Meet the Des Moines Register staff: News director and politics editor Mike Trautmann

Job: News director/politics editor

Years at the Register: 6

I grew up in: Hecla, South Dakota

I live in: Urbandale

I graduated from: South Dakota State University

Family: Married; four dogs (two corgis, a Great Pyrenees and a border collie mix)

Email: mtrautmann@gannett.com

Why journalism? My parents and teachers always told me I loved to challenge authority. Journalism gave me the avenue to do that. I still hold by the maxim: “Comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

My major responsibilities are: I oversee the Register’s health, education and politics coverage, including the Legislature and elections, as well as the Iowa Caucuses. I also work with the USA TODAY Network’s national politics coverage and help manage overall Register news operations.

I like my job because: The Register has always swung above its weight class with its political coverage. People across the nation look to our newsroom to get a jumpstart on the presidential elections.

Some of the major stories I’ve been involved in helping cover recently: Iowa’s book ban, Iowa Caucuses and swing-state presidential election coverage with the USA TODAY Network.

Some stories my team is working on next: Priorities in the Iowa Legislature, mental health of Iowans, and immigration policy impact.

When I’m not working, I like to: Read, run (usually after my dogs) and rummage through flea markets

My favorite Iowa haunt: Gray’s Lake and the Great Western Trail. There’s no better way to put in some miles and get away from it all.

Fun fact about me: I once put down a bet in the Kentucky Derby on the wrong horse, mistakenly picking a 50-1 long shot. Shockingly, he won, reaping me an $800 windfall. Every year after, my Louisville Courier Journal colleagues would ask me who I would accidentally pick this time. (I’m also a strong defender of year-round candy corn.)

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet Des Moines Register news director, politics editor Mike Trautmann

EMEA Tribune is not involved in this news article, it is taken from our partners and or from the News Agencies. Copyright and Credit go to the News Agencies, email news@emeatribune.com Follow our WhatsApp verified Channel