The National Trust for Local News has “saved dozens of beloved community newspapers from closure or predatory ownership” — but also “gone through multiple rounds of layoffs,” closed some of the papers it acquired, and seen long-time editors leave. This week, we published an investigation into the Trust by Sarah and Sophie. Here’s some of what they found:

Nieman Lab talked to the outgoing cofounder and CEO, current leaders at the Trust, and executives and journalists who’ve worked for newspapers it owns. We found a well-intentioned nonprofit with the resources, scale, and community goodwill to make a lasting impact on local news in the U.S.

We also found an organization reflecting and reorganizing after some missteps and failures: Multiple once-profitable papers that are now in the red, a lack of transparency that has alienated some employees and local partners, and a number of local journalists working without health benefits even as national executives were awarded substantial raises.

This story is heavily reported and researched, interesting, and fair. Thanks to all the people who spoke to Sophie and Sarah for it on and off the record — and all of their contact information is at the bottom of the piece if you have more to add. Read “‘Some hard and important lessons’: One of the most promising local news nonprofits looks back — and ahead” here.

Nieman Storyboard has a new podcast

Our sister publication, Nieman Storyboard, has launched its new weekly podcast.

“I view Nieman Storyboard’s mission as highlighting the work journalists are doing, offering tools and lessons on reporting and storytelling, and fostering a greater understanding about how journalism works and the role it plays in a free and democratic society,” Storyboard editor Mark Armstrong writes. “Podcasting is another way to serve that mission.” Find your favorite way to listen here.