We start with two examples of when local journalism made a difference:

The Fall Dick

In February we talked about the abusive behavior that autistic Dick Nord was subjected to by the staff at his group residence.

Following SVT's review, Hultagården started an investigation and hired a consultant to work with the staff group's response. Dick has been given a new accommodation.

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Offensive treatment of autistic man

New Children's Hospital

In October, we revealed that the new Queen Silvia Children's and Youth Hospital in Gothenburg will be almost twice as expensive as expected: From SEK 1.2 billion to the new forecast almost SEK 2 billion. After our review, the region added a report criticizing Västfastigheter on a number of points

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The costs for the pediatric hospital in Gothenburg have skyrocketed Photo: Tomas Singer

So we want to highlight brave people we met during the year

TBE afflicted

At the end of June, we met Oli Bragson in Färgelanda who, after struggling with kidney cancer, was afflicted by TBE. Now he is slowly thinning away and wants to warn others of the insidious disease.

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Oli Bragason before the disease in the picture to the left of the daughter Matilda's student. Photo: Private / SVT

The priest said no

Church pastor Judith Fagrell in Lidköping was met by a storm of criticism but still said no to school closures in the church this spring.

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Judith Fagrell, church pastor in Sävare parish, says no to school closings in the church. Photo: Bosse Carlqvist / SVT

Start alarm

At the end of September, Börje Alström dared to talk about his desperate situation. He criticized the home service in Gothenburg after getting the diaper taped to his body.

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67-year-old Börje: The home service taped the diaper on my body Photo: SVT

And so to the news that has attracted the strongest engagement of a large audience.

BMW fires

When we spoke in August of Carina Persson whose BMW started to burn on the highway, many people heard about it and wanted to give their similar story. For example, Krister Cervin who filmed his shock experience.

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Carina's BMW started burning in the middle of the highway Photo: SVT

Park Slide

In September we reported on the invasive species park slide and were flooded with comments. Many people recognized themselves in the homeowner Dorotea Reuterswärd in Bollebygd who tried to protect themselves against the nightmare plant. It spreads "like in the Alien movies," said plant ecologist Jörgen Wissman.

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The park slider is slowly approaching the fence towards Dorotea Reutersward's house in Töllsjö Photo: SVT

Do you have news tips or a strong story to share with us? Click this link to email us at SVT News West.

Happy New Year!