"Dear Spokane, Washington. The Guardian owes you an apology."
That's the first line of an article published by The Guardian following backlash to a piece earlier this week that led to a "wave of criticism."
Spokane residents took to social media to speak up against former Spokane resident Cody Delistraty who wrote an article titled, “How Gonzaga became the central hope for the struggling city of Spokane.” In it, he appeared to believe anyone who lives in Spokane relies purely on Gonzaga University's success in the NCAA tournament to bring them any hope in what he referred to as a "dangerous" city.
But residents were quick to defend their home city. #CodyComeHome even started trending as Spokanites invited the author to return to the city and see what's changed.
The story gained local and national coverage by journalists at The Inlander, The News Tribune, Poynter, Q13 News and others.
The Guardian on Thursday changed its tone -- with an article titled "In praise of Spokane, Washington: home of the Zags -- and much more besides."
The Guardian US editors went on to offer a mea culpa:
So we leave you with a few examples posted on social media of places in the city - besides Gonzaga - that bring hope.
Cody, will you come home?