Wednesday, December 19, 2018

2018-12-19 - NUVO - The Year in News 2018


In my capacity as NUVO News Editor, I, along with Cory Cathcart, a student at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis' Department of Journalism and Public Relations in the School of Liberal Arts, organized all of the news stories in 2018 on Dec. 19, 2018. We organized them by category: Education, Indiana Statehouse, Criminal Justice, Health & Environment, and Midterm Elections. Here is a panoramic time-lapse video of us sorting the cards of each story into groups:



(Video by Charlie Clark)

There were no shortage of big news stories in 2018, even without the midterm elections. News Editor Rob Burgess breaks down our biggest stories of the year with a look back at 2018 headlines.

Many topics including teacher salaries, anti-bullying efforts, and sex education were among the top education stories in 2018, but with high-profile school shootings in Noblesville and Richmond, safety was at the top of most parents' lists of concerns. Here's a look at our top stories related to education in 2018.

2018-12-19 - The Year in News: Indiana Statehouse 2018
There was much disappointment to be shared this year for those concerned about the Statehouse in 2018. Redistricting reform and press freedoms suffered setbacks. And, we can't even tattoo our eyeballs any longer. But, at least, we can buy alcohol on Sundays now, right? Here's a look at our top stories related to state government from 2018.

2018-12-19 - The Year in News: Criminal Justice 2018
Powerful people in the state of Indiana were accused of some pretty ugly crimes in 2018. Public officials from around the state were accused of stealing over $1 million. Dozens of priests were named as credibly accused sexual abusers by the Catholic Church. And, lest we forget the Curtis Hill case. Here's a round-up of some of the top criminal justice stories of the year. Here's a look at our top criminal justice articles from 2018.

2018-12-19 - The Year in News: Health & Environment 2018
Hoosiers had reason to be concerned about their own health and that of the environment around them in 2018. STDs were on the rise, health insurance is set to be harder to obtain, and budgets are being slashed. But, it wasn't all bad: Local environmental rules will continue to be enforced, carbon monoxide testing is now more available, and CBD and medical cannabis are on the march. Here's a look at our top stories from 2018 related to personal and environmental health.

2018-12-19 - The Year in News: Midterm Elections 2018
https://www.nuvo.net/the-year-in-news-midterm-elections/article_fd749be0-0d32-11e9-9b3d-83cae4eec910.html
Indiana voters turned out in record numbers for the Midterm Elections of 2018, and we've got a review of the stories they were most interested in ahead of election day.

Tuesday, December 4, 2018

2018-12-04 - L. Keith Bulen Symposium on American Politics at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis


On Dec. 4, 2018, I was honored to be asked by Aaron Dusso, department chair and associate professor of political science, to be a part of the Media Panel at the L. Keith Bulen Symposium held every two years at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Here is how the event is described on the official website:
An across-the-aisle discussion about American politics

Every other November, the L. Keith Bulen Symposium on American Politics brings together politicians, political staffers, journalists, and scholars to discuss the latest election and look to the next one.

The one-day event cuts through the sound bites to talk about politics in a more meaningful way. Each symposium includes a media panel, presentations, and a discussion with the Indiana party chairs.

IUPUI’s Department of Political Science hosts the symposium, which is free and open to the public.

Please join us Dec. 4, 2018, for this year’s Symposium, "Politics Near and Far: From Grassroots Organizing to Judicial Decision Making." This year’s keynote speaker is the Honorable Loretta H. Rush, Chief Justice of the Indiana Supreme Court. In addition, we will have a serious of excellent discussion panels with political journalists, community organizers, and state party representatives.

Since 1998, the Bulen Symposium has been the premier forum for active discussions of American political parties, elections, and other important issues relating to our political system. Please join us as we bring together political practitioners, journalists, and scholars to discuss the politics that shape our world.

First held in 1998, the Bulen Symposium has had many prominent participants, including former U.S. Senator Richard Lugar, former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, former Indianapolis mayor Greg Ballard, and current Indiana governor Eric Holcomb. Political reporters who have participated include Jim Shella, Amber Stearns, Amos Brown, Lesley Weidenbener, and Tony Cook.
About L. Keith Bulen
L. Keith Bulen was a prominent political figure in Indiana. He worked in government for nearly half a century, and was elected or appointed at the block, precinct, ward, county, district, state, national, and international levels.

Bulen cultivated the initial successes of Richard Lugar and helped shape the careers of many other leaders and officials. He helped develop metropolitan government in Indianapolis (Unigov), and was involved in the management of campaigns for U.S. Congress, governor, and president. President Reagan appointed him a commissioner of the International Joint Commission, which prevents and resolves disputes between the United States and Canada over boundary waters.

Republicans and Democrats came together to establish this symposium in honor of Bulen’s life.
(Photo credit: Amanda Friesen)

The Media Panel was up first on the schedule: 

9:10 - 10:30 a.m. Media Panel

Barbara Brosher —Senior News Editor and Reporter, WFIU and WTIU in Bloomington, IN
Prior to joining the NPR and PBS Bloomington stations, Barbara worked as a reporter and anchor for WNDU in South Bend, IN. She has received multiple AP awards for her reporting.

Kaitlin Lange—Statehouse Reporter, Indianapolis Star
Prior to joining the Star, Kaitlin covered the state legislature for the Evansville Courier & Press. She began her career as News Editor and was promoted to Editor-in-Chief at the Ball State Daily News where Kaitlin earned her political science, journalism, and telecommunications degrees.

Lesley Weidenbener—Managing Editor, Indianapolis Business Journal*
Prior to joining IBJ, Lesley covered politics and government for over 20 years for the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, The Courier-Journal in Louisville, and the TheStatehouseFile.com.

Rob Burgess—News Editor, NUVO
Prior to joining NUVO, Rob was a city editor and editorial board member at the Kokomo Tribune and managing editor of the Indiana Lawyer. He has won numerous awards from the AP and Hoosier State Press Association.

Moderator
Dr. Kristina Horn Sheeler—Executive Associate Dean, IUPUI Honors College, and Professor
of Communication Studies, IU School of Liberal Arts

* = Lesley Weidenbener did not attend the event, but was scheduled.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

2018-11-06 - NUVO - 2018 Midterm Election Voters Guide



https://www.nuvo.net/citycommittee/votersguide/

A few months back, we sent a questionnaire to all of the candidates on the Central Indiana ballot in the upcoming Nov. 6 election, the majority of which came directly from NUVO readers. You can read their unedited responses to the questions below, as well as candidate-provided biographies.

We hope this guide is helpful as you decide which candidate most closely reflects your values and deserves your vote. Please feel free to use the Voters Guide question box if we can help you with any additional information or answers between now and Nov. 6.

2018-12-19 - The Year in News: Midterm Elections 2018
https://www.nuvo.net/the-year-in-news-midterm-elections/article_fd749be0-0d32-11e9-9b3d-83cae4eec910.html
Indiana voters turned out in record numbers for the Midterm Elections of 2018, and we've got a review of the stories they were most interested in ahead of election day.

2018-11-11 - Midterm Election Results 2018
Due to a record number of absentee ballots, the Marion County Clerk's office didn't release the final results until late Thursday. The Indiana Secretary of State's office now reports 100 percent of precincts have submitted their results, but they will not be finalized until 10 days after the election. Therefore, the results for the statewide judge retention questions are not yet available.

2018-11-05 - Voters Guide: When to Ask for a Provisional Ballot
What if you arrive at your assigned polling location on Election Day and you're told your name is not in the poll book? What if you don't have photo ID? What if your vote is challenged for some other reason? What should you do? Answer: You can always vote using a provisional ballot.

2018-11-05 - Voters Guide: Voting For Write-In Candidates
Like a fast food restaurant's secret menu, how to vote for write-in candidates may not be apparent, but you can still make it happen if you know how.

2018-10-31 - Voters Guide: The Roncalli Discrimination Question [Page: 8 and 9]
Our reader, Todd Fuqua, asks: Would you support legislation that would block public dollars from going to private schools if they engage in discriminatory employment practices based on sexual orientation or gender identity?

2018-10-31 - Voters Guide: The Impeachment Question [Page: 7]
We asked candidates for Senate, and House Districts 4, 5, and 7 the following question: “Many people are speculating that if the Democrats retake the House, they will begin impeachment proceedings for President Trump soon after. What would be your criteria be to support impeachment?”

2018-10-18 - NUVO Voters Guide: Donnelly v. Braun
https://www.nuvo.net/citycommittee/votersguide/us-senate-donnelly-v-braun/article_f646ad0a-d258-11e8-83e4-cf70df567260.html
Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, was first elected in 2012, defeating Republican Richard Mourdock to take retiring six-term incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana. Now the only elected statewide Democrat, Donnelly faces a re-election challenge from Republican Mike Braun and Libertarian Lucy Brenton.

2018-10-08 – Voters Guide - US Senate: Third Party
Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Indiana, was first elected in 2012, defeating Republican Richard Mourdock to take retiring six-term incumbent Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Indiana. Now the only elected statewide Democrat, Donnelly faces a re-election challenge from Republican Mike Braun, as well as several third-party candidates including Libertarian Lucy Brenton and Independent Christopher Fischer.

2018-10-08 – Voters Guide - US House District 4: Baird v Beck
The 4th Congressional District is currently represented by outgoing Republican Rep. Todd Rokita. Since 2010, Baird has represented District 44 in the Indiana House of Representatives. Baird faces Democratic challenger Tobi Beck for the open seat.

2018-10-07 – Voters Guide - US House District 5: Brooks v Thornton
First elected in 2012, incumbent Republican Rep. Susan Brooks is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Dee Thornton.

2018-10-07 – Voters Guide - US House District 6: Five Candidates
Looking to replace outgoing Republican Rep. Luke Messer are Libertarian Tom Ferkinhoff, Democrat Jeannine Lee Lake, Independent Heather Meloy, Independent John Miller, and Republican Greg Pence.

2018-10-07 – Voters Guide - US House District 7: Carson v Harmon
First elected in 2008, incumbent Democratic Rep. AndrĂ© Carson is running for re-election against Republican challenger Wayne “Gunny” Harmon.

2018-10-07 – Voters Guide - US House District 9: Hollingsworth v Watson
Rep. Trey Hollingsworth, R-Indiana, was first elected to represent the District 9 in the United States House of Representatives in 2016. Previous representative Todd Young left the job when he was voted into his current seat as Senator during the same election. Hollingsworth faces a re-election challenge from Democrat Liz Watson.

2018-10-05 – Voters Guide - Secretary of State: Five Candidates (Shorter version ran in the Oct. 31, 2018 print edition on Page 6.)
Republican Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson was first appointed in 2012 by then Gov. Mitch Daniels after predecessor Charlie White resigned. Lawson faces a re-election challenge from Democratic Party candidate Jim Harper, Pirate Party candidate Jeremy Heath, Libertarian candidate Mark W. Rutherford, and Green Party candidate George W. Wolfe.

2018-10-05 – Voters Guide - State Auditor: Klutz v Whitticker and Schick
This is the first election for Republican Indiana Auditor of State Tera Klutz, who was appointed last year after Gov. Eric Holcomb appointed her to replace now Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch. Klutz is facing a challenge from Democrat Joselyn Whitticker and Libertarian John Schick.

2018-10-05 – Voters Guide - State Treasurer: Mitchell v Aguilera
Republican Indiana Treasurer of State Kelly Mitchell, who was first elected in 2014, faces a challenge from Democrat John C. Aguilera.

2018-10-02 – Voters Guide - IN Senate D-29: Delph v Ford
Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, has represented District 29 in the Indiana Senate since 2005. As was the case in 2014, he is once again being challenged by Democrat J.D. Ford.

2018-10-02 – Voters Guide - IN Senate D-31: Merritt v Camp
First elected to represent District 31 in the Indiana State Senate in 1990, Republican Sen. James Merritt Jr. is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Derek Camp.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide - IN House D-58: Burton v Reinert
First elected to represent District 58 in the Indiana House of Representatives in 1988, Republican Rep. Charles “Woody” Burton faces a re-election challenge from Democrat Cindy Reinert.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide - IN House D-86: Delaney (Unopposed)
For the second time since he assumed office in 2009, Rep. Edward DeLaney, D-Indianapolis, is running unopposed in Indiana House District 86. DeLaney first ran without a challenger in the 2014 election.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide - IN House D-87: Hamilton v Finch
Rep. Carey Hamilton, D-Indianapolis, was elected serve District 87 in the Indiana House of Representatives in 2016, when she defeated Republican challenger Connie Eckert. Previous office holder, Democrat Christina Hale, decided not to run for re-election when she began her unsuccessful bid for lieutenant governor. This year, Hamilton faces off against Republican challenger Paula Finch.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide - IN House D-88: Bosma v Gill
First elected in 1986, Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Poonam Gill.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-89: Kirchhofer v Barnes
First elected to represent District 89 in the Indiana House of Representatives in 2010, Republican Rep. Cindy Kirchhofer, R-Indianapolis, is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat John Barnes.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-90: Speedy v Jeffers
First elected in 2010 to represent District 90 in the Indiana House of Representatives, Rep. Mike Speedy, R-Indianapolis, is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Tim Jeffers.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-92: Macer (Unopposed)
For the first time since she joined the Statehouse in 2012, Rep. Karlee Macer, D-Indianapolis, is running unopposed for re-election.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide - IN House D-94: Pryor (Unopposed)
Rep. Cherrish Pryor, D-Indianapolis, has represented the 94th District in the Indiana House of Representatives for the last decade. The former Indianapolis City-County Councilmember is running unopposed this year.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-93: Frizzell v Rathnow
First elected to represent District 93 in the Indiana House of Representatives in 1992, Rep. David Frizzell, R-Indianapolis, is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Greg Rathnow.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-96: Porter (Unopposed)
First elected in 1992 to represent District 96 in the Indiana House of Representatives, Rep. Gregory W. Porter, D-Indianapolis, is running unopposed.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-97: Moed (Unopposed)
After being first elected in 2012, this is the second time, after 2014, Rep. Justin Moed, D-Indianapolis, has no opponent in the race for Indiana House District 97.

2018-10-01 – Voters Guide – IN House D-98: Shackleford (Unopposed)
Rep. Robin Shackleford, D-Indianapolis, was first elected to represent District 98 in the Indiana House of Representatives in 2012, when she ran unopposed. She's once again running unopposed, this time for re-election.

2018-09-30 – Voters Guide – Marion County Prosecutor
Democrat Terry R. Curry is seeking a third term as Prosecuting Attorney of Marion County. He is facing off against Republican challenger Benjamin D. Strahm.

2018-09-30 – Voters Guide – Marion County Sheriff
Marion County Sheriff John Layton is not running for re-election given the constraints of the two-term limit. Instead, running for his seat are Republican candidate Brian K. Durham and Democratic candidate Kerry Joseph Forestal.

2018-09-30 – Voters Guide – Marion County Auditor
Democratic Marion County Auditor Julie Voorhies faces a re-election challenge from Republican Caarn Heir.

2018-09-30 – Voters Guide – Marion County Recorder
First elected as Marion County Recorder in 2014, Democratic incumbent Kate Sweeney Bell is running for re-election against Republican challenger Paul Annee.

2018-09-30 – Voters Guide – Marion County Circuit Court Clerk
Four years after she first won Marion County Circuit Court clerk, Democrat Myla A. Ethridge faces a re-election challenge from Republican Kyle Leffel.

2018-09-28 - Voters Guide: Understanding Judicial Races [Shorter version later republished in print edition Oct. 17, 2018 on Page 7.]
When voters head to the polls on Election Day, Nov. 6, they will make their way through all the familiar races including Senate, House, and a myriad of local candidates.

2018-08-27 - NUVO Midterm Election Questionnaire Completed
I'm including a sample of the responses I received here, and out of the five questions I'm sending to each candidate, I will make sure at least three of them come directly from the list below.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

2018-08-05 - Society of Professional Journalists Training Program in association with Google News Initiative: Covering and Protecting Your Elections



From 3 to 7 p.m. Sept. 5, 2018, I had the opportunity to attend the Society of Professional Journalists Training Program in association with Google News Initiative: Covering and Protecting Your Elections at WFYI in Indianapolis.

Here is the program and list of presenters:


Covering and Protecting Your Elections, Indianapolis, Sept. 5

Tools to detect misinformation, protect yourself and your data online, and connect with voters


Held in partnership with WFYI.

Schedule

3 p.m.
Introduction, Agenda & Overview

3:30 p.m.
Verification & Fact Checking

4:45 p.m.
Safety & Security

5:30 p.m.
Ethics & Elections

6 p.m.
Data Journalism

7 p.m.
Online Resources & Wrap-up

Meet the Trainers

Nicholas Whitaker


Nicholas Whitaker (@nickdigital) is the Training and Development Manager at the Google News Lab — a global team dedicated to working with journalists to provide training, collaborate on industry challenges, and support innovation in the newsroom. The News Lab forms part of the Google News Initiative, an effort to work with the news industry to help journalism thrive in the digital age.

Nicholas has been at Google for over 7 years, providing in-person training and educational programs, as well as adult-online learning initiatives, reaching more than half a million journalists worldwide.

Before joining Google in 2010 Nicholas spent the prior decade producing, directing, editing, and shooting videos and still images for news, commercial, entertainment and advocacy media while also teaching courses in video production, new media, and communication theory as an adjunct professor at Eugene Lang College — The New School for Liberal Arts, and Marymount Manhattan College in New York City.

Nicholas earned a BA from The New School University with a focus in documentary film production and media theory, and an MA from New York University where he specialized in new media and the history of propaganda in political communication.

Samaruddin (Sam) Stewart

Sam Stewart (@samsends) is a journalist and media technologist based in California and is a program manager for the SPJ Training Program in partnership with the Google News Initiative which has trained over 17,000 US journalists since 2016. Prior, he was awarded a Knight Foundation Prototype Grant for his innovative work in verification of visual content for journalism and was also selected as a Stanford University John S. Knight Journalism Fellow where his research focused on countering misinformation through technology. His prior work includes senior managing and editing roles at Aol News, Agence France-Presse, The Arizona Republic, and he was also selected as the US Department of State’s 189th Franklin Fellow, serving as a media expert providing strategic advising on media outreach and audience engagement. He holds an MBA from Central European University and both a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism.

Alison Bethel McKenzie


Alison Bethel McKenzie (@bethelmckenzie) is executive director of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior.

Bethel McKenzie has more than 30 years of experience as an award-winning reporter, bureau chief, senior editor and media trainer. She has worked in senior-level positions at The Boston Globe, The Detroit News, Legal Times and The Nassau Guardian in the Bahamas.

She also spent a year in Accra, Ghana, working for the Washington, D.C.-based International Center for Journalists as a Knight International Journalism Fellow. In August 2009, she joined the International Press Institute, based in Vienna, Austria, as deputy director before becoming the institute’s Executive Director a year later.

Bethel McKenzie also has worked at The Miami Herald, the Los Angeles Times, Poughkeepsie Journal and the now-defunct State Times in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From July 2016 to May 2017, Bethel McKenzie served as a visiting professor of print and investigative journalism for the Indian Institute of Journalism & New Media in Bangalore, India.

Friday, August 24, 2018

2018-08-24 - Sounding Off guest appearance


Aug. 24, 2018, I was asked to be a guest on the Sounding Off podcast by host Brandon Chapman:

Rob Burgess, News Editor for NUVO, calls in to talk about his role in the Bob Lamey story, the reason for passing it on to WTHR, and the reaction/fallout of the details involving Lamey leaving the Colts.
The story in question was my Aug. 22, 2018 story in NUVO, "Colts Announcer Bob Lamey Resigns After Use of N-Word."

I have edited, uploaded, and embedded the interview here:



Thursday, August 16, 2018

#FreePress

On Aug. 16, 2018, my "House of Burgess" column, "We Are Not the Enemy," was published in NUVO solidarity along with more than 300 other newspapers in defense of the free press. 


The #FreePress initiative originated with Marjorie Pritchard, deputy managing editor of the Boston Globe’s opinion page. 

On Aug. 27, 2018, Shailee Shah, community relations co-op at Boston Globe Media, contacted NUVO.

“A sincere thanks for participating in the #FreePress project. The Boston Globe is currently in the process of turning the editorials written last week into a book or magazine,” she wrote. “We'd like to include your editorial in the compilation and need a few things from you in order to do that. We are also updating the Globe's website to include more editorials."

In response, I provided permission to reprint the column, the headline, a pull quote, a link to the online story or a PDF if it appeared only in print, the publication's Twitter handle, and the mailing address of the publication.

Friday, April 27, 2018

Winner - First Place - Coverage of Government or Politics (publication circulation below 30,000) - Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists 2017 Best in Indiana Contest

On April 27, 2018, at the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists 2017 Best in Indiana Contest awards ceremony at the Indianapolis Marriott North, I won First Place for Coverage of Government or Politics for publications with a circulation below 30,000. My winning story, “Holcomb doubles Pence's 4-year total of pardons in one day,” was originally published Dec. 13, 2017.
Here are the judges' notes for my winning entry:
“Interesting use of records to compare and contrast pardons by recent governors. Insightful analysis into former Governor Mike Pence's apparent hesitation to exercise the pardoning authority for the sake of political convenience.”
Here is the April 28, 2018 Indianapolis Business Journal story about it:

IBJ honored for editorial writing, illustrations, medical reporting and more
IBJ Staff

IBJ won first place awards for editorial writing and news illustrations Friday in the 2017 Best in Indiana contest hosted by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

IBJ competes in the category for largest newspapers, digital publications and wire services.

Editor Greg Andrews won first place for an editorial headlined “Tightfisted owner tanked Marsh” and third place for an editorial headlined “Pension shortfalls taint Sun Capital.”

The judge in the editorial category said Andrews “impressed me with his clear and courageous opinions and well-supported arguments. He as a strong grasp of his subject and provides unique, well-written analyses.”

Artist and designer Brad Turner won first place in the graphics and illustrations category for an illustration called “Private equity pick 'em parlor” that accompanied a story headlined “Private equity firms' acquisition targets get pricey.”

The judge said Turner’s illustration was “an engaging solution to a complex message—with a little humor thrown in.”

Turner also won second place for an illustration called “This will hurt” that accompanied a story about increasing health insurance costs.

Other IBJ winners:

IBJ staff won second place for its work on the 2017 Innovation Issue, which was honored in the non-deadline story or series category.
Reporter John Russell won second place in medical or science reporting for his body of work covering health.
Reporter Anthony Schoettle won third place for his profile of radio host Dan Dakich headlined “Dan Dakich might be the nicest, most-hated person on Indy radio.”
Sports columnist Mike Lopresti won third place in his sports column writing for his body of work for IBJ.
IBJ’s sister publication, Indiana Lawyer, also won several awards, including a first place for government and politics reporting. Indiana Lawyer competes in a category for publications with circulations less than 30,000.
Former Indiana Lawyer Managing Editor Rob Burgess won first place for politics and government coverage for his story Holcomb doubles “Pence's 4-year total of pardons in one day.” A judge called the story an “insightful analysis into former Governor Mike Pence's apparent hesitation to exercise the pardoning authority for the sake of political convenience.”
Current Managing Editor Olivia Covington and Editor Dave Stafford won second place in the minority issues category for stories about minority underrepresentation in the legal industry.
Reporter Marilyn Odendahl won second place for a feature story headlined “4 lawyers and a businessman walk into a bar… .”

***

And here is the April 30, 2018
Indiana Lawyer story about it:

Indiana Lawyer wins awards for government, feature, minority issues reporting
IL and IBJ Staff

The Indiana Lawyer took home three awards Friday in the 2017 Best in Indiana contest hosted by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Former Indiana Lawyer Managing Editor Rob Burgess won first place for politics and government coverage for his story “Holcomb doubles Pence's 4-year total of pardons in one day.” A judge called the story an “insightful analysis into former Governor Mike Pence's apparent hesitation to exercise the pardoning authority for the sake of political convenience.”

Managing Editor Olivia Covington and Editor Dave Stafford won second place in the minority issues category for a collection of stories about minority underrepresentation in the legal industry.

Reporter Marilyn Odendahl won second place for a feature story headlined “4 lawyers and a businessman walk into a bar … and begin distilling, bottling and selling their own artisan liquor..”

Indiana Lawyer competes in a category for publications with circulations less than 30,000.

IL’s sister publication, the Indianapolis Business Journal, also collected several Best in Indiana awards. IBJ won first place awards for editorial writing and news illustrations in the category for largest newspapers, digital publications and wire services.

Editor Greg Andrews won first place for an editorial headlined “Tightfisted owner tanked Marsh” and third place for an editorial headlined “Pension shortfalls taint Sun Capital.” The judge in the editorial category said Andrews “impressed me with his clear and courageous opinions and well-supported arguments. He has a strong grasp of his subject and provides unique, well-written analyses.”

Artist and designer Brad Turner won first place in the graphics and illustrations category for an illustration called “Private equity pick ‘em parlor” that accompanied a story headlined “Private equity firms' acquisition targets get pricey.”

The judge said Turner’s illustration was “an engaging solution to a complex message — with a little humor thrown in.”
Turner also won second place for an illustration called “This will hurt” that accompanied a story about increasing health insurance costs.

IBJ staff won second place for its work on the 2017 Innovation Issue, which was honored in the non-deadline story or series category.

Reporter John Russell won second place in medical or science reporting for his body of work covering health.

Reporter Anthony Schoettle won third place for his profile of radio host Dan Dakich headlined “Dan Dakich might be the nicest, most-hated person on Indy radio.”

Sports columnist Mike Lopresti won third place in his sports column writing for his body of work for IBJ.






Friday, April 13, 2018

Indiana Lawyer - Managing Editor

From Nov. 6, 2017 to April 13, 2018 I was managing editor of the Indiana Lawyer.



April 27, 2018, at the Indianapolis Marriott North, I was honored with the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists' 2017 Best in Indiana Journalism Award for Coverage of Government or Politics (publication circulation below 30,000) for my Dec. 13, 2017 story, "Holcomb doubles Pence’s 4-year total of pardons in one day."
 
Here was my biography:
"Rob Burgess is managing editor of Indiana Lawyer. Prior to joining Indiana Lawyer, he was city editor for more than five years at the Kokomo Tribune, in Kokomo, Indiana, where he also served as opinion page editor and a member of the editorial board. He holds a degree from Indiana University."

The story marked with * was awarded: Winner - First Place - Coverage of Government or Politics (publication circulation below 30,000) - Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists 2017 Best in Indiana Contest


IBJ honored for editorial writing, illustrations, medical reporting and more
IBJ Staff

IBJ won first place awards for editorial writing and news illustrations Friday in the 2017 Best in Indiana contest hosted by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

IBJ competes in the category for largest newspapers, digital publications and wire services.

Editor Greg Andrews won first place for an editorial headlined “Tightfisted owner tanked Marsh” and third place for an editorial headlined “Pension shortfalls taint Sun Capital.”

The judge in the editorial category said Andrews “impressed me with his clear and courageous opinions and well-supported arguments. He as a strong grasp of his subject and provides unique, well-written analyses.”

Artist and designer Brad Turner won first place in the graphics and illustrations category for an illustration called “Private equity pick 'em parlor” that accompanied a story headlined “Private equity firms' acquisition targets get pricey.”

The judge said Turner’s illustration was “an engaging solution to a complex message—with a little humor thrown in.”

Turner also won second place for an illustration called “This will hurt” that accompanied a story about increasing health insurance costs.

Other IBJ winners:

IBJ staff won second place for its work on the 2017 Innovation Issue, which was honored in the non-deadline story or series category.
Reporter John Russell won second place in medical or science reporting for his body of work covering health.
Reporter Anthony Schoettle won third place for his profile of radio host Dan Dakich headlined “Dan Dakich might be the nicest, most-hated person on Indy radio.”
Sports columnist Mike Lopresti won third place in his sports column writing for his body of work for IBJ.
IBJ’s sister publication, Indiana Lawyer, also won several awards, including a first place for government and politics reporting. Indiana Lawyer competes in a category for publications with circulations less than 30,000.
Former Indiana Lawyer Managing Editor Rob Burgess won first place for politics and government coverage for his story Holcomb doubles “Pence's 4-year total of pardons in one day.” A judge called the story an “insightful analysis into former Governor Mike Pence's apparent hesitation to exercise the pardoning authority for the sake of political convenience.”
Current Managing Editor Olivia Covington and Editor Dave Stafford won second place in the minority issues category for stories about minority underrepresentation in the legal industry.
Reporter Marilyn Odendahl won second place for a feature story headlined “4 lawyers and a businessman walk into a bar… .”

***

And here is the April 30, 2018
Indiana Lawyer story about it:

Indiana Lawyer wins awards for government, feature, minority issues reporting
IL and IBJ Staff

The Indiana Lawyer took home three awards Friday in the 2017 Best in Indiana contest hosted by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Former Indiana Lawyer Managing Editor Rob Burgess won first place for politics and government coverage for his story “Holcomb doubles Pence's 4-year total of pardons in one day.” A judge called the story an “insightful analysis into former Governor Mike Pence's apparent hesitation to exercise the pardoning authority for the sake of political convenience.”

Managing Editor Olivia Covington and Editor Dave Stafford won second place in the minority issues category for a collection of stories about minority underrepresentation in the legal industry.

Reporter Marilyn Odendahl won second place for a feature story headlined “4 lawyers and a businessman walk into a bar … and begin distilling, bottling and selling their own artisan liquor..”

Indiana Lawyer competes in a category for publications with circulations less than 30,000.

IL’s sister publication, the Indianapolis Business Journal, also collected several Best in Indiana awards. IBJ won first place awards for editorial writing and news illustrations in the category for largest newspapers, digital publications and wire services.

Editor Greg Andrews won first place for an editorial headlined “Tightfisted owner tanked Marsh” and third place for an editorial headlined “Pension shortfalls taint Sun Capital.” The judge in the editorial category said Andrews “impressed me with his clear and courageous opinions and well-supported arguments. He has a strong grasp of his subject and provides unique, well-written analyses.”

Artist and designer Brad Turner won first place in the graphics and illustrations category for an illustration called “Private equity pick ‘em parlor” that accompanied a story headlined “Private equity firms' acquisition targets get pricey.”

The judge said Turner’s illustration was “an engaging solution to a complex message — with a little humor thrown in.”
Turner also won second place for an illustration called “This will hurt” that accompanied a story about increasing health insurance costs.

IBJ staff won second place for its work on the 2017 Innovation Issue, which was honored in the non-deadline story or series category.

Reporter John Russell won second place in medical or science reporting for his body of work covering health.

Reporter Anthony Schoettle won third place for his profile of radio host Dan Dakich headlined “Dan Dakich might be the nicest, most-hated person on Indy radio.”

Sports columnist Mike Lopresti won third place in his sports column writing for his body of work for IBJ.




Daily stories
2017-11-08 – “Appeals court affirms mortgage foreclosure decision” (Published: Nov. 29, 2017, Page 21)
A South Bend man had no standing to challenge the assignment of loan documents and therefore was not entitled to relief from judgment in a mortgage foreclosure, the Indiana Court of Appeals ruled Wednesday.
2017-11-08 – “Attorney fees affirmed in adult guardianship dispute” (Published: Nov. 29, 2017, Page 21)
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Wednesday affirmed an award of attorney fees in a guardianship dispute that involved expert witnesses who testified as to the testamentary capacity of a man diagnosed with dementia.
2017-11-09 – “Post-conviction relief appeal denied”
A Vigo County man’s petition for post-conviction relief was denied by the Indiana Court of Appeals on Thursday.
2017-11-14 – “Minkler appointed to U.S. Attorney advisory committee”
Joshua Minkler, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana, is among nine federal prosecutors appointed to serve a two-year term on the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee of U.S. Attorneys, the U.S. Department of Justice announced Monday.
2017-12-28 – “COA upholds bar’s partial liability for hit-and-run”
The Indiana Court of Appeals on Friday affirmed judgments of liability against a Lake County bar accused of overserving a patron who drove a vehicle that struck another departing customer.
2018-01-16 – “Notre Dame Law School clinic secures disease detection patent”
Detecting cancers and cardiovascular diseases now may be a bit easier thanks to a new patent secured by the Notre Dame Law School’s Intellectual Property and Entrepreneurship Clinic.
2018-01-22 – “Federal courts open during government shutdown”
With Congress failing to pass a budget measure by the deadline of midnight Saturday, and the federal government beginning the workweek amid a shutdown, federal judiciary officials sought to assure the public they are still open – for now.
2018-01-24 – “State suspends new assisted living center certifications”
The Family and Social Services Administration has announced a moratorium on the certification of any new assisted living, adult day service or adult family care providers until further notice.
2018-01-25 – “Bankruptcy filings fall at slowest rate since 2010”
In a continuing trend, bankruptcy filings in 2017 continued to fall, but at a slower rate than any time since 2010, a new report issued by the U.S. Courts says.
2018-01-26 – “Holcomb extends CBD oil order through legislative session”
Gov. Eric Holcomb on Friday extended the moratorium on seizures of CBD oil from retailers’ shelves — as well Indiana State Excise Police’s education period on products derived from cannabis — while lawmakers consider bills regulating those products.
2018-01-29 – “Tax Advisory Council has inaugural meeting”
The Indiana Department of Revenue’s Tax Advisory Council convened behind closed doors for its inaugural quarterly meeting today. Created in December, the group’s mission is to “shape the future of tax administration by providing input regarding agency operations, policies and legislative proposals,” according to the department.
2018-01-30 – “Kiritsis film release set for anniversary of hostage crisis”
Dead Man’s Line,” a new documentary about the Feb. 8, 1977 kidnapping of Indianapolis mortgage broker Richard O. “Dick” Hall by Anthony G. “Tony” Kiritsis, is scheduled for release on the 41st anniversary of the event.
2018-01-31 – “Ex-trooper Camm’s $30 million lawsuit dismissed”
A $30 million lawsuit brought by exoneree David Camm was dismissed Monday by the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Indiana in New Albany.
2018-02-02 – “IRS: 26 sentenced in Indiana last year on federal tax violations”
A total of 26 people were sentenced for criminal federal tax violations in Indiana in 2017, according to the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.
2018-02-05 – “Hill speaks at DOJ’s Human Trafficking Summit”
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill spoke Friday at the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Summit, where he touted the state’s increased focus on the issue.
2018-02-07 – “Taxpayers urged to beware of identity thieves”
Some taxpayers may be in for a nasty surprise when they file their returns this year, officials say.
2018-02-09 – “McKinney professor testifies on voting case’s lasting effects”
The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in a key voting rights case necessitates the Department of Justice take corrective action before the 2020 census, an Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law professor testified.
2018-02-12 – “Public health expert to speak at annual IU McKinney award lecture”
A noted expert in public health law will speak Friday at Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law’s annual McDonald-Merrill-Ketcham Award Lecture.
2018-02-13 – “Hill files complaint after body found in bug-infested retirement home”
The discovery last year of the cockroach-covered body of an Indianapolis retirement home resident was the impetus for an administrative complaint against the health facility administrator by Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill.
2018-02-20 – “Hill announces annual Prescription Drug Abuse Symposium”
The office of Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has announced the ninth annual Prescription Drug Abuse Symposium for later this year.
2018-02-21 – “Child pornography arrest the latest sign in growing trend”
A Scott County man’s arrest on child pornography charges by the Indiana State Police is the latest sign of a growing trend reported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
2018-02-21 – “Court rules for Amazon worker denied long-term disability”
An insurance company’s denial of a long-term disability claim has been remanded by Jane Magnus-Stinson, chief judge for the U.S. District Court for Southern District of Indiana.
2018-02-23 – “IU Maurer begins JD/MBA scholar program with top Korean college”
The Indiana University Maurer School of Law is currently interviewing candidates for a novel, full-tuition JD/MBA scholarship program.
2018-02-26 – “Inmate found dead at St. Joseph County Jail”
A male inmate at the St. Joseph County Jail was discovered dead in his cell during a routine check Sunday.
2018-02-28 – “State reaches settlement with Takata over defective airbags”
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill announced a settlement Tuesday with TK Holdings Inc. — the U.S. subsidiary of Takata — over allegations that the company concealed deadly safety issues related to airbag systems installed in a wide variety of vehicles.
2018-03-05 – “IU McKinney seeks applicants for summer academy”
Applications are available for the third annual Summer Law and Leadership Academy at the Indiana University Robert H. McKinney School of Law.
2018-03-12 – “Hill supports Sessions’ fight against ‘sanctuary state laws’”
Indiana Attorney Curtis Hill on Friday joined U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions in the Trump administration’s ongoing legal battle with California over immigration.
2018-03-26 – “7th Circuit proposes document filing rule changes”
Streamlining the process of filing documents with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit is the goal of a set of proposed changes to the court’s rules.
2018-03-27 – “ACLU Indiana plans transgender rights Facebook Live event”
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana’s Transgender Education and Advocacy Program is organizing an “Ask Me Anything” event starting at noon Wednesday on Facebook Live, featuring advocates Lo Ray and Michelle Young.
2018-04-04 – “Walmart halts anti-shoplifting program AG criticized”
An anti-shoplifting program that had been implemented by Walmart at 36 Indiana locations — including Beech Grove, Kokomo and Lafayette — has been voluntarily discontinued by the company after Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill issued a critical opinion.



Print stories
2017-11-29 – “In legal gray area, social media use may impact work life” (Page 4)
A Virginia bicyclist’s chance encounter with a presidential motorcade late last month exemplifies the growing complications employers and employees face in the age of social media, local employment law professionals say.
2017-11-29 – “Wagner Reese looks to the future” (Page 4, with photos courtesy by Wagner Reese, Eric Learned and Rob Burgess)
During a grand opening Nov. 9 celebrating the new Wagner Reese headquarters building at 11939 N. Meridian St., Carmel, it wasn’t hard to see how far the law firm had come in a relatively short time.
2017-12-13 – “Holcomb doubles Pence’s 4-year total of pardons in one day” (Page 1, jump to Page 22) *
Gov. Eric Holcomb issued six pardons on Nov. 20 — twice the absolutions granted by his predecessor, now-Vice President Mike Pence, during his four years as governor.
2017-12-13 – “Raines' return to Bingham as COO like homecoming” (Page 4, with photo by Eric Learned)
When Bingham Greenebaum Doll LLP announced Oct. 17 that C.W. Raines III had been named the firm’s new chief operating officer, his new role was something of a homecoming. Raines previously worked in the firm’s Indianapolis office as an associate from 2004 to 2006, where his practice focused on corporate services including mergers and acquisitions, startups, and lending transactions.
2017-12-27 – “Rethinking bail: Pretrial release and apps among trends here and nationwide” (Page 4, jump to 22)
The drumbeat to reexamine the practice of cash bail in Indiana and nationally has grown louder in recent years as jails groan under the weight of overpopulation.
2018-01-10 – “Church of Cannabis seeks sanctuary in RFRA; Hill asks court to rule for state” (Promo on Page 1, story starts on Page 3, jumps to Pages 25 and 27)
Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill has asked a court to rule in the state’s favor against what he calls “a small group of marijuana enthusiasts operating in Indianapolis under the name ‘First Church of Cannabis.’”
SIDEBAR STORY: 2018-01-10 – “RFRA’s unintended consequences” (Page 25)
Indiana Senate Bill 101, the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, was signed by then-Gov. Mike Pence on March 26, 2015. An amendment was then signed the following month. Since, RFRA has been cited in a few unexpected ways.
2018-01-10 – “Indiana eighth to offer state employees parental leave” (Page 8, jump to Page 9)
Gov. Eric Holcomb last month signed an executive order establishing paid parental leave for state employees, effective Jan. 1.
2018-01-24 – “Milk on the move - Benefit helps nursing moms while they travel” (Page 4)
Nursing mothers facing the prospect of a days-long business trip are often presented with a dilemma. They can either switch their baby’s diet to formula for the time being, or store milk ahead of schedule. Such attorneys at Ice Miller, however, no longer must make these choices while traveling for work.
2018-01-24 – “The ups and downs of investing in bitcoin” (Promo on page 1, story on page 7, jump to page 9)
Have the eye-popping gains posted by bitcoin investors in the latter half of 2017 grabbed your attention? Has this made you consider adding cryptocurrencies to your wealth management portfolio? If you said yes, lawyers, investors and accountants say you’re in good company.
2018-02-07 – “‘End of life options’ a nonstarter at Statehouse” (Promo on page 1, story on page 3 and jump on page 21)
Indiana is not among the seven jurisdictions in the country that authorize medical aid in dying. California, Colorado, Montana, Oregon, Vermont, Washington and Washington, D.C. do, however. For the second year in a row, a legislative push for an End of Life Options Act failed to gain traction.
2018-02-07 – “Emerging smart contracts offer possibilities and risks” (Story on page 7 and jump to page 9)
Smart contracts” soon may change the way many lawyers practice.
2018-02-21 – “McKinney professor instructs Cambodian officials on new laws” (Story on page 3, jump to page 15)
Professor Xuan-Thao Nguyen conducted training workshops for legal professionals from Dec. 25-28 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Nguyen directs the IU McKinney Center for Intellectual Property Law and Innovation.
2018-02-21 – “Advances in big data promise personalization, challenges for insurers” (Promo on page 1, story on page 7, jump to page 23)
The science behind insurance is far from new. Actuarial tables were developed centuries ago, leading to an industry whose core business model has remained relatively stable as times change. But what happens when technology threatens to not only disrupt the market, but completely reshape it?
2018-02-21 – “Kiritsis film recalls insanity defense reform” (Story on page 4, jump to page 16)
Coinciding with the 41st anniversary of the notorious kidnapping, a new documentary, “Dead Man’s Line,” has been released by a pair of local filmmakers. The focus on the Kiritsis case also recalls how it drove change in the way the justice system treats the insanity defense.
2018-03-07 – “Jail chemical addiction programs show promise, but few are offered” (Story on page 1, jump to page 21)
As the opioid crisis continues to ravage the state and nation, Boone County is facing a familiar problem: The jail is bursting at the seams.
2018-03-07 – “Financial advisers encourage lawyers to set goals, diversify for retirement” (Story on page 3, jump to page 21)
Voluntary or not, you will probably have to stop working someday. People like Brian Wright, of Valeo Financial Advisors in Indianapolis, are asking their clients these questions: When do you want that to happen, and what do want retirement to look like when it’s time?
2018-03-21 – “Officials warn flood victims in the state to be wary of disaster opportunists” (Story on page 3, jump to page 21)
Disaster can bring out the best in people — neighbors help neighbors, state and federal agencies spring into action, donations pour in and charities offer immediate aid. But there is a more sinister element that sees the aftermath as an opportunity to extract a few fast dollars from disaster victims. Authorities are now warning those reeling from the floods that ravaged northern and southern Indiana against these scammers.
2018-03-21 – “Current, former ND Law students, professors working for lasting peace, justice in Colombia” (Story on page 4, jump to page 18)
Whether this peace accord stands the test of time remains to be seen. What is clear is the dedication of a small group of current and former Notre Dame Law School students and professors working to seek justice and win the peace.
2018-04-04 – “Autonomous vehicle regulation stalls out in statehouse” (Promo on page 1, story on page 3, jump on page 9)
In the finger-pointing and confusion that marked the end of the most recent legislative session, regulation for autonomous vehicles in the state was one of the issues left on the table. Gov. Eric Holcomb last month called for a special session of the Indiana General Assembly to address some of the unfinished business, but self-driving cars will have to wait.
2018-04-04 – “OpenBeds program seeks to streamline connection between patients, treatment options” (Story on page 3, jump to page 23)
For the past 18 months, the state has been steadily increasing the number of available beds for the treatment of opioid addiction. Despite this, Indiana hospitals and treatment providers were left without a real-time solution to connect individuals seeking treatment to an available bed. To address this, Dr. Jennifer Walthall, Family and Social Services Administration secretary, and Jim McClelland, director for drug prevention, treatment and enforcement, announced OpenBeds, a software platform that manages health services.
2018-04-04 – “As state allows for professional licenses, long-term national DACA solution remains elusive” (Story on page 4)
With all this uncertainty, one thing DACA recipients won’t have to worry about anymore — in Indiana, at least — is obtaining state professional licenses. Gov. Eric Holcomb signed Senate Enrolled Act 419 on March 21, which allowed “Dreamers” to apply for professional certifications.
2018-04-18 - “Cumberland mental health crisis team among first in state” (Promo on page 1, story on page 3, jump on page 22)
The Cumberland Police Department initiated the Cumberland Assertive Response and Engagement Team in January. The CARE Team is designed by Chief Michael Crooke to help those suffering from mental illness and addiction by providing resources to them and their families.
2018-04-18 - “State government confronts sexual harassment” (Story on page 3, jump on page 18)
After the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation this year to expand training and write a sexual harassment prevention policy for the legislature for the first time, the other two branches of state government are taking action.