Scripps National Spelling Bee

Could the wheezing fate of America's newspapers crush even the hearts of young children? You bet! The National Spelling Bee, which famously felled contestant Ben Bernanke in 1965 -- the word he couldn't handle was "edelweiss" -- has inspired books, movies, and even a Broadway musical in recent years, and some 5 million viewers tuned in to catch the final rounds on ABC in 2008. But youngsters vie for a modest $37,600 in cash and savings bonds only after winning regional competitions mostly sponsored by local newspapers. Small daily rags and even a few big-city ones have been folding fast -- several dozen so far in 2009, including Denver's Rocky Mountain News, which has produced seven champions over the years. So some communities are grumbling that Scripps needs a new competition model. Mr. President, we want a bee b-a-i-l-o-u-t. -- KR

Tue, May 26
S-p-e-l-l
Scripps National Spelling Bee
Washington, D.C.

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