In this episode of the News Nirvana podcast, host Nick Parker welcomes Jason and Courtney Cole from The Excelsior Springs Citizen. They discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by local journalism, particularly in the wake of significant events like a microburst, a flood, and the collapse of a historic building in Excelsior Springs. The Coles share how they transitioned from a Facebook group to a full-fledged online news platform, driven by the need for timely information in their community. They highlight the importance of community engagement, direct sales advertising, and the use of technology, including AI, to enhance their reporting.