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Kathryn Koch

Katie Koch is a senior studying journalism and political science at Boston University. This semester she will intern for the New Republic and report for the New London Day. While in Boston, she worked for Harvard Magazine, Boston Review and Bostonia, BU’s alumni quarterly, where she was the first student to serve as a staff writer and editor. For two years she cohosted a radio show on WTBU, the campus radio station, and wrote about film for BU’s student newspaper. She is looking forward to learning the ins and outs of the District and hopes to spot at least one New York Times columnist on the street.

STORIES WRITTEN:

Colleges rethink private lenders’ role in financing education 

WASHINGTON, April 23 – In the midst of rising tuition, dried-up consumer credit and a grim job market, the University of Connecticut has begun a campaign this spring to let students know that at least one aspect of their finances is secure: their federal student loans. 

Feminist turned princess represents Connecticut in D.C. festival 

WASHINGTON, April 4 —Liz Malerba, a self-proclaimed feminist with a women’s studies degree, came to Washington two years ago to work in government and make a difference for women. 

But on Friday night, as she filed in to the ballroom of a downtown Washington hotel dressed in a long white gown and elbow-length gloves, she was filling a more unexpected role: princess. 

Congress considers effects of high court decision on tribal lands  

WASHINGTON, April 1 —A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that could have major implications for Southeastern Connecticut’s Indian tribes has prompted Congress to launch an investigation into the annexation of tribal lands—and could result in a law overturning the decision.

Rethinking defense spending in face of budget debate

WASHINGTON, March 26 —The Defense Department must reform how it acquires its weapons and other military goods, a leading conservative group said Thursday. But these reforms, the Heritage Foundation said, should give the military more freedom to pursue new projects, not less.

Military brass answer to Congress on suicides

WASHINGTON, March 18 —In response to what a senator called an “alarming” increase in the number of military suicides over the past year, several top military officials gathered to defend their efforts to prevent suicides before a Senate Armed Services subcommittee Wednesday.

Submarine suppliers descend on Capitol to lobby, secure funding

WASHINGTON, March 5 —It was hard to miss the victorious mood at Thursday’s Submarine Industrial Base Council breakfast, where submarine builders and suppliers from across the country mingled with members of Congress to kick off a day of visits to members’ offices on Capitol Hill.

Adm. Allen stresses need for modernization in annual address

WASHINGTON, March 3 —Anticipating a tight budget in the midst of the current fiscal crisis, Adm. Thad W. Allen, Coast Guard commandant, said Tuesday that the Coast Guard must focus on modernizing its communications and processes before upgrading its fleet. 

Courtney had support from business interests in 2008

WASHINGTON, Feb. 26 —What a difference two years can make in politics.

 Rep. Joe Courtney’s win in his first reelection campaign last November—he  trounced Republican challenger Sean Sullivan by a 33-point margin—proved he could muster the broad majorities his 2nd District predecessor, Republican Rob Simmons, once commanded.

Dodd, DeLauro introduce bills to reach volunteers, young and old

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 —Responding to what he called “a moment for national service,” Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., introduced four bills Tuesday that would increase federal spending for community volunteer initiatives.

Courtney speaks out on expansion of children's health insurance

[TO BE ADDED TO WIRE COPY BY EDITORS AT THE DAY]

“We are going to move forward as a country towards universal health coverage,” Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District, said on the House floor. “Today will go down in history as an important step forward to accomplish that much-needed goal.” 

Under the new law, the expanded program will insure 24,700 new children in Connecticut, according to a Congressional Research Service report.

Dodd and Lieberman speak out for funds to help housing market

WASHINGTON, Feb. 4 – As the Senate debated its economic stimulus package this week, Sens. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn., and Chris Dodd, D-Conn., spoke out for increased funds to get the housing market back on track—a key component, both said, of America’s economic recovery.

Lieberman, Courtney address Gates’ remarks on defense spending

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27 – Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Congress Tuesday that one of his major goals is to fix the “long-standing systemic problems” in how the government acquires military goods and services with taxpayer dollars—a process that for years has brought billions of dollars in defense spending to Eastern Connecticut.

For locals, the hurdles of the inauguration were well worth it

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 – For the lucky few from Connecticut who managed to obtain tickets for the presidential inauguration of Barack Obama, it was like winning the lottery. Getting there, however, was another story.

Oakdale native among Coast Guard cadets in inaugural parade

WASHINGTON, Jan. 20 – Nearly 90 cadets from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy marched in Tuesday’s inaugural parade, and Oakdale native and third-class cadet Richard Kyle Coleman was excited to be among them.

For Conn. College student, a long journey from Colombia to D.C.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 18 – It took Alexandra Felfle nearly two days to travel from her hometown of Barranquilla, Colombia, to the Hilton Washington. Still, she arrived at the hotel Saturday smiling and poised, ready to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama. 

New London mayor excited to attend Obama’s swearing-in

WASHINGTON, Jan. 16 – Hundreds of the nation’s mayors will descend on Washington this weekend for the annual winter meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors. New London’s mayor, the Rev. Wade A. Hyslop Jr., will be among them but he’s less interested in attending lectures and panel discussions than in witnessing the main event.