“Prior to the pandemic, The New Tri-State Defender already had identified the need to adjust its business model.

Then, boom comes COVID-19 and a pandemic response that thrusts virtual communication/learning onto the front burner and in a way that foreshadows permanent change.

We are grateful for the grant support ($50,000) — announced today (May 7) — from The Facebook Journalism Project Supporting Local News Coverage of COVID-19 Program.

Performing well during the pandemic means conveying timely/needed information for safety and security, growth and development.

This support funding also will position The TSD to push forward with its special focus on ZIP Code 38126, one of the poorest in the nation.