As the journalism industry rapidly evolves and as threats to press freedom escalate, accountability journalism continues to be critical to a healthy democracy. FOIA Fest equips journalists with the practical skills, tips and strategy necessary to successfully leverage the Freedom of Information Act and other investigative tactics in their reporting. […]
The Chicago Headline Club and the Investigative Project on Race and Equity are accepting applications for the 2026 FOIA Fest Boot Camp, a four-month training and mentorship program for Chicago-based reporters. We seek diverse, talented early career applicants committed to equity-focused journalism who want guidance in accountability reporting. Applicants must […]
On Saturday, March 21, FOIA Fest will equip journalists with the practical skills, tips and strategy necessary to successfully leverage the Freedom of Information Act and other investigative tactics in their reporting.The annual public records conference will include pressing conversations about the legal challenges and limitations to information that newsrooms […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Welcome to FOIAIllinois.org’s blog page! We want you to use this space to stay updated on newsworthy Freedom of Information Act happenings, share your gripes and accomplishments in acquiring data using Illinois’ FOIA policies in general and with specific agencies, brainstorm solutions to problems plaguing individuals or the larger community, […]
A great example of FOIA requests uncovering new information–and keeping important stories in the headlines–popped up Monday with the release of photos depicting the environmental impact of the BP oil spill in April 2010. From the Huffington Post: According to a Greenpeace press release, the environmental group filed a Freedom […]
Big news out of South Carolina for transparency and FOIA access. The state House almost unanimously passed a bill that makes it more difficult for legislators to keep government records from journalists and the public. From the Herald Online: The bill also included an amendment that makes legislators’ memos and […]
And in Richmond, Va., FOIA requests from the Richmond Times-Dispatch and the Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project will lead to the release of 78 post-conviction DNA test results on July 1. From the Times-Dispatch: An amendment to the state budget, passed by the General Assembly last month, directs the release of the […]
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