Dublin, Ga. – The Georgia Trust for Local News today purchased The Macon Telegraph and The Columbus Ledger-Enquirer in a landmark transaction that puts two storied papers under local control and nonprofit ownership. The Riverwalk in Columbus, Georgia The Telegraph has operated as a journalistic mainstay in Middle Georgia for 200 years and has a legacy of community-changing investigative journalism, including a Pulitzer Prize for specialized reporting. The Ledger-Enquirer has

“As Maine goes, so goes the nation.” That famous political adage has extra meaning during the 2026 election season, as Maine voters will play an outsize role in determining the balance of power in Washington. The Portland Press Herald is proud to collaborate with The New York Times and the Siena Research Institute to deliver several polls ahead of the critical 2026 elections. The first poll, released Monday, shows a tight race for Maine’s U.S. Senate seat as voters choose bet

The Georgia Press Association named several Georgia Trust for Local News publications winners of its 2026 Better Newspaper Contest. Georgia Trust journalists were recognized for excellence in business reporting, sports coverage, photography and more. The statewide organization announced the winners during its 139th Annual Convention earlier this month. “Access to quality, local-first news and information strengthens communities and builds connection,” said Cynthia DuBose, ex

In Maine, high school sports are a uniting force. Thousands flock to Bangor, Portland and Augusta for the annual statewide high school basketball tournament in February. For several days, often from early in the morning to late in the evening, the gyms are electric. Small-town businesses shut down for the occasion. The Hampden Academy softball team celebrates after winning their first regional title. For sports editor Bill Stewart’s team, it’s all hands on deck during all thr

Join us Thursday, June 25 at 4 p.m. ET for Ballots and Bylines: Politics Reporting and Impact in Maine and Georgia, a conversation with Trust editors on how they’re ramping up political coverage to empower voters. RSVP here. You’ll hear how the Maine Trust, the state’s largest news organization, and the Georgia Trust, with newsrooms across Middle Georgia, are serving their communities ahead of highly competitive elections. Local news is more trusted than national outlets and

June 9 marked Election Day in Maine, with key national and state primaries and local budget referendums on the ballot. As the Press Herald staff delivered live coverage and results, national platforms tapped into our reporters' deep expertise in state politics and the issues that matter to Mainers. Press Herald politics editor Kirby Wilson appeared on MS NOW, BBC Radio and Katie Couric's popular live video. Reporter Billy Kobin joined CNN to talk about the closely watched U.

It's Election Day in Maine, with key national and state primaries and local budget referendums on the ballot. That means it's all hands on deck for the Press Herald. After providing unlimited access to a comprehensive voter guide, the newsroom's focus today is on live coverage and results. The Press Herald's politics team is also sharing insights with national platforms. Politics editor Kirby Wilson appeared on MS NOW and reporter Billy Kobin joined CNN to talk about the clo

Herald the Hound, The Courier Herald's new Kids Corner mascot In Dublin, Tuesday mornings look a little different at the local elementary schools. That’s when Kyle Dominy, a reporter with The Courier Herald, walks through the door with a stack of newspapers, a practiced enthusiasm for letters and words, and a small stuffed hound dog named “Herald” tucked under his arm. The response from second graders is about what you’d expect: immediate, total chaos. “They were all over th

Even for the most informed voters, elections, referendums and ballot propositions can be complex. To simplify the process for readers, the Press Herald created a comprehensive digital voter guide — available to all, for free. The effort was ambitious. Press Herald staff surveyed hundreds of candidates running for office in 138 Maine elections. Over many weeks, staff reached out to those running for local, state and national races — everything from the Rangeley Board of Selec