Now: Todd Eschman, EIC at Belleville News Democrat (BND) in downstate IL on"Investigations from a small newsroom perspective"

BND had 67 journalists less than a decade ago. Today? 9.

"Enterprising journalism has to be baked into the culture of the newsroom."
illinoisanswers.org/event/invest...

Great insights at our "Investigate the State" virtual conference.

Right now: "How to cover Indian Country (and other communities) when there isn't any official data" with Mary Hudetz & Dianna Hunt

"I treat every investigation as a mini-beat." - @maryhudetz.bsky.social

Now we have Kristin Faust, executive director of the Illinois Housing Development Association, in conversation with reporter Claire Murphy to talk about the Smart Buy program that allows Illinois residents to get their student loan debt relieved and buy their first homes.

Now, Kimberly Bianchini owner of Advance Preschool in conversation with reporter Meredith Newman.

Now, Bryan Ramson, a West side resident in conversation with reporter Jim Daley about violence interrupters in West Side communities

"This is how our segregation has been maintained. By saying 'well each neighborhood gets to decide.'" -Novara

Reporter Claire Murphy is working on stories about Student Loan Debt.

If you are:
--Currently paying off student loans
--Enrolled in Chicago or Illinois loan forgiveness programs
--Navigating the challenges of education debt

Share your story with [email protected].

Seems like a good time to remind everyone that @mindsitenews.bsky.social is doing this series on the Mental Health of immigrants, refugee and asylum communities: www.palabranahj.org/silent-battles

Reporting @almacampos.bsky.social. 📸 @sebastianhidalgo.bsky.social.

Come throoough, #Peoria!

Developers promise a *quantum computing* hub in South Chicago will bring jobs & revival.

Experts wonder if a quantum computer can be built at all. Residents wonder if the jobs will be FOR them? Or will they be displaced BY them? @binghuihuang.bsky.social reports. @onibaba-studio.bsky.social illos

Giving my 4yo a video camera and letting him wander the holiday party tonight.

We're about to see the best undercover reporting of the year.