Behind The Headlines

La Conner, Washington is a quiet coastal town nestled between the sprawling fields of Skagit County and the breezy Puget Sound. It is also home to the longest continually published weekly paper in the state, the La Conner Weekly News. However, when the paper halted operations at the end of 2024, veteran journalist Kari Mar stepped up to serve as publisher of a new non-profit community news outlet called the La Conner Community News. With the launch of a new website and plans for the first printed paper in March 2025, Mar discusses the challenges and triumphs of local journalism and goals for inclusive coverage in the community.

Video by Peyton Perdue

Featuring: Kari Mar, publisher of La Connor Community News

Special thanks to: Adam Rideout Redeker and Ozzy Konez with audio and lighting assistance, and Marcus Ream with filming assistance

Music: “Bar Performance 1” by Sacha Ende