A couple of quick links from SPJ

The Society of Professional Journalists is promoting two pretty nice links in its latest e-letter.

First is John Marshall's "News Gems" blog in which the Northwestern professor tries to spotlight some of the best of U.S. journalism. As Marshall puts it: While the media deserve much of the criticism they have received, many reporters do excellent work every day around the country. News Gems features these examples of stories with thorough, enterprising reporting and great writing from newspapers, television, radio, magazines and Web sites.

Second is the news that SPJ has updated the part of its Web site devoted to state rules regarding access to prisons. It's an invaluable guide, well worth being in every reporter's and editor's bookmarks.