I’m happy to finally announce that I am the new Lexington Government Reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader! It’s a big change in many ways, but I am too attached to this beat to be able to move too far.

For several years, Lexingtonians have trusted me as a reliable, accurate source for information on everything happening in Council Chambers. That role won’t change, and I don’t take that trust lightly.

What I am asking of everyone who has supported and relied on my work in the past is that you not only continue to trust me as a source of City Hall knowledge, but also as someone you will trust to tell your stories – stories about the ways Lexington has held you up and stories about times Lexington has let you down. I will of course do a lot of policy, election, and investigative coverage of Lexington’s government; but more than anything I want this newspaper to be a space that locals turn to and see their collective pride for and disappointments in Lexington reflected honestly, accurately, and compassionately.

I am really excited to be in this role at the Herald-Leader. But more than being a reporter, I am a Lexingtonian as dedicated to this city as our readers are. I will have a community-first approach to this role, and honestly I will need as much help and collaboration as I can get to make our coverage special. If you have any news tips, story ideas, thoughts on how we can work together, or advice for how I can best serve our city in this role, please reach out at abryant@herald-leader.com.

I can’t stress enough how fun this journey we’re taking together will be! Thanks for joining the ride.