20 Innovative tools and resources in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and investigative methodologies for journalists

The National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) 2025 conference, held in Minneapolis from March 6-9, showcased a plethora of innovative tools and resources designed to empower journalists in the digital age. Attendees delved into sessions covering topics from advanced data analysis techniques to the integration of artificial intelligence in newsrooms. Here are some 20 Innovative tools and resources in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and investigative methodologies for journalists.

1. The Gun Violence Data Hub from The Trace: A comprehensive database offering detailed datasets on various aspects of gun violence, enabling journalists to analyze and report on trends and incidents at both national and local levels: https://datahub.thetrace.org/data-library/?dir=desc&sort=date_updated&pg=
2. Africa Bias Buster: developed by Africa No Filter to help Journalists, creatives and content writers to identify and eliminate unintentional biases and stereotypes in African storytelling. https://www.africanofilter.org/africa-bias-buster
3. Double-Checking DOGE Data GitHub Repository: A repository curated by Politico’s Jessie Blaeser, providing resources to track government spending data, ensuring accuracy and transparency in financial reporting. Link: https://github.com/jessieblaeser/nicar_2025_infrastructure/tree/main?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
4. OCCRP Aleph: An investigative tool by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that connects data on various entities, aiding journalists in uncovering complex networks and relationships. Link: https://aleph.occrp.org/
5. Scam Empire Investigation: An OCCRP investigation into scam call centers, utilizing AI for video and audio analysis to expose fraudulent operations. Link: https://www.occrp.org/en/project/scam-empire
6. 50 Government Datasets in 50 Minutes: A presentation by the Brechner Center at the University of Florida, highlighting public records databases that journalists can utilize to investigate a wide array of issues. Link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10YsEQENCnznlk9U9pkAfNtVxp6VQCqdy/view
7. Earth Index: A tool designed to help users find objects in satellite images, proving useful for environmental stories and more. Link: https://www.earthgenome.org/earth-index?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
8. Coaching ChatGPT for Coding and Data Tasks: A guide by Charles Minshew offering prompts to assist in finding data, drafting FOIA letters, and performing other tasks using AI. Link: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hyVn_As3kJhKiGCKO983J0OpIjOqFPY-iMU5f5vC4U8/edit#slide=id.g2c2184cfeb8_0_0
9. Sill: A platform that curates top news shared by trusted individuals, enhancing the reliability of news consumption. Link: https://sill.social/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
10. Ask Nellie from The City: Description: A chatbot offering advice on various activities and services, exemplifying the integration of AI in providing personalized information. Link: https://www.thecity.nyc/ask-nellie/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
11. AI Text Checker: A free tool that detects AI-generated content from models like ChatGPT, GPT-4, Gemini, Claude, and LLAMA, ensuring content authenticity. Link: https://www.aitextchecker.pro/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
12. NICAR 2025 Bluesky Posts Archive: An archive curated by Sharon Machlis, compiling all Bluesky posts from the NICAR 2025 conference, serving as a valuable resource for attendees and those who couldn't attend. Link: https://sharonmachlis.com/nicar-25-bluesky-posts/
13. NICAR Presenter Bluesky Accounts Starter Pack: A compilation by Joe Germuska, providing a starter pack of all NICAR presenter Bluesky accounts, facilitating networking and knowledge sharing. Link: https://apps.machlis.com/shiny/nicar25/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
14. HeyNota.com : A suite of incredible production tools designed to enhance journalistic workflows and content creation. Link: https://heynota.com/
15. Rolli's Upgraded Social Media Intelligence Dashboards: Dashboards designed to help journalists track and verify information faster than ever, enhancing the reliability of reporting. Link: https://rolliapp.com/
16. Cloudbooklet AI Tools Directory: A comprehensive directory of AI tools, assisting journalists in finding the right tools for various tasks. Link: https://www.cloudbooklet.com/ai-tools
17. Introhook: A tool to build viral video intros, aiding journalists and content creators in enhancing their video content. Link: https://introhook.com/
18. Pointer: An AI agent that assists with Google Docs editing, streamlining the writing and editing process for journalists. Link: https://www.getpointer.ai/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
19. ONA/Microsoft AI in Journalism Initiative Training Program: A training program offering sessions on AI tools and their applications in journalism, free for ONA members. Link: https://journalists.org/ai-in-journalism-initiative/
20. Data + Journalism: A Story-Driven Approach to Learning Data Reporting: Co-authored by Mike Reilley and Samantha Sunne, this book offers a comprehensive guide to data journalism, emphasizing practical approaches to data-driven storytelling. Link: https://www.routledge.com/Data--Journalism-A-Story-Driven-Approach-to-Learning-Data-Reporting/Reilley-Sunne/p/book/9781032225913?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email
21. The Journalist's Toolbox: A Guide to Digital Reporting and AI: A book by Mike Reilley, providing a comprehensive guide to digital reporting and the integration of AI in journalism. Link: https://www.routledge.com/The-Journalists-Toolbox-A-Guide-to-Digital-Reporting-and-AI/Reilley/p/book/9781032460208?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email

Special thanks to Mike Reilley of @https://journaliststoolbox.ai/

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