Welcome to Galesburg Community News!

A new chapter in local news

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.

Meet the team behind Galesburg Community News

Our board includes David Amor, Kim Brannon-Sibley, Tom Martin, Michael Panther, Tom Simkins, and me. We’re community members who believe in the importance of strong local journalism and want to contribute to the media landscape.

Why Galesburg needs local journalism

When The Register-Mail lost its local staff in 2022, many of us in Galesburg and Knox County felt a significant void in our community. That paper once kept us informed about major news stories, city council meetings, schools, local events, births, deaths, court records, and much more. Although the paper still exists in both digital and print forms, it offers limited local coverage. It is now considered a ‘ghost newspaper’—a shadow of its former self.

Not a news desert—but still at risk

We at Galesburg Community News follow and respect the essential work of WGIL, Tri-States Public Radio, and The Burg. Thanks to them, Galesburg is not a “news desert”—a term used to describe areas with limited or no access to local reporting.

The press—often called the Fourth Estate—keeps communities informed and connected. Without it, misinformation can spread, confusion frequently increases, and economic growth sometimes stalls.

According to the Medill School of Journalism, the U.S. has lost over a third of its newspapers since 2005, leaving nearly 55 million Americans with limited or no access to local news.

This loss matters.

What We Cover

Here’s where we hope to help. Our reporting will focus on four key areas: business, education, government, and arts and events. We’ll cover local schools and sports, feature business profiles, and report on the events that shape life in Galesburg.

A Nonprofit With a Mission

Because Galesburg Community News is a nonprofit startup, locally owned and operated with a small, freelance staff, we appreciate your patience and kindness as we grow. It will take time, but we have a robust vision of what Galesburg Community News can become. 

Building With Gratitude and Guidance

Galesburg Community News received startup funds through a grant from the Heart & Soul project at the Galesburg Community Foundation, and other philanthropic funders are supporting our efforts. Future donors and advertisers will also support us, so please consider contributing in whatever way you can. One of our priorities is to make the news accessible to everyone.

We’re proud members of the Institute for Nonprofit News, a national organization that supports local newsrooms. Closer to home, The Kewanee Voice has served as a generous and inspiring model. We’re grateful for their support and guidance.

Rooted in Community, Ready to Grow

We’ve dedicated the past two years to developing Galesburg Community News with homegrown roots, local voices, and solid business practices. Launching Galesburg Community News is exciting, and we look forward to keeping you informed and connected.

We’re glad you’re here.