SHERIDAN, WYOMING – Mar. 5, 2025 – The Associated Press (AP) today announced the addition of new journalists in Delaware, Indiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Vermont. As the only global news organization with journalists stationed in all 50 U.S. states, this expansion reinforces AP’s dedication to delivering comprehensive, digital-first journalism across the nation.
A Commitment to Local and National Journalism
"I am thrilled to announce several new hires and opportunities across the U.S. that highlight our commitment to a 50-state reporting footprint in every format," said U.S. News Director Josh Hoffner. "These positions broaden our reporting reach in key states that produce heavy amounts of news and at the same time expand our visual presence at a time when readers and customers are increasingly looking to AP for first-rate visual and digital presentations surrounding our best work."
New Journalists and Their Roles
Kim Kruesi – Rhode Island
Kim Kruesi, a leading state government reporter, transitions from Nashville to Providence, Rhode Island. She has gained national recognition for her exceptional coverage of abortion-related issues following the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Kruesi has also led reporting on major breaking stories, including the 2023 school shooting in Nashville. Her expertise in public records investigations and accountability journalism will enhance AP’s state government reporting in New England.
Leah Willingham – Massachusetts
Leah Willingham moves from West Virginia to Boston, bringing with her a keen storytelling ability and a record of uncovering overlooked stories. Since joining AP in 2020 through the Report for America program, Willingham has covered major issues, including the decline of local newspapers in impoverished communities, the last abortion clinic in West Virginia, and the effects of COVID-19 in Mississippi. She will assume her new role in Boston in May.
Obed Lamy – Indiana
Obed Lamy joins AP as a video journalist based in Indiana. Formerly with Voice of America, he covered breaking news, enterprise stories, and cultural topics, including the Haitian migrant community in Springfield, Ohio, during the 2024 election. Lamy holds a Master of Fine Arts in documentary media from Northwestern University and a Master of Journalism from the University of Arkansas. Originally from Haiti, he started his new position last week.
Amanda Swinhart – Vermont
Amanda Swinhart returns to her home state of Vermont after a successful six-year tenure at CNN in Washington, D.C. Swinhart has extensive experience covering the White House, Capitol Hill, and major weather events. She previously worked at Fox and NBC affiliates in Boston and began her career at the ABC affiliate in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Swinhart, known for her expertise in breaking news and video journalism, started her role on Monday.
Mingson Lau – Delaware
Mingson Lau joins AP as a video journalist in Delaware. Previously, he worked at NBC’s Las Vegas affiliate, where he covered breaking news and was known for his multimedia skills in reporting, video, photography, and digital content. Lau's past reporting includes coverage of abortion rights following the Roe v. Wade decision, a subject he explored as a visual fellow at Arizona State University. He will begin his position on March 24.
Sarah Raza – South Dakota
Sarah Raza, formerly a climate intern at The Washington Post, is now AP’s reporter in South Dakota. While at the Post, she produced in-depth national climate stories, including a notable report on Houston’s new mayor rolling back public transit initiatives. Raza previously served as managing editor of The Stanford Daily, covering campus protests related to the war in Gaza. She started her new role this week.
Sophie Bates – Mississippi
Sophie Bates will join AP as a video journalist in Mississippi. Previously a multimedia journalist at the ABC affiliate in Toledo, Ohio, Bates focused on breaking news and investigative reporting. She recently completed a five-part investigative series on homelessness and affordable housing in the Toledo area. She is set to start in early April.
Strengthening AP’s Nationwide Reporting
With these new hires and internal moves, AP continues to expand its ability to provide in-depth and timely journalism to audiences across the United States. By reinforcing its reporting presence in all 50 states, AP remains committed to delivering trusted, high-quality news in an increasingly digital landscape.
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