Breaking down the big stories. That's one of the jobs Poynter does best, and it's the theme I am thinking about this week as we publish new resources and teaching.

First, I want to point you to this Poynter story: Ethical considerations for journalists as a Russian invasion of Ukraine looms. Poynter senior faculty Al Tompkins (whose TV Power Reporting Academy has a deadline of this Friday) and Poynter senior vice president Kelly McBride (whose new ethics workshop I introduced last week) shared 13 ideas that every newsroom — local, national and international — should keep in mind in the uncertain days ahead.

Second, check out these new online trainings: Covering Political Extremism in the Public Square and Follow the Money: American Rescue Plan. Both are free! And both will help journalists tackle complex stories, from disinformation-fueled political violence to federal stimulus funding. 

Help is here, friends. You don't have to go at it alone. Scroll for more upcoming Poynter opportunities. 

— Andrew DeLong, director of teaching operations

Online workshops, March 29, April 12 and April 26

Nearly $2 trillion dollars will be hitting states for the next several years via the American Rescue Plan. This free data journalism workshop series, brought to you by Poynter and Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), will empower local journalists to follow this once-in-a-generation influx of funds, hold local authorities accountable, and spur smart societal change through storytelling. 

Each 90-minute workshop will be focused on one of three topics: public health and pandemics; public safety, policing and beyond; and infrastructure and environment. 

Intimidation, threats and violence surround democratic process and participation in the United States. This free online group seminar will help local journalists stay safe and produce ethical, excellent stories about voting, security and local issues leading up to the 2022 midterms. 

With guidance from PolitiFact editor-in-chief Angie Drobnic Holan, PolitiFact executive director Aaron Sharockman and PolitiFact staff writer Amy Sherman, you will learn how to track and debunk election-related disinformation that could fuel violence on the local level. You will also gain a deeper understanding of First and Second Amendment protections to strengthen your reporting about activities that are prohibited by law. In discussion with guest speakers and other participants, you will also review best practices for reporting on these issues without legitimizing them or having a chilling effect on democratic participation.

Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship 2022-23
Online and in-person program, St. Petersburg, Florida, and Washington, D.C., June 15, 2022– May 5, 2023
The Poynter-Koch Media and Journalism Fellowship is a year-long dynamic experiential fellowship that blends educational opportunities with work experience to accelerate your career in journalism. Cost: Free. Apply by Feb. 25.

Content Audits and Centering Audience 
Self-directed online course, start anytime
Learn about content audits, making inclusivity part of story workflow and growing subscribers in underserved communities from four Chicago-area newsrooms. Cost: Free, thanks to the McCormick Foundation. Enroll now.

Professor’s Press Pass
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New classroom case study this week: ‘The Tinder Swindler’ and the press. Subscribe now.