FOIA Fest 2025 Speaker Bios

February 21, 2025 Marissa Nelson 0

The Chicago Headline Club is thrilled to share the lineup of speakers for FOIA Fest 2025. This is a list of speakers who have shared their biographies ahead of time. Review ahead of the conference to prepare. Find the full program here and get your ticket here. Adam Rhodes, Training Director, […]

FOIA Fest 2025 Online Resource

March 1, 2025 Marissa Nelson 0

Accountability reporting is a fundamental part of journalism — particularly as governmental bodies (locally and federally) prove to be less cooperative with media. FOIA Fest is the Chicago Headline Club’s annual public records conference, designed to build and reinforce investigative reporting skills for early career and seasoned journalists alike. FOIA […]

FOIA Fest 2025 tickets now on sale

January 22, 2025 Marissa Nelson 0

Accountability reporting is a critical function of journalism — particularly as Chicago governmental bodies are less cooperative and as the Trump Administration, which has proven to be hostile towards the press, begins its second term.  On Saturday, March 22, FOIA Fest will explore what a second stint in the White […]

These are the finalists for the 2023 Peter Lisagor Awards

March 29, 2024 Marissa Nelson 0

The finalists for the 2023 Peter Lisagor Awards, represent some of the best journalism produced in Illinois and northwest Indiana from across print, digital, and broadcast media. Our thanks to everyone who submitted nominations for consideration. Entries were judged by an out-of-state SPJ chapter. Award recipients will be announced at […]

2024 FOIA Fest Tip Sheet

March 17, 2024 Jillian Melero 0

Recommendations and resources for before, during, and after filing a FOIA request FOIA Fest is the Chicago Headline Club’s signature event dedicated to public records reporting, and is held annually in recognition of Freedom of Information Day. Freedom of Information Day promotes the public’s right to know and access to […]

FOIAfest 2024: Full Program Announcement

March 6, 2024 Marissa Nelson 0

Our annual public records conference, FOIA Fest, is returning as a one-day in person event on Saturday, March 16 at Loyola University Chicago’s downtown campus. Below is the full program for FOIA Fest. If you don’t have tickets, you can still purchase them. Scroll to the bottom of the program […]