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

Over the summer, state officials began to crack down on programs that provide ski passes, martial arts classes, and private piano lessons to homeschoolers. Only 14 were approved, laying the foundation for stricter rules.

School choice supporters hope the New York governor’s decision will sway other Democrats.

New York just finished transitioning state exams to computers. Now, amid a backlash to classroom technology, officials are considering whether to allow a return to paper.

Trump's remarks about San Diego being attacked have rattled some students in a city already on edge over immigration enforcement. Teachers are navigating those fears.

The district says its proposed changes are meant to create a more equitable fee structure for all schools.

The reversal allows a major CUNY tutoring program to continue offering virtual reading lessons to young students who need extra support.