The grant is part of a nationwide effort, with the Central Midlands Council of Governments being one of only 25 applicants selected out of 300.
Cassidy Bayer is a journalist based in South Carolina, with a focus on local news in the Columbia area. She writes for WLTX-TV and WCNC Charlotte, and her work has also been featured in WMAZ-TV. Cassidy covers a wide range of topics, including education, public health, community events, crime statistics, and social issues impacting the local community.