WPCNR'S THE MUCKRAKERS NOTEBOOK. June 29, 2008: Since everyone out there in the news is having a lot of trouble with straight talk these days on fuel, the economy, the property tax, the sales tax, affordable housing, it's time to check in with the iconette of  female reporters, Superman's Girlfriend, Lois Lane, the intrepid, nosy, fast-talking, look-you-in-the-eye, and ask-the-hard-question reporter from the comics. Here's our favorite brunette on credibility:

"Sure he seems to have everyone's best interests at  heart, but as a reporter, I never take anyone at face value. Especially if he can fly."

"You're a journalist, Jimmy, and a journalist is committed to the truth. Sometimes people do get hurt when the truth comes out, but as a society, we're better off when it happens."

"Run with your story, Jimmy. If you're telling the truth, you have nothing to apologize for."

"Listen, you little weasel, if you don't come clean with me, I'm gonna come down to city hall and punch your lights out!"

Lois Lane, Illustration of Ms. Lane, (c) 2004. DC Comics The DC Comics Encyclopedia. From the WPCNR Collection