As 2017 draws to a close, this critically thinking News-dog would like to take a moment to pause and reflect on the events of the past year and lay the groundwork for some changes in our news coverage and delivery paradigm for 2018.

For the first time in almost a decade the House of News is finishing the year in a much stronger position than the year prior. This is largely thanks to a local family who believes that Community Journalism is an integral part of the strength of the community at large. It is because of that assistance that we were able to restructure our debt, and position for a change in our business model in 2018 to a non-profit status, develop a regional Community Journalism incubator and offer print media internships to college-level student journalists in a real-time Community Journalism media model. Additionally, the non-profit status would allow us to apply for grants in the communications field for media outlets that serve a traditionally underserved community.

Some of the changes you’ll see in 2018 from the House of News will be a more spirited design in our weekly print product. Our upcoming January 3rd edition will reflect that and be a departure from the normal Northeast News front page. Managing Editor Paul Thompson also has some exciting new Northeast Newscast Podcast ideas on tap, and a cool new sponsored content series with the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (see page 10 in this issue.) We’ll also be continuing our very popular center-spread series with the Independence Avenue CID where we offer a profile of some of the most interesting and diverse businesses in the city, right here along the Independence Avenue corridor.

It’s truly an exciting time here at The Northeast News, and our team would like to say thanks for supporting award winning, Community Journalism that matters. We wish you a healthy and prosperous holiday and new year.