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Fact-checking the hot topic of face masks

This week we saw the national conversation on wearing face masks escalate to a new level. It’s understandable if the misinformation surrounding this topic is causing concern for you and your family. Should healthy people wear masks? Are masks required at local businesses? Poynter’s PolitiFact and MediaWise teams answer these questions and more for you.

Answering your nitty-gritty questions about voting by mail

(AP)

With less than six months until Election Day, states are scrambling to prepare for a potentially massive increase in voting by mail. At the same time, more and more U.S. leaders are questioning the validity of this voting method. Our PolitiFact team interviewed officials in six battleground states and now shares with you the facts on how officials are grappling with voter safety during a pandemic.

Helping you lead with empathy

(Shutterstock)

As these hot-button topics continue to be debated across our country, and perhaps even in our own homes, Poynter faculty member Chery Carpenter is teaching journalists and leaders around the world the importance of practicing empathy. Whether you’re leading a newsroom, a board room, or a household, Cheryl helps you learn how crucial a role empathy plays in effective leadership during a crisis — as well as how exhausting it can be during this pandemic.

Inspiring journalists to bring you powerful stories

As this week began with honoring our military on Memorial Day, I encourage you to read this article by Poynter senior faculty member Al Tompkins about how the pandemic is affecting our fallen veterans. There is a large and growing backlog of veteran families who are awaiting committal services at veteran cemeteries. 

Al’s article inspired a journalist from Johnson City Press in the mountainous Northeast region of Tennessee to investigate the impact on his community. I share with you this reporter’s words on how Poynter impacted him:

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Josh Herrington
Development Director
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Poynter Foundation Board Members: 

Brian Tierney, CEO, Brian Communications
Michael Dreyer, President, Tampa Bay Trust Company
Frank “Sandy” Rief III, Attorney, Allen Dell, Attorneys at Law
Liz Sembler, Board Member, Corporation for Public Broadcasting