CHRIS PUGH: Here’s why Mahoning Matters is free - and you can help support our work

Since our launch in 2019, Mahoning Matters has continued a vision for community-based local news, which has been free to users.

Journalism does cost money, but we’re taking a different approach by relying on tax-deductible donations to maintain and grow our business.

It’s a model that has worked for us.

In the nearly two months since we re-launched our work, we’ve already had over 575,000 visitors to our website, and here are the top ten most-read local stories.

Mandy Jenkins, digital news pioneer who founded Mahoning Matters, dies at age 42

Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in the Mahoning Valley, according to Tripadvisor

Youngstown news anchor announces career change

Relive your ‘Animal House’ days in this listed Ohio residence… that’s an ex-frat house at Youngstown State

WKBN morning/noon anchor to leave the station

Youngstown State says women’s lacrosse coach was terminated on March 15

Women-owned cleaning company in Mahoning Valley opens new office

Ray’ Boom Boom’ Mancini to be inducted into the National Boxing Hall of Fame

WFMJ sports reporter/anchor to leave the station

Goodwill to open a new store in Trumbull County

As you can see, we’re dedicated to covering news, sports and entertainment across the Mahoning Valley through Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Our focus is on stories that impact the area. We work with local, state and national content partners to provide regular updates on matters like the East Palestine train derailment and news from the Ohio Statehouse.

We’re excited to hear feedback from readers. From praise to criticism, we treasure it all.

So to support local journalism that’s open to everyone, we ask readers to consider making tax-deductible donations to Mahoning Matters to help support our work.

You can donate here.

We will use the money to maintain and grow our staffing through the Mahoning Valley area to increase coverage for things that matter to you.

Tax-deductible donations are a great way to support local journalism and keep it community-based.

Thanks for your support.

It’s so valuable to us.

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Follow Mahoning Matters editor Chris Pugh on Twitter and Mahoning Matters on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.