Deborah Moreno, Editor-in-Chief
I’m Deborah Moreno—Debbie or Deb—and I’m the editor-in-chief of this locally-owned startup dedicated to delivering trustworthy, high-quality, and nonpartisan local news. Galesburg Community News will report on our city. As we grow, we hope to expand our coverage to include all of Knox County. Expect stories, photos, and visual media published on a rolling basis.
Why Local News Still Matters in Galesburg
When The Register-Mail lost its local reporting team in 2022, Galesburg and Knox County residents felt the impact. Once a vital source for city council updates, school news, community events, and public records, the paper now offers minimal local reporting. Though it still publishes online and in print, its diminished presence has led many to call it a “ghost newspaper.”
Galesburg Isn’t a News Desert—But It’s Close
Thankfully, Galesburg is not without local coverage. We deeply respect the work of WGIL, Tri-States Public Radio, and The Burg. Because of these organizations, our region avoids the “news desert” label—used for places that lack local journalism entirely.
Still, the risk is real. Without consistent, community-focused reporting, misinformation can take root, civic engagement often suffers, and economic development slows.
Research from the Medill School of Journalism shows that more than one-third of U.S. newspapers have closed since 2005. Nearly 55 million Americans now live in areas with limited or no local news access.
This erosion of local media matters—to all of us.
Our Focus: What You Can Expect to See
Galesburg Community News is stepping in to help fill the gap. We’re committed to covering what matters most to our neighbors:
- Local businesses and their stories
- Education and school events
- Government transparency and accountability
- Arts, sports, and community happenings
Our Mission as a Nonprofit
We’re a grassroots, nonprofit news outlet that’s locally owned and operated. Our team is small, made up of freelancers and volunteers who care deeply about this region. Growth will take time, and we appreciate your support and patience as we expand.
Powered by Community Support
This project began with startup funding from the Heart & Soul initiative at the Galesburg Community Foundation, and we’re grateful to additional philanthropic partners for their belief in our vision. Contributions from readers, donors, and future advertisers will help us remain accessible to all.
We’re proud to be a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, a national network of public-service newsrooms. Closer to home, we’ve learned from inspiring peers like The Kewanee Voice, who’ve generously shared insights and encouragement.
Built in Galesburg. Built for Galesburg.
Over the past two years, we’ve worked to build Galesburg Community News with a strong local foundation, inclusive voices, and ethical business practices. Our launch marks the beginning of something new—and we’re excited to earn your trust and be part of your daily life.
Thanks for joining us on this journey.