Nic Dawes is the executive director of The City, an independent nonprofit newsroom dedicated to local news in New York. He shares how their mission-driven journalism fills gaps left by the decline of major outlets. Dawes discusses innovative projects, like a digital memorial for COVID victims, and how community engagement shapes critical stories. He also highlights the challenges of open data access and the importance of diversity in the newsroom, emphasizing that inclusivity enhances the quality and relevance of local journalism.