Chalkbeat now has a new look — and a public health sister site

Three logos, one blue, red and pink on a white background.
Chalkbeat, Votebeat and Healthbeat logos (Civic News Company)

Welcome to the new Chalkbeat!

If you’re a regular reader, you might notice that things look a little different here today. Nothing about our stories or the functionality of our site is changing, but we have a new look that we hope you enjoy: simple, modern, and with the work you know and love front and center.

Why? It’s always nice to feel fresh at the start of a school year. But more importantly, the change comes as we launch a new sibling site. Meet Healthbeat, which is officially launching today to cover public health.

Healthbeat reporters will be digging into issues that shape our collective well-being, from infectious diseases to air and water quality and food safety. And they will be bringing the Chalkbeat (and Votebeat) model of national and local reporting to bear on public health at a time when it’s badly needed. Healthbeat will start with bureaus in New York City and Atlanta as well as national reporting in partnership with the great folks over at KFF Health News.

I hope you will check them out, starting with editor in chief Charlene Pacenti’s introduction to Healthbeat’s work. You can also sign up for Healthbeat’s newsletters here.

— Sarah Darville, Chalkbeat editor in chief

The Latest

After proposing changes to the state’s K-12 funding formula last year, Gov. Jared Polis’ budget proposal plans to fulfill changes made during this year’s session.

Detroit residents told Chalkbeat they want to see the city’s next mayor to improve transportation so students can more easily get to and from school.

A Chalkbeat analysis of school attendance data found steeper attendance declines this year compared to previous years at schools in communities targeted by Operation Midway Blitz.

Experts say Newark school board’s move to a flip vote that made way for Superintendent Roger Leon’s contract to be extended was improper.

The nonprofit runs free after-school programs and summer camps for disadvantaged youth in Detroit with a focus on social and emotional skills.

DPS has a new policy that calls for closing schools with persistently low ratings as a way to avoid state intervention.