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CPS closes the door on public session

July 8, 2016 admin 0

The Chicago Public School, according to a piece written by DNAInfo’s Stephanie Lulay, ( CPS Kicks Reporters Out)  the meeting was about school expansion.  Lulay wrote that “…WBEZ education reporter Sarah Karp and Chicago Sun-Times reporter Andy Grimm were barred from entering the public meeting. This DNAinfo Chicago reporter was escorted out of the meeting […]

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CAC sets “Democracy Night” July 12

July 8, 2016 admin 0

The Citizen Advocacy Center will host “Democracy Night” from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday. The event will showcase work by CAC interns. The event is free, but RSVPs are encouraged by phone at (630) 833-4080 or by email at cac@citizenadvocacycenter.org. Additional information is at: CAC Democracy Night

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Court ruling lifts injunction blocking police records

July 12, 2016 admin 0

The Better Government Association (bettergov.org) scored a major victory when The Illinois Appellate Court lifted an injunction blocking the release of alleged police misconduct records. In a release, the BGA said “…The BGA is pleased with the outcome and hails the ruling by the Illinois Appellate Court as a victory […]

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The FOIA at 50

July 19, 2016 admin 0

The 50th anniversary of the federal Freedom of Information Act has given way to state laws, but, writes the BGA’s Andy Shaw, the need for access to public records is greater than ever before. Shaw’s view can be found at FOIA at 50: Public records law important, often ignored   […]

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Governor signs “Molly’s Law”

July 19, 2016 admin 0

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner’s office announced today that Rauner signed “Molly’s Law” which “..extend the period of time in which a victim’s family can file a wrongful death lawsuit where the act is intentional and violent in nature.” According to the release: “…These bills strengthen Illinois’ Freedom of Information Act […]

FOIA 101: Crafting a Records Request

August 20, 2017 admin 0

Here are some pro tips on filing a FOIA request in Illinois, including what’s available under state law, how to file a request and what to do if you’re denied. The expert panel included Casey Toner, Jared Rutecki, Katie Drews, and was moderated by Brett Chase. This video was taken […]

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FOIA and Student Journalists

August 20, 2017 admin 0

Often student journalists have to jump extra hurdles to get access to public information, from administrators censoring or trying to control the flow of information to not getting a FOIA request answered on time (or even at all). Rachel Hinton, Peter Grieve, Nader Issa, Megan Bennett, and moderator Richelle Rogers […]

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FOIA Under Rauner and Emanuel

August 20, 2017 admin 0

Is it harder to get public information these days? Are the days of hiding emails in personal accounts over? Experts will weigh in these issues and more. Mick Dumke, Bill Ruthhart, Stacy St. Clair and Jeff Coen weigh in. This video was taken during FOIA Fest 2017, which brought journalists […]

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FOIA Fest 2017 Keynote: David Cuillier

August 20, 2017 admin 0

David Cuillier, Director of the University of Arizona School of Journalism and Former Chair of SPJ’s Freedom of Information Committee, kicks off FOIA Fest 2017. This video was taken during FOIA Fest 2017, which brought journalists together to share tips and tools on how to dig for the truth using […]