Here's to Midtown Raleigh

W elcome, fellow residents of the heart of Raleigh, to the inaugural Midtown Raleigh News.

This is a new weekly community news section from The News & Observer, following our success with North Raleigh News.

That section has worked so well, we think, that it's time to expand it to older, equally dynamic parts of Raleigh.

At the same time, the emergence of a new identity for the city's increasingly distinct middle Midtown, as many call it -- opens a door to broaden our coverage of community news here.

We've kept the popular NRN feature "What's Up With That?" that answers questions about things you see going on.

We've got expanded recreation coverage and crime reporting.

You'll see a new feature, Biz Bits, that highlights News & Observer business stories you might have missed during the past week.

You'll also see in the coming months an emphasis on the people and places that give Midtown Raleigh its unique character. Today's feature on the new chairwoman of Raleigh's Planning Commission is one example.

We'll break news you'll find nowhere else, such as today's illuminating front-page report on developer John Kane's plans to expand his North Hills empire.

And I'll focus community attention on important issues, interesting people and unique places in my weekly column, which moves to the front page.

Your trusted neighbor

Some of you, like me, will now get this section instead of the North Raleigh News.

I, too, am a Midtowner -- twice now, this time without moving.

But if you loved the North Raleigh News, don't worry. The two sections are tailored, but they will share many of their articles, photos and other features.

Others of you are getting a weekly N&O community news section for the first time. You'll find that we cover local growth, recreation, neighborhoods, schools, and various community issues.

For some of you, the best news is that you'll get it regardless of whether you're an N&O subscriber.

We hope you like your new newspaper, and I welcome your feedback and story suggestions.

I'm the new editor of both sections, but I'm not new to Raleigh or The N&O. After 16 years of reporting for The N&O's readers, I'm counting on you to help shape our community coverage.

Midtown is on the move, growing and evolving.

So is Midtown Raleigh News.