<DIV>Based on the premise that a fresh approach is needed in public affairs journalism, this guide offers real-world examples of reporting and writing that put citizens in the center of public debates, educate them on important issues, and break with convention to give energy to civic news. With dozens of exercises for both the classroom and newsroom, budding journalists get pointers on story selection and ways to use lively writing to engage readers and keep them coming back on a daily basis.</DIV>