When I tossed an open-ended question in the newsroom asking for everyone’s favorite 2024 Baltimore Banner story, the conversation immediately took off.

From impactful investigations to deeply moving pieces, everyone had a story that really resonated with them.

Now, I want to share some of these standout stories with you! Take a look at the some of these gems, and while you’re at it, feel free to drop a comment with any stories that stood out to you.

Pat Furgurson, a journalist who reported on his colleagues’ murders, dies

By Rick Hutzell

“After a gunman killed five of his colleagues at the Capital Gazette in June 2018, Pat Furgurson made the impossible decision to cover on the tragedy from the bed of his pickup truck. Rick Hutzell’s tribute to his friend and former colleague brought a tear to my eye as I learned about the man who, despite starting his journalism career later in life, left an indelible mark on his local newsroom and community. We could all use a friend like Pat.“ — James Meadows

WATCH: Take a drive over the Key Bridge in this poignant short student film from 1987

By Michael Hughes

“One Dollar, an award-winning student film shot in a single continuous take in 1987, documents a drive across the Francis Scott Key Bridge — a journey that is now lost in time. Filmmaker Paul Flinton incorporated poignant and humorous audio interviews with the bridge’s toll workers into the meditative 16mm film shot from the passenger seat of his convertible Volkswagen Rabbit.” — Michael Hughes

We spoke with one of the last drivers to cross the Key Bridge

By Abby Zimmardi and Jessica Gallagher

“In the days after the Key Bridge collapsed, reporter Abby Zimmardi and photographer Jessica Gallagher were assigned to write about the impact on the communities at the foot of the bridge. They happened upon baker Larry Desantis, who barely missed becoming one of the victims of the tragedy. It’s a testament to the importance of on-the-ground reporting.” — Andrea McDaniels

The State House caucus that balls together, makes laws together

By Pamela Wood

“I try my best to pull back the curtains on how things really work in state government, and it was a great fun to hang out with the unofficial ‘Basketball Caucus’ in Annapolis and write about their relationships forged late at night in a high school gym.” — Pamela Wood

The world wants American coal. Curtis Bay residents say they pay the price.

By Adam Willis, Daniel Zawodny and Ramsey Archibald

“Knowing there’s a problem and understanding what’s driving it are two totally different things. This story about coal dust in Curtis Bay — and the business trends behind it — was incredibly enlightening. Banner reporters Adam Willis, Daniel Zawodny and Ramsey Archibald combined deep reporting and data that show what’s happening in a part of the city that’s often overlooked.” — T.J. Ortenzi

This megachurch warned of hell. Then it concealed its own sins.

By Julie Scharper, Jessica Calefati and Justin Fenton

“It took months of reporting for Banner journalists Julie Scharper, Jessica Calefati and Justin Fenton to piece together the full story of sexual abuse, denials and cover-ups at this Baltimore-based church. They went to incredible lengths to tell this story in a fair and thoughtful way that was respectful to victims.” — T.J. Ortenzi

Secret in the walls: Hidden letters reveal love, lust, scandal in 1920s Baltimore society

By Tim Prudente and Stokely Baksh

“Had it not been for this assignment, I would never have discovered this story, which was published before I joined The Banner. From the compelling visuals to the seamless flow of words, Tim Prudente and Stokely Baksh did an outstanding job uncovering what feels like a movie-worthy tale of love and all the complicated emotions it brings.” — Prachi Vashisht

Thelma and Louise: A tale of love, death and ruffled feathers in Howard County

By Brenna Smith

“This Thanksgiving-time tale of rescue turkeys named Thelma and Louise who had a falling out over a studly bird named Sergeant was in some ways more compelling than the 1991 flick of the same name. I mean — they’re turkeys!

Brenna Smith offered a memorable portrait of an unusual love triangle at a Howard County farm. As she noted, ‘Their bond, a tale as layered as anything Shakespeare could have imagined, reveals a startling truth: Turkeys have more complex emotional lives than we give them credit for.’” — Julie Bykowicz

Baltimore, Please try to remember the 31st of September!

By Tim Prudente

“When 2024 Department of Public Works calendars arrived in city mailboxes, some months had too many days. So Banner reporter Tim Prudente borrowed an idea from Dr. Seuss’ ‘Please Try to Remember the First of Octember’ to imagine a wondrous new calendar day when all Baltimoreans’ wishes come true. And he wrote it in the style of Dr. Seuss.” — Richard Martin