This weekly community newspaper has been so popular since its debut almost nine years ago that we're cloning it today with the new Midtown Raleigh News, which serves the Capital City's middle third.

We've also revamped the North Raleigh News to make it better.

Inside these pages you'll find information about growth, schools, neighborhoods, and community issues that sets this local news section apart.

We're expanding our recreation coverage, as you can see. We've got deeper crime reporting, too.

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

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 a stronger emphasis on the people and places that give North Raleigh its 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.

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

Your trusted neighbor

But this paper's evolution is mostly about continuity, familiarity, reliability and utility.

This is the same newspaper that first brought you word about a young, up-and-coming Raleigh singer named Clayton Aiken. He has since done fairly well, as you might have heard.

This is the paper that told you about teenager Jesica Santillan's struggle for life before her fatal, botched heart-and-lung transplant at Duke University Medical Center, which prompted hospital reforms.

The North Raleigh News is where many of you first learned about the demise of the old, fading North Hills Mall, and its rebirth as the vibrant North Hills.

It's also where you heard about plans for Triangle Town Center, Wakefield, Brier Creek, expansion at Crabtree Valley Mall and Interstate 540's slow march east.

North Raleigh is on the move, growing and maturing.

So is the North Raleigh News.

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