A new newsletter, a returned column and two Super Chill News & Observer reporters
The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator has 16 personality types. News & Observer journalists are scattered across the 16 types of socionics, which is A. the theoretical processing of information into personality types; or B. a future “Jeopardy!” answer.
The newsroom works well because not everyone thinks or acts the same way. We have introverts, extroverts, thinkers and feelers.
And we have Josh Shaffer and Kristen Johnson.
They fit their own category: Super Chill.
We’re bragging about Josh and Kristen because Super Chill personality types sometimes hide in the shadow of their own spotlight.
Here’s why we’re bragging:
We’re bringing back Josh’s column to appear Mondays in print and 24/7 for the digital audience. Josh knows how to tell unique, local stories that you will want to share with friends and family. The good news is you’ll also continue to see Josh’s byline throughout the week in his role as a general -assignment reporter.
Kristen is the lead author for The Western Wake Report, our latest community-based newsletter focused on growing Triangle areas. (You can sign up for the newsletter at newsobserver.com/westernwake) The Friday morning newsletter focuses on news and events in Cary, Morrisville, Apex, Holly Springs and other Western Wake communities.
Josh Shaffer
Josh’s own story is as interesting as the ones he’s written for years. Here is how Josh describes it: “I grew up mostly in Maryland but drifted south in 1996 and showed up unannounced at the N&O’s door. The editor back then wouldn’t let me in the door, even though I’d bought a brand-new pair of shoes for the occasion, so I took the shoes back to Belk and got a job at the Sanford Herald instead.
“That led to Fayetteville, where I met my fellow journalist wife Amber — an N&O alum — then on to Texas and eventually back to the N&O in 2004. I didn’t have to buy new shoes the second time.”
He has covered City Hall, the courts and a dozen hurricanes. He’s also written about sewer monsters, Raleigh’s No-Hand King and how Duke star Zion Williamson’s shoe blowout made sense.
Are you surprised that Josh plays trombone in his neighborhood’s marching band? Or that he can build tree houses? And knows how to juggle?
That’s why his column is just what we need when everyone seems fussy these days.
Kristen Johnson
Kristen didn’t need new shoes or juggling skills to impress editors. We were fans of her work in Fayetteville and did our best to bring her home.
Kristen is an alum of Panther Creek High School in Cary. She was a freshman when the school opened in 2006 and graduated with the class that finished all four years there.
Kristen studied political science at UNC Charlotte and was thinking of law school before deciding to pursue a master’s degree in journalism at American University.
Journalism is a legacy business for Kristen. Mom worked at The Richmond-Times Dispatch and Dad at the Richmond Free Press. Her proud parents live in the Triangle.
Kristen has a cat named Gus and is an avid artist. Her interests fit well with the changing dynamics happening in the western portion of Wake County.
“The Western Wake Report is a chance for me to individually connect with readers and learn more about Western Wake County in an effort to continue making sure news there that isn’t going unnoticed. I want to keep readers up to date on events, top stories, government affairs, new development or business in the area,” Kristen says.
We’re excited to see what Josh and Kristen accomplish because the changes are about growing value for subscribers like you. Both seem to be taking the attention in stride.
They may be Super Chill. But we’re Super Proud.
Bill Church is executive editor of The News & Observer. He’s Super Excited to attend the State Fair.
