ONA Weekly #567: Connecting Through Local Identity And History

By on June 25, 2025

Connecting through local identity and history

Join us July 8, 3–4 p.m. EDT, for the next gathering of ONA’s AI Innovator Collaborative, our regular meetup for ONA members who are using AI in their journalism work to discuss projects, new ideas and common challenges. Liz Worthington, Director of Product Strategy at the American Press Institute will co-host this next one to facilitate a discussion about how local newsrooms are leveraging AI to connect with audiences through local identity, culture and history. 

This event was inspired by insights at the API Local News Summit on Local Identity, History and Sustainability, which gathered 60 newsroom leaders and experts from beyond journalism this past April. For the collaborative meetup, we’ll share a few examples to spark discussion, and you’ll have a chance to share your own ideas with the group, even if they aren’t yet fully formed.
Register now

Every journalist is reporting on the climate

Whether you cover local politics or music festivals, climate intersects with your beat. We’re excited to host a virtual session July 17, 3–4 p.m. EDT, to demystify climate reporting and share best practices that truly connect with communities, including proven ideas from the Climate Blueprint for Media Transformation.

Join us as award-winning climate and environment journalist Breanna Draxler moderates this conversation with Angela K. Evans, Director, Communities of Practice, at the Solutions Journalism Network, and Andrew McCormick, independent journalist and Deputy Director of Covering Climate Now.
Register for “Climate Is the Everything Story”

Last call: MJ Bear Fellowship

The application for the 2025 MJ Bear Fellowship for journalists under 30 closes tomorrow, Thursday, June 26. The fellowship, which kicks off with a trip to ONA25 in New Orleans this September, will honor and support six ambitious professionals who are leading innovative digital projects and beginning to make their mark in the industry. The 2025 program is open to working journalists born between June 30, 1995, and June 30, 2002. Review answers to FAQs and apply for the fellowship.
Apply by June 26 to join the MJ Bear Fellowship

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