October 6th, 2026 • 2026: Columbus
Cleanup or Shortcut? Reporting on America’s Contaminated Sites
Jordan Gass-Pooré, an independent climate journalist, hosted a workshop, “Covering Contaminated Sites Under Trump,” at SPJ 2026, focusing on how journalists can cover some of the country’s most hazardous sites. In 1980, the Environmental Protection Agency created the Superfund program to help fund and manage the cleanup of these sites.
October 4th, 2026 • 2026: Columbus
How Small Chicago Newsrooms Reported on Operation Midway Blitz
When Operation Midway Blitz hit Chicago on Sept. 8, 2025, it made national headlines. Massive outlets such as the New York Times and AP News quickly descended on the city to cover it. But local newsrooms, including Block Club Chicago, were already on the ground.
October 3rd, 2026 • 2026: Columbus
How to Build a Sustainable Freelance Journalism Business
For new and established journalists alike, breaking into freelancing can be intimidating. Sherry Beck Paprocki and Tami Kamin Meyer, both freelance journalists, shared their advice and insights at SPJ26 during a panel — Beyond the Big Byline: How Freelancers Build New Revenue Streams — moderated by fellow freelance writer Ruth E.
October 2nd, 2026 • 2026: Columbus
Before You Go: Making A Plan for Safety When Reporting in the Field
Safety training from the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) typically ranges from eight hours to two weeks. But SPJ 2026 conference attendees learned essential and strategic steps they can take to work more safely in the field in a mere 50 minutes.