The Associated Press moved a long-form piece on the Illinois Supreme Court's directive.  Read it at the SJ-R's website.

Reporter Phil Rogers of NBC 5 Chicago puts the Illinois Supreme Court's order into a historical context, including comments from Justice Mary Jane Theis.  Watch and read at nbcchicago.com.

(Thanks to the INBA members who continue to send links!)

INBA President Jennifer Fuller was interviewed across the state today for her insights on the new electronic media rules approved by the Illinois Supreme Court.  She spoke not only about the long journey behind but also what is ahead-- including plans for educating electronic journalists on best practices in the courthouse.  

Check out some of those interviews (we'll post more as they're available online):

WTAX - Springfield

WJBC - Bloomington/Normal

WBBM-TV CBS 2 Chicago

KFVS-TV Cape Girardeau

Circuit Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans offered this enthusiastic support of the Supreme Court's new initiative:

“I regard the new policy on extended media coverage in the courtroom as a positive change in the right direction for Illinois courts and have supported it in the past, most recently in a speech before the City Club of Chicago in June 2010.

“Allowing media to have cameras and recording devices in the courtroom will give the public a better idea of what goes on in their courtrooms, and they will understand that what they see on television court shows is not a true picture of how judges do justice.

“I will apply to the Illinois Supreme Court’s pilot project to allow extended media coverage in Circuit Court of Cook County courtrooms. I also expect to appoint an advisory committee to make recommendations on best practices for implementing the provisions of the Supreme Court’s policy for extended media coverage in the Illinois circuit courts. The committee will have as its members judges, attorneys, members of the media and the public.

“Just last summer, United States Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan expressed strong support for more openness and transparency for the third branch of government. At an Aspen Institute event, she said, ‘If everybody could see this it would make people feel so good about this branch of government and how it’s operating.’

“I certainly support Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride and the justices for adopting this approach to allowing cameras and recording devices in Illinois courtrooms. If approved for participation in the pilot program, the Circuit Court of Cook County will enthusiastically adhere to the guidelines established by the Illinois Supreme Court.”

(image source: http://www.cookcountycourt.org/about/index.html)

Journalists across Illinois will soon be able to use the tools of their trade to tell their stories, as the Supreme Court of Illinois has announced new rules allowing the practice.

The INBA Board of Directors will meet Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at 10:00 a.m.  The meeting will be held at the WMBD-TV News Bureau, 2714 E. Lincoln in Bloomington.  All are welcome to attend.

For a tentative agenda for the meeting, click here.

As your newsroom starts planning for 2012, please mark your calendar for the Spring 2012 convention. It takes place April 27 - April 29.

For the first time in its long history, INBA will hold a convention in Macomb. Registration and hotel costs will be affordable and we're putting together some outstanding sessions. We'll make sure you leave Macomb well informed and well fed. Sessions will be held at Spoon River College's Outreach Center (pictured left).

Check back here in January for further details.

We hope to see you at Macomb Convention. For questions, contact Rich Egger at RG-Egger@wiu.edu.

Current INBA Members can access back issues of our monthly newsletter, the TuneIN, in the Member's Only section. 

Log in on the right, then click here to get started. 

We've uploaded all of the electronic issues through 2012 for your enjoyment!

The INBA Board of Directors will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 23 at the State House Inn in Springfield.  All members are welcome to attend.  UPDATE:  You can download the agenda here.

The General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday, September 24 at lunch during the Fall '11 Convention.  Officers and directors will be elected at this time. UPDATE:  You can download the agenda here. You may also review the Spring 2011 Meeting Minutes.

The INBA Foundation Board will meet Saturday, September 24 at 4:00 p.m., also at the State House Inn.  You can view the agenda here.

UPDATED 09/21/11:  Registration is now closed for the Fall 2011 Convention in Springfield.  If you are still interested in attending, some seats might be available-- contact convention chair Michelle Eccles at meccles@wtax.com.

Click "read more" below to see the complete schedule of events.