E185: Investigative Reporting with Kate Cimini of The Baltimore Sun

E185: Investigative Reporting with Kate Cimini of The Baltimore Sun

Author: MDDC Press Association September 23, 2026 Duration: 51:23

In this episode, Rebecca talks with Kate Cimini, investigations editor at The Baltimore Sun, about her award-winning investigative reporting and life as a journalist. Cimini's series on child welfare at Maryland's Free State Challenge Academy, a National Guard-run program for at-risk youth, won first place in the MDDC/AMARC Foundation contest this year. She walks through how a single news tip led her to uncover the story of Nathaniel, a teenage cadet assaulted in his sleep, and the reporting process that followed: sourcing records requests, tracking down cadets and parents, and building trust with sources who'd lived through trauma.

They also discuss Cimini's path from public school teacher to journalist, how she balances the emotional weight of reporting on people's worst days, and what "service journalism" means in practice, from city council coverage to helping a dying activist raise funeral funds. Cimini closes by reflecting on what she hopes to bring to the Sun's long legacy of investigative work in Baltimore.


Ever wonder how a major local story really came together, or what a reporter was thinking when they asked that tough question? Five Dubs Podcast pulls back the curtain on the newsrooms across Maryland, Delaware, and Washington D.C. Hosts Rebecca Snyder and Kevin Berrier, through the MDDC Press Association, sit down with the journalists themselves to explore the how and why behind the headlines you read each day. This isn't just a recap of the news; it's a conversation about the process, the challenges, and the sometimes surprising human stories that unfold during the pursuit of a story. In each episode, you'll hear firsthand accounts of what it takes to cover communities in this dynamic region, from the initial tip to the published piece. The Five Dubs Podcast offers a unique, insider perspective on the function and future of local media, making the landscape of regional journalism more accessible and understandable. It’s for anyone curious about the mechanics of news gathering and the people dedicated to telling our local stories.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Five Dubs Podcast
Podcast Episodes
E155: Lenfest's Executive Network [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:58
In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Cheryl Thompson-Morton, head of advisory programs at the Lenfest Institute, to discuss the launch of the Lenfest Expert Network. Cheryl explains how the Institute—founded to steward…
E150: Power of the Press [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:19
In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Kevin Berrier, marketing director at MDDC, for a wide-ranging conversation about why press associations exist and the role they play in sustaining local journalism. They reflect on…
E154: DE Legislative Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:17
In this episode, Rebecca is joined by Lauren Vella, principal of the Delaware office at Cornerstone Government Affairs, for a look ahead at what to expect from the Delaware General Assembly. They discuss leadership conti…
E153: What to Know About PR and News Media in 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:33
MDDC partnered with the Baltimore Public Relations Council to host a timely panel discussion on how PR professionals and journalists can work smarter together in a rapidly evolving media landscape.Featuring insights from…
E151: Erosion of Press Freedoms [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:45
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Max Mishkin of Ballard Spahr about the growing erosion of press freedoms and the legal challenges confronting journalists today. Max explains how changes in law, court decisions, and g…
E149: MD Legislative Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:59
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Lorenzo Bellamy of The Bellamy Genn Group about what to expect from the upcoming Maryland legislative session. They walk through major leadership changes in the General Assembly, inclu…
E148: Lab Dog [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:20
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Melanie Kaplan about Lab Dog, her book exploring animal testing through reporting, personal experience, and moral inquiry. Melanie discusses rescuing a beagle who had been used in labo…
E147: A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:47
In this episode, Rebecca talks with Tracey DeFrancesco, executive director of the A-Mark Foundation, about the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism and its rapid national expansion. Tracy explains how the prize grew…
E146: SMB Branding Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:19
In this episode, Kevin talks with Sue Kirchner of Brand Strong Marketing about brand clarity and why it’s the foundation of effective marketing for small and mid-sized businesses. Sue shares her path from global marketin…