My favorite nut graphs: O.J. Simpson, Wall Street Winner, Trumpcare

Yueqi Yang
Jul 21, 2017 · 3 min read
(Credit: Pixabay)

(NEW YORK) — As someone who reads and writes to make a living, I decide to compile a list of five nut graphs every weekend to highlight the most important news of the week. They will showcase journalists’ best effort to capture those historical moments in a few sentences — the nutshell paragraph.

The “nut graph” is the essence of a story. Usually located after the intro paragraph, it encapsulates the key tension of the event and illustrates its significance in light of a larger context. Like a roadmap, it tells you what to expect, but doesn’t spoil the fun.

A journalist who can write a good nut graph is someone who sees the big picture, puts things into perspective, and conveys them in the most concise yet powerful language. In a newsroom, such ability is an enviable skill. As a young reporter, I’d like to think it will come eventually with years of reading and reflecting.

Here’s my list this week:

№. 5 Wall Street’s new winner: Morgan Stanley beats Goldman Sachs

“The surprising turnabout between the two rivals shows just how much has changed on Wall Street since the financial crisis: Boring is beating swashbuckling. ​”

Liz Hoffman writes in the Wall Street Journal. “Morgan Stanley, Goldman Earnings Highlight Firms’ Diverging Paths Since Crisis,” July 19, 2017.

№. 4 Trump fails to sell healthcare bill

“Fear is perhaps the most powerful motivating force in politics, and fear of a powerful president is the surest lever to move a lawmaker from a “no” to a “yes” on a presidential priority. But over the past month, Mr. Trump scared no one into supporting the bill to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. He has proved simply too unpopular nationally — polling at 36 to 40 percent approval this week — too weak in many senators’ home states, too erratic and too disengaged from the details of governing to harness his party, as other new presidents have.”

Glenn Thrush and Maggie Haberman write in the New York Times. “Inspiring Little Fear in Senators, Trump Struggles to Sell Health Bill” July 20, 2017

№. 3 HK pro-democracy lawmakers removed

“The decision to remove the four lawmakers, who are considering an appeal, deprives the democratic opposition in Hong Kong’s partially elected Legislative Council of the numbers to block some major legislation. It will exacerbate the bitter divisions that are riling the city of 7.4m people, where Beijing has increased its interventions despite promising ‘a high degree of autonomy’ to Hong Kong for 50 years from 1997.”

Ben Bland writes in the Financial Times. “Hong Kong shaken by removal of pro-democracy lawmakers.” July 14, 2017.

№. 2 Roger Federer makes history again

Roger Federer’s record-setting 19th major victory unfolded under threatening skies here Sunday, but with no hint of trouble on court. He lost just eight games against an opponent in Marin Cilic who was hobbled by an injured foot. It took 101 minutes. From the Swiss, the most memorable emotion came minutes after he won the last point with an ace: He sat in his on-court chair, looked into the stands at his support team, his wife and children, and cried.”

Kurt Street writes in ESPN. “Somehow, Roger Federer keeps pushing the boundaries of greatness.” July 18, 2017

№. 1 O.J. Simpson wins parole

“No celebrity so big had been tried for a crime so severe, and a generation later, he stands as someone who unwittingly helped shape the modern news media and popular ideas about the law, police, race relations and Los Angeles, the city he once called home.”

Richard Pérez-Peña writes in the New York Times. “O.J. Simpson Wins Parole, Claiming He Has Led a ‘Conflict-Free Life’”, July 20, 2017.

My readers, if you spot a nut graph worth spreading, please kindly comment below or email me. If you’d like to subscribe, please drop a note to yueqiy@gmail.com.

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