Truth-telling and misinformation at the Tucson Festival of Books

This blog post, written by members of the Library's Information Integrity Team, is part of a series that covers disinformation and other related subjects. The goal is to help create a well-informed citizenry of active participants who shape our world.

Find other InfoIntegrity blog posts here!

In today's post, team members recommend panels at the Tucson Festival of Books that address truth-telling, misinformation, rapidly changing technology and more!

Saturday, March 14, 2026

National Book Foundation Presents: Truth-Seeking, Truth Telling

Join 2025 National Book Award nonfiction honorees Caleb Gayle, Julia Ioffe and Claudia Rowe for readings and a conversation about how a background in journalism informs their approach to storytelling. The moderator will be Ruth Dickey, Executive Director of the National Book Foundation.
Where: Integrated Learning Center Room 130 (Seats 143) from 11:30 am – 12:25 pm
With: Caleb Gayle, Julia Ioffe, Claudia Rowe

Tech Gone Wild

What do tech billionaires, espionage and AI have in common? Power: Tech leaders crave it, spies need it and AI delivers it. Can we exist in a world where technology advances without guardrails? Should we regulate it or embrace it? These authors sound the alarm on rapidly changing technology and those who control it.
Where & When: UA Mall Tent (Seats 250) from 1 - 1:55 pm
With: Jacob Silverman, Nate Soares, Anthony Vinci

Lifting the Veil on Misinformation

Misinformation was a term that only vaguely registered in the public consciousness a decade ago. Today, “fake news” is often used by politicians to deflect anything they don’t agree with. Coming from three very different angles, these authors will cut through the noise and guide us toward a “truthier” future.
Where & When: Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337) from 4 - 4:55 pm
With: David Blumenthal, John Fugelsang, Christopher Mathias
**Fast Passes: This event has free Fast Passes. Make reservations.

Sunday, March 15, 2026

Designing Tomorrow: Human Wisdom and the Promise of AI

Can the future of AI be safe, ethical and transformative? Nate Soares and Tom Griffiths discuss how insights into human reasoning and careful design can guide us toward a world where advanced intelligence serves humanity rather than threatens it.
Where & When: Science City – Main Stage (Seats 195) from 11:30 am – 12:25 pm
With: Tom Griffiths, Nate Soares

America 250: Past, Present and Future

How do the echoes of the “times that try men’s souls” in 1776 ring today? What can one whistleblower’s journey through justice tell us about the judicial branch? And will understanding the forces shaping election financing and the marketplace of ideas help us move closer to a more perfect union?
Where & When: Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337) from 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
With: Edward Larson, Jacob Silverman, Reality Winner
**Fast Passes: This event has free Fast Passes. Make reservations.

America 250: Journalism Under Fire

A free and independent press has been a key part of our democracy since its beginning, but all forms of news media are now under assault. In this session, our panelists discuss the challenges to journalistic integrity and how we can resist efforts to politicize both the media and the American justice system.
Where & When: Koffler Room 204 (Seats 300) from 1 – 1:55 pm
With: Carol Leonnig, Tim Weiner
**Fast Passes: This event has free Fast Passes. Make reservations.