Remembering the many moments — joyous, sad, fun and complex — that made up our 2022
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The 2022 stories that affected us
From the mass shooting at Hedingham and the Raleigh Christmas Parade tragedy to Cruising Across Carolina and the election, these are the 2022 stories we, The News & Observer staff, covered that had the most impact on us personally and professionally.
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We remember Frank Daniels Jr., the difficulties of being a single mom and a mass shooting
We won’t forget the murder of an officer or the attempts to rebuild a Black community
The Final Four, cruising across NC, stolen guns and a list of books will stick with us
We say goodbye to ham biscuits, cruise on a zip line and examine Green Party’s ballot fight
We process a parade tragedy, hear voters’ voices and make sense of shelter euthanasia rates
We gave News & Observer journalists an assignment: In 100 words (or so), write about the stories in 2022 that affected them and our community.
Our journalists wrote from their heart about stories that affected them personally and events that changed our community. The 2022 stories with impact are available at newsobserver.com and also published in the Dec. 18 print edition.
Wrote Martha Glass: “I was riveted by the first few stories from reporters about the individual coverage they saw and recorded for the N&O (Unforgettable and Impactful, Sunday, 12/18). I expected only a few — I came away reading every single one. From tragedy to politics to UNC vs. Duke to happy endings. Thank you for the personal impact your reporters have revealed about their own lives. It showed excellence in reporting for the N&O. Thank you!”
And another heart-emoji-inducing note, this from Linda O’Connor: “(The) recapture of The Stories That Will Stay With Us was extraordinary and provocative. As I turned the pages digitally, I thought ... oh my gosh, what a talented team of journalists ... oh my gosh, such poignancy ... and lastly, oh my gosh, why are my tears just flowing as I go from one story to another? Heartbreaking stories, yes, but oh so beautifully written. Today I realized once again that I could never start my day without the News & Observer. Thank you for your newspaper. You and your splendid team are greatly appreciated and admired.”
I’m proud of The N&O team for taking what could have been an eye-roller of an assignment and showing who we are: People who you would want to know — smart and likable with their own quirks, fears and hopes — working in a publicly focused profession that’s both valued and criticized.
Journalists have deadline-driven DNA, which means it takes prodding to get assignments turned in on time. But this time, the managerial herding of felines zeroed in on the big cat who has facilitated training sessions titled “Leading by Example.” Pause here for historic irony.
Truth is, I can’t pick one moment that defines 2022.
Goodbyes, an Oscar and barbecue
In February, I wasn’t sure moving to the Triangle was the right decision.
It took another seven months before the self-doubts eased.
During that period, Coach K said goodbye, we said goodbye to Frank Daniels Jr., and the community celebrated Ariana DeBose’s Oscar with family-style pride.
Y’all cruised Carolina as the pandemic eased, reconnected with our state’s love of smoked pig, and felt no need to humble-brag every time the Triangle made another “best places” list. (Pro tip: It’s not brag if it’s fact.)
All the joy didn’t mask community pain.
Trying to comprehend tragedy
We struggled to understand the brutal killing of Deputy Ned Byrd. We won’t forget the kindness of young Hailey Kaye Brooks, who died tragically at the Raleigh Christmas Parade. And we will remember victims of the Hedingham shootings and how a loving neighborhood will forever grieve.
A month after the shooting, The N&O and NC Insider held a community conversation with gun violence experts. It was a dreary night, and downtown Raleigh streets struggled with the pelting rain. Panelists arrived late, dealing with rush-hour slog. The mayor was supposed to be there but couldn’t make it.
Many in the audience were Hedingham neighbors. Afterward, as folks slowly eased toward the exits, a mom came up to talk with us. Her son attends Knightdale High School.
“We’ve got to do something so this never happens again,” she said softly and with resolve.
It’s taken me 616 words to finally complete this assignment.
We will remember 2022. We can’t forget the anxieties, the joy and the sadness.
We must remember.
Bill Church is executive editor of The News & Observer.
This story was originally published December 22, 2022 at 8:00 AM.
