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FOIA isn’t just about data and numbers but people, too

February 23, 2021 admin 0

By Dyana Daniels Adeshina Emmanuel understands that submitting a FOIA request isn’t just about getting data – it’s about the people behind those numbers. “The only reason that we want to FOIA … is because of people – because there’s some impact or harm that we’re trying to understand,” said […]

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This information belongs to you

February 23, 2021 admin 0

By Camilla Forte A panel of legal experts, journalists and community organizers shed light on key aspects of Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act during the first day of the Headline Club’s annual FOIAFest, sharing tips for filing requests, following up and organizing data that is helpful to community organizers. Panelists […]

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FOIA should be used to investigate police, prisons but go beyond documents

February 23, 2021 admin 0

By Isaiah Colbert Using Freedom of Information Act laws can help journalists tell the story of policing and prisons – and ensure people’s lived experiences are more accurately reflected, said reporters speaking Saturday at the Chicago Headline Club’s FOIAFest 2021. While databases like those created as part of the Invisible […]

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FOIA helps keep bad actors accountable, bolsters environmental reporting

February 23, 2021 admin 0

By Camilla Forte Local Chicago reporters outlined Sunday how FOIA was used to break a key story surrounding the Hilco demolition in May 2020, exposing that city officials had neglected the many environmental concerns raised by residents and other stakeholders before the stacks were leveled. Chicago Sun-Times reporter Brett Chase, […]

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Staying organized key to using FOIA for investigative stories

February 23, 2021 admin 0

By Mari Devereaux In journalism, finding even the smallest bit of information can lead to an investigative project that requires hundreds of files and dozens of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.  That was the consensus Saturday as several investigative reporters discussed how to use and keep track of FOIA […]

Headline Club History: A visit from South Vietnam’s Madame Nhu

February 22, 2021 admin 0

As the Chicago Headline Club turns 100 this year, we’re looking back on notable moments in our history. Here’s a remembrance from former Headline Club president Howard Dubin: During a public relations tour of the U.S. in the fall of 1963, Madame Nhu. Vietnam’s de facto first lady, spoke to […]

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Mug Shot Fairness

February 17, 2021 admin 0

dworkenlaw.com image   By Casey Bukro Ethics AdviceLine for Journalists In a history spanning centuries of reporting the news, newspapers have never been good at forgetting or looking away. But now they are beginning to learn how to do that for humanitarian reasons, or to curtail their interest in past […]

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Two Views of Objectivity

February 10, 2021 admin 0

    By Hugh Miller and Casey Bukro Ethics AdviceLine for Journalists Think of objectivity as a philosopher, by definition a person engaged in the study of reality. Now think of objectivity as a journalist concerned with ethics, the search for right or good conduct. This article will travel down […]