Dear Reader,
Hi, I’m Chris, and I’m PublicSource’s faith and religion reporter. I joined PublicSource’s team in January 2021 — almost a year ago now. At the time, I was new not just to PublicSource but also to Pittsburgh. (I was born and raised in Chicagoland.) I faced a daunting task: How, during a global pandemic, was I going to learn the ins and outs of this vibrant, multifaceted city?
My No. 1 resource was, and continues to be, people. I have loved getting to know you and hearing your stories. But I’ve also done a lot of reading. To get up to speed on everything from local political races to school closings to environmental issues, I’ve become an avid consumer of Pittsburgh news.
My Internet deep dives regularly remind me of why PublicSource is special. If I want a rundown of what’s happening in Allegheny County on any given date, I can find that many places. But if I want to know why it’s happening, or how people feel about it, or the history behind it, or which government agency is responsible for addressing it, I need the kind of careful, in-depth stories that only PublicSource tells.
As a member of PublicSource’s team, I know the time and attention it takes to write such stories. I know the time and attention it takes to photograph, fact check and prepare such stories to be consumed online.
When I first came to PublicSource, I heard the phrase “deep local reporting” used to describe our branch of journalism. I now appreciate what that means. The stories I’ve written about religion in the Pittsburgh area — about Bethel AME Church, queer Judaism or early Black Muslim history — just wouldn’t have been possible at most media outlets. I wouldn’t have had the time or resources to research and portray the context these stories deserve. Your support of PublicSource is an investment in doing local stories justice.
Right now, your gift goes even farther, helping us make more of these important stories possible. Until Dec. 31, your one time gift is TRIPLED, and new recurring gifts are matched x12. But we have less than two weeks before this opportunity ends. Please consider making a gift of support at whatever level is comfortable for you today.
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Thank you, and happy holidays.
Sincerely,
Chris Hedlin
Faith & Religion reporter
PublicSource
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To be removed from fundraising messages, please email [email protected]. Donations by check can be made payable to PublicSource and mailed to 1936 Fifth Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15219. So that we can credit you properly, please include your email address with your gift.
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