Data journalist Derek Willis has an interesting new tool:

Today I’m releasing a new Python command-line library that allows users to ask questions of federal campaign finance filings by leveraging large language models, with some built-in help. This project, llm-fecfile, also builds on previous work by data journalists that helps make these filings easier to parse and use. The combination of LLMs and domain expertise is a powerful one that has some real implications for journalists.

I’m really intrigued by the capacity of LLMs to do precisely the kind of research Derek highlights here – not acting as a substitute for a primary source, but quickly highlighting potential items of interest within large compilations of information.  As one way among many to “start that conversation,” as he says.  And I know this is only one example of the many tools out there.