In Mississippi, where opioid settlement dollars are quietly reshaping public health policy, journalists Mental Health Reporter Allen Siegler and Managing Editor Kate Royals of Mississippi Today have been leading the charge in uncovering where that money is going — and where it’s not. But telling these stories takes more than just good reporting. It requires newsroom support, editorial collaboration and strategies to make complex narratives resonate with local audiences.

In this 30-minute fireside chat, Siegler and Royals will share their process for reporting on opioid settlement spending in a state with some of the most pressing health problems in the country. They’ll discuss how they worked together - as reporter and editor - to frame the stories, the challenges of simplifying complex public health and financial information, and how to pitch accountability stories that get greenlit.

Whether you're just getting started or deep into your own settlement reporting, this session will offer practical tips on navigating newsroom dynamics, earning editorial buy-in, and building stronger, smarter stories around opioid spending in your community.