Good news in a world of vanishing newsrooms

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When I read this morning’s stunning news in my email box I stood up from my laptop and shouted, “YES!” I couldn’t believe our good fortune. In a world where news sources are dying all around us here was a beacon of hope,

“Please welcome the Tucson Agenda, launching on the Fourth of July.” What could be a better day to launch an endeavor so essential to our democracy than Independence Day.”

First, a little about Arizona Agenda. I subscribed to Arizona Agenda the instant I learned the accomplished seasoned reporters Hank Stephenson and Rachel Leingang were the co-founders. Stephenson truly is “every politician’s greatest fear.” And Leingang has covered Arizona politics and education forever. They are pit bulls with notepads, old school tenacity and integrity. Arizona Agenda is my primary source of news about all things Arizona.

“The Tucson Agenda will be a separate, sister publication of the Arizona Agenda, staffed by veteran reporters who have spent their careers covering their community, Tucson.”

When I heard the great news that Curt Prendergast and Caitlin Schmidt were the “veteran reporters” Hank was referring to I cheered again.

I cheered for myself because I know Caitlin and Curt personally and they are extraordinary world-class journalists, wonderful writers and profoundly thoughtful critical thinkers. Their professionalism, brilliance, grit, persistence and talent are world-class. They known this region better the anyone. They have the sources, the institutional knowledge and the persistence to kick ass.

This is a screenshot and not a link. A link is below.

I cheered for Mr. Prendergast and Miss Jensen because they’ll be published on Substack the best platform for talented writers today.

I cheered for those of us who want to see our institutions held accountable.

I cheered for democracy because a candle is being lit in the darkness.

I cheered for a number of local community leaders who have been gathering on a regular basis for months to find answers to the problem of vanishing local news. Here, my friends, is the answer. Plain as day. Its name is Tucson Agenda and they need your financial support to thrive. Please search your patriot hearts and your deep pockets.

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