CHICAGO (WLS) -- State and local leaders are bringing attention to journalists and the dangers many face while covering stories, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent protests.
Labor union and political leaders joined city journalists for a "Save Chicago News" rally Saturday. The group gathered by the Haymarket monument downtown.
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"The public's right to information is at stake more than ever because of the risks journalists face," Don Villar, secretary-treasurer of the Chicago Federation of Labor, said in a statement. "Journalists put their health and safety at risk to show how a global pandemic is affecting our city and how protests have roiled the streets of Chicago. They all want to do their jobs in a historic moment, but we have journalists put on the sidelines by furloughs."
Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Rev. Jesse Jackson spoke at the event, along with community leaders.