Once again, the Nieman Journalism Lab has been looking to the year ahead, asking experts to think about what developments we might see in the media over the coming year. Their predictions for 2026 take note of everything from the ongoing effects of artificial intelligence on content to the rise of long-form and vertical video by legacy journalism hubs and the increasing importance of creators in journalism. Kirstin McCudden, managing editor of the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker, a project of Freedom of the Press Foundation, also notes that in 2025, more than 165 journalists were assaulted in the United States--more than the last two years combined-mostly while covering protests. "There's no reason to think anything will change in the year ahead," she notes.

  The good news for book lovers is that indie booksellers, publishers, institutions and makers continue to team up with events and unusual offerings designed to satisfy the visual treats we all yearn for. Following is just a snack for the coming weeks. More to follow as the DART Board continues to keep you posted.     Monday, January 12, 6pm: Sergio Ruzzier and Sophie Blackall in conversation Leading the pack, SVA’s MFA Illustration as Visual Essay Program...