Customizing Google News

"How do you keep up with criminal justice system-related news coverage around the state?," a reader emails to ask. I get this question quite a bit, so if you ever wondered the same thing, here's how I responded:

I'd suggest personalizing your Google News pages. You can pick your own search term to substitute for "World", "U.S." "Sports," "Science," etc..

First you have to create a Google account; if you use gmail you already have one. Then go to the Google News page and on the top right it should have a link to "Personalize" your page. The directions are pretty self explanatory, and it picks up your search terms for all Google News sources. My search terms change over time and depending on current interests, but the ones I'm using right now are listed below:

	snitch
	informant
	Texas police
	forensic lab
	Texas county jail
	Texas deputy
	Texas probation
	Texas prison
	immigration
	wrongful conviction
	marijuana
	Nuevo Laredo
	Veracruz Mexico
	Texas border
	methamphetamine
	Texas Longhorns
	Texas Youth Commission
	Texas Department of Criminal Justice
	prison ministry
	Mexico drugs

Whatever your interest, Google's custom news feeds give you access to a much broader array of sources on topics that concern you than whatever the daily newspaper deems fit to print. For folks with particularized information needs like Grits, it's a Godsend.

BTW, feel free to suggest additional criminal justice search terms you think Grits should monitor in the comments.