Journalists do stupid things. We err, eavesdrop, plagiarize, fake stories and indulge in coverups that, were anyone else doing it, would leave us roaring with pitying laughter. When we get caught, it’s our version of “stupid criminal tricks.” We also tell you about these missteps, these ethical failures and sometimes criminal acts. That’s why it’s easy to teach my “Media Ethics and Missteps” at UC’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute each autumn. Reality is my textbook.    

Political columnist Howard Wilkinson and longtime photographer Michael Keating are among the 26 employees who are leaving The Enquirer as part of a buyout deal. Last week was the deadline for editors at the newspaper to decide whether to accept voluntary “early retirement” buyouts from employees.   

The Enquirer’s top two sports editors are resigning from the newspaper, and 26 other staffers reportedly are ready to depart soon. Assistant Managing Editor/Sports Barry Forbis and Deputy Sports Editor Rory Glynn announced their resignations last week in separate emails to fellow staffers.   

CityBeat Editor Danny Cross addresses the company's decision to accept an advertisement from a local organization offering support for unwanted same-gender attractions.  

Are increasingly militarized local police — helmets, assault rifles, black uniforms and boots, etc. — using excessive force more often than previous generations? Or has technology — cell phones and YouTube — made any use of force, whether excessive or justified, easier to document?