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This was the week Civil Beat launched a central live blog, ‘The Beat,’ a single place to follow Hawaii news and opinion that matters. You might also have noticed that our Inside Honolulu and Capitol Watch have become much more visual and lively.

Next week we’ll be launching similar blogs for our other beats: Land, Education and Money. These will make it easier for people to follow news developments in subject areas they care about.

These blogs are quick guides to what we’re working on and what’s going on. But the core of our efforts remains answering critical questions about important issues in Hawaii, with the goal of helping make the state a better place. You can find many examples from this week, such as our continuing coverage of runaway school bus costs.

Here are 10 must read stories from this week.

• The Beat: Blogging Hawaii News and Opinion
• Capitol Watch — Hawaii Politics and Government — Dec. 5-Dec. 11
• Inside Honolulu – Government, Politics and Issues – Dec. 5-Dec. 11
• Charting A New Course For Hawaii Charter Schools
• Taken For A Ride: Fewer Players, Bigger Budgets
• Taken For a Ride: District Wants Even More Money For Buses Next Year
• How Much Will UH Football Coach Earn in Retirement?
• Gloves Come Off As Hawaii Senate Race Gets Going
• Hawaii Senators Cast Conflicting Votes on Indefinite Detention
• Police Video of Drunk Honolulu Council Member at APEC Event