Washington Post Bolsters Local Coverage with New Enterprise Team

The Washington Post, a renowned publication established in 1877, has announced the creation of a new Local Enterprise Team to enhance its regional coverage. This development marks a significant step in the newspaper's commitment to in-depth, impactful reporting on local issues.

Brittany Shammas, a versatile reporter with over a decade of experience, has been appointed as an enterprise reporter for the local desk. Shammas, who recently celebrated her fifth anniversary at the Post, has demonstrated her ability to cover a wide range of topics, from natural disasters to human interest stories. Her reporting on the Florida condominium collapse in 2021 showcased her skill in combining breaking news coverage with investigative journalism.

Prior to joining the Post, Shammas spent eight years reporting in Florida, working for publications such as the Naples Daily News (founded in 1923) and the South Florida Sun Sentinel (established in 1910). Her investigative work on deaths occurring under the watch of a Miami-based correctional healthcare company earned her a prestigious Sigma Delta Chi award, presented annually by the Society of Professional Journalists.

The Local Enterprise Team also includes Michael Laris, a veteran Post reporter known for his graceful writing and accountability journalism. Laris' recent story about a Silver Spring scientist's tax predicament led to legislative action in Congress. Silver Spring, a community just north of Washington, D.C., has been the subject of numerous important local stories.

Marissa Lang, who joined the Post in 2018, rounds out the team. Lang has covered significant events such as the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, which has stood as the seat of the U.S. Congress since 1800. Her reporting on this event contributed to the Post's Pulitzer Prize for Public Service, considered the most prestigious of the Pulitzer Prizes.

The team's mission is to dive deep into the region's most pressing issues, producing high-impact accountability reporting and incisive narratives. They will explore topics such as gentrification, a process that has been transforming American cities, and the ongoing housing affordability crisis.

The formation of this team reflects the Post's dedication to local journalism in an era of changing media landscapes. By focusing on enterprise reporting, the newspaper aims to provide readers with in-depth analysis and storytelling that goes beyond daily news coverage.

As the team begins its work, they will undoubtedly draw upon the rich history and diverse communities of the Washington, D.C. area, including landmarks like Rock Creek Park, established in 1890. Their collaborative approach, which includes working with other reporters across the newsroom, promises to bring fresh perspectives to local issues and strengthen the Post's connection to its readership.

This initiative by the Washington Post demonstrates the ongoing importance of local journalism in informing and engaging communities, even as national and global stories often dominate headlines.