Journalism Archive

When Illinois’ high court releases opinions, you have as quick of access to them as anyone else.    The Court last week released more than 15 opinions.   Usually there are fewer releases at one time.   If you take the time to review these, you can find stories than can be of either regional or statewide interest.   More  

Ask yourself five questions about the most obvious, dull and well worn story and see if something is being overlooked because it’s in plain sight.   Just because everyone knows about an issue or the “way it is” in politics,  doesn’t mean there’s not a fresh angle, or a follow-up or unasked question.  More  

This week’s tip actually isn’t about an interviewing skill. It is about asking people who are likely in the know what is under-reported.

Next time you are chatting with the secretary at the school board office or a mid-level administrator in the courthouse, tell them you are doing an informal survey.   More  

When you hit the summer news doldrums its an opportunity to look back in time to get some fresh news.  One of those basic principles that many of us never have time to do is the “followup!”

Pick a random week from a year ago and look through the stories your newsroom covered at the time.     More  

This week’s tip might seem basic, but it’s always important, as someone once said, “to be brilliant on the basics.” A good infielder takes a lot of ground balls in practice.

When you are wrapping up an interview or background conversation with someone, always remember to ask them “Is there anything else you would like to add?”.   More  

Tracking public records is one of the key ways to find information.  LaReeca Rucker reported for Newslab on the recent IRE gathering.   She came away with these tips.

One of the most informative sessions was called “Public Records Track: 50 Records to Request Now.” Described as a “quick-paced,  More  

This week’s tip comes from Pro Publica Illinois.   It’s a great way to find a trove of information that’s available to you.

Pick from the buffet of records: Many public agencies are required to keep what they call record retention schedules. That means you could ask for this list of all data an agency collects and then specify exactly what you need in your request.   More