Believe it or not, most news is religion news, whether we’re covering wars, terrorism, politics, immigration, bullying, holidays, you name it. Even when a story seems completely unrelated to faith, there are usually religion ghosts lurking between the lines.

Whether you’re a journalist, a blogger, a student, or someone simply interested in learning more about how national religion reporters cover your faith and other issues, check out these free events in Chicago and New York City next week:

Nov. 1, 7-8:30 p.m.: Covering Religion: How to Balance Facts and Faith in the Search for Truth
Northside College Prep High School, 5501 N Kedzie Ave., Chicago, IL 60640
The News Literacy Project will be hosting a panel discussion about religion reporting exploring the relationship between fact, faith, and journalistic standards. Featuring panelists Manya Brachear (religion reporter for the Chicago Tribune), Kevin Eckstrom (editor-in-chief of the Religion News Service, via Skype), and Odette Yousef (Northside reporter for WBEZ), and moderated by Art Norman of NBC5 News.

Nov. 4, 1-4 p.m.: Covering Religion in the Shadow of 9/11
Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, 2950 Broadway, New York, NY
Five religion writers — Samuel Freedman, Jaweed Kaleem (Huffington Post), Laurie Goodstein (New York Times), Ari Goldman & George Vecsey — talk about covering religion and how it has changed in the decade since 9/11. The audience will include visiting students from Colgate University and their professor, Chris Vecsey, author of “Following 9/11: Religion Coverage in The New York Times.” Event is co-sponsored by the Religion Newswriters Association and is open to RNA members and prospective members. Refreshments will be served. RSVP by Oct. 31 to Nicole Neroulias.

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.