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We’re glad you’re here. But we don’t want there to be any confusion.

We’re not fully open for business. Think of the period between April 21 and May 4 as the equivalent of a “soft open” at a hotel. We’ve swung wide the doors to our website, but not every aspect of our news operation is up and running yet.

Civil Beat was founded on the idea that everyone has something to contribute, and that civil discourse is essential to a healthy democracy. So what better way to show that than to invite you in and start talking – before we begin delivering the news? Our message, we hope, is clear: We want to learn from you. Peer News is about content, but it’s also about conversation. This approach allows us to get going by doing what’s most important in any conversation — listening.

We want to hear your suggestions and questions. Our reporter-hosts will be sharing their experiences and insights with you over the coming weeks, but they’ll be looking for you to share your thoughts and expertise, too. Not just with us, but with our other original members.

At Civil Beat, we’re taking a different approach to journalism. Part of that difference should be visible today. The rest will become apparent on May 4 — and in the weeks and months that follow, as we expand our offerings.

Thank you for giving us your support right from the start. We’ll do our best to earn it.