Since launching in March, La Conner Community News has built a steady online audience of about 6,000 readers. That audience doubled twice this year: first in March, when the paper launched, and again in December, when an atmospheric river brought record flooding and uncertainty to the region.

The top 10 stories of the year reflect moments of local urgency as well as tourist curiosity — and they show clearly that online readers gravitate toward local news that can’t be found anywhere else.

Nothing topped our March 21 scoop: “The Rex is coming back to life!” When photographer Nancy K. Crowell noticed new owners inside the long-shuttered Rexville landmark, the story struck a chord. Jane Schmidt and Karl Schinman had bought the Rex just a week earlier, and the community responded with enthusiasm, relief and celebration. It wasn’t just a business story — it was about continuity, memory, a great spot to eat and the revival of something people thought might be gone for good.

The top 10 most-read digital stories of 2025:

• The Rex is coming back to life! Locals will soon see new energy at the long-shuttered Rexville landmark. March 21
• Live weather updates: Around the clock updates about the atmospheric river and record flooding. Dec. 10 -19
• La Conner braces for record flooding. Dec 10
• Fire breaks out in La Conner outbuilding; one injured. May 31
• Deep roots, new plans at The Oyster & Thistle. Aug. 13
• La Conner Schools announces cuts to key student programs, staff as federal funding freeze continues. July 18
• Next-Gen Pie Bar lands in La Conner. July 24
• Tsunami advisory in effect for Washington Coast after 8.8-magnitude earthquake near Kamchatka. July 29
• Dunlap Towing marks 100 years, embarks on new era of maritime services. August 27
• Anacortes Middle School student taken into custody after reported threat. Sept 19