A Letter From the Editor

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear readers,

Before anything else, we want to say this clearly:

Thank you to our sustainers.

It is only because of your support that The Local Reporter will continue publishing. Your decision to step forward—at a critical moment—has given this newspaper a path forward.

Because of you, we will relaunch in early May with a new format: a monthly issue of The Local Reporter.

Why Monthly — and What It Means

Moving to a monthly publication allows us to do what matters most right now:
deliver deeper, more meaningful journalism for our community.

Instead of trying to keep up with the daily churn of news, we will focus on:

• In-depth reporting on major local issues
• Clear, contextual explanations of complex decisions
• Stories that help residents truly understand what is happening—and why

This shift is intentional. It is about quality, clarity, and impact.

What You Can Expect

Each monthly issue will take a closer look at the issues shaping life in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County.

That includes topics like:

• Proposed school closures and their community impact
• Local government decisions and spending priorities
• Growth, development, and housing challenges
• Public safety and community well-being
• The people, organizations, and voices that define our community

Rather than brief summaries, we will bring you reporting that connects the dots—so you can see the full picture.

A Different Kind of Local Coverage

There is no shortage of information. What is often missing is understanding.

Our goal is to provide:

• Context, not just headlines
• Insight, not just updates
• Accountability, not just access

We believe this is where The Local Reporter can serve you best.

Moving Forward—Together

This is a new chapter for TLR.

It is more focused.
It is more sustainable.
And it is only possible because of you.

To our sustainers: you made this possible.

To our readers: we look forward to bringing you our first monthly issue in May.

*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE KEEPING COMMUNITY NOTICES CURRENT FOR APRIL AND THE ORANGE SLICES COLUMN AND ORANGE COUNTY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT.

With gratitude,

Michelle Cassell

Editor

The Local Reporter

The Local Reporter is a nonprofit, community-supported newsroom. If you value independent, local journalism that focuses on the communities we serve, we invite you to support our work in whatever way feels right to you.

Michelle Cassell is a seasoned reporter who has covered everything from crime to hurricanes and local politics to human interest over the course of 35 years. As editor, she hopes to encourage writers of a wide range of backgrounds and interests in TLR’s coverage of Southern Orange County news. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press.