When Poynter first launched Local Edition in 2017, we envisioned a space for “mapping the future of local news together.” During the pandemic, the intention shifted and Local Edition became “our newsletter devoted to telling the stories of local journalists.”

This time feels different than those times, and so I’m asking you — what would you like Local Edition to be next?

I’m leaning toward “a weekly reminder of what’s possible,” with profiles on newsrooms, stories behind ambitious and amazing journalism and even more of the voices from the people shaping local news. 

Regardless of the direction we choose (“we” means “you and me,” by the way,) I’d also like to highlight more of the work you’re making and loving. So, tell me something good? What are you reading, watching, listening to and loving now?

For instance, this is super practical, but Taylor Swift is coming to Tampa, and I love how the Tampa Bay Times is helping those of us who live here think through what it will all mean for traffic and logistics. (I do not have tickets. Alas. But my youngest has a volleyball tournament that day downtown and my husband and I have tickets to see “To Kill A Mockingbird” that night, so we will feel the power of the Swifties.)

Also really useful — this guide from ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network and New Mexico In Depth on understanding discipline inside New Mexico schools.

And from KCUR, Kansas City’s public radio station, I love the podcast “A People’s History of Kansas City.” It’s interesting, short and I always learn something.

Reply to this email to tell me what you like and why, and I’ll start sharing next week as we start figuring out what’s next for this newsletter.

Or just reply to this email to say hi.

After three years, I finally got COVID last week, and while it’s been mild, it’s lonely up here in my home office!

Also, Poynter’s Beat Academy is live and the second topic kicks off tomorrow! This is a series of 90-minute webinars designed to help local journalists build what they know around a range of topics, including climate change (tomorrow’s topic), the American Rescue Plan Act and covering crime and immigration. You can learn more and sign up here.

That’s it for me. Thanks for being you.

Kristen