Our contest results are arriving from our judges, with just five categories to go. We will announce the results as we receive them and confirm them. Congratulations to the winners, and thanks to our volunteer judges for their hard work.
SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING
First Place: Staff, San Francisco Chronicle.
Second Place: Staff, Center for Investigative Reporting.
Third Place: Staff, Dallas Morning News.
The San Francisco Chronicle staff earns first place with “Mass incarceration devastated S.F. Japantown. For the first time, we know how much.”
“This is digital storytelling at its finest with outstanding visuals,” the judge wrote.
“This spectacular work is buoyed by painstaking research of Census and Japanese-language research dating back decades in order to help readers connect the past and present of the U.S. government sending Japanese-Americans to internment camps.
“Even those with a passing knowledge of this history would not reckon with how it continues to affect life in Japantown more than 80 years later. Given the time we’re in, and the various ways U.S. government again is targeting immigrants and throwing them out of the country, this piece is a compelling reminder — an perhaps a view into the future — of what happens when our country chooses xenophobia.”
Second place goes to the staff for the Center for Investigative Reporting for “A new police force chased a 17-year-old boy to his death. Then it vanished.”
“A comprehensive, infuriating and astonishing piece about how a tribal police force disappeared after one of their officers launched a chase of a teen boy, leading to a fatal crash,” the judge wrote.
“The trust the reporter worked to establish with the grieving mom and family is remarkable. The reporter painstakingly chronicled their failed efforts to get answers and accountability for what happened, eventually taking up the cause themselves to get critical documents that finally illustrated the extreme failure of these authorities to investigate the crash, preserve evidence or follow any semblance of procedure. It was clear there was no effort from police to make this right for the family. Well done.”
The Dallas Morning News staff takes third place with “Life and loss in Dallas: Violence took more than 200 lives across the city in 2024. These are their stories.“
“This is an extraordinary package showing a newsroom-wide commitment to sensitive, human-centered reporting on the toll of crime,” the judge wrote.
“The presentation of the landing page is excellent, clearly showing the scope of the work, the mission and why it matters. That message is carried through all the subsequent individual pieces. This package and these stories show the enormous trust consistently reporters built among people experiencing the worst trauma of their lives in order to tell their stories. The stories focus on the crime, by necessity, but more what shines through are how the victims lived, the influence they had and how the survivors cope with loss. I applaud the DMN team for their storytelling commitment.”
Overall, the judge added, “The stories and packages in this competition were extraordinary and it was incredibly difficult to pick the winners. I gave several stories a top score for their writing, storytelling, use of data, thoroughness of reporting, sensitivity to their sources, use of art and graphics. Many stories were worthy of the top spot, and that is a victory for journalism.
“I want to especially acknowledge all of the excellent stories devoted to the injustices the U.S. continues to perpetrate against Indigenous communities, including ongoing mismanagement of natural resources, missing and murdered women — whose cases aren’t investigated for months, if at all — unpunished police brutality and misconduct (including an astonishing piece on a police department that disappeared), insufficient reparations for past harm and how a major university is failing in its responsibilities to the Ute tribe, even as it continues to profit heavily off of its association with them. I also want to compliment the reporters who have painstakingly chronicled gross mismanagement, lack of transparency, the realities of solitary confinement and worse inside their local prisons and police departments.
“Too many people and families are suffering injustice at the hands of the country’s criminal justice system and mass incarceration, and that injustice continues as these departments are left to investigate their own wrongdoing or oversight agencies fail to live up to their name. In several cases, their reporting forced accountability where there had not been any.”
Judged by Dawn Rhodes, civic editor, City Bureau, Chicago. 35 entries.
GROWTH AND ENVIRONMENT REPORTING
First Place: Amanda Drane and Caroline Ghisolfi, Houston Chronicle, and Will Evans, The Examination.
Second Place: Mark Olalde and Nick Bowlin, Capital & Main and ProPublica.
Third Place: Loren Holmes and Charles Wohlforth, Anchorage Daily News.
Amanda Drane, Caroline Ghisolfi and Will Evans earn first place with “Texas oil companies are leaking toxic gas near schools and homes. Regulators do little to stop them.”
“This devastating investigation by the Houston Chronicle and The Examination revealed that Texas oil wells are leaking a toxic gas, hydrogen sulfide, near schools and homes. But the state’s regulators ignore their own rules, which had been strengthened after fumes from an oilfield leak killed nine people in 1975,” the judge wrote.
“The news organizations produced an interactive map, the first of its type, making it possible for Texans to determine their proximity to oil wells leaking the poisonous gas, which can kill in high concentrations and may cause neurological and other health problems with chronic low-level exposure.
“An estimated 78,000 people live within a half mile of wells on those sites, and at least 33,600 students go to school in that same footprint. Reporters improvised in pursuit of the truth. After regulators failed to resolve a family’s complaints about fumes leaking into their home and causing health problems, reporters placed a hydrogen sulfide monitor in the family’s yard — and recorded numerous readings in excess of the state’s limit.”
Second place goes to Mark Olalde and Nick Bowlin for “Unplugged: Will Taxpayers Foot the Oil Industry’s Cleanup Bill?”
“In this exhaustively reported, crisply written project, ProPublica and Capital & Main found that oil companies are failing to properly plug oil wells taken out of production — and the consequences are alarming. Unplugged oil and gas wells, they reported, accelerate climate change, threaten public health and risk hitting taxpayers’ pocketbooks,” the judge wrote.
“So far, they estimate, the money set aside to fix the problem covers less than 2 percent of the projected cost, putting taxpayers at risk of picking up a tab that could reach $151 billion and perhaps tens of billions of dollars more. With little incentive to plug wells, companies slip into bankruptcy court, leaving government on the hook for the now-orphaned wells. And families who live near these wells pay the price for the policy failures as they worry what toxins might be in the cloudy water coming from their faucets and wait for someone to address the problem.
“The investigation included more than 55 public records requests with state and federal agencies and visits to oil fields in New Mexico, Texas and California. For example, in New Mexico, the reporters found that multiple sites emitted explosive levels of the greenhouse gas methane, with one leak clocked at 10 times the concentration at which the gas can explode. Several wells, they said, belched sour hydrogen sulfide at concentrations that maxed out the gas detector, registering levels three times as high as what is immediately dangerous to life or health. And they checked their methodology with a 10-member panel of petroleum engineers, law professors and former regulators.”
Loren Holmes and Charles Wohlforth grab third place with “The polar bear and the bird scientist: George Divoky’s 50-year Arctic vigil.”
“This is a haunting account, seamlessly presented in words, pictures and video, of a bird scientist’s 50-year vigil on a barren Alaskan barrier island,” the judge wrote.
“Although George Divoky came to Cooper Island to study a colony of seabirds, he found himself witnessing and documenting a far more profound story — climate change, and its effects on not just the colony of black guillemots, but also on polar bears who were forced onto the island when their ice receded. Although the bears pose a lethal threat to the birds he studied for half a century, Divoky relents. He no longer scares the bears away. Why? It’s best to read the words so skillfully woven by Charles Wohlforth and Loren Holmes.”
Overall, the judge added, “Competition was fierce in the Best of the West’s Growth and Environmental Reporting in 2024. Numerous reports deserved recognition, and I struggled to pare the list from 43 to three. Outstanding reports examined a wide range of issues, including the rise of lithium mining, threats to the ecosystems of the Sky Islands in southern Arizona, the exploitation of Arizona groundwater by industrial-scale agriculture, severe problems related to insufficient and contaminated water supplies in California, a controversial proposal to place a natural gas peaker plant adjacent to a community in northwest Arizona, plans to renovate downtown Salt Lake City, risks to Washington state’s drinking water and hydropower as the snowpack shrinks, uranium mining near the Grand Canyon, Washington state’s tax breaks for energy-guzzling data centers and what to do about Great Salt Lake in Utah and California’s Salton Sea, where diminishing water levels foster concerns about dust, the ecosystems and human health.
“Taken as a whole, the entries raise significant questions about the effectiveness and sustainability of efforts in the West to manage climate change, water, agriculture, power production, urban and rural development, aging oilfields, the growth of lithium and uranium mining, and other issues. Thank you to all of the entrants for your tireless, skillful efforts to inform the public about critical issues facing your communities! Your work strengthens our democracy. And congratulations to all of the winners!”
Judged by Andy Hall, founder, Wisconsin Watch. 43 entries.
IMMIGRATION AND BORDER REPORTING
First Place: Jason Wolf, Arizona Republic.
Second Place: Tara García Mathewson, CalMatters.
Third Place: Alfredo Corchado, Eduardo Garcia and Dudley Althaus, San Antonio Express-News and Puente News Collaborative.
Jason Wolf earns first place with a package on Arizona Christian University football players getting caught in migrant smuggling scheme.
“Great storytelling, dogged reporting, use of documents and search for accountability,” the judge wrote. “What a surprising story and great follow up. Bravo.”
Second place goes to Tara García Mathewson for “California banned bilingual education for almost 20 years. It still hasn’t recovered.”
“Terrific explainer of an important and surprising topic,” the judge wrote. “I like the use of narrative, graphics and the smart brevity summary to meet people where they are and communicate important info.”
Alfredo Corchado, Eduardo Garcia and Dudley Althaus grab third place with
Mexico is about to elect its first woman president, but many doubt that will ease cartels’ grip.
“Great explainer of Mexican politics and how it will affect the United States,” the judge wrote. “Very clear and relevant information. Nice package traveling to Wisconsin, too.”
Overall, the judge wrote, “Some of these entries were clearly important to their local audiences but hard to appreciate as someone from the outside. The stories I enjoyed most and rate most highly had larger national and international themes and were told in a way outsiders could understand.”
Judged by Monica Eng, reporter, Axios Chicago. 22 entries.
SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING
First Place: Staff, San Francisco Chronicle.
Second Place: Staff, Center for Investigative Reporting.
Third Place: Staff, Dallas Morning News.
The San Francisco Chronicle staff earns first place with “Mass incarceration devastated S.F. Japantown. For the first time, we know how much.”
“This is digital storytelling at its finest with outstanding visuals,” the judge wrote.
“This spectacular work is buoyed by painstaking research of Census and Japanese-language research dating back decades in order to help readers connect the past and present of the U.S. government sending Japanese-Americans to internment camps.
“Even those with a passing knowledge of this history would not reckon with how it continues to affect life in Japantown more than 80 years later. Given the time we’re in, and the various ways U.S. government again is targeting immigrants and throwing them out of the country, this piece is a compelling reminder — an perhaps a view into the future — of what happens when our country chooses xenophobia.”
Second place goes to the staff for the Center for Investigative Reporting for “A new police force chased a 17-year-old boy to his death. Then it vanished.”
“A comprehensive, infuriating and astonishing piece about how a tribal police force disappeared after one of their officers launched a chase of a teen boy, leading to a fatal crash,” the judge wrote.
“The trust the reporter worked to establish with the grieving mom and family is remarkable. The reporter painstakingly chronicled their failed efforts to get answers and accountability for what happened, eventually taking up the cause themselves to get critical documents that finally illustrated the extreme failure of these authorities to investigate the crash, preserve evidence or follow any semblance of procedure. It was clear there was no effort from police to make this right for the family. Well done.”
The Dallas Morning News staff takes third place with “Life and loss in Dallas: Violence took more than 200 lives across the city in 2024. These are their stories.“
“This is an extraordinary package showing a newsroom-wide commitment to sensitive, human-centered reporting on the toll of crime,” the judge wrote.
“The presentation of the landing page is excellent, clearly showing the scope of the work, the mission and why it matters. That message is carried through all the subsequent individual pieces. This package and these stories show the enormous trust consistently reporters built among people experiencing the worst trauma of their lives in order to tell their stories. The stories focus on the crime, by necessity, but more what shines through are how the victims lived, the influence they had and how the survivors cope with loss. I applaud the DMN team for their storytelling commitment.”
Overall, the judge added, “The stories and packages in this competition were extraordinary and it was incredibly difficult to pick the winners. I gave several stories a top score for their writing, storytelling, use of data, thoroughness of reporting, sensitivity to their sources, use of art and graphics. Many stories were worthy of the top spot, and that is a victory for journalism.
“I want to especially acknowledge all of the excellent stories devoted to the injustices the U.S. continues to perpetrate against Indigenous communities, including ongoing mismanagement of natural resources, missing and murdered women — whose cases aren’t investigated for months, if at all — unpunished police brutality and misconduct (including an astonishing piece on a police department that disappeared), insufficient reparations for past harm and how a major university is failing in its responsibilities to the Ute tribe, even as it continues to profit heavily off of its association with them. I also want to compliment the reporters who have painstakingly chronicled gross mismanagement, lack of transparency, the realities of solitary confinement and worse inside their local prisons and police departments.
“Too many people and families are suffering injustice at the hands of the country’s criminal justice system and mass incarceration, and that injustice continues as these departments are left to investigate their own wrongdoing or oversight agencies fail to live up to their name. In several cases, their reporting forced accountability where there had not been any.”
Judged by Dawn Rhodes, civic editor, City Bureau, Chicago. 35 entries.
BREAKING NEWS REPORTING
First Place: Staff, Dallas Morning News.
Second Place: Staff, San Antonio Express-News.
Third Place: Staff, Houston Chronicle.
The Dallas Morning News staff wins first place with coverage of a shooting in which a police officer was killed and two others were wounded.
“The ability of the staff to mobilize and cover so many aspects of this story quickly is impressive,” the judge wrote. “The visual aspects to breaking news that help propel the well-written narrative made this the winning entry — a comprehensive timeline, map, video (with good b-roll), multiple angles to the story and sources.
“I also appreciated the “Here’s what we know” format being used so effectively. And it takes a lot of work on the back end to pull all these pieces together in a cohesive story, while adhering to the breaking news pace. Congratulations.”
Second place goes to the San Antonio Express-News staff for coverage of the indictment of former Uvalde school police chief in the elementary school massacre.
This is an excellent, clear story that is well-written and well-sourced,” the judge wrote. “It showcases the important work of source building in a small community. Good use of embedding tweets/Facebook posts and archival video and photographs. This is a fine example of getting it first AND right.”
The Houston Chronicle’s staff takes third place with coverage of Hurricane Beryl killing four and wreaking havoc on the Houston area.
“The use of the interactive map was a nice feature to this package and gave readers real-time, hyper-local news,” the judge wrote. “The weather updates and live blog worked well to get the information out fast. Would have liked to have seen more video outside of social media use embedded in the stories.
“The use of social media aggregation for reader-submitted photos/videos was a smart way to cover the event while also getting readers involved. Excellent work tracking down government sources and holding them accountable for their actions (or inactions) during the storm.”
Overall, the judge added, “Strong showing of breaking news coverage from outlets of different sizes. All applicants should be congratulated for the source building, teamwork and knowledge of their communities that is needed to pull off this kind of work quickly, and well, during a breaking news event.”
Judged by Lindsey Hollenbaugh, managing editor, Berkshire Eagle, Pittsfield, Massachusetts. 14 entries.
EXPLANATORY REPORTING
First Place: Staff, ProPublica Southwest.
Second Place: Staff, CalMatters and CBS News.
Third Place: Staff, Arizona Republic.
The ProPublica staff earns first place with “Swept away.”
“An important (and heartbreaking) project from ProPublica that sheds light on the issue of homelessness in a new way – by investigating and explaining the process cities undertake when encampments are cleared or ‘swept away,’ as the project title describes,” the judge wrote.
“Through on-the-ground reporting in 11 cities and 135 interviews with people who had experienced encampment sweeps, ProPublica illuminated the devastation they can cause when precious and vital possessions are removed, and often never returned. High marks for the use of notecards handed out to those who had lost possessions. Seeing the handwritten lists of things, such as prescription medicines, eyeglasses and wheelchairs, and the consequences of those losses was a powerful touch.”
Second place goes to the staff of CalMatters and CBS News for ““Digital democracy.”
“Using its Digital Democracy database, CalMatters pulled back the curtain on the workings of the California legislature,” the judge wrote.
“The functions (or dysfunction) of the Democratic supermajority are put on display through multiple stories that show decisions being made out of the public eye and legislative debate and votes often being little more than a rubber stamp. Excellent use of data in explanatory reporting that hits the reader with finding after finding showing the pitfalls of one-party rule.”
The Arizona Republic staff grabs third place with “Living and dying in America’s hottest city.
“The Republic used shoe-leather reporting to tackle the subject of a climate-changed Phoenix through the eyes of those who call the nation’s hottest big city home,” the judge wrote.
“More than 50 journalists hit the streets during a particularly broiling July week to chronicle and explain why and how people live amid heat that took the lives of 645 people in 2023. The photos, videos and words presented in this project provide valuable insight for readers outside Arizona, and particularly those in cities also showing the effects of rising temperatures.
Judged by Rob Byers, enterprise and investigations editor, Louisville Courier-Journal. 57 entries.
PROJECT REPORTING
First Place: Trent Nelson, Jessica Schreifels and Trevor Christensen, Salt Lake Tribune.
Second Place: Christina Jedra, Honolulu Civil Beat.
Third Place: Megan Kimble, Caroline Ghisolfi and Claire Goodman, Houston Chronicle.
Trent Nelson, Jessica Schreifels and Trevor Christensen win first place with “The rise and fall of polygamous prophet Samuel Bateman.”
“For most of these pieces, I made notes as I went along, as a teacher might. For this inspired submission by Trent Nelson and Jessica Schreifels, I inhaled the stories and then had to go back and document what made it all so great,” the judge wrote.
“That would include the unbelievable access that seemed to gained through a long process of building trust with the members of this polygamous community; the narrative structuring, which kept me engaged even while backfilling historical info; and the empathetic treatment of what could have otherwise been treated more salaciously. It’s exactly the type of thing I hope to read every time I visit the website of a local newspaper.”
Second place goes to Christina Jedra for showing how home flippers for a TV program jumped lines to circumvent Honolulu’s slow permitting process.
“This diligent series of stories by Christina Jedra has everything I look for in an investigative series,” the judge wrote.
“It does not merely document injustices, though it does that very well, telling tales of Honolulu homeowners waiting years for a permit (in some cases dying before the city acts!) and reality stars who openly flout the city’s rules and get away with it. It also gets deep into the bureaucratic machinery of the system, telling the reader how things got to be the way they are, how much tax revenue the city is foregoing by keeping in place such an inefficient system, and how that system might be reformed.
“It is above all a highly persuasive series, as evidenced by the last piece where Jedra writes frankly in the first person about (Honolulu’s Department of Planning and Permitting’s) long journey and acknowledges some progress the department seems to be making in recent months. Doubtless, that progress is in large part the result of Jedra’s assiduous reporting.”
Megan Kimble, Caroline Ghisolfi and Claire Goodman grab third placw with “Inside the costly new reality of insuring a home in Texas.”
“Just a rock-solid package from Megan Kimble and Caroline Ghisolfi. I found the analysis of Census data re: home insurance rates particularly impressive, but everything from finding great sources to quote (like the couple who replaced their wood roof with more durable shingles but whose insurance crept up anyway) to the closer look at TWIA to the examination of Alabama’s much-better-seeming policy made for a convincing and engaging read,”the judge wrote.
“I also appreciated the supplementary bells and whistles (the map, the four takeaways, the Q&A, the advice piece for what to do those trying to lower their premiums, the piece about reading your policy) — all offered ways into this story for people who might not want to sit down and settle in for a longform text-based story. As someone who does like to sit down and settle in for longform text-based stories, I recognize this as a particularly great one.”
Overall, the judge added, “So many inspiring pieces, really enjoyed reading them all!”
Judged by David Hudnall, food and business writer, Kansas City Star. 44 entries.
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
First Place: Daniel Beekman, Ramon Dompor and Kevin Clark, Seattle Times.
Second Place: Staff, Colorado News Cooperative.
Third Place: Yamil Berard, Dallas Morning News.
Daniel Beekman, Ramon Dompor and Kevin Clark earn first place with “Life and death in Yakima.”
“Juxtaposing the experience of a white, elected official and an Asian-American man when they came into contact with law enforcement during a mental health crisis was truly inspired,” the judge wrote.
“The intertwined narrative approach underscored the disparity of their experiences. The multimedia interview with the man’s mother and cousin helped set this entry apart.”
Second place goes to Colorado News Cooperative for the collaboration of KFF Health News, the Colorado Sun, 9News, Colorado Newsline and COLab on “Diagnosis: Debt Colorado.”
“Nonprofit hospitals and health systems going to court to enforce debt judgments against patients is bad enough, but hiding their actions by filing those suits via debt collection agencies was all the more egregious,” the judge wrote.
“The project changed Colorado law and improved enforcement of existing laws requiring discounted care for some patients. This is the sort of journalism in the public interest that every newsroom should seek to replicate in their own communities.”
Yamil Berard takes third place with “Toll Trap: Texas has some of the harshest penalties for failure to pay toll road fees.”
“Privatization can be an efficient way for government to deliver services to taxpayers,” the judge wrote.
“In Texas, however, the Dallas Morning News looks carefully at the history of privatizing new highways and the resulting impact on the courts and individual drivers. The state’s use of the criminal justice system to enforce toll collections on some of Texas’ poorest people is a modern dystopian take on a Dickensian tale of business excess. Well done.”
Overall, the judge added, “There were 53 total entries in this category, and having read them all, I can say that half to two-thirds of the projects were award-worthy. In picking the three finalists, I tried best to apply the lens described in the category’s description: ‘Judged for quality of investigation, timeliness, writing quality, clarity, context, balance and community importance.’ I gave extra weight to that last part – ‘community importance.’
“Daniel Beekman of The Seattle Times brought home the horrible reality of jails as the last and worst resort for the mentally ill. The team assembled by the Colorado News Collective went after the biggest health system in the state and got real results, while highlighting the larger issues of medical debt. The Dallas Morning News showcased the effects of privatizing public goods, in this case Texas’ long-running program to have new highways built by for-profit companies. The companies profit at the expense of safety and, too often, the financial security of drivers forced to rely on them.
Judged by Russ Walker, watchdog editor, LNP | Lancaster Online, Lancaster, Pennsylvania. 53 entries.
NEWS WRITING
Still being judged.
FEATURE WRITING, SHORT FORM
First Place: Deepa Bharath, Associated Press.
Second Place: Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News.
Third Place (tie): Gabriela Rodriguez, Las Vegas Weekly.
Third Place (tie): Yereth Rosen, Alaska Beacon.
Deepa Bharath wins first place with “Native Hawaiian salt makers combat climate change and pollution to protect a sacred tradition.
“This stood out among all other entries for all three judges, even though others took on equally important topics. It is very well written. illustrated, researched and sourced, and really pulled us in, informing and moving us,” the judges wrote.
“The writer has done a wonderful thing balancing the intimate with the universal here, honing in on something so sacred and central to these peoples’ lives and then panning out to why we need to care about it and what it says about where we find ourselves environmentally and as a nation. Great work.”
Second place goes to Sarah Hepola for “Life for Santa at Dallas’ NorthPark mall: Tough questions, complicated family dynamics.”
“This is an absolutely delightful work. All three of our judges were enchanted (OK, and a little jealous) by the writing in this story,” the judges wrote. “The word choices are delightful and the choice of Santa’s to focus on was perfect. This is the sort of topic nearly every newsroom will consider at some point, but few if any would ever executive it this well. What a great piece of writing! It felt like Christmas (at the mall!) and made believers out of us.”
Gabriela Rodriguez takes third place with “Looking back on 75 years of family, food and music at The Bootlegger Las Vegas.”
“This is look back at the bygone days of Vegas becoming Vegas was an interesting ride. The family’s history interwoven with the history of The Strip was interesting and informative.” the judges wrote.
“Colorful characters and anecdotes help this piece shine. The scene setting is sharp and the details rendered are memorable. Nice work.
Yereth Rosen grabs third place with “Project seeks to gather Alaska environmental knowledge embedded in Indigenous languages.”
“It is hard to visit a news app or website these days without seeing the effects and future threats of climate change writ large. This story captures an effect most people would never consider – it’s impact on an entire language,” the judges wrote.
“This story does a great job of illuminating the effect of a rapidly changing natural world and the seasons themselves upon the language of indigenous Alaskan peoples. The fact that changes in weather patterns and seasonal conditions and endangered species could make words for the months of the year no longer descriptive is stunning.
“Much like our first place winner in this category, this writer has found a way to take a very broad and overwhelming subject (climate change) and distill it down to an intimate look at its effect on a local culture and day to day life. It is also a wrenching look at all that we stand to lose as a collective people in a clear and concise report.”
Judged by Tammy Paolino, new audience editor, Delaware Online and the News Journal, Phaedra Trethan, breaking news and enterprise reporter, USA Today, and Celeste Whittaker, general assignment and features reporter, South Jersey USA Today properties. 47 entries.
FEATURE WRITING, LONG FORM
First Place: Paige Cornwell, Seattle Times.
Second Place: Jessica Goodheart, Capital & Main.
Third Place: Courtney Tanner, Salt Lake Tribune.
Paige Cornwell earns first place with “For Oso landslide survivors, ‘Hope walks with the hurting.'”
“In a contest field where dozens of stories could be winners, this piece stands out for its storytelling,” the judges wrote. “It conveys emotion, it’s deeply reported and keeps you reading to the end.”
Second place goes to Jessica Goodheart for “A disease took her mobility. Now, at 70, she could lose her home.”
“From the first sentence, I felt as if I were sitting in the room with Karen Mickett, learning about her physical limitations as well as her passion for her work and her life in her apartment, surrounded by the community she built,” the judges wrote.
“In addition to the captivating storytelling, I learned a bit along the way, about eviction protections, long-term care insurance and more. By the end, I felt as if I knew the source so well — as if I’d been captivated by a good book, I wanted to read the next chapter.”
Courtney Tanner takes third place with “This drag queen was raised in a polygamist FLDS community. Then she performed in the first ever drag show there.”
“It was well-written and effectively told the story about how people have found a home for themselves after leaving what were, to them, repressive communities,” the judges wrote. “It talks about their fears and their joys. It’s well-paced, and this was a story that was easy to read.”
Judged by Adam Bell, business editor and arts editor; Josh Bergeron, government editor; Lydia Craver, executive sports editor; Heidi Finley, CharlotteFive assistant editor; Melissa Oyler, CharlotteFive editor; Lisa Vernon-Sparks, race, culture and community engagement editor; Patrick Wilson, public safety editor; and Zach Dennis, audience development editor, all of the Charlotte Observer, and Cathy Clabby, McClatchy Southeast investigations editor. 103 entries.
ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT WRITING
First Place: Sarah Hepola, Dallas Morning News.
Second Place: Steve Appleford, Los Angeles Magazine.
Third Place: Jason Bracelin, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Sarah Hepola earns first place with “Country musician Joshua Ray Walker on fighting cancer — and rallying back.”
“Such hauntingly good storytelling by Sarah,” the judge wrote. “Dexterity with words and visuals that made this piece dance off the page.”
Second place goes to Steve Appleford for “Harlan Ellison’s last words: The ambitious plan for sci-fi writer’s posthumous comeback.”
“We should all read Steve Appleford’s work to learn the art and craft of bringing people to life on the page,” the judge wrote. “Excellent wordsmith with clever angles to his work.”
Jason Bracelin takes third place with “How a Las Vegas magician broke the internet with spray paint, trapdoors and trade secrets.”
“I’ve always been a fan of Jason’s writing that can punch off the page,” the judge wrote. “This piece was a fun work that I enjoyed reading.”
Overall, the judge added, “What a tremendous amount of good writing. I’ve found some new writers to follow so I can become a better writer.”
Judged by Susan Stapleton, entertainment editor and dining reporter, Des Moines Register. 44 entries.
BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL REPORTING
First Place: Sara DiNatale, San Antonio Express-News.
Second Place: Matthew Kish, The Oregonian.
Third Place: Susie Neilson, San Francisco Chronicle.
Sara DiNatale earns first place with “‘Rinse, wash, repeat’: How Texas’ solar energy boom victimized thousands of homeowners.”
“Sara DiNatale provides readers with a master class of consumer-focused business reporting that digs deep and wide into the shady industry of solar panel sales, loans and shoddy workmanship that exploits vulnerable Texans,” the judge wrote.
Second place goes to Matthew Kish for “The Nike Case.”
“Matthew Kish digs into Nike, the economic and cultural behemoth, showing us behind the scenes of a major corporation that expanded and grew in some ways, but allowed toxic behavior to flourish,” the judge wrote.
“The sourcing is deep and thorough, and Kish takes us on quite a ride that entwines family, business and a brand we thought we knew.”
Susie Neilson takes third place with “Tony Robbins was reeling from backlash. Then came an unlikely ally: Stanford.”
“Susie Neilson takes us straight into the heady and often fraught world of research and the lucrative world of superstar self-help,” the judge wrote.
“She digs into the value of academic reputation and the high price people pay for a sense of belonging, telling it all in a fascinating connect-the-dots story.”
Judged by Sarah Garrecht Gassen, business editor, St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 44 entries.
SPORTS REPORTING
First Place: David Moore, Dallas Morning News.
Second Place: Jason Wolf, Arizona Republic.
Third Place: Doug Robinson, Deseret News.
David Moore takes first place with “After tragedy, loss and grief, Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer has a chance to heal in Dallas.”
“With the openness of the family in interviews, the story provided an incredible, rare inside look at unspeakable tragedy,” the judge wrote.
Second place goes to Jason Wolf for “Arizona Christian University football players caught in migrant smuggling scheme.”
“A horrific situation thoroughly reported,” the judge wrote.
Doug Robinson wins third place with a story about choices women athletes at Brigham Young University must make, between continuing to compete and starting families.
“A story I had never considered before told well from both sides of the trailblazing LDS women and how the approach of top athletes to post-college professional opportunities is changing,” the judge wrote.
Judged by Nat Newell, sports director, Indianapolis Star. 38 entries.
GENERAL INTEREST COLUMN WRITING
First Place: Teri Sforza, Orange County Register.
Second Place: Emily Hoeven, San Francisco Chronicle.
Third Place: Mark Kreidler, Capital & Main, Los Angeles.
Teri Sforza earns first place with a portfolio of hard-hitting news columns.
“Teri Sforza’s columns exemplify investigative journalism at its finest, blending depth, urgency, and fearless accountability. Her work exposes systemic failures in government oversight, addiction treatment, and public safety, ensuring the human cost of these issues is never overlooked,” the judge wrote.
“Sforza’s reporting on California’s addiction treatment industry uncovers fraud, neglect, and regulatory loopholes. She meticulously documents cases of individuals seeking help but instead falling victim to an exploitative system. By weaving personal stories with legal and regulatory analysis, she highlights the state’s failure to protect its most vulnerable citizens, influencing public discourse on needed reforms.
“Sforza holds powerful institutions accountable, exposing ethical and financial scandals with precision. Her investigation into Senate Bill 913 illustrates how legislative inertia obstructs meaningful reform. She critiques policymakers who prioritize political maneuvering over public welfare, reinforcing journalism’s role in driving accountability.
“Beyond investigative rigor, Sforza’s writing is evocative and accessible. She distills complex regulatory issues into compelling narratives that resonate with policymakers and the public.
“Her reporting on the Airport Fire in Orange County showcases her ability to blend technical analysis with storytelling, pressing officials for transparency.
“Sforza’s journalism fosters transparency, justice, and reform. Her dedication to exposing corruption and amplifying unheard voices cements her as an exemplary investigative journalist. In an era where truth is often obscured, her work remains a beacon of integrity and public service.”
Second place goes to Emily Hoeven for a portfolio of columns that include “She was viciously attacked by a dog at an S.F. beach. Here’s why the city couldn’t do anything about it,” “A tiny café has been serving S.F. for 20 years. It could close over a cactus and outdoor tables,” “He got a restraining order against his wife. Then an S.F. judge’s ruling let her ‘abduct’ their son to Kazakhstan” and “Are S.F. firefighters using dirty tricks to sway your vote on pension benefits — without you realizing it?
“Emily Hoeven’s entry exemplifies the power of journalism to uncover hidden truths, challenge institutions, and give voice to those affected by systemic failures,” the judge wrote.
“With a compelling mix of investigative rigor, sharp analysis, and deeply human storytelling, the writer navigates complex issues with clarity and impact. Each piece is well-researched, drawing on expert insights, public records, and firsthand accounts to build a persuasive narrative. What sets this work apart is its ability to balance emotional weight with factual precision, making pressing societal issues both urgent and accessible.”
Mark Kreidler grabs third place with columns on “Why mass deportations would cripple California’s economy,” “A whole-person approach to combating homelessness,” “Lessons for breaking the poverty cycle” and “Nearly 500 tenants left a Los Angeles apartment complex before a judge ruled Their eviction illegal. Now what?”
“In these columns, Mark Kreidler demonstrates exceptional investigative depth, compelling storytelling, and a keen ability to connect policy issues with real human impact,” the judge wrote.
“The writer demonstrates a strong command of both narrative and analysis, seamlessly blending data, expert insights, and firsthand accounts to shed light on complex social and political challenges. Each piece is engaging, well-researched, and thought-provoking, making the issues feel urgent and relevant.”
Overall, the judge added, “This was one of the best journalism competitions I’ve had the privilege of judging. Too often, these contests leave me feeling slightly disheartened about the state of the industry, but this time, I was genuinely uplifted. The depth, rigor, and diversity of voices on display gave me hope — not just for the future of journalism, but for its present vitality. Every entry felt award-worthy in its own way, covering a wide spectrum of topics with precision and passion. If there was one challenge, it was the difficulty of comparing lighter, narrative-driven pieces against the weight of deep investigative work, but that only speaks to the incredible range of storytelling on display. This competition was a reminder of why great journalism matters.”
Judged by Karen Martin, perspective editor, and critic and columnist Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. 16 entries.
SPECIAL TOPIC COLUMN WRITING
First Place: Bill Oram, The Oregonian.
Second Place: Soleil Ho, San Francisco Chronicle.
Third Place: Adam Hill, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Bill Oram earns first place with a portfolio that includes columns on a transgender teen athlete’s life and the journey of a Timbers victory log.
“Bill Oram’s series of columns on Brett Hollins, a basketball player on Oregon State University’s team who spent several years in prison for stabbing two people, is fantastic,” the judge wrote.
“It’s a powerful look at bad choices, growth and redemption. It was a riveting read and makes this work worthy of first place. This is character-led opinion writing that connects with readers.”
Second place goes to Soleil Ho for a portfolio that includes columns on how San Francisco has made it hard for restaurants to stay open, how a restaurant has survived for years without tips, and how invasive bullfrogs may get banned after killing off 100 species.
Adam Hill takes third place with a portfolio that includes columns on “Netflix, Paul, Mike Tyson cash in on our societal stupidity,” “High school rivals reunited as Raiders running backs” and “Super Bowl more a coronation for Las Vegas than a football game.”
Judged by David Plazas, opinion and engagement editor, Nashville Tennessean. 30 entries.
SOCIAL MEDIA WRITING
First Place: Jen Fifield, Votebeat Arizona.
Second Place: Trevor Christiansen, Salt Lake Tribune.
Third Place: Christopher Cherrington and Jessica Schreifels, Salt Lake Tribune.
Jen Fifield wins first place with a social media post introducing a story about Arizona providing Navajo voters with a ballot they can listen to.
“A great example of a reporter using social media to explain a situation of public importance that ultimately led to heightened awareness of an important issue,” the judge wrote.
Second place goes to Trevor Christiansen for an Instagram video post for a story about Utah’s first executio in 14 years.
“Kudos for preparing an engaging video ahead of a breaking news event that helps someone understand the significance and impact,” the judge wrote.
Christopher Cherrington and Jessica Schreifels take third place with an Instagram carousel card about a new A.I. chatbot that might help Utah youths struggling with their mental health.
“Great, visual use of a social card carousel to explain how chatbots can assist with mental health, and also the benefits and pitfalls of such technology,” the judge wrote.
Overall, the judge added, “Ultimately, it came down to the use of visuals and short-form text to draw attention to important stories and issues, and how that impacted and elevated the journalism. All three of these entries demonstrated that in some fashion.”
Judged by Brian J. Manzullo, digital director, Detroit Free Press. 13 entries.
EDITORIAL WRITING
First Place: Matthew Fleischer, San Francisco Chronicle.
Second Place: Tony Quesada, San Antonio Express-News.
Third Place: Scott Stoddard, Grants Pass Daily Courier.
Matthew Fleischer wins first place with “Endorsement: Breed is the safe choice for mayor. But if you think S.F. needs change, only one candidate fits.”
“A thoughtful and well-reasoned piece with real impact and import,” the judge wrote. “Calm and collected, drawing on extensive reporting and conversations with candidates. This editorial takes public service seriously, treats its readers as adults and makes a persuasive argument with context to spare.”
Second place goes to Tony Quesada for “Texas death row inmate Robert Roberson deserves to be heard on the matter of discredited shaken baby syndrome.”
“A shocking story, well-recounted in this piece,” the judge wrote. “You have presented both abundant context — from the past and current day — supporting your argument. An incredibly important piece about one of the gravest subjects imaginable. Well done.”
Scott Stoddard takes third place with “Baertschiger’s falsehoods taint Extension budget meeting,” which takes a county commissioner to task for his comments at a budget hearing.
“I love this,” the judge wrote. “Yes, it’s an editorial about a relatively obscure local budget dispute. Yet the paper delves into its archives to hold a public official to rigorous account. It’s absolutely thrilling, in a low-key way.”
Overall, the judge added, “The editorials submitted were of a uniformly high quality. Writers knew their subjects, presented abundant supporting evidence and served their communities well.
“None of the entries scored (by my rating) below a 6 out of 10, and those ranking toward the bottom only did so because they took on more national issues rather than local ones. I chose to reward pieces with a close connection to the communities served, greatest potential impact and (yes) entertaining writing. It was an honor to judge this category.”
Judged by Clay Wirestone, opinion editor, Kansas Reflector, Lawrence. 14 entries.
NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place: Raquel Natalicchio, Houston Chronicle.
Second Place: Gina Ferazzi, Los Angeles Times.
Third Place: Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.
Raquel Natalicchio earns first place with a photo of Tim McCanon sitting on a road with his dogs after being rescued during severe flooding in New Caney, Texas.
“This image has all the elements of a truly compelling news photo,” the judge wrote.
“The body language of the subject, coupled with his clear attachment to his animals, elicits an instant emotional reaction. The photographer got down on the same level as the subject, in the water, to show that during a natural disaster we all in the same circumstances and deserving of care and compassion.
Second place goes to Gina Ferazzi for a photo of firefighters being overcome with smoke while battling a house fire near Running Springs, California.
“This image makes the viewer feel as if they are actually in the scene with the firefighters,” the judge wrote.
“The photo leaps off the screen, as if it could also convey the smell of smoke, the feel of heat, and translates the exhaustion of the crew. The photographer did an excellent job showing the devastation of the fire on both physical structures and the people caught in its midst.”
Jeffrey D. Allred snags third place with a photo of Salt Lake City residents cheering at a live watch party as the International Olympic Committee awards the 2034 Winter Olympic Games to their hometown.
“I love how this photo focuses on jubilation,” the judge wrote. “Each face bears studying as if it is part of a painting.
“This image makes the viewer feel the raw passion and emotion of the subjects — frozen for just a moment in an expression of sheer joy.”
Judged by Coburn Dukehart, managing editor, CatchLight Local Visual Desk. 46 entries.
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place: Rick Egan, Salt Lake Tribune.
Second Place: Karen Ducey, Seattle Times.
Third Place (tie): Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News.
Third Place (tie): Francisco Kjolseth, Salt Lake Tribune.
Rick Egan wins first place with a photo of Michael Romano snapping a photo of Emily Ewing as she floats in the Great Salt Lake.
“We all loved the painterly quality of this one,” the judges wrote. “There were several beautiful found features, but this one rose to the top. It is minimalist, but also invites the eye to explore each of the elements. Kudos to the photojournalist for getting the subjects’ names and back story.”
Second place goes to Karen Ducey for a photo of bees swarming over beekeepers checking hives and feeding the pollinators.
“A great illustration of what could have been a mundane assignment,” the judges wrote. “The layers of foreground and background make for a deep and engaging image.”
Smiley Pool takes third place with a photo of sheep running through a field filled with solar panels.
“We applaud the photographer’s forethought to use a drone for this story,” the judges wrote. “The perspective turns a basic news story into a work of art.”
Francisco Kjolseth snags third place with a photo of the northern lights reflected in the Great Salt Lake.
“What a location for the Northern Lights photo!” the judges wrote. “The colors are beautiful, but the earthly elements provide context and layers.”
Overall, the judges added, “This was an incredibly strong category with at least a dozen award-worthy images. The ones that rose to the top showed something extra on the part of the photographer: careful composition, planning and forethought.”
Judged by Peter Huoppi, director of multimedia, and photographers Sarah Gordon and Dana Jensen, all of The Day in New London, Connecticut. 57 entries.
SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
First Place: Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News.
Second Place: Smiley Pool, Dallas Morning News.
Third Place: Brice Tucker, Deseret News.
Smiley Pool earns first place with Tara Davis-Woodhall celebrates winning Olympic gold in the long jump.
“First place separated itself from the pack because the incredible storyline of the husband and wife Olympic and Paralympic athlete duo winning gold,” the judge wrote. “Also, this was the only unique angle of this embrace. Kudos to the photographer for finding the family in the stands and waiting for the winning moment.”
Second place goes to Pool for a shot of Texas Rangers outfielder Sandro Fabian narrowly missing a diving catch
“Second place is an incredible action photo with a super clean background,” the judge wrote.
Brice Tucker takes third place with a volleyball player who lies laughing at the center of a pile of celebrating teammates after winning a state championship.
“Third place shows the raw emotion of the volleyball athletes embracing each other,” the judge wrote. “Great job to the photographer for getting close to the emotion while simultaneously thinking about the layered components of the image. I love the bottom girl grabbing the face of her teammate. There’s a lot to look at in this image, and it is framed very well considering how chaotic these moments tend to be.”
Judged by Steph Chambers, staff photographer, Getty Images. 54 entries.
NEWS SLIDESHOW
First Place: Laura Seitz, Deseret News.
Second Place: Chitose Suzuki, Dallas Morning News.
Third Place: Kevin Fujii, Honolulu Civil Beat.
Laura Seitz earns first place with “West side story: Salt Lake City’s dramatic tale of change, challenge and a new horizon,” a grassroots profile of the city’s “out-of-sight, out-of-mind” neighborhoods.
“A strong example of local journalism done right,” the judge wrote. “The story feels very thoughtful and compassionate. You can tell a lot of care went into every frame. Nice work.”
Second place goes to Chitose Suzuki for “Operation Lone Star,” a look at Gov. Greg Abbott’s $10 billion border security initiative.
“This was a tough call — such a powerful piece,” the judge wrote. “It’s a hard story to tell on every level: technically, emotionally, logistically. Really well done being there in the moment and capturing it with such impact.”
Kevin Fujii takes third place with “Maui’s Housing Crisis,” a look at residents struggling to find homes after the 2023 fires.
“Really impressive access to key people and places — there’s clearly a lot of effort and commitment behind this work,” the judge wrote. “It looks like the story was spread across three separate entries, but I think a tighter edit combining the strongest images from all three could have made an even more powerful package.”
Overall, the judge added, “There were so many strong entries this year — great examples of community journalism done right, with care and intention. The winning work stood out by not only showing that deep connection to community, but also by pairing it with a sharp eye for storytelling and the right moments.”
Judged by Brian Powers, freelance photographer, Athens, Georgia. 10 entries.
FEATURE SLIDESHOW
First Place: Barbara Davidson, Capital & Main.
Second Place: Madeline Carter, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Third Place: Kristin Murphy, Deseret News.
Barbara Davidson earns first place with “Surviving on $1,800 a month in Social Security, she died looking for a place to live.”
“This slideshow tells a powerful story with striking intimacy and dignity,” the judge wrote.
“The photographer’s ability to gain the subject’s trust and remain present through such personal, difficult moments is admirable. It was especially meaningful to see the story carried through not only to its end, but also to understand what led there and how she was cared for afterward. The result is a compassionate, full-circle narrative that honors its subject with grace.”
Second place goes to Madeline Carter for “Shooting stars: How an underdog Vegas women’s football team became a contender.
“This piece is a masterclass in local journalism done right,” the judge wrote.
“It delivers a compelling story with clarity and heart. The variety of images offer a wonderfully well-rounded view of the subjects. The photography feels intentional and immersive, drawing the viewer in and leaving them genuinely wanting more. Excellent work all around.”
Kristin Murphy takes third place with “The Colorado River is in a custody battle with 7 states.”
“This entry beautifully captures the river and its surrounding landscape while thoughtfully putting into context the challenges it faces,” the judge wrote.
“The variety of images and the breadth of coverage—from intimate details to wide-scale views—provide a comprehensive and engaging look at both the natural beauty and the human impact. The photographer’s ability to shift scale keeps the viewer visually invested while deepening their understanding of the story.”
Overall, the judge added, “Really enjoyed seeing all the entries, which covered a wide range of subjects with strong visual storytelling. What made the winning images stand out was the combination of powerful visual narratives, succinct editing and compassionate coverage. The photographers showed a real understanding of their subjects, using a mix of images to keep the viewer engaged while telling clear and impactful stories.”
Judged by Brian Powers, freelance photographer, Athens, Georgia. 14 entries.
AUDIO STORYTELLING
First Place: Will James, Sydney Brownstone and Esmy Jimenez, Seattle Times and KUOW.
Second Place: Sara Bernard and Maleeha Syed, Cascade PBS, Seattle.
Third Place: Frank Stoltze and Meg Cramer, Imperfect Paradise, LAist Studios.
Will James, Sydney Brownstone and Esmy Jimenez earn first place for “Lost Patients.”
“‘Lost Patients’ from The Seattle Times is a remarkable podcast that explores how people dealing with mental health crises are so often failed by public institutions,” the judge wrote.
“Through intimate interviews with people who have experienced those failures firsthand and deep reporting into public records from the numerous bureaucracies responsible, the reporting team built a gripping narrative that illuminates a broken system. This is an important, informative, and beautifully told story with the power to change how listeners think about public policy and the institutions that shape so many lives.”
Second place goes to Sara Bernard and Maleeha Syed for “First response.”
“This is a thoughtful, well-produced three-part series about an important issue—gun violence. The reporters chose to explore this difficult issue from a perspective not often heard — the medical community.
“Beginning with a compelling cold open, the series weaves together powerful interviews with a concise narrative. Strong use of music that gave space for the voices highlighted in the series. Beyond providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the medical community’s role in responding to gun violence, it also presented a fascinating conversation around advocacy and who has the right to speak out against a public epidemic.”
Frank Stoltze and Meg Cramer take third place with “Imperfect Paradise: District Attorney George Gascón.”
“This is a strong investigation into the policies and well-meaning actions of a DA and how those have played out negatively heading into an election year for him,” the judge wrote.
“Policies often feel remote, but this episode illuminated the real-life impacts policies have on others when the policies don’t play out as promised. The reporting was also fair to the person they were assessing.”
Judged by Carlyle Calhoun Despeaux, managing producer, WWNO, New Orleans Public Radio. 30 entries.
VIDEO STORYTELLING
First Place: Lauren Frohne, Erika Schultz and Lynda Mapes, Seattle Times.
Second Place: Trevor Christensen, Salt Lake Tribune.
Third Place: Jes Burns, Brandon Swanson and Alan Zhou, Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Lauren Frohne, Erika Schultz and Lynda Mapes earn first place with “A voice for the salmon: Boldt decision goes deeper than the right to fish.
“This piece did a great job of breaking down and explaining the Boldt decision that happened 50 years ago,” the judge wrote of the 1974 ruling by Judge George Boldt that upheld tribal fishing rights under several treaties.
“This piece did a wonderful job of explaining what the tribal members went through to get to where they are today. It was shot very well. This video will be around for years to come to explain that part of Washington State history.
Second place goes to Trevor Christensen for “Polygamous Prophet: How an FBI informant helped put FLDS-offshoot leader Samuel Bateman behind bars.
“I like the different approach used to explain how Samuel Bateman was put behind bars with the help of an FBI informant,” the judge wrote.
“Trent was very engaging as he was recapping the case, which was intertwined with the other interviews. It consisted of some engaging editing along with the file video and stills to help tell the story.”
Jes Burns, Brandon Swanson and Alan Zhou take third place with “Can this sugar-based material replace single-use plastics? | All Science. No Fiction.”
“A very complex and important story told in a way that was easy to understand and fun. A nice mixture of lensing for visual variety,” the judge wrote.
“The host does a great job explaining the importance of using sugar as a way to keep plastic out of our oceans and landfills. The bloopers at the end were fun.
Overall, the judge added, “This was a very tough category to pick the top 3 videos out of the group. All of the videos were well done and ranged from short docs to 1-2 minute storytelling pieces. The entrants should be proud of their work.”
Judged by Gary Hairlson, former multimedia director, St. Louis Post-Dispatch. 22 entries.
PAGE DESIGN
First Place: Jeff Meddaugh, Dallas Morning News.
Second Place: Rudy Mesicek, Salt Lake Tribune.
Third Place: Corlene Byrd, Las Vegas Weekly.
Jeff Meddaugh for an Arts & Life Sunday cover story on “To catch a thief,” a true-crime saga of the mysterious intruder who shocked North Texas’ uber-rich.”
“This section from the Dallas Morning use creatively uses photos and cropping to keep readers visually interested,” the judge wrote.
Second place goes to Rudy Mesicek for a “The Mix” cover story on a restaurant whose doughnuts “are called the best in Salt Lake County and, some say, in Utah.”
“I love the visual of the doughnuts,” the judge wrote. “They practically drip down the page.”
Corlene Byrd snags third place for a cover story, “Goodbye Mirage: This Vegas icon may be disappearing but its legacy ensures.”
“This cover has an amazing visual,” the judge wrote. “The fire (from the Mirage volcano) against the backdrop of the hotel is stunning.”
Judged by Grace Miserocchi, opinion editor, Chicago Tribune. 25 entries.
ONLINE PRESENTATION
First Place: Staff, San Francisco Chronicle.
Second Place: Staff, Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, Arizona State University.
Third Place: Staff, Dallas Morning News.
The San Francisco Chronicle staff earns first place with “Mass incarceration devastated S.F. Japantown. For the first time, we know how much.”
“Even in a field of stellar entries, this presentation stood out as the clear winner,” the judge wrote. “This staff has adeptly told the story of a neighborhood’s devastation and resilience, both visually and with the written word.
“The consistent use of black-and-white photography, striking data visualizations, and beautifully crafted animations go beyond drawing the reader in — they place the reader right in the heart of the neighborhood. Ending the presentation with the video of the paper crane is just poetry, showing every little detail considered.”
Second place goes to “Lithium liabilities,” which reveals how the push towards a green, battery-powered future comes with increased domestic mining for lithium will require billions of gallons of water from already strained supplies.
“This project is beautifully presented, and so many details were thought of, down to the branding’s nod to the periodic table,” the judge wrote.
“The photography and video are just stunning, and the presentation is clean and elegant. The ‘Mine Your Business’ game was a particularly creative way to show the reader the tough decisions faced in this industry.”
The Dallas Morning News staff takes third place with “Back to the ballot and 2024 elections.”
“The depth and breadth of this presentation was creative, innovative and spoke to the expectations (and needs) of today’s readers,” the judge wrote.
“This staff used every medium to its fullest, from traditional photography and graphics, to thoughtfully produced video and well-honed social media strategy.”
Overall, the judge added, “This was a tough set of entries to judge, with exceptionally strong photography throughout. When judging the winners, it really came down to innovative visual storytelling and creative ways to engage the reader.”
Judged by Jen Cieslak, former senior product designer for Advance Local. 15 entries.