Michael Stainbrook - Summer 2011
I have enjoyed journalism ever since I began reading the newspaper in third grade. At first, my interest merely involved the sports section, but my reading habits have grown more diverse and critical since then.
My first reporting experience came at St. John's Jesuit High School in Toledo, Ohio, as a contributor to the school's magazine, which I also edited for two years. My faculty adviser helped me refine my skills and understand the basics of journalism.
After working part time for Toledo Free Press, I enrolled in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University. I quickly became involved as a copy editor and sports writer for The Post, the independent student-run newspaper in Athens, Ohio. Within two months, I was promoted to the position of staff writer. Since then, I have covered sports ranging from women's soccer to football. I have been named The Post’s sports editor for the 2011-2012 school year.
Last summer, I interned at Toledo Free Press. My work included pressing issues for the city, including the first casino in the state, proposed sweeping changes to county government and law enforcement on the region's waterways.
In December, I traveled to Los Angeles after been named a recipient of the Jim Murray Memorial Foundation Scholarship. This award is given to five aspiring sportswriting students annually based on an essay addressing challenges in the media industry.
I look forward to immersing myself in what Washington has to offer with the goal of further refining my craft as a journalist.
TSA administrator addresses future of airport security
August 11, 2011 3:53 pm 
Click on photo to enlarge or download: John S. Pistole, administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, is looking into advanced intelligence techniques for airport security that could speed the process for passengers and provide better protection. SHFWire photo by Michael StainbrookWASHINGTON – On Sept. 11, 2001, John S. Pistole was an FBI agent going about his normal duties in Rochester, N.Y. A decade after terrorists breached American airport security and killed thousands, he is leading the effort to prevent future attacks.
American men try to snap out of tennis slump
August 5, 2011 4:48 pm
Click on photo to enlarge or download: John Isner, left, and James Blake shake hands after Isner won their third-round match Thursday at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic in Washington. Despite the players’ competitive match, American tennis players aren’t winning as many Grand Slam titles as they used to. SHFWire photo by Michael Stainbrook.WASHINGTON - Tennis is a sport steeped in tradition. It's also a game in the midst of an evolution.
House members, sports leaders support safety, more activity for kids
July 27, 2011 3:16 pm 
Click on photo to enlarge or download: Former National Hockey League star Pat LaFontaine speaks on Capitol Hill Wednesday during an event to introduce legislation about youth sports. LaFontaine, whose frequent concussions required him to retire early, advocates for advanced safety measures. SHFWire photo by Michael StainbrookWASHINGTON – A team of House members, athletes and coaches met on Capitol Hill Wednesday to announce legislation aimed at improving sports for young Americans.
San Francisco Giants celebrate World Series win at White House
July 25, 2011 5:36 pm
Click on photo to enlarge or download: San Francisco Giants manager Bruce Bochy, left, former Giants outfielder Willie Mays, President Barack Obama and Giants general manager Brian Sabean show off a jersey the team gave to the president during Obama's reception for the Giants at the White House Monday. SHFWire photo by Michael StainbrookWASHINGTON – In the heat of debt ceiling negotiations and another pennant race, President Barack Obama and the San Francisco Giants met at the White House Monday to celebrate the Giants’ 2010 World Series championship.
Senators, officials say country must invest in bridges, roads, rails
July 20, 2011 4:28 pmWASHINGTON – Fast trains going nowhere fast, outdated bridges and crumbling roads highlighted a Senate hearing Wednesday to discuss investments in American transportation.
Clemens gets mistrial in perjury case; judge faults prosecutors
July 14, 2011 3:25 pm
Click on photo to enlarge or download: Roger Clemens leaves the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse in Washington after a mistrial was declared in his perjury case Thursday. A hearing Sept. 2 will determine if he can be retried or if he is protected under double jeopardy. SHFWire photo by Michael StainbrookWASHINGTON – A misstep by government lawyers led to a mistrial in Roger Clemens’ perjury case Thursday.
Exciting morning, dry afternoon mark 1st day of Clemens’ trial
July 13, 2011 5:41 pmWASHINGTON – While the opening day of testimony in Roger Clemens’ perjury trial began with the glamour of finely crafted opening statements, it ended with the disillusionment that even high-profile cases involve technical facts and dry evidence.
Lawyers outline prosecution, defense as Clemens’ trial gets underway
July 13, 2011 12:33 pmWASHINGTON – Just before 9 a.m. Wednesday, a glance at the lawyers for either side in Roger Clemens’ perjury trial might have shown this was just another day in court. Defense attorney Rusty Hardin sported a light brown suit contrasted by a bright yellow tie. He smiled and stopped to talk to a pair of children on his way to the courtroom. Government attorneys Steven Durham and Daniel Butler quietly prepared for the day’s proceedings.
Jury set for Clemens’ perjury trial, opening statements to start Wednesday
July 12, 2011 5:41 pmWASHINGTON – After three days of straightforward jury selection in Roger Clemens’ perjury trial, Tuesday’s proceedings involved several curveballs and knuckleballs.
Jury selection in Clemens trial speeds up to a crawl
July 7, 2011 6:50 pmWASHINGTON - Jury selection in Roger Clemens’ perjury trial continued its meticulous pace Thursday and included another detour discussion about audio recordings.
