Blizzard Bears Down

Northeast braces for historic storm

In recent years, the Boston area hasn't been hit by any major snowstorms. But that is all about to change.

A major winter storm has begun moving dropping heavy snow, ice, and rain on the northeastern part of the United States. The storm has been named Nemo by the Weather Channel, and it could bring one of the largest blizzards this section of the country has ever seen.

Read the rest of the story on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website! And share your stories and experiences of the storm in the comments section below!

Photo: Kevin Quick plows a slushy mix during a winter storm in Buffalo, New York, on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/David Duprey)

—Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg 

The view inside Romney HQ

Last night, hundreds of people from around the world gathered at the Boston Convention and Expo Center to see if their choice for President, former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney, would be the next President of the United State. His hopeful supporters waited for hours to get into the center. Even Donald Trump was there to show his support for Governor Romney. The mood was calm but happy, A sort of “We got this” feeling was in the air.

As I talked to supporters, they seemed happy but also a little nervous. “I’m not sure who will (win), but I hope its Romney,” said Lisa Gibbs from Birmingham, Alabama.

As the votes came in, Romney held a small. early lead. But President Obama kept it tight right and was right on Romney’s tail. People outside started to get more excited and people started answering my questions as if Romney had already won. “We came from Baltimore early this morning to watch history be made here,” said Joe Tristani.

Though Romney had a small lead, he lost it very quickly and became neck and neck with Obama. There was a new sort of tension in the air with people starting to realize that Romney might not be the next President. His supporters went back to saying “if” he wins. I asked supporters what they thought the most important issue in America is and how Romney would help solve it if elected. Nancy Young of Massachusetts said, “We hope to get rid of Obamacare and get the healthcare plan back on track.” Others like Janet Fogerti thought that the economy was the biggest issue.  “I think the biggest issue is the economy but also national security,” she said. 

At 11:30 p.m., most of the national TV news outlets had projected Ohio would be won by Obama, which would mean he won re-election. Governor Romney's campaign wasn't ready to concede defeat — they wanted to see more results come in from Ohio first. But as the night went on, Obama won more states and it was clear Romney would not be the winner.

At 12:55 a.m., Romney took the stage at the convention center to deliver his concession speech. His speech was gracious. He thanked his family and staff, as well as his supporters and his running mate, Paul Ryan. “Next to Ann,” Romney said, “Paul is the best choice I’ve ever made.”

Romney also said he wanted the country to pull together and get to work fixing the nation's problems. "The nation, as you know, is at a critical point," Romney said. "At a time like this, we can't risk partisan bickering and political posturing. Our leaders have to reach across the aisle to do the people's work. And we citizens also have to rise to the occasion.

He then gave advice on how Americans, as working people, can help fix the economy. "This election is over, but our principles endure," Romney said. "I believe that the principles upon which this nation was founded are the only sure guide to a resurgent economy and to a new greatness."

When he finished his speech, his family, as well as Ryan and Ryan's family, came together on the stage to thank their supporters.

—Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg

Photo: Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg outside Mitt Romney's campaign night event in Boston. (Courtesy Coleman Hirschberg)

Editor's note: Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg had to leave the Romney event early because he got sick as the night wore on. As a result, he wasn't able to speak to Romney supporters after Romney delivered his concession speech.

Four More Years!

President Barack Obama defeats Mitt Romney to earn another term

After months of campaigning, the 2012 presidential election came to an end last night.

President Barack Obama defeated former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney to earn four more years in the White House.

President Obama won the popular vote 50 percent to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning. But he won nearly 300 electoral votes, with Florida still not called for either candidate. The first candidate to 270 electoral votes is declared the winner.

At a rowdy Election Night event in Chicago, was met with wild, loud, and long cheers. First Lady Michelle Obama joined him on stage, then left the President by himself to deliver his victory speech. 

Check out the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website for the rest of the story!

—Kid Reporters Natalie Wexler and Coleman Hirschberg

Photo: President Barack Obama waves as he walks on stage with First Lady Michelle Obama and daughters Malia and Sasha at his election night party Wednesday, November 7, 2012, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) 

Election 2012: My night at Romney HQ

The first primary in the country is always the most exciting and last night was no exception. Even though Mitt Romney was predicted to win, the question was still how big of a win it was going to be. Fortunately for Romney, he won with 40 percent of the vote, 17 percent ahead of second place, Congressman Ron Paul. This was a record-setting vote because it was the first where a non-incumbent Republican candidate for President has won both the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary.

Last night I went to Romney’s victory party. After going to four different polling locations, looking for Romney sign holders to interview, interestingly there were only Ron Paul supporters and only Romney lawn signs. After striking out on sign holders, I went back to his victory party which was held in a small cafeteria at Southern New Hampshire University. I walked into the press entrance, got my credentials, and went to stake out the building. There was a big line going to a desk for passes to get into his speech and people waiting in line to see the speech even though he wasn’t coming for hours.

After scoping out the room, I decided to go to the overflow room where people from all around the world came together to see who would win the first primary in the nation. The party had a very upbeat vibe with people singing and dancing to music and the occasional “Mitt 2012!” 

After talking to people I decided to go back to the room where Romney was to do his speech. Romney came out of the box swinging with a speech of thanks and directed attacks on Obama, not his fellow Republican candidates. Romney made it clear that he was not going to stop until he was President.  

After his speech I decided to go to the elevator he would come out of and get a quote. Unfortunately, Romney wouldn’t even look at me and the other reporters. I then raced over to the “overflow” room where he was to give a second speech thanking those supporters. Once again he refused to answer my question of “What would be the first thing you would do as president?”  Maybe he’ll answer that question at his next stop, South Carolina…

—Kid Reporter Coleman Hirschberg

Photo: Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney addresses supporters after his victory in the New Hampshire primary on January 10. (Photo courtesy Coleman Hirschberg)