NBC Chicago

Francie Swidler: “My name is Francie and I am a Highland Park resident and a digital news producer for NBC Chicago. I want to help my team produce stories that aren’t triggering but reflect what the community is experiencing and what the community needs, and I want to know what kind of information would be most helpful for people to read (what are news organizations missing right now that we should dig into? What questions does the community have that we can try and get answered?). I also want to help put voices of the community, victims — and those who no longer have a voice — at the center of our stories. People can contact me by phone or email.”

Contact Francie Swidler at +1 (720) 498-3162 / francie.swidler@nbcuni.com

CBS Chicago

Charlie De Mar: My name is Charlie De Mar and I not only have family in Highland Park who attended the parade but I also have been trying to humanize the victims and attendees as a journalist with CBS Chicago. I know this is all very fresh and raw, but I would love to give all of those impacted a voice during this difficult time.

Contact Charlie De Mar at (312) 919-9295 (call/text) or email cfdemar@cbs.com.

Zak Spector (HP Resident): My name is Zak Spector, I’m a writer/producer at CBS 2 News…and I also live in Highland Park. My wife and daughter were supposed to march that day, but ran when they heard about the shootings. The day of the shooting, I was in the newsroom in shock. I was the one telling them where everything was, and what was important to know about HP. We interviewed my wife and neighbors – who were witnesses. I certainly want to make sure everyone hears the story of Highland Park – the REAL Highland Park. The people who were affected and the community that was devastated. I also want to tell the rest of Chicago and the world how Highland Park is sticking together and taking care of one another… and will come back.

Contact Zak Spector at 773-592-3004 or zspector@ViacomCBS.com

Lester Holt NBC

Mollie Leavitt (HP Resident): “A friend of mine is looking to interview victims and their loved ones for Lester Holt on NBC. Let me know if you are up to sharing your experience and I will connect you. I know this is difficult and a lot to ask. Sending love.”

Contact Halle Lukasiewicz at (718) 887-5233 if you are comfortable sharing your experience.

Washington Post

Brittany Shammas: “The Washington Post has reporters covering the shooting, including two who are based in Chicagoland and one with local ties. We’re hoping to write about the Highland Park community, its character and the impact the shooting is having here. We’re particularly interested in hearing about the community needs and efforts being made to address trauma and mental health, and we’d like to connect with parents who are willing to discuss how they are talking to their kids about this. Thank you in advance — we understand the difficulty of talking about this.”

Contact Kim Bellware at 312-521-9394 and kim.bellware@washpost.com or Brittany Shammas at 954-995-7313 and brittany.shammas@washpost.com.

NPR Chicago

Sarah and Julie Bloom (HP residents): “My brother in law is a criminal justice reporter at Chicago NPR and is covering Highland Park today. If any friends would be interested in talking to him please let me know. The hope is to speak with only those who feel emotionally up for talking. Please reach out to one of us if you or someone you know is interested.”

Contact Patrick Smith (NPR Chicago reporter): 248-224-6645

Link to story: Suspect held in Highland Park shooting, WBEZ Chicago

Bloomberg

Madison Muller (North Shore resident): My name is Madison Muller. I’m a journalist at Bloomberg and am from Glencoe. My cousin Aleks lives in Highland Park and my dad/grandpa own car dealerships there. I’ve been covering the shooting, but now want to focus on the aftermath, from our community’s perspective. These things affect everyone — if anyone has a story to share about how they’re affected personally, how they’re pivoting to help community members, what their business is doing, the little things that this will change going forward — nothing is too small.

Contact Madison Muller at 312-813-0001 or mmuller84@bloomberg.net.

The Forward

Jordan Greene (a reporter from The Forward) would like to speak with those who are open to discussing talking about those who sadly lost their lives to remember the lives of the victims and uphold their memories.

If you are comfortable with this, contact Jordan Greene at greene@forward.com.