We are four months from one of the most historic censuses in U.S. history. The major theme of this census: The historic racial changes in 21st century America.

The census story now well under way will continue through May 2011 and beyond. We suggest that you create a three-part coverage plan:

1. Covering the Count. The story now to July 2010.
2. What’s at stake? The winners and losers. December 2010 - May 2011.
3. The real Census story. The kids. April 2011 to the future.

Two senators want to return a citizenship question to the 2010 census. On Oct. 7 Republican Senators Bob Bennett, Utah, and David Vitter, La., introduced an amendment to stop funding the 2010 census unless it includes a question of citizenship status.

“If the current census plan goes ahead, the inclusion of non-citizens toward apportionment will artificially increase the population count in certain states, and that will likely result in the loss of congressional seats for nine other states, including Louisiana,” said Vitter in an Oct. 16 press release.