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North Central College graduate Cheyanne Daniels poses outside The Washington Post office, where she is working in a 1-year master's program specializing in political and foreign affairs at Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism. (Photo by Madison Muller)
By CHRISTOPHER HEIMERMAN For Illinois Press Association
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In any other year, Cheyanne Daniels would have been all over a chance to work in the Washington Post newsroom like ink on paper.
The 23-year-old North Central College graduate was accepted into a 1-year master’s program specializing in political and foreign affairs at Northwestern University’s stalwart Medill School of Journalism, through which she’d cover federal government in the nation’s capital. But as late as August, it was still uncertain whether the cohort would work remotely, or in the hallowed – albeit hollowed – Post newsroom.
“It was hard because on one hand, you understand that professors had a hard decision and that it was hard to keep following what was happening with the virus,” Daniels said. “But as a student, you also want to know where you’re going to live.”
When the professors gave the green light, Daniels, who’d been looking into housing since May, began packing. She said she was prepared to opt out if the cohort would have been remote.
“I wanted to be in person,” she said. “I felt like it might be a little bit difficult to do it remotely. I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to be in DC during an election year, and during all the political divisiveness.”
Daniels also took a poignantly pragmatic perspective. Yes, she’s homesick. But in a twist, she’s grateful that it isn’t easy to drop everything on a whim and visit her family in Palos Heights. Her father, David Fronius, had a stroke 2 years ago, and her grandfather, who’s in his 80s, lives with her parents.
“Over the summer, I’d come back and be terrified I was bringing something home to my family,” Daniels said.
Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein are long gone from the office at the Post – and so is everyone else.
Daniels’ cohort of 13 and security are the only people in the building.
Naturally, they’re required to wear masks. Desks are taped off, and the students must sit in only their seat in the lab room. The interview room must be sanitized after each chat. The kitchen is off limits. Pack your own lunch. And when you’re done eating, mask back up.
“It’s really cool being able to be there, but it is a little restrictive,” Daniels said.
It isn’t your 1970s Post newsroom anyway – literally. The cohort is in the newly established newsroom space. To get there, they walk a hall lined with TV screens running down the stories on the docket for that day. Then they have a meeting that runs at least an hour during which they pitch stories and discuss the day’s rundown – who’s filing what, who will be running social media and posting stories.
“If you’re not filing a story that day, you’re looking forward and brainstorming more stories and lining up and doing interviews for the next day’s stories,” she said.
The work is hardly confined to the newsroom. Outside its walls, reporters are getting a baptism by fire. The team dug in on white supremacists and their impact at polling sites, and how they were turning out people to vote.
“I reached out to the KKK, which was a fun time,” Daniels joked. “You guys now have my name and phone number. That’s great.”
Daniels’ mother made sure she developed an appreciation for government and current events at a young age. Amy Daniels sat her little girl down in front of the TV to watch the news when she was 6 and urged her to pay attention to what was happening.
As is the case for many young journalists on the rise, Daniels’ career path began with a passion for writing in general.
“I thought I was going to publish a book in fifth grade,” she said. “Obviously, that didn’t happen.”
A tragedy shook her community when a teacher at Stagg High School lost her battle with cancer leading up to Daniels’ senior year.
Two teachers began an oral history project, and Daniels was one of 60 seniors who over the course of half the school year interviewed their fellow students, their parents and the faculty, and then put together a narrative that became a hardcover book.
“The whole community came together,” she said. “Stagg was a great place and everything, but there was a lot of racism and privilege. It was one of the most powerful experiences I had in high school, and that was my journalistic awakening. I wanted to amplify those voices that aren’t heard in the community.”
The project’s mission was to promote empathy in the community.
“That wasn’t really something we saw at our high school,” she said. “It shouldn’t take someone dying to bring us together.”
She said the project brought to light how much community members had in common – while also illuminating their differences. Everyone stood to benefit from that education, Daniels said.
“We need to remember that just because you have privilege doesn’t mean you’re not struggling,” she said. “But if you are privileged, you might not have any experience with something someone less privileged is going through.”
Kay O’Donnell, adviser of The Chronicle student newspaper and associate professor at North Central College, said when she sees her editors taking the time to coach and support reporters via Zoom, she sees reasons for optimism for the industry.
She also sees Cheyanne Daniels.
“You’d see her able to coach some of the most inexperienced content-creators,” O’Donnell said of the way Daniels managed her staff before and after the pandemic hit and relegated journalists to their dorms and apartments. “She’d spend an amount of time that, I don’t think I’d ever had an editor who spent that sort of time before. Now, I’ve started to see a similar pattern. I hope that becomes their legacy, and one she started.”
Daniels said she’s simply paying forward lessons she learned from O’Donnell, as well as from Peter Kreten, director of student media at St. Xavier University, the liberal college in Chicago which Daniels attended before transferring to North Central.
“We editors are here for you. That’s how editors should be,” she said. “I just wanted them to know I’m reading their stuff, and that I knew other people should be reading this. It gives a boost of confidence. … If you don’t feel like your editor cares about what you’re writing, or just reading it to fact-check it, you’re not going to be passionate about what you’re writing – whether it’s investigative journalism, the environment.
“And if you don’t care, your readers aren’t going to care.”
What O’Donnell might miss most is watching news conferences and Congressional hearings in her office, with Daniels sitting nearby, her attention rapt.
“She was one of the few who would be up-to-date and sit and watch a White House press conference,” O’Donnell said. “We’d both of us have blood pressure-rising conversations, and then we’d be making plans on how to make people care about it.”
Daniels has had to keep her blood pressure in check while dealing with leadership, as well. A professor refused to let her cover a Black Lives Matter protest because she felt Daniels couldn’t report objectively and get comment from the hate group.
Daniels maintains that while reporting with context is necessary, a reporter should not amplify hate speech.
“There’s a difference between saying no comment was given and painting them in a bad light,” she said. “I don’t want to give [them] that air time that [they’re] so desperate for,” she said.
Despite such conflicts, O’Donnell said she’s never seen Daniels in a genuinely bad mood.
“She has an exuberance and a joy about her,” she said. “I’ve seen her passionately enraged, yet she’d turn her head and be very polite when somebody walked in the room.”
Daniels says she’s glad to be a journalist, not an elected official. In her blog description, she states the divisiveness of America “starts with our leaders, who find themselves in impossible situations, unable to agree with one another and thus unable to consider what is in the people's best interest.”
She leans liberal, and says political tensions are not limited to a chasm-like aisle between the parties.
“I see on one hand, on the Democratic side, some of them are super-progressive and saying the establishment isn’t doing enough,” Daniels said.
She then pointed out that when Utah Sen. Mitt Romney broke the party line during President Donald Trump’s impeachment, he was banned from the party’s convention.
“It’s the same fight in the GOP,” Daniels said. “It’s this total whirlwind of complete and utter chaos and infighting. How are you to work through that division with the parties themselves and then the communities they serve? I don’t know what the answer is. This is why I’m not in politics. I just talk about what they’re doing.
“It’s not possible to make the right decisions when things are so polarized.”
Just writing about it can be exhausting, and Daniels is aware of the threat journalists pose to themselves when they don’t take opportunities to disconnect from the job.
So she sometimes turns off the news, mutes her social media, and takes regular trips to Pittsburgh to see her boyfriend, Nick Graves, who studies public policy at Carnegie Mellon after getting his bachelor’s degree in social work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“I think it’s good sometimes to just step away,” she said. “I just stop and let myself binge a Netflix a show for the day or read Harry Potter for the twenty-millionth time. It’s such a cliche to unplug for a short amount of time, but it’s important. I like to eat ice cream.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2025 Contact Information: Cadeala Troublefield, project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (678) 364-2962 ext. 111 cadeala@gspclaw.com Courtney Clark, deputy project manager Griffin & Strong Ph: (404) 348-0690 ext. 113 courtney@gspclaw.com
VIRTUAL INFORMATIONAL MEETING DETAILS DATE(TENTATIVE): Wednesday, November 19, 2025 6 PM CST/7 PM EST Interested Participants Can Register Here: https://gspclaw.zoom.us/meeting/register/ytfUEAagQzqnrQE8eO8mSQ#/registration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Contact Information: Kara Kienzler, associate executive director - communications Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB) Ph: (217) 528-9688
SPRINGFIELD — November 15 of each year is designated as School Board Members Day. The day of recognition is an occasion to build community awareness about the important role school board members play in a representative democracy by providing a local voice for community education decisions. In 2007, the Illinois House of Representatives declared November 15 as School Board Members Day in the State of Illinois. The resolution states the annual recognition is “a way to honor those citizens who devote so much of their time and energy for the education of our children.” “School board members serve as our local, volunteer education advocates striving for quality learning opportunities for every student. They take on this immense responsibility not for a paycheck, but because they are committed to their communities and the belief that every child deserves a quality education,” said IASB Executive Director Kimberly A. Small, J.D. “Our school board members wear many hats; beyond their educational leadership, they are policy-makers, contract negotiators, and budgeteers. They are also our neighbors, our friends, and our schools’ biggest fans. On November 15 –– School Board Members Day — it is our chance to say, ‘Thank You.’” IASB encourages school districts, communities, businesses, and others to thank local school board members and recognize them for their dedication to providing successful education opportunities for all students. Resources and images to recognize school board members on November 15 are available at www.iasb.com/thankaboardmember.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 6, 2025 Media Contact Illinois Principals Association Alison Maley, government and public relations director PH: 217-299-3122 alison@ilprincipals.org
SPRINGFIELD – In a direct response to the growing school leadership shortage across Illinois, the Illinois Principals Association, through its Ed Leaders Network (ELN), has teamed up with Aurora University to launch an exciting and streamlined Alternative Principal Endorsement Program. This endorsement pathway enables educators who already have five years of experience and hold a master’s degree in education to earn their Principal Endorsement in just one year – without completing an additional graduate degree. Approved by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) and aligned with National Educational Leadership Preparation (NELP) standards, the program blends an immersive one-year internship with micro‑credentials tailored to school leadership practice. Eligible educators can earn licensure‑approved endorsement within one calendar year. This program is significantly less expensive than a full master’s degree and delivered on a fully remote platform. Participants in the program have appreciated the flexibility and experience the program provides as they enter or continue their school leadership journey. “Having already completed my master's degree, I knew I wanted to add the Principals Endorsement to my license, but I did not want to enroll in another full master's program. I was able to pull from previous leadership experience as I worked through the micro-credentials while still gaining valuable experience during my internship activities. The program is challenging but rewarding as it offers a way to reflect on previous experiences while building new skills as an educational leader."
- Jon Pieper, division head for Career & Technical Education, Physical Education, Drivers Education, and Health Education at Elk Grove High School
“The Alternative Principal Endorsement program was a great fit because everything was online, and I could work at my own pace. The flexibility allowed me to balance professional responsibilities while advancing my leadership skills. I would highly recommend this program to aspiring leaders.”
- Dr. Maribel Guerrero, director of language acquisition, Naperville CUSD 203
Dr. Ed Howerton, director of graduate education programs at Aurora University and former district administrator, shared: "Our program leans heavily into a ‘learning by doing’ framework that is extremely self-driven. It provides flexibility for professionals and ownership in the learning process. Many of our completers have moved into administrative roles sooner than if they had gone through a master’s degree program, and filling leadership voids in our schools is key to promoting student success.” Dr. Jason Leahy, executive director of the Illinois Principals Association, also shared: “When compared to a little over a decade ago, the State of Illinois has experienced an almost 60% reduction in the number of individuals who earn their principal endorsement each year. This alternative pathway provides a rigorous, cost effective, and expedited opportunity for quality educators to demonstrate they possess the skills necessary to be effective school leaders.” Eligible candidates must hold a current Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL), possess a master’s degree in education, have completed five years of teaching or school support experience, are employed in a full‑time, permanent educational position before program start, and complete required evaluation training and principal content exams to qualify for endorsement. Currently, 81 students are enrolled at various stages of the program at Aurora University, including 30 students that began this fall semester. Twenty-four students have completed the program since its inception, with 12 individuals working in leadership positions. Aurora University Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Aurora University is committed to preparing leaders for the future of education. For a full overview of the program’s structure and registration information, visit the Alternative Principal Endorsement at https://aurora.edu/academics/graduate/principal-endorsement/index.html. Illinois Principals Association The Illinois Principals Association is a leadership organization which serves more than 6,900 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders. For more information about the IPA, please visit www.ilprincipals.org. Program Contacts Aurora University – Ed Howerton, director of Graduate Education Programs, ehowerton@aurora.edu, 630-844-5626 Ed Leaders Network / Illinois Principals Association – Arlin Peebles, Ed Leaders Network director, arlin.peebles@ilprincipals.org, 217-241-0598
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 5, 2025 Contact Illinois Bar Foundation Jessie Reeves, director of events & administration Ph: 312-920-4681 jreeves@illinoisbarfoundation.org
CHICAGO, November 5, 2025 - Mark D. Hassakis, a personal injury and workers' compensation attorney at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C. of Mount Vernon, Illinois, was recently honored with the Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence on Oct. 17 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago. Mark D. Hassakis has the legal advocacy of Illinois victims in his blood. Born and raised in Mount Vernon, Mark followed in the footsteps of his father, Demetri, a lifelong Mount Vernon attorney, to practice law at Hassakis & Hassakis, P.C, now celebrating 75 years. Mark has dedicated his professional life to helping his fellow Illinois citizens and the community at large. In addition to his exceptional career representing individuals’ needs in the areas of personal injury and workers’ compensation, professional malpractice, and general tort injury cases, Mark is a true leader with unparalleled dedication to giving back to the community. The Illinois Bar Foundation’s Distinguished Award for Excellence, the organization’s highest honor, is awarded annually to individuals whose career and personal life exemplify their ongoing commitment to the law and legal community. “The selection of Mark Hassakis for this year's Distinguished Award of Excellence reflects our belief in the principle that legal excellence and community service go hand in hand. His career demonstrates how individual attorneys can make a lasting impact not just through their practice, but through their commitment to strengthening the legal profession and ensuring access to justice for all Illinois residents.”
Lauren N. Tuckey, Tuckey Law Illinois Bar Foundation President 2025-26
Bar leadership and community impact Mark's commitment to the legal profession extends far beyond his practice. As president of the Illinois State Bar Association (2010-11), he championed juvenile justice reform, established young attorney mentorship programs, and highlighted the vital role lawyers play in strengthening their communities. His passion for juvenile justice led to the establishment of the Illinois Bar Foundation's M. Denny Hassakis Fund, which focuses on improving Illinois' juvenile justice system through public policy changes and programs supporting vulnerable youth. Mark served as president of the Illinois Bar Foundation from 2000 to 2002, during which time he was instrumental in creating the organization's signature fundraising events, including the Gala and Lawyers Rock concert. Mark has held numerous other leadership positions, including chairman of the ISBA Mutual Insurance Company; president of the Jefferson County Bar Association; and board member of the Hellenic Bar Association, the Lawyers' Trust Fund of Illinois, and the Juvenile Justice Initiative. Beyond his legal work, Mark has been a driving force in Mount Vernon and Southern Illinois development. He has spearheaded projects focused on downtown development, historical building restoration, and the support of community parks and arts initiatives. Notable achievements include bringing nationally acclaimed jazz artists to teach area grade school students and commissioning an "Abraham Lincoln as a Lawyer" sculpture for the 5th Appellate Court grounds in Mount Vernon. A proud Northwestern University alumnus, Mark continues to serve as an alumni regent and member of the Northwestern University Leadership Circle since 2012, acting as an ambassador for the university. Mark's extensive community involvement includes leadership roles with the Downtown Development Corporation of Mt. Vernon, Jefferson County Historical Society, Lincoln Park Foundation, Vernon West Rotary Club (Paul Harris Fellow), and numerous other local organizations dedicated to enriching Southern Illinois. Bar Admissions