Do you want the good news or the bad news?

Sometimes I wonder what people expect from local newspapers like the one I work for, and from local reporters like myself.

While readers regularly thank us for our great coverage, we’ve also been told we’re too negative, and that our only job should be to “build up” our community with positive news.

Recently I was reminded what it means to be a good reporter, and why I work for two of the best new...