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
How journalists can cover mass shootings with compassion, respect and still ask tough questions
Reporter Megan Jones of the Aurora Beacon-News was one of the first reporters on the scene of a mass shooting in Aurora in February. She had just finished interviewing a mother whose son was shot the month before when she heard an ambulance scream past on its way to the Henry Pratt Co. manufacturing plant where five people had been killed. Chicago Tribune reporter Stacy St. … [Read more...] about How journalists can cover mass shootings with compassion, respect and still ask tough questions