GENESIS LEGACY LOCAL NEWS INITIATIVE
Why This Needs Our Attention!
We are a small nonprofit based in Chicago Southland, launching a local news initiative for six to seven southern suburbs of the city. Despite the presence of large publications that claim to cover these areas, they often lack a dedicated focus. As a result, many residents, who already commute over an hour for work, struggle to stay informed due to minimal coverage, which has had significant negative impacts on their communities.
Recent surveys indicate a significant gap in local news consumption in the Chicago area, with residents relying heavily on social media and national outlets for news (Local News Initiative). However, local news remains critical in fostering community engagement and awareness. Digital-first local media ventures, with lower fixed costs, have demonstrated that profitability and impactful journalism are achievable (A Media Operator). By leveraging digital platforms and community-focused content, Genesis Legacy aims to replicate these successes in the Southland.
Genesis Legacy News
GL News is a hyperlocal media initiative developed by the Genesis Legacy Local News Initiative to restore access to relevant, community-driven reporting in the south suburbs. With a focus on underserved municipalities, GL News investigates issues that matter most to residents—such as public health, economic development, education, and civic engagement—using data, storytelling, and policy analysis to hold institutions accountable and empower informed communities.
Teaching Coping Skills through Journalism
GL News also uses journalism as a tool to teach youth how to process emotions, build confidence, and connect with others. Through workshops and storytelling exercises, students aged 10–19 learn coping and problem-solving skills while creating content that reflects their thoughts, challenges, and hopes. This approach blends mental health awareness with media literacy to promote healing, expression, and resilience among young people.
Colleges
Support from community leaders, local politicians, or organizations to demonstrate broad-based backing for the initiative.
Libraries
Providing community-driving journalist, and building the community colleges up as a go-to for local news reporting.
Stakeholders
Providing a resource hub for journalist to be able to provide well-sourced information for stories and helping to bridge the gap between the community and its available resources.
At GL News, we believe that access to trusted local reporting is a necessity, not a luxury. That’s why our coverage remains free and accessible to all. The support of our readers, partners, and funders makes it possible for us to inform, empower, and amplify the voices of south suburban communities.
Local Newsrooms
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Local Correspondents
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
GL News partners with local correspondents in Calumet City, Chicago Heights, Dolton, Glenwood, Olympia Fields, Riverdale, and South Holland. These on-the-ground storytellers help us uncover the issues that matter most, bringing authentic, community-driven reporting to each municipality we serve.
Public Health Strategy for Local News
Join our Poster Session
Here's an opportunity for the community to visualize what our plans are!
