:51:44

nextSTL.com (@nextSTL) on Twitter

Sign up for Twitter to follow nextSTL.com (@nextSTL). Be informed. Be engaged. Be part of what's next. Promoting smarter developmen...

Great resource - how #STLRocks! RT @InnovateSTL RT @stlguidebook @InnovateSTL et al., #STL guidebook is now available 4 Kindle & Nook.
— Allison Collinger · Wed, Feb 29 2012 12:57:15

Arts Leadership and Management Academy: Diversifying Your Funding Strategies Part 1 - March 15 http://www.501connect.com/st-louis-events/3231/Arts-Leadership-and-Management-Academy-Diversifying-Your-Funding-Strategies-Part-1
— 5O1CONNECT · Tue, Mar 06 2012 06:56:33

East-West Gateway (@EWGateway) on Twitter

New Post ~ St. Louis Facebook page feature - Featured Foreclosures http://bit.ly/xPVZDJ #stl
— Karen Goodman · Tue, Mar 06 2012 07:04:10

Looking for something to do this Friday? How about supporting Shaw's own Cbabi Bayoc of Sweet Art at his latest... http://fb.me/14kZW0U5x
— Shaw St. Louis · Tue, Mar 06 2012 15:57:30

@u2acro If I could summon seafood, there'd be lobster for lunch on Washington Avenue. #aquaman
— Richard Callow · Wed, Mar 07 2012 08:23:18

Learn about the #GOOD Ideas for Cities - #STL teams, and the event this Thursday night! http://www.alivemag.com/blog/?p=7969
— STL Doesn't Suck · Tue, Mar 06 2012 08:40:56

Washington University plans $80 million Loop project http://bit.ly/xborZX via @stlpublicradio
— Lori Andrews Clither · Mon, Feb 27 2012 12:33:39

so excited for our hometown restaurant innovators on the James Beard nominations http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/gutcheck/2012/02/james_beard_foundation_awards_2012_st_louis_semifinalists_salt_niche_monarch_sidney_street_farmhaus.php
— Forest Park Living · Thu, Feb 23 2012 08:37:35

USA Today!!! RT @TheDelmarLoop: Great shout out to Blueberry Hill, Chuck Berry, and the Delmar Loop! http://fb.me/1qdkQE7dj
— St. Louis MOB · Mon, Mar 05 2012 19:30:25

2012 Elections in Belize

Holly Edgell — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 12:42:11 GMT

On March 7, Belizeans voted in national and municipal elections. The United Democratic Party retains power, winning by very narrow margins against the opposition People's United Party nationwide.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Wed, Mar 14 2012 05:42:11

Under Belize's system of government, the head of party winning the most seats becomes prime minister. The PM then appoints ministers of government and senators.

Belize Government Cabinet 2012

10 hours ago ... Prime Minister Dean Barrow names his new Belize government cabinet for 2012 following General Elections on 7 March 2012.

PM Names High Powered Senators To New Cabinet

"Under the office of the Prime Minister which is not a separate ministry, there is responsibility for cabinet, inter-ministerial coo...

Read more on Belize's system of government.

Government of Belize

The Government of Belize is operated on the principles of Parliamentary Democracy based on the Westminster System. The country is a sov...

Belize Cabinet Announcement 2012 [Press Release] http://nblo.gs/v7O9f
— ibelmopan · Tue, Mar 13 2012 17:23:21

Another era begins for #Belize http://7newsbelize.com/sstory.php?nid=21954 http://fb.me/1cMJ6V6Ne
— Holly Edgell · Sat, Mar 10 2012 17:57:35

Extremely close. Many races in the general election came down to margins of less than 5%! By taking 17 seats in the House of Representatives, the United Democratic Party eked out a win and the right to form the government.

UDP wins Second Term, Narrowly

The UDP will form the next Government of Belize. The party has won a majority of the seats in the House of Representatives, by a margin o...

UDP sobered by 17-14 win

By William Ysaguirre Voters of Belize returned the United Democratic Party to another term in government but not by the landslide margin ...

Dean Barrow will stay on as Prime Minister.

Dean Barrow - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Dean Oliver Barrow (born March 2, 1951) is Prime Minister of Belize and leader of the United Democratic Party. An attorney by trade, he...

Ambergristoday

Official results for Belize's general & municipal elections 2012 posted on http://MyBelize.Net. Get it while its hot!! http://mybelize.net/elections-2012/general/
— Farah · Thu, Mar 08 2012 15:53:52

OAS Mission to Belize Pleased with electoral process in Belize

A contingent of 23 observers from 13 countries in the western hemisphere which make up the Organization of American States have been in t...

The people have spoken and the decision/verdict 2012 is in: UDP - 17 seats and PUP 14 seats. Now, it's back to the business of running the country, managing the people's resources properly and taking Belize forward.
— Ifasina Efunyemi · Thu, Mar 08 2012 07:23:06

The "Election Results" speaks volumes of how our people feel about the governance of our country. The Best to the UDP, who has received 16 seats in the house. To the PUP, we have the strongest opposition ever. Now that election is over, let's get back to work. Let's leave colors and personality differences aside and work for B-E-L-I-Z-E. The decision is made so let's work, and work, and work and develop Belize and its people. #I AM REALLY HAPPY# Like this status if you believe the same...
— Kenny Jacobs · Thu, Mar 08 2012 09:20:51

PUP Does Not Concede Defeat, Says Elections Not Free And Fair

And while Dean Barrow is going to be sworn in as Prime Minister tomorrow morning - the opposition still has not conceded the election. &q...

Reelected Belize Prime Minister Will Turn To Chavez For Fuel

The PUP, claiming election irregularities, is going to court to contest the results of three constituency seats. An observer mission from...

I posted 5 photos on Facebook in the album "Belize Elections 2012" http://fb.me/11EYgHo2q
— Ambergris Today · Thu, Mar 08 2012 07:48:41

Prince Harry in Belize

Holly Edgell — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:52:04 GMT

Queen Elizabeth's grandson begins his Caribbean tour in the former British colony.

Storified by Holly Edgell · Mon, Mar 12 2012 05:52:04

It's the Queen's diamond jubilee. Prince Harry is helping celebrate the occasion by visiting several Caribbean countries. Until 1973, Belize was called British Honduras. The country gained independence in 1981.

I liked Prince Harry before, but this interview made be respect him. His mother's son, for sure.

Prince Harry: "I'm definitely not a diplomat"

Prince Harry has wrapped up his first solo royal tour in the Caribbean, helping to celebrate his grandmother's 60 years on the throne...

Here's a look at the itinerary for the trip.

Prince Harry begins his visit to Belize on behalf of his grandmother The Queen today as part of this year's #DiamondJubilee celebrations
— Clarence House · Fri, Mar 02 2012 01:06:46

Prince Harry's Belize Schedule Released

Feb 17, 2012 ... The Belize Foreign Affairs Protocol Office has released the official schedule for Prince Harry's visit to Belize w...

I am biased, but I really think Belize may be the Prince's favorite stop on the tour.

Prince Harry arrives in Belize on first Royal solo tour - Telegraph

15 hours ago ... Prince Harry arrives in Belize on first Royal solo tour. Prince Harry has arrived in Belize at the start of a 10-day t...

Hah! "They're not with me..."

Harry's first gaffe http://bit.ly/yjsz02
— Royalist · Fri, Mar 02 2012 16:12:07

Game on. #PrinceHarry (@ Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport (BZE)) http://4sq.com/wKG5Wq
— JC Cuellar · Fri, Mar 02 2012 12:52:21

Rolling out the royal red carpet – Prince Harry’s here! #RoyalBelize RT @MaxFosterCNN http://yfrog.com/o0940wrj · Belize Tourism Board

Stunning pic of #PrinceHarry & #Belize First Lady Kim Simplis-Barrow. Courtesy @djspecialbze http://pic.twitter.com/opryfySw · Holly Edgell

Prince Harry enjoyed himself at our Belizean Street Fest in Belmopan. More details from @telegraph here: http://tgr.ph/wYtzbp #RoyalBelize
— Belize Tourism Board · Sat, Mar 03 2012 06:44:29

#PrinceHarry danced punta at street festival tonight in #Belmopan, #Belize.
— JC Cuellar · Fri, Mar 02 2012 19:48:38

Yeah, he did. Check out these moves.

Video: Diamond Jubilee: Prince Harry parties on visit to Belize ...

3 hours ago ... Prince Harry arrived in Belize for the first leg of a week-long tour of three Commonwealth realms as the Queen's re...

EVERY BELIZEAN MUST SEE THIS................. THE MAN HAVE RHYTHM ********NICE
— Sharon E Williams · Fri, Mar 02 2012 22:45:23

What a great opportunity for the Belizean media!

Special guest at international press meeting in #Belize for #PrinceHarry. ;) #BelikinBeer http://yfrog.com/nti26nbj · JC Cuellar