On July 3, 1981, The New York Times reported on a “rare gay cancer” that had been seen in 41 men. Although no one realized it at the time, the article by reporter and medical doctor Lawrence K. Altman was the first major news story on what would become the HIV/AIDS pandemic. It took another year and two months before the CDC used the term AIDS — acquired … [Read more...] about How coverage of the coronavirus pandemic compares with the AIDS pandemic
Midwest
New York Times photo essay that mirrors Black photographer’s project in Chicago prompts apology
Within an hour on the morning of Sept. 5, Chicago photographer Tonika Johnson had received a tag on Instagram, a tweet, a Facebook message and text from friends notifying her about the “The Great Divide” a photographic story by the New York Times that highlights the overt disparities in quality of life for residents in two Chicago neighborhoods. At first glance, Johnson’s … [Read more...] about New York Times photo essay that mirrors Black photographer’s project in Chicago prompts apology
Local governments use pandemic to try to stall FOIA requests
FOIA advocates in Illinois successfully fought off attempts by local governments to slow access to public information in the early stages of the pandemic. But many journalists are still warily watching how the local leaders conduct business in the “new normal” of virtual meetings and limited or reduced access to government offices. “You have to be vigilant all the time,” … [Read more...] about Local governments use pandemic to try to stall FOIA requests
Foley Foundation creates safety modules for journalism professors to help students covering pandemic, protests
Four years after creating safety modules for journalism graduate students, Thomas Durkin, education program director at the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, realized many undergraduates were out reporting in situations that required awareness and decided to take action. “We would talk to students. I remember being at the University of Michigan and a student told me about … [Read more...] about Foley Foundation creates safety modules for journalism professors to help students covering pandemic, protests
Covering COVID-19: A health check for science journalism
What pulls Gary Schwitzer from sleep at 3 a.m. these days is a mixture of personal and professional worries. Personally, Schwitzer is aggrieved by his battle with board members of his homeowners association, who he said have resisted his recommendation for residents in his Twin Cities condo complex to wear masks. Professionally, it’s journalism, specifically the state of … [Read more...] about Covering COVID-19: A health check for science journalism
