Our mission is to watch out for Maine’s citizens, find the truth and help our readers understand the world around them. We try to live this every day, through reporting that holds the powerful to account, narratives that shine light on what needs to be seen, analytical pieces that probe deeper into issues, photography that brings Maine to life, and opinion pieces that bring context and perspective to the news. Here are 12 stories from the past year that we’re particularly proud of. This kind of reporting is made possible by our subscribers. If you’ve been moved by something we’ve published this year, consider sharing that experience with friends and family. Give them all the things that make the Portland Press Herald special.