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This year flew by. Before we launch headfirst into the next one, we’re taking a moment to reflect on all our newsroom has worked to investigate and report this year, with some updates and takeaways in the stories below.
We examined challenges in Maine’s child care centers and the ways maternity unit closures have hit rural Mainers hard. We launched a new investigative reporting partnership with the Bangor Daily News, and co-published a series on use of force by the Maine State Police. We joined together with NOTUS to support a D.C. correspondent covering Maine’s congressional delegation. And much more.
Our reporting was recognized with dozens of accolades, and our public health reporter, Rose Lundy, was named Journalist of the Year by the Maine Press Association.
We saw big growth, adding reporters covering education, housing, religion and rural government. We were delighted to bring on Erin Rhoda to help shape our reporters’ coverage, Amber Carter to make sure our work is seen on social media and Judy Meyer to lead Monitor Local, a new reporting initiative bringing readers in Western and Downeast Maine news on their town governments and more each week.
We’ve had lots of personal news, too: Our editor, Kate Cough, and our government accountability reporter, Josh Keefe, each had a baby. I got married. Our health care reporter, Emily Bader, just adopted a shy new dog, Pepper.
Our team traveled around the state on a 16-stop listening tour, meeting new readers and gathering ideas for future reporting — such as this piece from rural government reporter Daniel O’Connor about a long train that grinds life to a halt every day in Jackman.
To celebrate this work, our board of directors will double every donation up to $16,500 before the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. If you would like to support our newsroom’s continued growth, you can donate here.
Thank you, as always, for reading and for your support. We’re excited for all that next year holds in store.
— Stephanie |
