Jermont Terry reports on the attack on colleagues for WBBM-TV, CBS Chicago. (Credit: YouTube.)
Suspect Ordered Dog Into Action; Animal Didn’t Obey
“A CBS News Chicago reporter and photographer were attacked by three men who yelled racial slurs, damaged their equipment, and commanded a dog to attack them near the Adler Planetarium on Monday afternoon, according to police and the news station,” the Chicago Sun-Times reported Tuesday, citing the “Sun Times wire.”
“Detectives are speaking to three persons of interest,” a Chicago police spokesperson told Journal-isms Tuesday morning.
Neither local media nor police identified the journalists or those being questioned. “Our office does not identify victims. Per Department policy, we do not release the names of any potential offenders or persons of interest until they have been charged,” the police spokesperson said.
Tess Kenny reported for the Chicago Tribune that a short time after the attack, “a police pursuit ensued miles away on the city’s Southwest Side.”
“Just before 4:30 p.m. in the 900 block of East Solidarity Drive, a reporter and photographer with CBS News Chicago were preparing to go on air when the incident unfolded, according to police and a report from CBS. An original call for service indicated that suspects pulled up to a CBS media vehicle and began shouting racial obscenities at a CBS cameraman who is Black, a law enforcement source said.
“Multiple male suspects exited a white truck, Chicago police said, citing preliminary information. One of the suspects directed a dog to attack a 54-year-old man while yelling slurs, police said. The dog, however, didn’t attack, prompting one of the suspects to become ‘irate’ and start damaging the 54-year-old’s property by throwing it on the ground, police said.
WBBM, known as CBS News Chicago, reported, “The crew and the two witnesses say a white or Hispanic man with a dog got out first and then moved aggressively towards the crew while shouting racial slurs targeted at one of our journalists.
” ‘It started racial with the cameraman because he’s an African American male,’ the witness said.”
The Tribune story continued:
“All suspects re-entered the white truck and fled the scene in an unknown direction, police said.
“Early Monday evening, a CBS news van could be seen along the sidewalk outside the Adler Planetarium. The van’s windows were smashed and a lone orange traffic cone sat on the hood. An evidence marker had been placed next to the cone.
“Across the street, camera equipment lay strewn along a section of grass. Police tape had been strung up around the equipment.
“Officers later located the truck on police observation device cameras and observed the suspects with the dog near the Richard J. Daley Park Boat launch in Little Village, the law enforcement source said.
“Beat officers monitoring police radio observed a tow truck matching the description of the white truck near 4300 South Western Avenue, the source said. Police sped up to catch up with the truck. As officers came close, the tow truck slammed on its brakes, causing the squad car to collide with the rear of the truck, the source said. Police activated their emergency lights and a short pursuit ensued, during which the fleeing tow truck crashed into a metal box in an alley near 3600 South California Avenue in the Brighton Park neighborhood on the city’s Southwest Side, the source said. Those inside the truck then fled on foot.
“Three suspects were taken into custody, and a high-powered rifle was confiscated from the truck, the source said.
“ ‘We are shocked and horrified by this crime and we are grateful that our journalists are safe,’ a CBS spokesperson said in a statement.”
- Jermont Terry and Jramie Bizzle, CBS Chicago (WBBM): CBS Chicago reporter, photographer attacked by 3 men near Adler Planetarium
Save the Date: July 12 for a Sickle Cell Survivor and Other Racial Issues in Health Care
June 29, 2026
Apply to the Chauncey Bailey JoC Reporting Fellowship
RTDNA Seeks Judges in Spanish, Radio and TV Categories
Watch: Online News Assn. — Housing Journalism for Everyone
June 30: How Baldwin Continues to Shape Conversations
June 30: Deadline to Nominate a Student Journalist
July 1: Webinar on July 22-25 NAHJ Conference
July 8-9: Future of News Conference in Minneapolis
July 9: Former FCC Leadership Symposium
July 9: Protecting Yourself Online
July 16: Future of Black Communities Summit
July 22-24: Indigenous Journalists Conference
July 22: Deadline for Data Reporting Fellowship
Aug. 12-16: NABJ Convention in Atlanta
Aug. 13: Deadline for Applying for SPJ Foundation Grant
Aug. 25-26: AI x Visual Journalism Forum
Registration Open for International Symposium on Journalism
JOBS
From these journalist organizations
Rebecca Aguilar’s Journalism Job Openings: “The June List”
From Society of Professional Journalists
From South Asian Journalists Association (June 24)
From the Uproot Project (June 23)
From the Maynard Institute (June 25)
AP Race and Ethnicity Team Seeks Intern (June 25)
Notices 6-29-26
“Tears glazed Daniel Cressy’s face as he became the first patient in the Gulf South to be functionally cured of sickle cell disease through gene editing on Monday. He said it felt like being reborn,” Halle Parker reported last Tuesday for Verite News in New Orleans.
“ ’God has given me another life, a new chapter. I was able to experience a second birthday, something that most people will never experience,’ he said during a celebration at Manning Family Children’s, surrounded by his care team and top public officials including Gov. Jeff Landry, U.S. Rep. Troy Carter and New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno.
The “rebirth” clears the way for Cressy, 23, to continue pursuing his dream of a career as a commercial pilot, according to his medical team, Ramon Antonio Vargas added last week for the Guardian.
Cressy plans to tell his story at our next Journal-isms Roundtable, to be held in person and by Zoom on Sunday, July 12, at 1 p.m. Eastern. The Washington, D.C., in-person location is to be announced.
His represents a breakthrough in sickle cell care, even though there is uncertainty over funding for sickle cell research.
Moreover, this year has seen a rise in the number of African Americans in top positions in the medical associations, and, a new book, “The Price of Exclusion: The Pursuit of Healthcare in a Segregated Nation,” raises the profile of the racial disparities issue. Author Nicole Carr’s book tour included an appearance on the “PBS News Hour.”
There is also the Trump administration’s assault on DEI in medical schools, even as research has found that Black, Native American and Hispanic physicians are more likely than white peers to practice in underserved communities in key primary care fields. Add to that issues with a disparity in mental health care, and the administration’s broad cuts to international health initiatives in Africa.
Still, there are countervailing winds. Last month, The Jed Foundation announced a new partnership with Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.. to protect the mental health and prevent suicide among its members. The manager of that JED Greek-Letter Organizations program will be with us.
The panelists so far:
Nicole Carr, investigative journalist, author, “The Price of Exclusion: The Pursuit of Healthcare in a Segregated Nation.”
Georges C. Benjamin, M.D., chief executive officer, American Public Health Association
Delece Smith-Barrow, deputy health editor, Politico
ShirDonna Lawrence, senior manager of JED Greek Letter Organizations programming, The Jed Foundation
Who’s in?
You can RSVP by hitting “reply” to this message, if you’re receiving this by email, or by messaging
< jroundtable5 (at) gmail.com >. Please specify in-person or Zoom.
Zoom information and D.C. location come after RSVPs.
- American Medical Association: Willie Underwood III, MD, inaugurated as 181st AMA president (June 9)
- American Psychological Association: President Wendi S. Williams, PhD
- Robert B Baker, Harriet A Washington, Ololade Olakanmi, Todd L Savitt, Elizabeth A Jacobs, Eddie Hoover, Matthew K Wynia: African American physicians and organized medicine, 1846-1968: origins of a racial divide (July 10, 2008)
- Jessica Blake, Inside Higher Ed: DOJ Finds That UC Davis Medical School Considers Race in Admissions (June 11)
- Nicole Carr with Geoff Bennett, “PBS News Hour”: ‘The Price of Exclusion’ explores lasting impact of racial inequality in medicine (June 17)
- Commonwealth Fund: The Commonwealth Fund 2026 State Health Disparities Report (April 29)
- Adrian Elimian and Nicholas Wu, Semafor: Trump administration to end PEPFAR funding for South Africa (June 18)
- Suzette Hackney, USA Today: As a mental health crisis hits young adults, this group offers hope (Feb. 27, updated March 2)
- Cindy Krischer Goodman, South Florida SunSentinel: TikTok is reinventing healthcare; should you trust it? (June 20)
- Cindy Krischer Goodman, South Florida SunSentinel: ‘Bad policy costs lives.’ Medical professionals urged to improve Black patient outcomes — by voting (June 18)
- Jennifer Porter Gore, Word in Black: Black Men: “Manning Up” Isn’t a Mental Health Flex (June 5)
- Jennifer Porter Gore, Word In Black: COMMENTARY: Mental Health Crisis Among Black Men — A Growing Concern (June 15)
- Kelly Hooper, Politico: The miracle cure for sickle cell is now 2 years old. Most are still waiting. (Dec. 28)
- Dana James, Black Iowa News: ‘The Black Superwoman & Mental Health: Power & Pain’ anthology tackles sensitive subject (podcast) (June 23)
- Johns Hopkins Medicine: AI-Assisted Diagnostic Tool Shown to Reduce Eye Care Disparities for African American Adults With Diabetes (June 9)
- Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times: Racial Inequities Persist in Health Care Despite Expanded Insurance (Aug. 17, 2021, updated Aug. 29)
- Sal, Medium: They’re Calling Black Doctors “DEI” After America Spent Generations Making Them Rare (May 25)
From Investigative Reporters & Editors
Apply to the Chauncey Bailey JoC Reporting Fellowship
IRE is now accepting applications for the Chauncey Bailey Journalist of Color Investigative Reporting Fellowship, a year-long program designed to support and prepare journalists of color for strong careers in investigative reporting.
The fellowship provides extensive training, mentorship and data support, including attendance at an IRE Data Journalism Bootcamp, NICAR Conference, IRE Conference and AccessFest.
The application deadline is Sept. 1.
Learn more and apply.
RTDNA Seeks Judges in Spanish, Radio and TV Categories
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Watch: Online News Assn. — Housing Journalism for Everyone
Housing intersects with nearly every major story journalists cover today — from elections and education to health, climate, business, and public safety. Yet many reporters believe housing is a specialized beat or feel unprepared to cover it responsibly.
This session, led by Princeton’s Eviction Lab, was designed for journalists of all beats and experience levels. Whether you’re a breaking news reporter, investigative journalist, data reporter, audience engagement journalist, or editor, we’ll show why housing deserves your attention—and how to cover it well without necessarily becoming a full-time housing reporter. . . . See video of June 4 session
June 30: How Baldwin Continues to Shape Conversations
From D.C.’s Matin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library: Baldwin – A Love Story with Nicholas Boggs, in conversation with George M. JohnsonThey reflect on Baldwin’s radical imagination, literary mastery, and cultural resonance.
Boggs and Johnson consider how Baldwin’s voice continues to shape conversations around identity and justice.
This Pride Month conversation honors Baldwin’s enduring legacy and power. In conversation with journalist and author George M. Johnson.
Register: https://dclibrary.libnet.info/
June 30: Deadline to Nominate a Student Journalist
From Student Press Law Center: Help us honor student journalists |
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We’re accepting nominations for our two national awards, which come with a cash prize at both the high school and college levels:
Nominations are free, and the cash prize is split between the student(s) and their program. The deadline is June 30. |
The | Learn More & Submit A Nomination |
| View Last Year’s Honorees |
July 1: Webinar on July 22-25 NAHJ Conference
July 8-9: Future of News Conference in Minneapolis
SRCCON 2026
Hosted by OpenNews, SRCCON is a collaborative gathering for journalists, editors, developers, designers, and newsroom leaders focused on innovation, community-building, and the future of news. The conference takes place July 8–9 in Minneapolis. Learn more about the event here.
July 9: Former FCC Leadership Symposium
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July 9: Protecting Yourself Online
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July 16: Future of Black Communities Summit
July 22-24: Indigenous Journalists Conference
The Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront will be the venue for the Indigenous Journalists Association’s 2026 Indigenous Media Conference, July 22-24 in Portland, Ore., on the traditional lands of the Multnomah, Wasco, Kathlamet, Clackamas, Chinook, Tualatin, Kalapuya, Molalla and present-day Grande Ronde, Siletz and Cowlitz.
July 22: Deadline for Data Reporting Fellowship
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Aug. 12-16: NABJ Convention in Atlanta
Fresh off the celebration of our 50th anniversary, Atlanta stands as the ideal host city for NABJ’s 2026 Convention & Career Fair. . . .
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JOBS
From these journalist organizations
Rebecca Aguilar’s Journalism Job Openings: “The June List”
From Society of Professional Journalists
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From South Asian Journalists Association (June 24)
The NYT is looking for a business correspondent to cover the Persian Gulf. The position is based in Dubai and reports to the International Business editor based in London.
Richa Naik, Executive Producer of VOD Streaming at CNN, recently shared that CNN Streaming is hiring for several roles, including Associate Producer, Producer, Senior Producer, Senior Manager, and Director; view current openings through Warner Bros. Discovery.
The Baltimore Sun is hiring an assistant news editor to help curate daily print editions and grow its eNewspaper products, offering an early-career journalist the chance to develop in a fast-paced newsroom.
Bloomberg News is seeking a Chicago bureau chief to lead coverage of one of the nation’s most influential business, financial and political hubs.
The Atlantic is seeking a staff writer to cover the media industry, from newsrooms and platforms to the forces reshaping journalism and public information. This position is based in New York or Washington, D.C.
Check out SAJA’s Job Board and the newsletters below to stay up-to-date on job openings –
- Mandy Hofmockel: a newsletter for journalists who want to keep tabs on the industry and job market.
- West Coast Media Jobs: a curated list of California & Pacific Northwest journalism jobs.
- Inside the Newsroom: the largest curated journalism jobs board in the world.
- Freelancing with Tim: a newsletter offering practical advice, industry insights, and career tips for freelancers navigating independent work.
From the Uproot Project (June 23)
Job Opportunities
- KERA and Grist, Climate, Energy and Environment Reporter
- STAT, Reporter, Trust-in-Science
- NYT, National Correspondent, Science
- NYT, Climate Policy Correspondent
- CalMatters, Indigenous Affairs Reporter
Fellowships & Grants
- Mongabay, Southeast Asia Ocean Reporting Fellowship (deadline June 25)
- Pulitzer Center, AI Accountability Fellowships (deadline July 12)
- Pulitzer Center, Our Work/Environment Reporting Grants
- Center for Health Journalism, Data Fellowship (deadline July 22)
Other resources
- UNESCO, Reporting the environment: a practical manual for journalists
- Field Sources, An Environmental Source Desk
- Earth Journalism Network Opportunities
- NPR, Next Gen Radio
- Calendar for paid internships & fellowships (courtesy of Mandy Hofmockel’s substack for journalism jobs)
- National Press Photographers Foundation, Grants & Scholarships
- Pitching Science Friday
- ProPublica, Freelance Pitch Form
From the Maynard Institute (June 25)
Climate, energy and environement reporter, KERA and Grist – Dallas, TX
Publisher, Monterey County Weekly – Monterey, CA
Audience Manager, Mountain State Spotlight – Charleston, West Virginia
Graphic Designer, WETA – Arlington, VA
Engagement Editor, The Nation – New York, NY
Senior editor, Mission Local – San Francisco, CA
Producer, Mother Jones/CIR – preference for candidates in San Francisco, New York City, and Washington, DC
Indigenous Affairs Reporter, CalMatters and ICT – Sacramento, CA
Chief of staff, Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press – Hybrid, Washington, DC
Limited-term reporter, politics, KQED – Hybrid, San Francisco, CA
Senior national reporter, The Narwhal – Remote, Canada
Executive Director, Product and Technology, Endpoints News -Remote, U.S.
AP Elections Explanatory Reporter, The Associated Press – Washington, DC
Reporter, Trust-in-Science, STAT News – Boston, Mass.
Multimedia photojournalist – The Day Publishing Company – New London, CT
Executive Director, North Carolina Health News – Chapel Hill, NC
Executive Editor, The Arizona Daily Star – Tuscon, AZ
Assistant Teaching Professor, Data Journalism, Pennsylvania State University – University Park, PA
Deputy Managing Editor, Mountain State Spotlight – Charleston, WV
Director of Experimentation and Projects, The Dallas Morning News – Dallas, TX
Local Reporting Network Fellow, ProPublica – Fall cohort, Multiple locations
AP Race and Ethnicity Team Seeks Intern (June 25)
As an intern on the Race and Ethnicity team, you’ll join a diverse group of journalists based in locations across the country to tell stories in various formats about culture, complex histories and ongoing struggles with issues of race and ethnicity in the U.S. You’ll be expected to help with breaking news coverage, pitch coverage and
- Washington City Paper is seeking an experienced News Editor to lead the paper’s news and politics coverage. (June 23) h/t Todd Steven Burroughs
Join us for the inaugural AI x Visual Journalism Forum, August 25-26 in Los Angeles in partnership with the Narrative and Emerging Media Program at Arizona State University.
AI is changing how visual journalism gets made and how newsrooms work with images and video. We’re bringing the people doing the work together to figure out what it means. Our friends at Poynter Institute will also be there to address the ethical issues.