New Patch Editor Ready To Cover Hometown

I am a Marylander. My home is decorated with Old Bay cans, crab signs and Maryland flags. I spend my summers trying on funny hats at Hats in the Belfry while sipping Chick & Ruth’s milkshakes. (Yes, I eat the pickles they have on the tables). The waters of the Chesapeake are my second home, gracing me with countless nights of water skiing. And I too hate the beach traffic right before the Bay Bridge.

I am a Marylander, and that’s why I joined Patch. Growing up in Odenton gives me a unique insight into the communities I will cover in Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County. I am your go-to person for updates on the local restaurant scene, where to catch summer festivities and how the local government affects you. I work for you, the readers of Patch.

College took me away from Maryland for a few years. I attended the University of Delaware, where I earned a degree in media communication. Perhaps what prepared me most for Patch was leading the student newspaper, The Review, through the challenges that coronavirus posed. We immediately moved our paper online, answering the questions that locals needed to know most. How can I stay safe? What was cancelled? How would this affect the business community?

Coordinating that coverage was challenging, especially while everybody transitioned to online classes. Nonetheless, we did it because we had a responsibility to our community. That is the same passion I promise to bring to my coverage of everywhere from Annapolis to Bowie.

Internships led me to The Philadelphia Inquirer and The Delaware News Journal, where I covered everything from gun control to crime and religion. I covered breaking news, led investigations and uncovered backroom deals. Journalism requires dedication and readiness to ask the tough questions. That’s what I offer.

Now, I am home and ready to tackle the local issues. I know these towns like the back of my hand. I’m ready to give you the news with a hometown flare. Just the facts here. No bias.

Let’s make this experience collaborative. If you have a story idea, let me know. If you notice a trend, tell me about it. If you have a question about your town, ask me and I will try to find the answer.

While I am excited to get to work, I am also anxious to get to know you, the readers. You are what makes Patch possible. The sense of community I have already seen among Patch readers amazes me. I am eager to be a part of that family and continue to grow your trust in Patch.

With that said, it’s time to get working!

Have a story idea? Please contact me at jacob.baumgart@patch.com with any pitches, tips or questions. Follow me on Twitter @JacobBaumgart to stay up-to-date with the latest Anne Arundel County and Prince George’s County news.