Dear Reader,
Old-fashioned, gumshoe reporting that serves communities is harder to come by these days than it used to be. Social media, misinformation and clickbait is filling the void left as many local newspapers have been forced to shutter over the past decade.
VTDigger’s nonprofit model is nationally recognized as a beacon of hope for local journalism in this brave new world. We are funded by a combination of underwriting, foundations grants and member contributions. Readers step up to support our work because you care.
When you become a member, each dollar you contribute generates many more in public benefits. We hope that you’ll do your part to keep us strong and working for you. Right now your gift will be doubled and we will donate 10 meals to the Vermont Foodbank to help combat rising hunger.
In addition to our Covid-19 reporting, our investigations have had a real impact on Vermont. For example:
- VTDigger’s investigation of the Slate Ridge militia training site in West Pawlet forced the governor to take a position on whether the state should seek an extreme risk order and has brought scrutiny to bear on the actions of state and local officials.
- Our joint investigation into the lack of action in the Kiah Morris case with Vermont Public Radio won a national journalism award. Residents of Morris’ town of Bennington are calling for the town manager and police chief to resign. An independent review published after our reporting said the Bennington Police Department had a “warrior mentality” and lacked policies to protect against bias.
- In more than 30 investigative stories over the past year, VTDigger found that state regulators have not held OneCare Vermont accountable as the organization managing Vermont’s experimental all-payer health care model has faltered on its promise to curb medical spending and improve health outcomes. Government officials are now calling for a reboot of the entire model and demanding more rigorous monitoring. With OneCare slated to control nearly all medical spending in the state within the next three years, the stakes could not be higher for Vermonters.
Reporting like this makes a real difference and you can too.
Give today and your donation will be doubled by generous friends of VTDigger, and we will send 10 meals to the Vermont Foodbank on your behalf.
With gratitude,
Anne Galloway
Founder and Editor, VTDigger
