Journalism is at an inflection point in the 21st century. Local newspapers are closing at a rate of 2.5 per week. News deserts are popping up in towns and counties across the nation. Social media is driving misinformation. Reporters are leaving once-revered papers like The Washington Post to start new, independent news efforts online.

Where is journalism heading? What should be preserved and what needs to adapt? What role will reporters play five, 10, or 50 years from now? 

With the exception of the usual columns and special sections like the Top 10 or the crossword, the entire issue of this week's Northern Express - sister publication of The Ticker - has been written by students in northern Michigan. More than 30 students from the North Ed Career Tech Center, Traverse City Central High School, and Interlochen Arts Academy participated, sharing their opinions, columns, and articles. These high schoolers are smart, curious, and creative, and we're proud to share their voices in this special "Voices of the Next Generation" issue.

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at more than 650 locations in 13 counties across northern Michigan.