We’re not going out on much of a limb to say that 2020 was a year of stories. The political climate and the COVD-19 pandemic provided a new context and perspectives on timeless stories of family dynamics, homelessness, racial disparity and more.

While 2021 is already looking like another interesting year for media, we took the occasion of Public Radio Broadcasting Day – January 13 – to ask four reporters from our media partner and national public radio affiliate WFAE about the favorite story they covered last year. All four provide insight into a year that forced everyone to reevaluate the world around them.

WFAE Reporters’ Favorite Stories of 2020

Submitted by
Sarah Delia, Crime & Justice Reporter

“I interviewed Jay Thomas shortly after his wife Paige Johnston Thomas passed away from cancer. The couple made the decision to keep Paige out of the hospital so she could pass away in her home surrounded by loved ones. Family even drove cross country to spend her final days with her. 

I think I’ll always remember Jay’s ability to speak so beautifully of the love he has for his wife. He so wanted to share her story, how special she was  and how even during the pandemic, the family had the gift of time together that they might otherwise would not have had.”

Read more and listen to the story.

Submitted by
David Boraks, Reporter

“Homelessness remains a crisis in Charlotte, amplified by the coronavirus pandemic. In August, I gave voice to homeless neighbors and told the story behind the city’s largest encampment ever, along 12th Street.”  

Read more and listen to the story.

Submitted by
Gracyn Doctor, Reporter in Pandemic Issues Facing Black & Latino Communities

“My favorite story so far is the one I did on gas station workers. I got to shed light on the challenges of important people we often overlook during this pandemic, but who help get all of us through each day.”

Read more and listen to the story.

Submitted by
Laura Brache, Report for America Reporter for WFAE and La Noticia

“Out of the stories I’ve produced as a Report for America corps member at WFAE, my favorite was my last of 2020 on the intersection of COVID-19 and Latinx year-end traditions. 

I think it was able to capture the intricacies of the booming Latinx community in North Carolina, while also highlighting social and cultural challenges that this community faces during the pandemic. You can read it in English here on WFAE or in Spanish on La Noticia.”

Read more and listen to the story.