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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230627T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230627T140000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20230621T160530Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230621T160838Z
UID:17237-1687870800-1687874400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Virtual Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Training
DESCRIPTION:FOIA is a critically important tool in every investigative reporter’s toolkit. Join us for a virtual training with Freedom of Information attorney Matt Topic for a refresher on filing FOIA requests\, how to best utilize FOIA in your reporting\, the legal limits of FOIA\, and what to do if your FOIA requests are denied. \nThis training is open to everyone but is aimed specifically at journalists and those with basic FOIA experience. \nSpeakers: \nThis session will be led by Matt Topic\, partner at Loevy & Loevys litigated hundreds of state and federal FOIA cases around the country. He has trained hundreds of journalists\, activists\, lawmakers\, and individuals on the Freedom of Information Act\, is a regular presenter at Investigative Reporters & Editors conferences\, and is frequently quoted in the media on transparency issues. He has also represented journalists seeking access to court records\, quashed subpoenas for sources\, defended and counseled against defamation claims\, and fought unconstitutional gag orders. \nIllinois Answers Project data reporter Cam Rodriguez will moderate this session. Cam is a data journalist interested in the overlap between community engagement\, investigative and data reporting. In her work\, she has done everything from research and archive/database digging\, creating graphics and interactive visualizations\, editing and management\, engagement strategy\, public records requests and more. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/virtual-freedom-of-information-act-foia-training/
LOCATION:Online event
CATEGORIES:FOIA Clinics
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ORGANIZER;CN="Illinois Answers Project":MAILTO:info@illinoisanswers.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20230927T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20230927T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20230908T210204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230908T210204Z
UID:17801-1695839400-1695844800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Meet the Newsroom: Humboldt Park
DESCRIPTION:Join the reporters of the Illinois Answers Project and let us know what you see as the biggest issues in the Humboldt Park Community and what issues you care about most.  \nWe’ll also be there to discuss any questions you might have for us and the work we do. \nLight refreshments will be provided. \nOur coverage areas: \n\nEducation\nEquity & Economic Opportunity\nCriminal Justice & Public Safety\nGovernment Finance & Accountability\n\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/meet-the-newsroom-humboldt-park/
LOCATION:TASA Coffee Roasters\, 4136 W North Ave\, Chicago\, IL\, 60639\, United States
CATEGORIES:Meet the newsroom
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ORGANIZER;CN="Illinois Answers Project":MAILTO:info@illinoisanswers.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20231005T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20231005T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20230917T154926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20230920T150304Z
UID:18022-1696528800-1696532400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Unsafe & Unsound: How Can Chicago Ensure All Its Apartments Are Safe?
DESCRIPTION:Join Illinois Answers Project Reporter Alex Nitkin and Metropolitan Tenants Organization Organizer Arieh Venick for a conversation about Chicago’s building safety record\, what other cities are doing to fix unsafe housing conditions\, Chicago renter rights & what you need to know as a tenant\, and what you can personally do to advocate for safer housing in Chicago. \nThere will be time allocated during this discussion for Q&A. Questions can be submitted in advance during registration. \nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/chicago-apartments-safety-discussion/
LOCATION:Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Copy-of-housing-2-1.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Illinois Answers Project":MAILTO:info@illinoisanswers.org
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20231011T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20231011T133000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20230917T155948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250915T204535Z
UID:18028-1697023800-1697031000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Centennial Celebration & Annual Luncheon
DESCRIPTION:Please join the Better Government Association at our Centennial Celebration & Annual Luncheon. Proceeds from this event will directly fuel our Illinois Answers Project’s investigative and solutions-based newsroom\, incisive BGA Policy reform initiatives and our commitment to Civic Engagement so that all communities\, especially those disproportionately impacted by government failures\, are equipped and informed as advocates.\n\nThis year’s luncheon will honor Michael J. Sacks and feature a special conversation with BGA President David Greising\, best-selling author Jonathan Eig and award-winning editor\, journalist and author Natalie Moore.\nClick here to register and donate.\nWednesday\, October 11\, 2023\n11:30 am Reception\n12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Luncheon\nBusiness Attire\n\nHilton Chicago Grand Ballroom\n720 S Michigan Ave\, Chicago\n\nTHANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS! \n\n(As of September 7\, 2023)\n2ND CENTURY COUNCIL\nRita and John Canning\nEdwardson Family Foundation\nMary and Paul Finnegan\nJim and Karen Frank\nGCM Grosvenor\nJoe Mansueto\nRobert R. McCormick Foundation\nHeather Steans and Leo Smith \nPLATINUM\nAnonymous\nDaniel L. Goodwin\, The Inland Real Estate Group\, LLC \nGOLD\nGary Elden and Phyllis Mandler\nThe Joseph & Bessie Feinberg Foundation\nLiz and Eric Lefkofsky\nMark Rust\, Barnes & Thornburg LLP \nSILVER\nBandon Dunes Golf Resort\nPhil Calian\nJanet and Craig Duchossois\nCarroll Joynes and Abby O’Neil\nMesirow\nNorthern Trust\nBarbara Speer\nTrinal\, Inc.\, Alicia Garcia-Abner\, President \nBRONZE\nCarol Lavin Bernick Family Foundation\nCharles River Associates\nEdelman\nMedill School\, Northwestern University\nPritzker Traubert Foundation
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/centennial-celebration-annual-luncheon/
LOCATION:Hilton Chicago\, Grand Ballroom\, 720 South Michigan Avenue\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60605
CATEGORIES:Fundraisers
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Luncheon-image-for-website-.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Better Government Association":MAILTO:info@bettergov.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240213T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240213T143000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20240124T162415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240124T162415Z
UID:18899-1707829200-1707834600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Get Gov Documents: Reframing your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request
DESCRIPTION:Join Illinois Answers Data Reporter Cam Rodriguez\, South Side Weekly Investigations Editor Jim Daley\, and Loevy & Loevy Partner Matt Topic as we team up to discuss what to do if your Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request gets denied. \nIf you’d like to brush up on FOIA\, view recordings of our past sessions here: \nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ-tOAHtw0c \nThis workshop will be held on Zoom. \nTopics we will cover: \n\nHow to narrow requests\nHow to specify the information you’re requesting if you’re not sure what something is called\nHow to respond to denials\nWhat legal action looks like
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/get-gov-documents-reframing-your-freedom-of-information-act-foia-request/
LOCATION:Online event
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/https___cdn.evbuc_.com_images_675868529_534611578177_1_original.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250515T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250515T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20250414T172816Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250417T144805Z
UID:22454-1747323000-1747341000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Join us for Beyond the Byline and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 21st Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday\, May 15th\, from 3:30-8:30 P.M. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago.This event will feature a thought-provoking panel\, an engaging conversation with journalist Jelani Cobb\, Dean of Columbia Journalism School\, the lauded Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting and will culminate in a reception. \n\n\n\nThe annual Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting highlight the imperative impact and importance of investigative reporting in Illinois. Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators\, the awards were launched two decades ago by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation\, thanks in large part to the late Richard Driehaus’ vested belief in the power of journalism as a cornerstone of democracy\, in addition to his long-standing collaboration with awards partner\, the Better Government Association. \n\n\n\nWe hope you’ll be able to join us for this unforgettable evening. Tickets are available now for a $50 donation per person. As a thank you\, community and news partners\, and BGA supporters who donate $1\,000 or more annually will receive complimentary tickets. \n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\nTickets Available Here\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\nProgram\n\n\n\n3:30 – 4:00 PM: Registration \n\n\n\n4:00 – 5:00 PM: Panel Discussion on Defining Impact in Journalism \n\n\n\n5:00 – 5:30 PM: Break \n\n\n\n5:30 – 7:15 PM: A Conversation with Jelani Cobb + the Driehaus Foundation Awards \n\n\n\n7:15 – 8:30 PM: Happy Hour + Closing Reception \n\n\n\n\nA Conversation with Jelani Cobb\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Jelani Cobb is the Dean of Columbia Journalism School\, a Pulitzer Prize finalist\, and a Peabody Award-winning journalist. A staff writer at The New Yorker since 2015\, he is a leading voice on race\, politics\, and history. His work includes the PBS Frontline documentary Whose Vote Counts? and books such as The Matter of Black Lives and The Substance of Hope: Barack Obama and the Paradox of Progress. He has been a political analyst for MSNBC since 2019 and is a member of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences. \n\n\n\n\n\nDefining Impact: A Conversation on Change and Resilience in Journalism\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRuby Bailey\, Illiniois Answer’s Editor-in-Chief\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJamie Kalven\,  Founder of the Invisible Institute\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMackenzie Warren\,  Director at the Medill Local News Accelerator\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Illinois Answer’s Editor in Chief Ruby Bailey and Jamie Kalven\, Founder of the Invisible Institute\, for an engaging conversation on impact and resilience in journalism\, moderated by Mackenzie Warren\, Director at the Medill Local News Accelerator. \n\n\n\nThey will explore how we measure influence when challenging systemic issues deeply embedded in our societal code and government\, while also acknowledging the human element that drives journalists to pursue long\, arduous journeys toward justice. \n\n\n\nThe discussion will bridge conventional metrics with the heartfelt realities of reporting\, inviting civically minded audiences to both amplify journalistic work and actively participate in shaping a more accountable society. \n\n\n\n2025 FINALISTS\n\n\n\nLarge Newsroom\n\n\n\nThe finalists for the Large Newsroom (newsrooms with editorial staffs of more than 10) category are: \n\n\n\n\n\n\nBlock Club Chicago; “CTA in Crisis” by Manny Ramos\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCBS WBBM-TV; “Failure to Protect: A Domestic Violence Investigation” by Marissa Perlman\, Michele Youngerman\, Tim Viste\, Jeff Harris\, Elliott Ramos\, Scott Wilson\, Alfredo Roman\, Jeff Renfroe and Aaron Cooper\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nChicago Tribune; “Medical Misconduct” by Lisa Schencker and Emily Hoerner\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago; “Dismissed: How Sex Crimes Disappear” by Bennett Haeberle\, Jorge DeSantiago\, Lisa Capitanini\, Katy Smyser\, Lucia Walinchus\, Nathan Halder\, Casey Mitchell\, Rich Moy\, Matt Stefanski\, Connor Dore\, Abra Richardson\, Lauren Stauffer and Sally Ramirez\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSmall Newsroom Category\n\n\n\nThe finalists for the Small Newsroom (newsrooms with editorial staffs of less than 10) category are: \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCapitol News Illinois\, “The Sonya Massey Shooting” by Beth Hundsdorfer\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nInvisible Institute\, “A History of Misconduct” by Farrah Anderson\, Sam Stecklow and Dean Olsen\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCicero Independiente\, “The Inside Story On A Billion-Dollar Chemical Company’s Fight To Keep Its Secrets From The Public” by Cicero Independiente staff and MuckRock staff\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBorderless Magazine and Investigative Project on Race and Equity\, “Investigating Chicago’s Migrant Shelters” by Mauricio Peña\, Katrina Pham\, Emeline Posner and Nissa Rhee\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPlease contact us at YourImpact@bettergov.org with any questions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFrom Last Year’s Event
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/join-us-for-beyond-the-byline-and-the-richard-h-driehaus-foundation-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
LOCATION:Illinois
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250710T200000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20250708T191538Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T191541Z
UID:23776-1752168600-1752177600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Making it in Chicago
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening with the Illinois Answers Project and the National Public Housing Museum exploring barriers to economic opportunity in Illinois and Chicago. \n\n\n\nAt the center of the event are storytelling sessions featuring: \n\n\n\n\nAlex Nitkin (Illinois Answers Investigative reporter) in conversation with Marisa Novara\, Vice President of Community Impact at The Chicago Community Trust \n\n\n\nMeredith Newman (Illinois Answers State Investigative reporter) in conversation with Kimberly Bianchini\, owner at Advance Preschool\n\n\n\nJim Daley (South Side Weekly Investigations Editor) in conversation with Bryan Ramson\, physicist\, block club captain and police district councilor\n\n\n\nClaire Murphy (Illinois Answers fellow) in conversation with Kristen Faust\, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority about their SmartBuy program\n\n\n\n\nEnjoy: \n\n\n\nOpen museum hours at the National Public Housing Museum \n\n\n\nDrinks and bites with fellow community members \n\n\n\nA gallery talk with Making it in Chicago photographer Akilah Townsend and illustrator Cori Lin
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/making-it-in-chicago-2/
LOCATION:National Public Housing Museum\, 919 S Ada St\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60607\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250918T160000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083627
CREATED:20250820T152912Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T164520Z
UID:24066-1758187800-1758211200@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Investigate the State
DESCRIPTION:VIEW THE PROGRAM HERE\n\n\n\n\nThinking of expanding your coverage to statewide audiences? Looking for partnerships with newsrooms in your community or even statewide? Interested in how news outlets around the Midwest are confronting challenges in the industry? Or how they’re pursuing resource-heavy investigations while managing a busy news cycle?  \n\n\n\nExplore challenges and opportunities in pursuing investigations in the Midwest with news leaders\, including… \n\n\n\n\nInvestigate Midwest\n\n\n\nBelleville News Democrat\n\n\n\nICT (formerly Indian Country Today)\n\n\n\nThe Northern Star\n\n\n\nMedill State of Local News\n\n\n\nProPublica\n\n\n\nand more!\n\n\n\n\nShare ideas for investigations in your coverage area and build partnerships with other Midwest and Illinois news organizations. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/investigate-the-state/
LOCATION:Illinois
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Investigate-the-State-conference-1200-x-600-px-1200-x-800-px.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251009T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251009T190000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083628
CREATED:20250908T182335Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250925T145246Z
UID:24191-1760032800-1760036400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Investigating the Future of Quantum in South Chicago
DESCRIPTION:What if a new generation of computers\, faster and smarter than the ones we have now\, can power the local economy in South Chicago? That’s the $500 million bet that Gov. J.B. Pritzker is putting on the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park\, one of the biggest and most ambitious tech hubs planned for an industry that’s still mostly in its research and development phase. The South Chicago community has been waiting for decades for something to replace the Steel Mill that once employed tens of thousands of people and has been abandoned since 1992. Developers have come and gone\, going as far as purchasing the land\, but plans to convert the property into businesses and housing never materialized. \n\n\n\nThe Illinois Answers Project\, The Chicago Council on Science and Technology and Block Club Chicago presents an evening of conversations about inclusive economic growth\, the promise of quantum computing and community hopes and worries about these major changes. We will be talking to experts to find out more about some of the key questions surrounding the development. What do quantum computers do today and what is the hope for this technology in the future? What does inclusive economic growth and development look like? What will be the impact of construction and operations on the environment?  \n\n\n\n\nRegister Now\n\n\n\n\nEvent Details\n\n\n\nDate and Time: October 9th\, 6 pm \n\n\n\nLocation: South Shore Branch\, Chicago Public Library\, 2505 E 73rd St\, Chicago\, IL 60649 \n\n\n\nSchedule:5:30 pm – Doors Open6:00 – 7:00 pm – Expert Conversations and Q&A \n\n\n\nWe are dedicated to providing an inclusive environment for everyone. Please respect diversity in individuals and in cultures. \n\n\n\nFeatured Guests\n\n\n\n\n\nModerator: Binghui Huang\n\n\n\nCredit: mike rivera photo 2022\n\n\n\nBinghui Huang is an investigative reporter covering economic and equity issues in Chicago. She previously covered health and business at the Indianapolis Star. With more than a decade in local news\, she has uncovered dangerous carcinogenic pollution by a medical device maker\, investigated worker abuses in RV factories and revealed shoddy work by workplace safety inspectors due to decades of underfunding and cuts to the department. Her reporting has prompted changes in business practices\, legislative reform and increased funding to critical programs. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nModerator: Maxwell Evans\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMaxwell covers Hyde Park\, Woodlawn\, South Shore and the Southeast Side for Block Club Chicago\, where he writes about everything from housing and environmental justice to arts and new businesses. He is a South Shore resident who hails from Kalamazoo\, Michigan\, and loves D’Angelo\, shish kofta and the Toronto Raptors. 
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/investigating-the-future-of-quantum-in-south-chicago/
LOCATION: South Shore Branch\, Chicago Public Library\, 2505 E 73rd St\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60649\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Quantum-QuNight-1080-x-1080-px-2.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251010T113000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251010T133000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083628
CREATED:20250701T192306Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250916T210130Z
UID:23786-1760095800-1760103000@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:BGA Annual Luncheon & Celebration
DESCRIPTION:This year’s Annual Luncheon celebrates the Better Government Association’s 100+ year record of advancing a more transparent\, equitable and accountable government for all the people of Illinois through investigative journalism\, policy advocacy and community engagement that hold power to account and drive meaningful reform. \n\n\n\n2025 Annual Luncheon & CelebrationFriday\, October 10\, 2025  | 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM  \n\n\n\nFour Seasons Hotel Chicago | 120 East Delaware PlaceBusiness Attire \n\n\n\nCo-Chairs: John A. Canning\, Jr.\, D. Carroll Joynes\, Michael J. Sacks and Heather A. Steans \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWe are proud to honor the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation with this year’s Watchdog Award\, accepted by Executive Director Anne Lazar. Through the legacy of its founder\, Richard Driehaus\, and under the leadership of Anne Lazar\, the Foundation has been a driving force in strengthening investigative journalism to advance government transparency and accountability. It has more than doubled the number of investigative reporting grantees and increased giving for investigative journalism six-fold\, expanding critical support for newsrooms across Chicago and Illinois. This deepened commitment ensures journalists have the resources to expose urgent issues\, hold power accountable and empower communities. By significantly investing in independent investigative journalism\, the Foundation has reinforced its essential role in fostering a more just and engaged society. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBGA President & CEO David Greising will be joined in conversation with Ambassador Rahm Emanuel. Their discussion will draw on Ambassador Emanuel’s local and national leadership experiences\, his legacy and lessons as Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff under President Barack Obama and the role of local and international diplomacy in exploring pressing policy and civic issues. \n\n\n\nPlease stay tuned for more information! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more and Register Here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLearn more about sponsorship opportunities here\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOur Sponsors\n\n\n\n(As of September 15\, 2025) \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n+ Indicates supporters who have generously aligned their investment with both BGA Signature Events: Beyond the Byline + Investigative Awards and the Annual Luncheon.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/bga-annual-luncheon-celebration/
LOCATION:Four Seasons Hotel Chicago\, 120 East Delaware Place\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60611\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251202T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083628
CREATED:20251031T193146Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251104T195243Z
UID:24497-1764696600-1764707400@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:How Journalism Connects Systems\, Power and People
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a conversation with Illinois Answers reporters as they share what they’ve uncovered investigating economic opportunity\, government finance\, public safety\, childcare and the needs of the most vulnerable. \n\n\n\nTogether\, they reveal how inequities and accountability failures overlap across systems — and how journalism can bridge people\, policy\, and power to create a more accountable Chicago and a fairer Illinois. \n\n\n\n\n5:30 – 6:00 PM: Check-In + Happy Hour\n\n\n\n6:00 – 7:30 PM: Panel Discussion + Q&A\n\n\n\n7:30 – 8:30 PM: Light Bites + Open Bar\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us! Tickets are a $20 donation each. Please RSVP by Dec. 1 by registering here. Space is limited. \n\n\n\n\nREGISTER HERE\n\n\n\n\nBe a part of this crucial dialogue with changemakers redefining local journalism and its impact on Chicago’s future. Light bites and drinks will be served. \n\n\n\nAs a thank you\, community and news partners\, and BGA supporters who donate $250 or more annually will receive complimentary tickets. Please contact us at YourImpact@bettergov.org for more information.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/how-journalism-connects-systems-power-and-people/
LOCATION:Experimental Station\, 6100 S Blackstone\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60629\, United States
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260310T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083628
CREATED:20251215T183034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T135142Z
UID:24818-1773163800-1773174600@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Women Who Hold Power to Account
DESCRIPTION:Join the Better Government Association for Women Who Hold Power to Account\, an evening conversation honoring Women’s History Month and spotlighting women who exemplify accountability and integrity across Chicago’s civic landscape. From the courtroom to City Hall\, the newsroom\, and the boardroom\, these leaders advance transparency and trust—core to the BGA’s mission of strengthening democracy and holding power to account. \n\n\n\nThe Better Government Association challenges unchecked power and strengthens accountability\, transparency\, and equity for all people of Illinois through the Illinois Answers Project newsroom’s investigative and solutions-focused journalism\, BGA Policy’s advocacy for action and reform\, and a shared commitment to community empowerment. This program reflects BGA’s unique ability to convene voices from journalism\, government\, law\, and civic life to explore how accountability works—and why it matters.We hope you will join us for this unforgettable evening. Tickets are available now for a $75 donation per person. As a thank you\, BGA supporters who donate $500 or more annually will receive complimentary tickets. \n\n\n\n\nClick here to secure your tickets\n\n\n\n\nPanelists\n\n\n\n\nRuby Bailey — Editor-in-Chief\, Illinois Answers Project\n\n\n\nJane Ruby — President\, League of Women Voters of Chicago\n\n\n\nJill Wine-Banks — MSNBC Legal Analyst\, Watergate Prosecutor\, and BGA Board Member\n\n\n\nDeborah Witzburg — Inspector General\, City of Chicago\n\n\n\n\nModerator\n\n\n\n\nSophia Van Pelt — Senior Policy Analyst\, BGA Policy\n\n\n\n\nProgram\n\n\n\n5:30: Check-In + Happy Hour6:15 PM: Panel Discussion + Q&A7:30 – 8:30 PM: Light Bites + Drinks
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/women-who-hold-power-to-account/
LOCATION:Ivy Room\, 2 E Ohio St # 100\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60611\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://illinoisanswers.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Womens-Event-graphic-2026--scaled.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260507T153000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260507T203000
DTSTAMP:20260407T083628
CREATED:20251215T185445Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T195303Z
UID:24830-1778167800-1778185800@illinoisanswers.org
SUMMARY:Beyond the Byline and the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Beyond the Byline: Featuring the 22nd Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting on Thursday\, May 7\, from 3:30–8:30 p.m. at Venue SIX10 in downtown Chicago. \n\n\n\nThe event will feature a community-centered storytelling panel elevating the sources\, experts and lived experiences that informed Illinois Answers Project investigations; an engaging conversation with Errin Haines\, editor-at-large at The 19th; the presentation of the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting; and a reception. \n\n\n\nNow in their 22nd year\, the Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting recognize the essential role investigative journalism plays in strengthening democracy in Illinois. Judged by a panel of journalists and media educators\, the awards were established by the Richard H. Driehaus Foundation\, inspired by the late Richard Driehaus’ deep belief in the power of journalism and his longstanding partnership with the Better Government Association. \n\n\n\nWe hope you’ll join us for this unforgettable evening. Tickets are available now for a $50 donation per person. As a thank you\, community and news partners—and BGA supporters who donate $1\,000 or more annually—will receive complimentary tickets. \n\n\n\n\nClick here to secure your tickets.\n\n\n\n\nProgram\n\n\n\n3:00 – 3:30 PM: Registration \n\n\n\n3:30 – 4:30 PM: Panel  \n\n\n\n4:30 – 5:00 PM: Break \n\n\n\n5:00 – 6:45 PM: Featured Guest Conversation + the Driehaus Foundation Awards \n\n\n\n6:45 – 8:00 PM: Happy Hour + Closing Reception \n\n\n\n \n\n\n\nSpecial Guest\n\n\n\nErrin Haines is an award-winning journalist and a leading voice at the intersection of race\, politics\, and gender in America.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nShe is the editor-at-large and a founding mother of The 19th\, an independent nonprofit newsroom that aims to elevate the voices of women\, people of color\, and the LGBTQ+ community in American journalism and democracy\, and an MSNBC political contributor. Haines is also the 24th president of the National Association of Black Journalists\, the oldest and largest advocacy organization for journalists of color.  \n\n\n\nPrior to joining The 19th\, Haines worked at The Associated Press\, the Washington Post\, the Orlando Sentinel\, the Los Angeles Times and the Atlanta Daily World. Her work has been featured in publications including TIME\, POLITICO\, and The Philadelphia Inquirer. Haines’ coverage spans the White House\, Congress\, campaigns\, and grassroots movements—with a sharp focus on how policy impacts Black women and marginalized communities. \n\n\n\nHaines’ expertise on issues of race\, gender and politics make her a sought-after thought leader in her industry. She has served as a leader\, mentor\, and advocate for newsroom equity throughout her career. Haines was a visiting professor at the Georgetown University Institute of Politics and Princeton University\, teaching classes on Black women and democracy.  \n\n\n\nHaines is currently writing a book on Black political leadership in Atlanta and the legacy of the city’s Black mayors. Whether in print\, on air\, or on stage\, she is known for telling the truth with empathy\, urgency\, and unmatched clarity.
URL:https://illinoisanswers.org/event/beyond-the-byline-and-the-richard-h-driehaus-foundation-awards-for-investigative-reporting/
LOCATION:Venue SIX10\, 610 S Michigan Ave\, Chicago\, Illinois\, 60605\, United States
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