Policy decisions made at the state and local level in government can often have the greatest impact on the daily lives of people in your community. Perhaps your school board endorsed new gun safety resolutions or your local city council passed a new law forcing businesses to accept cash. Local journalists help inform the public about these changes and serve as watchdogs by being the eyes and ears of the public, holding institutions and elected public officials accountable when decisions are made.

Throughout SRL's history, students have interviewed school superintendents, governors, local city council members, and other decision-makers. Student journalists understand the function of journalism in their communities and are therefore primed to fill a critical gap in local news reporting.

Read through our How To's to learn how you can practice covering local politics for your community.