Our Aging Matters and Learning Odyssey series are two examples of the kind of journalism that we think make a difference. Readers sometimes call to say they just want the facts, nothing more. But the facts really don't say much. The context makes them meaningful. That is most apparent when reading papers from other cities.
Good newspapers explain the issues so that each story makes sense even to newcomers.
Inadequate newspapers give only a list of today's facts. We should provoke discussions and look at issues from more than one side. We should irritate and soothe, offer diversions and an index to our area's events. When appropriate, we should have a sense of humor. We want our area to be better because we are here.