Stephen Ohlemacher of the AP

Every once in a while, a Courant veteran journalist breaks a really big story and reminds the rest of us that our alma mater newsroom was (and still is) the workplace of some of the nation’s best.

Such is the case these last few days as former reporter Stephen Ohlemacher, now with the AP, broke the story of how the IRS was targeting conservative groups. The fallout has been extensive.

It’s nice to be reminded how important the daily work of journalism can be.

Open to all journalists, not just former Hartford Courant staffers.

Freelance writers Len Felson and Theresa Sullivan Barger will share highlights from the ASJA writers conference, and others are welcome to bring questions and tips for making a living as an independent writer, photographer or web designer.

While all topics are on the table, this meeting will focus on pitching to national magazines and websites.

Please RSVP to Theresa@TheresaSullivanBarger.com

To which I can add only that even the most determined and powerful newspaper owners will never eliminate the leanings of the largely well-informed, clever and head-strong journalists in their employ.

It’s likely to be more like the GOP funding the Democratic party headquarters.

Theresa Sullivan Barnes forwards this note from Josh Stearns of Freepress.net:

The Tribune company is expected to circulate paperwork for the deal to potential buyers this week. Then we expect a deal could come as quick as 4-6 weeks. The Koch brothers are the top contenders according to industry analysts right now.

Protest – StandUpChicago held a rally today at Tribune headquarters – photos of which can be found on their Twitter feed: https://twitter.com/standupchicago

Local News Pledge - We also launched a new “Local News Pledge” for Chicago, in which we are inviting people to sign on to, and add on to, a set of principles or demands for what they want to see from their local paper. The comments are being posted on the page in real-time and they are impressive and passionate. I have attached a screen shot here, and you can see them all at: http://act.freepress.net/sign/consolid_news_pledge_Chicago/ (We’ll be rolling this out to other communities where there are Tribune papers soon).

Coalition – Finally, today a new diverse coalition representing over six million members just released a major letter to the Tribune company – and announced that more than 250,000 people have signed petitions in local communities calling on Tribune not to sell to the Koch brothers. That letter is attached as well.

Please feel free to get in touch if you are writing about these issues — happy to provide more details or links and images.

And there is this report of demonstrations outside Tribune Tower.

Job Description: Part-time PHP/WordPress Developer

Position Summary

Truth in Advertising is looking for an experienced PHP/WordPress developer who can assess and maintain our WordPress website, write clean and organized code, build new features, and communicate with our web host as needed.  Must be able to quickly implement and refine solutions and effectively communicate with non-technical users.  A knowledge of cross-browser/platform issues is critical.  Candidate should also have a good understanding of web accessibility and usability, responsive/mobile-friendly design, and site optimization

Required skills:

• WordPress site design, XHTML, MySQL, PHP, CSS
• Minimum of 3 years building and managing WordPress sites

Bonus Skills:

Compensation

Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

About Truth in Advertising

Each year in the United States, it is estimated that over 30 million consumers suffer billions of dollars in economic injury as a result of deceptive marketing.  Truth in Advertising, Inc. is a start-up non-profit organization based in Madison, CT, whose mission is to be the go-to online resource dedicated to empowering consumers to protect themselves against such deceptive marketing through education, advocacy, and the promotion of truth in advertising.

The staff of The Courant did its usual exemplary job of covering the Newtown shootings, and for its effort placed as a finalist for the coveted award.

Regulars will recall that the horrible shootings at the Connecticut lottery headquarters set the stage for the Courant’s last Pulitzer. Hopefully the paper will be able to contend for a different category in the future, meaning Connecticut will be spared from at least one nasty incident.

Here’s the New York Times take on that.

Some distant friends are looking for information. If you have any info, please email Stern.