SPJ Foundation awards $15,000 to support 2027 FOIA Fest
SPJ Foundation awards $15,000 to support FOIA Fest 2027, the Chicago Headline Club’s annual public-records training program for journalists.
FOIAFest
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Grants $80K in Support of Watchdog Reporting
Funding will support FOIAFest, the Watchdog Award and journalism training initiatives The Chicago Headline Club Foundation has received an $80,000 grant from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation to support the Chicago Headline Club’s ongoing efforts to strengthen journalism, government transparency and public accountability. Over two years, the grant will help […]
Winners for the Chicago Headline Club’s A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting and Editing, Watchdog Award
Headline Club announced winners at FOIA Fest 2025 on Saturday, March 21. The Chicago Headline Club is thrilled to announce the winners of the Watchdog Award for Public Interest and the A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting and Editing. Chicago Public Media staff won the Watchdog Award for Public Interest for […]
Finalists for the Chicago Headline Club’s first A-Mark Prize for Investigative Editing and Reporting, Watchdog Award
Winners will be announced on Saturday, March 21 at FOIA Fest The Chicago Headline Club is thrilled to announce the finalists for its inaugural A-Mark Prize for Investigative Editing and Reporting and its annual Watchdog Award for Public Interest. The A-Mark Prize honors one or more reporters and editors who […]
2026 FOIA Fest Boot Camp Application – Chicago Headline Club and the Investigative Project on Race and Equity
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 […]
FOIA Fest returns on Saturday, March 21, tickets on sale now
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 […]
Winners for the Chicago Headline Club’s first A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting, Watchdog Award
Headline Club announced winners at FOIA Fest 2025 on Saturday, March 22. The Chicago Headline Club is thrilled to announce that Lisa Schencker and Emily Hoerner of the Chicago Tribune have been awarded first place for both the inaugural A-Mark Prize for Dogged Reporting and the annual Watchdog Award for […]
FOIA Fest 2025 Speaker Bios
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
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 […]
Dozens of FOIA tips from some of Chicago’s best investigative reporters at the Headline Club’s 2025 FOIA Fest
FOIA Fest is the Chicago Headline Club’s signature event dedicated to public records reporting. This year, it’s Saturday, March 22 (you can still get tickets). Ahead of the annual public records conference, FOIA Fest speakers shared their best tips for filing FOIA requests and other in-depth, investigative reporting. “Make sure […]