BURNS, Ore. — There was no room at the inn last night after the Washington Examiner arrived and took the last spot. Normally at this cold and dreary time of the year, the manager of America’s Best Value Inn said she has vacancies aplenty. But for the last week or so it’s been booked solid.

Other hotels are similarly strained. The difference is journalists and possibly federal law enforcement. She estimated that at least 10 journalists were occupying rooms (and paying for them!), and news teams constantly come and go.