Happy Monday, locally and internationally! Last week, we officially launched Local News International (or simply, LNI) and I’ve been overwhelmed by your support and “JD Vance is leaving the White House?” jokes.
So what can you expect from the Monday newsletter, the Thursday newsletter, my future videos and just the world, in general?
👀 Every Monday morning, I’ll give you a real-time look under the hood of our operations. Today, you’ll hear from Sarah Hashemi, a fellow former Postie and our graphics genius who has designed everything you’ve seen here so far. Like me, she loves googly eyes.
👀 The Thursday evening newsletter will be written by Chris Vazquez, my former Washington-Post-TikTok-intern-turned-producer from all the way back in 2021. I always knew, in a very Marvel-specific way, that ‘Chris Vazquez will return.’ And he has! He’s been back, actually. Having written many of the long-form videos I posted earlier this year, Chris will dive deeper into the news stories of the four short videos that I’ll post every week (on YouTube, TikTok and Reels).
👀 We’re actively working on a weekly long-form video series, engaging with potential partners, and putting a LOT of stuff on my bulletin board. For long-time fans, yes, I got to keep the expensed bulletin board in The Washington Post divorce. And despite The Daily Beast’s overzealous headline, it was largely amicable!
👀 As far as the world, in general? Look, it’s just gonna get weirder. But I’m here to make jokes and keep you informed and sane.
For now, I want to hear from YOU and what you want in my long-form videos. Should I dive into the adopt-a-highway process, explaining how it works and ultimately adopting a highway in Kansas? Is there a local story in your city that I should investigate? Email me at [email protected] with your thoughts and ideas. And please provide feedback on this newsletter, videos and my corny jokes too!
Speaking of, this newsletter is currently free. But we could really, REALLY use your support to keep the lights on. I hope you’ll consider becoming a ‘Local’ member for $15 a month. Amongst many things, this includes an inaugural Zoom in the coming weeks, where you’ll be able to ask me and my team direct questions.
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🥁 Finally, the moment you’ve all been waiting for: a word from the great Sarah Hashemi.
Howdy, Sarah Hashemi here. You don’t know me, but I have been working alongside Dave for a minute. I am also a recent alum of The Washington Post and was the motion designer behind the first iteration of Local News International and Washington Post Universe (among many other projects). I am excited that I will continue to make some wild graphics with someone I consider a wonderful being and good friend, Lola Jorgenson.
My task with LNI right now is to help build the visual brand. So far, we have had a whopping two weeks to build everything from the ground up. That’s just the biz, baby! As mentioned, this is not my first rodeo working with Dave, which means I already understand the ethos behind his work and how to translate that into the design.
What I really want y’all to know is that LNI's visual look is in its Professor-Oak-just-had-you-choose-your-first-partner moment and will continue to develop. More googly eyes. More superimposing the heads of the people behind LNI on to random things. And when the time comes, evolving the brand into its second stage (I view LNI as a three evolution starter Pokémon that develops a new typing in its final stage).
Bear with us while things progress. I know it will be worth it, because I believe in Dave’s vision. And more importantly, I believe in Lola, Dave’s dog.
Sarah
Before you go, I hope you’ll check out some recent articles about LNI. Thanks to Oliver Darcy for talking to me for his newsletter last night. The New York Times had a great story about our launch, too.
And I’m talking to the amazing Kara Swisher this week for On with Kara Swisher.
Dave
Whether you’re fictional or non-fictional, you can connect with me on LinkedIn too.
