AI Prompts & Verbalized Sampling

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A team of researchers have come up with an ingenuously simple method to get language and image models to generate a wider variety of creative responses to nearly any user prompt by adding a single, simple sentence: "Generate 5 responses with their corresponding probabilities, sampled from the full distribution."  The method, called Verbalized Sampling (VS), helps models like GPT-4, Claude, and Gemini produce more diverse and human-like outputs—without retraining or access to internal parameters. -VentureBeat 

Encouragement

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We appreciate what a person does, but we affirm who a person is. Appreciation comes and goes because it is usually related to something someone accomplishes. Affirmation goes deeper. It is directed to the person himself or herself. While encouragement would encompass both, the rarer of the two is affirmation. To be appreciated, we get the distinct impression that we must earn it by some accomplishment. But affirmation requires no such prerequisite. This mean that even when we don’t earn the right to be appreciated (because we failed to succeed or because we lacked the accomplishment of some goal), we can still be affirmed – indeed, we need it then more than ever. I do not care how influential or secure or mature a person may appear to be, genuine encouragement never fails to help. Most of us need massive doses as we slug it out in the trenches. 

Charles Swindoll, Strengthening Your Grip

22 Webinars this week about AI, Journalism & Media

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Mon, Nov 3 - What Every Journalist Should Know About Climate Diplomacy

What: This session is a crash course on the UN climate negotiations, from how COPs work and their history to how decisions are made, who’s in the room and what makes the process so complex, interesting and, at time, frustrating. We’ll break down key terms, explain the roles of different countries and negotiating groups and offer historical context to help you feel confident covering climate diplomacy, whether you’re new to it or just need a refresher.

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Covering Climate Now

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Mon, Nov 3 - SCOTUS, tariffs, and the administrative state: What journalists need to know

What: This webinar is about the potential economic consequences of the case, important legal arguments, and the history and future of administrative authority in the U.S.

Who: Naomi Lamoreaux, the Stanley B. Resor Professor Emeritus of Economics and History at Yale University; Oren Tamir, an associate professor of law at the University of Arizona who teaches about administrative law, constitutional law and comparative public law; Michael Klein, the William L. Clayton Professor of International Economic Affairs at Tufts University and founder of Econofact; Clark Merrefield, senior editor for economics and legal systems at The Journalist’s Resource.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: The Journalist’s Resource, Econofact 

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Mon, Nov 3 - Simple AI for Your Business: Unlocking the Power of Voice

What: In this short, practical webinar, you’ll see how using your own voice can be one of the most efficient ways to create better business content. Even if you’re a keyboard warrior, speaking your ideas out loud can unlock speed, clarity, and more authentic results that connect with your audience.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Small Business Development Center, Bucknell University

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Mon, Nov 3 - Fact Checking with AI Superprompts

What: This session demonstrates how educators and learners can use “AI superprompts” to enhance fact checking, contextualization, and critical reasoning. We’ll explore the theory behind the method, see real-world demonstrations, and then move into an interactive breakout room activity where participants will get hands-on practice: entering a claim, deploying the Deep Background prompt in Claude (or a compatible LLM), iterating, and interpreting the responses.

Who: Wesley Fryer, a middle school STEM and media literacy middle school teacher at Providence Day School in Charlotte, North Carolina. As an educational technology early adopter and innovator.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Media Education Lab

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Mon, Nov 3 - Awareness and Critical Thinking (ACT) for Media Literacy

What: Learn more about Awareness and Critical Thinking (ACT), a free educational resource (ideal for grades K-5) that offers school librarians and teachers a toolkit to combat misinformation through interactive, thoughtful activities that make critical thinking fun.

Who: Media literacy experts Faith Rogow and Tara Zimmerman

When: 4 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Media Education Lab

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Tue, Nov 4 - Introduction to AI Prompting for Investment Writing & Research

What: We skip generic tech talk and share direct, real-life examples of what works and what doesn’t when prompting AI for investment writing and analysis.   

Who: Nurhan Gecgil, PhD, who is currently training a Californian based LLM on its next model, specifically on investment writing and research.

When: 10 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: EquityEdge Studio

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Tue, Nov 4 - The Formula for Social Media Success

What: Our simple but comprehensive Social Media workshop will help you learn how to prioritize things and give you a clear formula to be successful on Social Media!

Who: Ray-Sidney Smith, Digital Marketing Strategist, Hootsuite Global Brand Ambassador, Google Small Business Advisor for Productivity, and Managing Director of W3C Web Services.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: $45

Sponsor: Small Business Development Center, Duquesne University

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Tue, Nov 4 - Geo AI: Environmental Journalism Using Artificial Intelligence

What: This webinar will present examples of the current existing models deployed in environmental investigations, discussing their strengths and limitations. 

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsors: The Pulitzer Center, Cambridge Digital Humanites, Earth Genome, Watershed Investigations 

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Tue, Nov 4 - Fact Check the Chatbot: Spotting Misinformation in the Age of AI

What: You’ll learn how to support students in developing healthy skepticism without turning into cynics as they gain vital online reasoning skills to use in your classroom and their everyday lives. Then, together we’ll practice evaluating sources using a variety of methods. You’ll leave with ideas, teaching tips, and free, ready-to-use resources to help students find reliable sources no matter where they click. 

Who: Rachel Roberson, Senior Program Manager, Education Content, KQED.

When: 5 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: KQED Education

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Wed, Nov 5 - How Journalists Are Using AI  

What: This 10-part programme is designed to equip you with the AI skills, ethical awareness, and practical tools needed to thrive in the fast-evolving media landscape.

Who: Harriet Meyer, an award-winning freelance journalist and the founder of AI for Media.

When: 7:30 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: £10 for members, £20 for nonmembers

Sponsor: Women in Journalism

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Wed, Nov 5 - How to Make Scroll-Stopping Social Videos Solo 

What: Journalists will learn how to script and produce a social video without the support of a full social team. This workshop will move quickly and focus on on-camera presence and filming techniques, with some curation, scriptwriting, and video editing advice. This will be participatory and a safe space to practice filming yourself on camera!

Who: Julia Munslow is a Senior Editor at The Wall Street Journal.

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Online News Association

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Wed, Nov 5 - A COP (Conference of the Parties) Journalist’s Toolbox

What: We’ll share practical tips and examples on how to follow the negotiations, find fresh angles, find expert sources, and bring the story to the ground so it resonates with your audience. You’ll leave with an array of useful tools, ideas, tips and leads to guide your reporting, plus lessons journalists on what works, and what doesn’t, when covering COP.

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Covering Climate Now

More Info

 

Wed, Nov 5 - Beyond breaking news

What: A discussion of an upcoming collaboration which unites poetry from Gaza with photographs from the West Bank and Jerusalem.

Who: National Geographic photographer Michael Christopher Brown.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Reuters Institute

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Wed, Nov 5 - How to Get AI to Recommend and Cite Your Brand 

What: New insights into which companies and services ChatGPT cites, links to, and recommends, and why.

Who: Omri Shtayer, VP, Data Products and Daas, Similarweb; Ethan Smith, CEO, Graphite; Baruch Toledano, VP & GM, Digital Marketing Aolutions, Similarweb

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Similarweb

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Wed, Nov 5 - AI, Inquiry, and Imagination: Designing Student-Centered Learning Quests

What: A framework for preparing students to engage thoughtfully and ethically with AI. Structured around three essential pillars—Teaching About AI, Teaching For AI, and Teaching With AI. Participants will be provided with the language, strategies, and confidence to harness the power of AI for education.

Who: Douglas Fisher, Professor of Educational Leadership,  San Diego State University.

When: 3 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Education Week

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Thu, Nov 6 - Nonprofit Year-End Sprint with ChatGPT

What: Join us for a session designed specifically for nonprofit professionals gearing up for year-end. From crafting donor-ready fundraising appeals to shaping  annual reports and aligning organizational goals for the year ahead, we’ll show you how AI can help streamline your workflows and boost your team’s capacity during the busiest season.  

Who: Rich Leimsider AI for Nonprofits Sprint @ Fund for the City of New York; Alex Nawar Head of OpenAI Academy @ OpenAI.

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: OpenAI Academy

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Thu, Nov 6 - AI as a Thought Partner: Strategies to Foster Critical Inquiry

What: In this interactive workshop, we will explore how AI can serve as a cognitive scaffold—both for instructors in their own teaching and as a tool to support student learning. Participants will engage with theoretical frameworks, live demonstrations, and discussions to examine how AI can enhance brainstorming, argumentation, and inquiry-based learning. Faculty will leave with practical strategies to integrate AI in ways that foster deeper critical engagement.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Duke University

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Thu, Nov 6 - Cutting Attrition with Adaptive AI: A Personalized Model for Employee Engagement and Competency Assurance

What: You’ll learn how to implement a personalized training model powered by adaptive AI — delivering measurable impact and setting a new standard for competency assurance.

Who: Stephen King, head of talent development for Maximus UK; Manoj Kulkarni from Realizeit.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Realizeit

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Thu, Nov 6 - How News Sites Can Build Community Credibility

What: How hyperlocal outlets can become the most trusted information source in their communities. We’ll talk about how hyperlocal sites have built credibility and civic engagement by consistently delivering useful, verified, and deep local news, often in places underserved by traditional media.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Local Media Association

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Thu, Nov 6 - Publishing Success: Insights from Authors and the Editor of Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly

What: The disinformation battle how cynicism and conspiracy beliefs undermine government lead debunking. Plus, An overview of the peer review process with recommendations for strengthening future submissions to JMCQ.

Who: Xinzhi Zhang Associate Professor City University of Hong Kong; Daniela V. Dimitrova University Professor Iowa State University Editor of JMCQ.

When: 7 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: AEJMC (Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication) & JMCQ (Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly)

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Sat, Nov 8 - Free Press Regional Workshop   

What: This day-long crash course for student journalists and advisors so they're equipped with the knowledge they need to defend their rights. Programming includes presentations and interactive sessions on First Amendment and media law (and comes with free breakfast, lunch, and dinner).

When: 9 am – 5 pm, Eastern

Where: Ann Arbor, MI.

Cost: Free

Sponsor: FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression)

More Info

 

Sat, Nov 8 - Virtual film screening of 'Gaza: Journalists Under Fire'

What: Join us for a panel discussion of the film "Gaza: Journalists Under Fire," as our speakers explore the phenomenon of rising violence and aggression against journalists.  

Who: Dion Nissenbaum, former Wall Street Journal foreign correspondent and filmmaker; Hena Zuberi, MuslimMatters editor-in-chief and lead anchor for Muslim Network TV Sara Qudah, Committee to Protect Journalists’ Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

We are offering two options for viewing the film: 1) Join us on Zoom at 12:15 p.m. Central; you'll have the opportunity to submit questions as we view it together. OR 2) Go to this site to view the film on your own at any time, then join us at 2 pm, Eastern for the panel discussion.  https://vimeo.com/showcase/11728231

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsors: Houston chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists & The Arab and Middle Eastern Journalists Association.

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AI Definitions: Facial recognition

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Facial recognition - This AI technology uses statistical measurements of a person’s face to identify them against a digital database of other faces. For instance, Clearview AI was trained on billions of images. These AI-powered systems are used to unlock phones, verify passports, and scan crowds at events for malicious actors. It’s used by many US agencies including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security. It has a serious problem with false positives and a history of unintended harms and intentional misuse based on racial and gender bias.

More AI definitions here

23 articles about AI & Data Science from October

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21 Recent Articles about AI & Robotics

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AI and digital twins to serve increasingly complex robot management – Computer Weekly

How robotics could turn e-waste into a tech goldmine – The Next Web

Amazon Testing New Warehouse Robots and AI Tools for Workers – Wall Street Journal 

Black Harvard alumni invent hair-braiding robot – The Grio

AI drones are America's newest cops – Axios

Chinese AI robotics tech outpaces U.S., rest of world - The Washington Post

Foundation models could revolutionize dexterity in robots - McKinsey

‘I love you too!’ My family’s creepy, unsettling week with an AI toy – The Guardian 

Humanoid robots were a sci-fi dream. Suddenly they’re everywhere. - The Washington Post

 

The future is bot versus bot - Axios 

AI helps traditional Japanese fish-killing method get a robotic upgrade – Semafor 

MIT's new AI can teach itself to control robots by watching the world through their eyes — it only needs a single camera – Live Science

I Pitted an AI Robot Massage Against the Real Thing – Wall Street Journal

Beijing hosts China’s first fully autonomous 3-on-3 AI robot soccer match – Associated Press

New tiny robots promise to fix underground water pipe leakage without excavation – Interesting Engineering

Robot industry split over that humanoid look - Axios 

Amazon is reportedly training humanoid robots to deliver packages – The Verge

‘Nobody wants a robot to read them a story!’ The creatives and academics rejecting AI – at work and at home – The Guardian

I Tried the Robot That’s Coming to Live With You - Wall Street Journal

America's manufacturing future still needs foreign robots - Axios

Using generative AI to diversify virtual training grounds for robots – MIT News

The Gradual Effect of AI on Creativity

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"When people use A.I. in the creative process they tend to gradually cede their original thinking. At first, users tend to present their own wide range of ideas, but as ChatGPT continues to instantly spit out high volumes of acceptable-looking text users tend to go into a 'curationist mode.' The influence is unidirectional, and not in the direction you’d hope: 'Human ideas don’t tend to influence what the machine is generating all that strongly,' Nataliya Kosmyna, a research scientist at M.I.T. Media Lab, said. ChatGPT pulls the user 'toward the center of mass for all of the different users that it’s interacted with in the past.'" - Kyle Chayka writing in the New Yorker

AI Definitions: Deep Learning

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Deep Learning – A popular type of machine learning that’s especially useful when the data is a mess—such as with natural language processing. This method of training computers uses neural networks. The word “deep” means that the composition has many “blocks” of neural networks stacked on top of each other, and the trick is adjusting the blocks that are far from the output, since a small change there can have outsized effects on the output. It is the dominant way to help machines sense and perceive the world around them. It powers the image-processing operations of firms like Facebook and Google, self-driving cars, and Google’s on-the-fly language translations. Deep learning algorithms need vast amounts of data to perform tasks that humans learn easily with a few examples. 

More AI definitions here

Résumé virtues & Eulogy virtues

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Résumé virtues are professional and oriented toward earthly success. They require comparison with others. Eulogy virtues are ethical and spiritual, and require no comparison. Your eulogy virtues are what you would want people to talk about at your funeral.

Time is limited, and professional ambition crowds out things that ultimately matter more. To move from résumé virtues to eulogy virtues is to move from activities focused on the self to activities focused on others. 

Arthur C. Brooks writing in The Atlantic

19 Articles about AI & Coding

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Addicted to Love

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Breaking up is hard to do. Literally. A Rutgers brain study shows getting over romantic rejection is similar to kicking an addiction. One of the study authors says, "When you've been rejected in love, you have lost life's greatest prize, a mating partner." Researchers examined the brains of more than a dozen volunteers who had each recently been dumped but still loved the person who had rejected them. It turned out that reminders of the beloved activated brain regions in the lover associated with addiction to cocaine and cigarettes. These same areas affect emotional control, rewards, addiction cravings, a sense of attachment, pain and distress. This brain system becomes activated in an attempt to win the person's affections again, according to the researchers. Details are in the July 2010 issue of the Journal of Neurophysiology.

Perhaps the lesson here is that it's important to become addicted to someone who is good for you.

Stephen Goforth

Breaking up is hard to do

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The time immediately after a bad relationship is filled with promise. It's as if you've rid yourself of something that was weighing you down and keeping you from reaching your full potential. You fell light and clear and free. But this honeymoon with yourself is short-lived and you’re soon in a new relationship fraught with the same old problems. This pattern continues until you finally realize that most of the issues are your own, and that to be truly free, you must break up with yourself.

Andrew Boyd, Daily Afflictions

22 Webinars this week about AI, Journalism & Media

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Tue, Oct 28 - Tips and Tools for Uncovering Online Scams

What: In this webinar, investigative journalists from around the world will gain practical strategies and tools for tracking, verifying, and reporting on online scams. Whether you’re new to the topic or looking to deepen your expertise, this session will provide advice for impactful reporting on one of the world’s most urgent issues.

Who: Antonio Baquero is a journalist based in Barcelona. He joined OCCRP in 2020 and is an investigative editor covering Europe and beyond; Damien Leloup is an investigative reporter for Le Monde, with a strong focus on tech and the tech industry, and collaborative projects; Damien Leloup is an investigative reporter for Le Monde, with a strong focus on tech and the tech industry, and collaborative projects; Hera Rizwan is a reporter with BOOMLive India. She investigates cyber scams, online fraud, digital threats, and the intersection of technology with society; yakerario Omari is a Nairobi‑based fact‑checker and investigative journalist with experience in open source reporting, data research, and digital verification. She currently works at Code4Africa; Craig Silverman, an award-winning investigative journalist, digital investigations/OSINT trainer, and public speaker. Cofounder of The Indicator and GIJN Digital Threats Online Course Lead Trainer.

When: 9 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Global Investigative Journalism Network

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Tue, Oct 28 - Politics & Protest: Writing in Times of Crisis

What: This session examines how writers, educators and researchers document and interpret protest, balancing rigour, representation and safety. We will surface practical frameworks, ethical guardrails and classroom strategies for engaging civic texts without harm.

When: 10 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsors: African British Journals

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Tue, Oct 28 - Ask. Discover. Cite. How Academic AI is Redefining Discovery

What: Join us for an illuminating session on Primo Research Assistant, the AI-powered research companion developed by Ex Libris (part of Clarivate). This intelligent tool allows users to ask questions in natural language and receive a composed answer based on trusted academic content, highlighting the most relevant sources, while also suggesting related questions to guide further exploration - perfect for today’s students’ discovery needs.

Who: Michael Gonzalez, University Librarian, University of Technology Sydney; Sue Stevens, Head of Library Systems, Cardiff University; Katy Aronoff Director, Solution Consulting.

When: 11 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Library Journal

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Tue, Oct 28 - How Publishers Can Win at Social in 2026

What: We explore the current state of social media and break down exactly what publishers need to do to stay ahead. We’ll also explore how AI and automation are unlocking new levels of scale, helping lean teams punch above their weight and consistently drive traffic without burning out.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: New England Newspaper & Press Association

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Tue, Oct 28 - How to Create a World-Class Substack

What: We’ll show you how to create a world-class Substack publication.

Who: Russell Nohelty is a USA Today bestselling author, and speaker. He runs Wannabe Press and is the Co-founder of Writer MBA and The Future of Publishing.

When: 1:30 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Author Learning Center

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Tue, Oct 28 - Generative AI in Education: What Every Teacher Should Know

What: Explore how teachers and educators can use generative AI to plan lessons, engage learners, and personalize instruction while also navigating ethical challenges. You’ll learn how tools like ChatGPT are being used in real classrooms, what the latest research reveals about AI for personalized learning, and how to apply AI thoughtfully and effectively in your own teaching to improve student outcomes.

Who: Candace Walkington is the Program Director, Learning Sciences at SMU; Jason Taylor is an Admissions Outreach Advisor who helps students enroll in SMU’s MS in Learning Sciences program.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: SMU Simmons School of Education & Human Development

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Tue, Oct 28 - Influencer Collaboration for Newsrooms: Strengthening Community Trust

What: This session will walk you through strategies and frameworks to help you build stronger collaborations with trusted messengers, influencers, and community partners. You’ll come away with actionable ideas and exercises you can adapt to your own newsroom.

Who: Liz Worthington, Director of Product Strategy at the American Press Institute and a former journalist and editor

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Indiegraf

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Tue, Oct 28 – Ask-Me-Anything Info Session: Advancing Democracy Newsroom Cohort

What: Are you a U.S.-based newsroom that wants to deepen its practice of solutions journalism, trust and transparency building and audience and community engagement? Learn about the upcoming Advancing Democracy Newsroom Cohort and how you can get support by joining an Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) session

Who: Bridget Thoreson of Hearken; Joy Mayer of Trusting News[ Jaisal Noor from Solutions Journalism Network.

When: 3 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Solutions Journalism Network

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Tue, Oct 28 – Courageous Conversations are coming to PBS LearningMedia

What: Join us as we introduce the resources, showcase highlights, and share strategies for using courageous conversations to build media literacy skills, engage students in dialogue, and offer space for diverse perspectives in the classroom.

Who: From Ocean State Media (previously Rhode Island PBS) Colleen Kenyon, Renee Gilbert, and Sarah Trudeau.

When: 7 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Media Education Lab

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Wed, Oct 29 - Women in AI Series 2025 - Artificial Intelligence in Journalism

What: We will discuss the impact of artificial intelligence on media literacy and how news organizations can use the technology more responsibly to reach their audiences. 

Who: Christen Smith is Pennsylvania editor for The Center Square newswire service and co-host of Pennsylvania in Focus, a weekly podcast on America's Talking Network.

When: 8 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: IEEE

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Wed, Oct 29 - Figuring Out Fair Use

What: Strategies and recommendations for making wise fair use decisions and the foundations on which those decisions are made.

Who: Sara Wolf is an associate professor of technology and media at Auburn University.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Niche Academy

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Wed, Oct 29 - Words that Work — Making the Case for Local News

What: We will gather to learn about Press Forward’s new toolkit for newsrooms, which was built from national survey data, focus groups, interviews and extensive message testing by the strategic communications firm Beekeeper Group.  You will hear valuable insights to help you intentionally craft your messaging and wording to your audience — whether it be funders, donors or your local community — to strengthen your fundraising strategies.

Who: Alex Dickinson, Beekeeper Group; Marika Lynch, Press Forward.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Lab Link

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Wed, Oct 29 - AI on Campus: Emerging Governance Models

What: We’ll explore possible AI governance models to replicate, ways to centralize or unify AI campus efforts, and strategies for making AI a supportive tool rather than a threat.

Who: Taylor Swaak Senior Reporter The Chronicle of Higher Education.

When: 2 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Chronicle of Higher Ed

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Wed, Oct 29 - Turning Federal Contract Cancellations into Solutions Stories

What: Explore how to use Big Local News tools to uncover the local impact of federal contract cuts and report on innovative community responses.

Who: Rosie Cima, Senior Data Journalist, Big Local News.

When: 4 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsors: Solutions Journalism Network & Advancing Democracy

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Thu, Oct 30 - Covering Immigration & Protecting Your Rights

What: We will share practical guidance on navigating the legal challenges that may arise when covering immigration. The session will conclude with a Q&A, giving attendees the chance to ask questions and discuss specific challenges they may encounter.

Who: Jennifer Nelson, director of pre-publication review & journalist support at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.

When: 10 am, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Virginia Press Association

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Thu, Oct 30 - What’s Working in Local Media: 2026 Trends from 6-Million Readers

What: This data‑driven session will be packed with actionable insights from over 250 news sites and 6 million readers powered by BlueLena’s technology‑enabled strategic consulting.  We’ll reveal exactly what’s working in local newsrooms—and what’s holding them back—as we head into 2026.

Who: Daniel Williams, Founder & CEO, BlueLena.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: E&P (Editor & Publisher)

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Thu, Oct 30 - What’s it Like Reporting News Today?

What: A conversation about the complexities and considerations it takes to deliver the highest quality journalism in today's charged information ecosystem.

Who: Christa Case Bryant, editor of The Christian Science Monitor.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsors: Christian Science Monitor & Sooth.fyi

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Thu, Oct 30 - Immigration reporting: From political scorecard to democratic principles

What: We’ll first hear from a researcher who studies Latino politics and how identity informs political attitudes. Then we’ll talk in breakout groups about how journalism could evolve, and leave with concrete ideas and recommendations.

Who: Trusting News Executive Director Joy Mayer; Stella Rouse, director of the Hispanic Research Center and professor in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Trusting News

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Thu, Oct 30 - Solutions Journalism Training: The Environment & Religion

What: This is a climate solutions journalism training open to journalists, students, scholars and scientists interested in public engagement through media.

Who: Rebecca Randall, SCF’s vice president and an accredited solutions journalism trainer.

When: 1 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Science Communicators of Faith

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Thu, Oct 30 - AI, EI, Oh! The critical role of emotional intelligence in the advancement of AI

What: The essential importance of understanding this critical relationship between emotional intelligence and AI and the exact right mix of skills your organization needs to thrive.  

Who: David Cory Founder and CEO, EITC (Emotional Intelligence Training Company).

When: 3 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: MHS

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Fri, Oct 31 - Inside the Investigation: Shelter police

What: We will share details of an investigation into a long-running pattern of misconduct and impunity among police in New York City's homeless shelters along with concrete tips and resources that other journalists can use in their reporting.

Who: Sammy Sussman who is part of The New York Times’s Local Investigations Fellowship.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Fund for Investigative Journalism

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Fri, Oct 31 - Money, Movement, and Misdirection Tracking Global Business Footprints

What: This is a session on tracking the people, money, and networks behind international businesses. From offshore entities and layered ownership to foreign disclosures and regulatory loopholes, this session will walk through practical strategies for identifying who really controls a company, tracing its presence across jurisdictions, and uncovering political or financial ties, even when records are scattered or incomplete.

Who: Anna Massoglia, Sunlight’s director of investigations.

When: 12 pm, Eastern

Where: Zoom

Cost: Free

Sponsor: Sunlight Research Center

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