THUNDER BAY — In being given a serious directive from my news director to choose my top five stories this year, it's been hard to whittle it down to just five.
Over the last eight months, I've given my name to over 320 stories. Detailing city crime, various fundraising efforts and successes, and turning up the volume on local voices and causes that have all been part of Thunder Bay's 2023 story.
Narrowing it down to just five, though, is tough.
Light, easygoing, uplifting stories are always enjoyable (especially if it is food-related since there are usually samples).
A story like the partial solar eclipse that occurred in October was exciting, especially since there's a local astrological group gets together to stargaze.
Being allowed to tour the Municipality of Neebing was a great experience, especially since I'm from southern Ontario. It showed me what is available outside of proper city limits, both professionally and personally. Also, there were samples available at many of the stops.
I also really enjoy health/medical-based stories, and having the chance to see a new, first-in-Canada laser at the regional hospital was a unique opportunity.
While covering those kinds of stories is nice and provides various warm and fuzzy feelings, it's also important for me as a journalist to write about serious issues in and around Thunder Bay.
Having the opportunity to sit down and speak with Thunder Bay Police about intimate partner violence was an eye-opening and educational experience. It's an article that I worked hard to get and laboured over how to tell its story.
Another article that really struck a chord with me was learning about the high number of people living in encampments, even as winter was staring down the barrel towards the city.
Five. These are just five of the hundreds of stories, articles and voices that I've had the privilege to learn about and share on a platform that has the ability to reach people across our region and into the world.
