Ta Lese Morrow, Publisher, Inland Valley News
Upland, CA — As we celebrate the dawn of 2026, the Inland Valley News does this with profound thanks for the experiences we’ve had so far, plus a clear, focused vision for all that’s yet to come. Since its inception over thirty years ago, Inland Valley News has been an authentic community voice – giving people a means to be heard, to educate and inform the community, and to promote local voices and points of view.
Journalism plays a vital role at this time in history. While there is a great deal of upheaval in the media consumption landscape and a preponderance of misinformation, local journalism remains the cornerstone of civic engagement and informed communities. As IVN embarks on a new year, it rededicates itself to providing fact-based reporting, to community involvement, and to journalistic practices that are fair and serve the public interest.
Our promise to the community will extend beyond the printed page and digital platforms in 2026, affecting the lives of future generations through the Inland Valley Scholars initiative.
The Inland Valley Scholars Program uplifts students with potential, purpose, and promise by providing access to education, mentorship, and opportunity, with a special emphasis on cultivating future journalists, storytellers, and truth-tellers from our own communities. This program was created with intention—recognizing that the future of journalism depends on who has access to the profession, whose voices are developed, and whose stories are deemed worthy of telling.
Many people often miss opportunities due to obstacles that can be overcome by exposure to the media, education, and mentorship. Providing opportunities for young people to work in media helps them to consider careers in journalism, writing, editing, photography, and media leadership. Furthermore, it gives them the confidence and an understanding of the implications of their work. Students will learn ethics in journalism and the impact of the press on society.
The core of this show is giving people more than careers; it is about giving them a voice. The Inland Valley’s unique and authentic heritage should be conveyed accurately and powerfully through the region’s stories. This must be done by one community, one scholar, and one narrative at any given time.
In the coming year, Inland Valley News will continue to inform, inspire, and empower our community. We will create and publish significant editorials, commemorative publications that pay tribute to past achievements and leadership, and internet-based systems that improve access, facilitate communication, and boost audience participation.
Our editorial content will have an impact, we will publish special editions honoring past achievements and leadership, and our digital presence will help us connect with our audience more effectively. Inland Valley News will provide students with an opportunity to learn through its operation and serve as a learning environment for Inland Scholars. The organization holds the view that the presence of minority groups in the news industry is made possible by access and mentoring.
The project relies on the contributions of many people, including students, teachers, administrators, and members of the local community. IVN’s ongoing existence and influence are a result of a community that has faith in local media – IVN’s advertisers, its sponsors, readers, the people who contribute, and its partners, who year after year have supported IVN. Our continued existence is made possible through the support we receive, enabling us to not only report on news but also to invest in and support the development of storytelling techniques for the future.
Together as we enter a new year, we ask that you partner with us in a more profound manner – by supporting education, equality, and community involvement. It is through our combined efforts that we can forge brighter futures, support a robust press, and guarantee the Inland Valley’s stories are conveyed with integrity and a clear sense of direction.
The prospects for 2026 are bright, the pace of change is going to be fast, and this year will be one of memorable narratives.
