In September of 2019, there was a small mumps outbreak at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I had just started my term as editor-in-chief of The Gateway newspaper, and I thought it would be fortuitous to buy a large bottle of hand sanitizer for the newsroom. I wrote a little note with scripted handwriting: “don’t get the mumps!” In the first week of March 2020, I … [Read more...] about Student journalists end school year embracing opportunity but also balancing reality of coronavirus pandemic
Midwest
Journalists struggle to cover coronavirus story with reduced financial support
In 32 years with the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, breaking news reporter Kim Bell has conducted thousands of face-to-face interviews. On the crime beat, she visits victims’ neighbors and families to collect their stories. “Those are things I would have done before the pandemic.” Bell said recently. “Now I don’t feel comfortable knocking on peoples’ doors.” For the past two … [Read more...] about Journalists struggle to cover coronavirus story with reduced financial support
Lincoln-Douglas debates marred by overt racism
When Abraham Lincoln and Sen. Stephen A. Douglas arrived in dry and dusty Ottawa, Illinois, on Aug. 21, 1858, for the first of their seven great debates, their campaigns for the Senate were consumed by the great national struggle over slavery. A large press corps covered the debates, which were big news across the nation and established Lincoln’s national reputation. … [Read more...] about Lincoln-Douglas debates marred by overt racism
The 1857 Project: Extracting the poison of racism from America’s soul
The spring 2020 print issue on the history of slavery, segregation, and racism in our region was produced with the help and financial support of the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. The soul of America is its promise of ever-expanding freedom, equality and opportunity. The parodox of America is that over four centuries our Founders and our leaders reneged on this … [Read more...] about The 1857 Project: Extracting the poison of racism from America’s soul
Local entertainment writers watch assignments dry up as small businesses confront challenges of pandemic
For the past five years, eating out was a regular part of our family’s weekend plans. As a freelance food writer for the Chicago Tribune’s suburban newspapers, my job was to discover interesting local restaurants and tell their stories. I didn’t have to be anonymous because I wasn’t reviewing the food. I’d contact the owners in advance, discover their stories, talk about … [Read more...] about Local entertainment writers watch assignments dry up as small businesses confront challenges of pandemic
