HEADS UPIllinois lawmakers are quietly trying to gut the state’s #FOIA law, allowing governments 30 days instead of 5 to respond — in the middle of a pandemic. There’s no greater time for *MORE* transparency. @WBEZ @WBEZpolitics @mvtopic @akeefe @dmihalopoulos @headlineclub

Here’s my latest story thanks to #FOIA >> using 911 calls & death records w/ @ChicagoEl to show how #CookCounty residents are putting off medical care, potentially adding to the #COVID-19 death toll. Think that’s important? @IMPACT4HC @IHAhospitals @ToniPreckwinkle

Since this story ran, I’ve heard from more doctors about their fears: seeing more advanced cancers and sicker patients who have chronic conditions. In other words: another public health crisis. https://tinyurl.com/y9xbdpnf 

Another example of why #FOIA is important: I filed one to understand the number of cases inside nursing homes. @IDPH still hasn’t responded, but 2 weeks after I filed my request, and amid pressure from other media, @GovPritzker released the numbers. @ChipMitchell1 @estheryjkang

I could go on and on. #Illinois’ FOIA law should be strengthened, not watered down. Why make it harder for the public to understand how government officials are making decisions & spending taxpayer money? @mickeyd1971 @mizamudio @deldeib @WriterAlejandra @BetterGov @bylaurenfitz