2026 FOIA Fest Online Resource

February 13, 2026 Marissa Nelson 0

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. […]

Essential Equipment Fund - press image

$25K Field Grant Awarded to Expand Journalist Safety Training

January 29, 2026 CHC-Foundation 0

The Chicago Headline Club Foundation (CHCF) is pleased to announce a $25,000 Field Foundation grant to expand safety resources and training for journalists navigating today’s increasingly unpredictable reporting environment. The initiative is designed to meet the urgent needs of reporters, photographers and freelancers covering protests, domestic conflict and other high-risk […]

2026 FOIA Fest Boot Camp Application – Chicago Headline Club and the Investigative Project on Race and Equity

January 25, 2026 Marissa Nelson 0

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

January 9, 2026 Marissa Nelson 0

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 […]

Brian Jackson photo courtesy Chicago Sun-Times

Chicago Headline Club takes the win, dismisses Homeland case, vows to file new suit if federal agents try again to violate press freedoms

December 2, 2025 Igor Studenkov 0

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:December 2, 2025chiheadlineclub@gmail.com The Chicago Headline Club joined fellow plaintiffs Tuesday, Dec. 2, in a decision to drop the case against the Department of Homeland Security, given that we reined in the unlawful interference and attacks on reporters doing their jobs as they covered Operation Midway Blitz.  “We took the issue […]