News Archive

The Five Worst Offenders Of Illinois’ FOI Law

Posted January 16, 2019 by Bill Wheelhouse

The Better Government Association reports that government agencies continue to violate public records laws at a high frequency.

The analysis sites the top five offenders:

  1. Chicago Police Department
  2. Illinois Department Of Corrections
  3. Illinois State Police
  4. Chicago Public Schools
  5. Cook County State’s Attorney

The BGA’s full report is here.  More  

Capitol News Illinois Launching At The End Of The Month

Posted January 13, 2019 by Bill Wheelhouse

The material below is a press release from the Illinois Press Foundation.

SPRINGFIELD – Capitol News Illinois, the Illinois Press Foundation’s news service providing state government coverage to Illinois newspapers, has hired three full-time reporters for its launch Jan. 28.

Rebecca Anzel, Peter Hancock and Jerry Nowicki have been hired as reporters for Capitol News Service Illinois.  More  

Covering Rural Areas… The Right Way.

Posted January 3, 2019 by Bill Wheelhouse

Here’s some food for thought.  This article from Journalist’s Resource looks at what reporters get right and what they get wrong when covering rural America.  Not only is it good for those in cities who have to step out into the field  (literally) now and then, it can also help you examine your own reporting if you are in a mostly rural market.  More  

Nine Takeaways For Writing For Younger Adults

Posted January 2, 2019 by Bill Wheelhouse

Research from the BBC gives reporters a chance to know what younger adults (those under 30) want from their news.   While aimed at British reporters, there is a lot there that’s easily transferable here across the pond.   Take a look.