IPA HEADLINES

Galer wins prestigious Amos Award from NNA

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 16:43:00 GMT

Galer was honored with the General James O. Amos award during the National Newspaper Association convention in Detroit, MI, on Friday evening, Sept. 18. Recognized as one of the highest and most distinguished tributes in community journalism, the Amos Award is presented to a working or retired newspaperman who has provided distinguished service and leadership to the community press and his community. Read more

What You Said: Wherever you visit, a region's spirit shows in its newspaper

Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:08:00 GMT

We are all well aware that traditional newspapers have been adapting to a period of monumental change over the last two decades, but it is still true that if you want to get a sense of a town or region's personality, you can hardly do better than to spend a couple day's with its local newspaper. Read more

What You Said: Local news can bring us together

Wed, 09 Sep 2026 19:59:00 GMT

Like many of you, I've been thinking a lot about our country, our communities and how we find our way back to one another. Read more

What You Said: Why people will remain at the heart of our journalism

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 19:50:00 GMT

I'm a simple person when it comes to what I like to read and watch: Make me laugh. Make me cry. Make me feel something. Read more

AG' Office Concludes 204 School Board Violated the Open Meeting Act

Fri, 14 Aug 2026 19:28:00 GMT

The Illinois Attorney General's Public Access Bureau has concluded that the Community Consolidated School District 204 Board violated the advance notice requirements in section 2.02(a) of OMA with respect to its April 20, 2026, special meeting. Read more

D86 looks to close down its FOIA log

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 19:24:00 GMT

The Hinsdale High School District 86 Board has signaled its desire to do away with its online Freedom of Information Act request log due to legal concerns. Read more

Kiss video devolves into political soap opera

Mon, 31 Aug 2026 18:42:00 GMT

What started out with a kiss between two Democratic officials in a local township office has devolved into a southwest suburban political soap opera with the potential to reshape competitive races for Congress and the Cook County Board. Read more

A First Amendment fail at the Obama Presidential Center

Fri, 04 Sep 2026 18:35:00 GMT

Former President Barack Obama taught University of Chicago law students about the Constitution for over a decade before swearing to uphold it. So when I recently visited the otherwise wonderful Obama Presidential Center, it was jarring to see an interactive First Amendment quiz answer its own questions incorrectly. Read more

CPD faces penalty for FOIA issue

Thu, 17 Sep 2026 18:28:00 GMT

A penalty should be considered for the Chicago Police Department for violating the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a state appellate panel held. Read more

Cheryl Ranchino Trench celebrates 50 years of 'The Paper Telephone' column

Mon, 10 Aug 2026 17:56:00 GMT

HERRIN - For 50 years, The Paper Telephone has rung weekly for local newspaper readers wanting the latest scoop on Herrin-area happenings. Like an operator making connections, Cheryl Ranchino Trench has faithfully remained at her post for five decades and was honored during a reception Saturday, July 25. Read more