DAILY NEWSPAPERS AND NEWS SYNDICATES
Breaking News in daily newspapers, all sizes
First Place
“Horror on the Fourth”
Lynn Sweet, Elvia Malagón, Sophie Sherry, Paul Saltzman and Manny Ramos
Chicago Sun-Times
Judges’ comments: The work by the Chicago Sun-Times on the Fourth of July parade shooting was remarkable. Washington reporter Lynn Sweet happened to be at the parade in a Chicago suburb. She jumped into action with tweets, videos and more. In the holiday-staffed newsroom, an editor both wrote and edited stories to post through social media and on the main website. Their collaboration, with others, was a fine example of professionals at work. And Sweet should be singled out for showing reporters how street reporting is done.
Second Place
“Dallas Love Field Shooting”
Dallas Morning News staff
Dallas Morning News
No Third-Place Award given
Local news beat coverage or continuing story in top 20 media market
First Place
“The chaotic tenure of L.A. County’s combative sheriff”
Alene Tchekmedyian
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: Public, personal attacks by a powerful sheriff did not deter Alene Tchekmedyian’s determination to uncover abuses by his deputies and a conflict of interest involving weapons permits and donors. She combed documents and convinced terrified workers to speak to her, uncovering a pattern of unethical conduct that played a role in his landslide defeat in the next election.
Second Place
“Edgemere’s Fall”
Natalie Walters
Dallas Morning News
Third Place
“Cuyahoga County corruption and crises”
Kaitlin Durbin
Cleveland.com – The Plain Dealer
Local news beat coverage or continuing story not in top 20 media market
First Place
“South Stricker Street fire”
Lilly Price, Emily Opilo and Steve Earley
The Baltimore Sun
Judges’ comments: It’s hard to understand why there were no updated protocols for fighting fires in vacant buildings, especially given the number of them in Baltimore. Fortunately, The Baltimore Sun’s reporting got that done. Solid, well-sourced, data-driven reporting, that led to meaningful changes that will help keep first responders safer.
Second Place
“The Deadliest Block”
Savannah Eadens
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Third Place
“Exposing an Inept and Shallow Investigation into the 2020 Election”
Molly Beck and Patrick Marley
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
International news beat coverage or continuing story by an individual or team
First Place
“Made in Miami: The assassination of Haiti’s Jovenel Moise”
Jacqueline Charles, Jay Weaver, Antonio Maria Delgado and Michael Wilner
Miami Herald
Judges comments: “Made in “Miami,” a riveting narrative of a kidnapping that led to murder, combined shoe-leather reporting in Haiti with probes of police reports, phone records and indictments. The chief reporter, Jacqueline Charles, described as “a road map to the truth,” lays out how the kidnapping came about, how it morphed into a killing, and the aftermath that led to arrests for murder. The details show a multi-layered, multi-national whodunnit that ends with this frightening summation: “There is nothing to guarantee that a presidential assassination in Haiti cannot happen again.”
Second Place
“The War in Ukraine”
Nabih Bulos
Los Angeles Times
Third Place
“Dispatches from a Region in Flux”
Kate Linthicum
Los Angeles Times
News series in daily newspapers top 20 media market
First Place
“Packed In: Overcrowded housing in Los Angeles has brought death by design”
Los Angeles Times Staff
Los Angeles Times
Judges comments: The reporters convey how the COVID-19 pandemic exposed poor housing conditions that developed over decades in LA. They well explain how flawed decisions by leaders led to overpriced and outdated housing and zoom in to detail the deadly effect.
Second Place
“Title IX: Falling Short at 50”
USA Today staff
USA Today
Third Place
“Innocence Sold”
David Fleshler, Spencer Norris and Brittany Wallman
South Florida Sun Sentinel
News series in newspapers not in top 20 media market
First Place
“Publishing Prejudice”
Rob Davis
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Judges’ comments: The Oregonian took the bold move of ‘investigating its own ugly past’ with its ‘Publishing Prejudice’ project. The goal with the series was to not only reveal how the newspaper’s racist past helped shape the state of Oregon today, but also to reinforce its commitment to representing the community’s diverse voices.The Oregonian did both in exemplary fashion. A home run.
Second Place
“The Safest Place”
Noelle Crombie, Beth Nakamura and Samantha Swindler
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Third Place
“The Death of the Iowa Democratic Caucus”
Courtney Crowder and Brianne Pfannenstiel
Des Moines Register
Local interest column on a variety of subjects
First Place
Neil Steinberg
Chicago Sun-Times
Judges’ comments: Neil Steinberg is delicate, spare, relatable. In a category laden with feature stories, Steinberg’s voice stands out, focusing on everyday events and people and making sense of what might otherwise have been mundane or forgettable. He uses conversations with a stranger on the train to teach history and humanity. He writes columns about his forgetful, elderly father that remind us all of the frustrations and sadness of caring for aging parents. Thoughtful. Poignant but not maudlin.
Second Place
Theodore Decker
Columbus Dispatch
Third Place
Myron Medcalf
Star Tribune
Special or feature column on one subject by an individual
First Place
Soleil Ho
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: To dine at French Laundry, be recognized and shown around by the legendary Thomas Keller himself and want no part of whatever “club” that may imply shows not only ethics, but a commitment to the reader you’re serving. Soleil Ho did that in each piece — considering cost, accessibility, culture and taste — while also writing with ease, authority, humor and grace.
Second Place
Marcus Dowling
The Tennessean/Gannett
Third Place
“Brain Matters column”
Richard Sima
The Washington Post
Editorial writing by an individual or team
First Place
“The Uncounted Dead”
Jeffery Gerritt
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Judges’ comments: These editorials stand out for several reasons. The writer constructs and presents an argument exceptionally well. The editorials are based in part on original reporting by the editorial board. And the package doesn’t rely on the same tired arguments that typically are applied to this subject matter. Outstanding work.
Second Place
David Plazas
The Tennessean/Gannett
Third Place
Helen Jung
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Sports opinion by an individual
First Place
Ann Killion
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: The best columnists have a “voice.” That voice connects with their city’s fans because it shares a passion for sport and the community that rises around it. In her San Francisco Chronicle columns, Ann Killion uses that voice to celebrate great achievements but also to highlight where we’ve fallen short. Her beat is the intersection between sports and society in contemporary America and she covers it with great passion and insight.
Second Place
Luke DeCock
News and Observer
Third Place
Barbara Barker
Newsday
Sports news writing by an individual or team
First Place
“Cal Swimming In-depth Reporting”
Scott M. Reid
Southern California News Group
Judges’ comments: Orange County Register reporter Scott M. Reid’s reporting on Cal women’s swimming coach Teri McKeever stands alongside the most important and impactful sports writing we’ve encountered. Success in sports, especially over time, can create a sense of untouchability for the athletes and coaches responsible for that success. Reid looked past the NCAA championships and Olympic gold medals to hear directly from the athletes who alleged that McKeever emotionally abused and threatened them, and pressured them to train despite injuries. By insisting on accountability for the most powerful coaches, Reid holds up what’s best in sport and in journalism.
Second Place
“NFL Coaching Carousel: How Race Plays a Role”
Sarah Blaskey, Nicholas Nehamas and Rosmery Izaguirre
Miami Herald
Third Place
Ben Goessling
Star Tribune
Sports feature writing by an individual or team
First Place
Chip Scoggins
Star Tribune
Judges’ comments: This collection of stories showcases the reporter’s skill at interviewing, his eye for relevant and moving detail, and his versatility as a writer. An outstanding entry in a very strong category.
Second Place
Kevin Armstrong
The Star-Ledger
Third Place
Connor Letourneau
San Francisco Chronicle
Feature writing by an individual in a top 20 media market
First Place
“Fentanyl poisoning, child exploitation and COVID relief fraud”
Michael Finnegan
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: Michael Finnegan’s Hollywood Drug delivery account of a successful FBI investigation of the drug death of Ray Mascolo. Finnegan’s reporting on the federal court beat in Los Angeles uses richly detailed narratives to illuminate how criminals poison unsuspecting drug users with fentanyl, endanger children online and dodge law enforcement after plundering COVID relief programs
Second Place
Brittny Mejia
Los Angeles Times
Third Place
“The Man Who Paid for America’s Fear”
Jason Fagone
San Francisco Chronicle
Feature writing by an individual not in a top 20 media market
First Place
Jennifer Berry Hawes
The Post and Courier
Judges’ comments: This reporter dug deep to show why readers should know the truths and horrors of these men’s lives — even those memorialized in death. Their humanity again recognized and their courage honored.
Second Place
Keith Sharon
The Tennessean/Gannett
Third Place
“When a bitter ex vanished with her kids, she vowed to do whatever it would take to find them”
Austin Murphy
The Press Democrat
Business news coverage, business commentary and/or business columns by an individual or team
First Place
“Data Center Next Door”
Mike Rogoway
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Judges’ comments: In “The Data Center Next Store,” reporter Mike Rogoway and The Oregonian look at what happens when the world’s biggest and richest companies come to rural Oregon to build their data centers. Rogoway used his expert technology industry knowledge and 15 years of reporting on data centers in rural Oregon to connect the dots and provide a holistic view of the economic, political and environmental impact of these centers. The Oregonian delivered an important service for its readers toward understanding an important business trend that shows no sign of slowing.
Second Place
“Blood and Money”
Andrew Ford
The Arizona Republic
Third Place
“Mortgage Inequality”
Bloomberg Staff
Bloomberg
Education writing by an individual or team
First Place
“The Youngest Children in School, Under Arrest”
Andrea Ball, Dian Zhang and Mary Claire Molloy
USA Today
Judges’ comments: Readers will no doubt feel shock, heartbreak, and anger when they learn about the treatment of these children. These stories are compelling, and the database is an important component that allows families to research their own departments.
Second Place
“Invisible Schools”
Mike Reicher, Lulu Ramadan and Taylor Blatchford
Seattle Times and ProPublica
Third Place
“Texas’ Wild West Teacher Prep Problems”
Talia Richman, Corbett Smith and Emily Donaldson
Dallas Morning News
Health, science and pandemic writing by an individual or team
First Place
“A New Prescription”
Guy Boulton
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judges’ comments: Guy Boulton took on the complicated mismatch of the cost of health care in the U.S versus the costs of addressing issues such as housing and nutrition that contribute to recurring health problems of low-income residents. His work wove data, experts and real people into an authoritative, to the point, contextual and solutions-oriented package.
Second Place
“Dying for Care”
USA Today staff
USA Today
Third Place
“Fighting for Air”
Talis Shelbourne
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Environmental writing by an individual or team in top 20 media market
First Place
“Big Plastic”
Bloomberg staff
Bloomberg
Judges’ comments: Some consumers feel better recycling their plastics, but this story will make them think twice about that peace of mind. The innovative approach in telling this story kept the reader engaged, as did the good videos and other visuals.
Second Place
“California’s Missing Water”
Ryan Sabalow and Dale Kasler
The Sacramento Bee
Third Place
“Can California Save its Endangered Salmon?”
Ian James, Szu Yu Chen and Lorena Iñiguez Elebee
Los Angeles Times
Environmental writing by an individual or team not in top 20 media market
First Place
“Big Poultry”
Gavin Off, Adam Wagner and Ames Alexander
The Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News & Observer
Judges’ comments: “Big Poultry” examines the rapid growth of poultry farming in North Carolina and its impact on air, water and the lives of farm neighbors. Reporters showed an ingenious use of technology, pairing satellite imagery with existing data to determine that about 230,000 people are living near these farms. Comparing how 10 other states manage this industry added to the power of the series, which already has legislators looking at ways to address some of the problems raised in it.
Second Place
“The Changing Gulf Coast”
Tristan Baurick
The Times-Picayune
Third Place
“The Unstoppable Ocean”
Kate Cough and Alex MacLean
The Maine Monitor
Investigative reporting in newspapers in top 20 media market
First Place
“Dangerous Dwellings”
Alan Judd, Willoughby Mariano and Johnny Edwards
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Judges’ comments: For decades, slumlords have been the targets of investigative journalism. But The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s journalism on this topic in 2022 was a standout for its depth and reporting. As the nominating letter noted: “Tens of thousands of metropolitan Atlantans are trapped in apartment complexes with rampant crime, squalor or outrageous safety hazards.” For reporters, it was an uphill battle. They needed to fight to get basic information, such as code enforcement violations, and then build their own database. Most importantly, the project had results: Local governments cracked down on landlords, many of them out-of-state private equity firms.
Second Place
“Hidden Highway Hazard”
Stephanie Zimmermann and Lauren FitzPatrick
Chicago Sun-Times
Third Place
“The Man Who Played Hollywood”
Amy Kaufman and Meg James
Los Angeles Times
Investigative reporting in newspapers not in top 20 media market
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
“The Rise and Fall of a Predatory Police Force”
John Archibald, Ashley Remkus and Ramsey Archibald
AL.com
Judges’ comments: What an astonishing revelation: A small Alabama town has turned into an extortion racket run by its cops. Force surges in size, acquires a tank and drug dogs. Visitors and residents are festooned with tickets for the most minor of violations. Within days of publication, the police chief was out as was half the force. So many gold nuggets are to be found in this remarkable series.
Second Place
“Danger on the Docks”
Thad Moore and Jennifer Berry Hawes
The Post and Courier
Third Place
“Cash Not Care”
Cary Spivak and Mary Spicuzza
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Public service in newspapers in top 20 media market
First Place
“Tracked”
The Associated Press staff
The Associated Press
Judge’s comments: This impressive, expansive package is a valuable primer for anyone with a phone, who steps outside, who orders something online. We are being watched. The rise of AI is an ever-changing, ever-evolving reality, and these stories highlighted how this tool can impact our individual rights as parents, POC, activists and community members. In other words, all of us.
Second Place
“Cal State: Failing Women”
Kenny Jacoby
USA Today
Third Place
“Leaked Racist Tape Upends L.A. Politics”
Los Angeles Times Staff
Los Angeles Times
Public service in newspapers not in top 20 media market
First Place
“Google’s Water”
Mike Rogoway
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Judges’ comments: This city cut a water rights deal with Google at the expense of its own citizens and then went to court to avoid releasing the details publicly. The parties eventually settled and the Oregonian’s reporting on the consequences of the deal is outstanding. This series will no doubt lead to policy changes. But equally important are the questions it raises about the relationship between governments and companies they hope to attract /keep, especially with regard to transparency.
Second Place
“Transfer Tax”
Eli Segall
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Third Place
“Racism in the KCPD”
Glenn E. Rice, Katie Moore and Luke Nozicka
The Kansas City Star
Editorial cartoons
First Place
Clay Bennett
Chattanooga Times Free Press
Judges’ comments: Artistic expression, message and significance were wrapped up nicely in this submission, generating a-ha moments, sadness and relevance. The clarity and simplicity of the artwork was excellent and the variety of topics demonstrated the depth and breadth of news events in 2022.
Second Place
Adam Zyglis
The Buffalo News
Third Place
Michael Ramirez
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Journalistic innovation
First Place
“SFNext”
Jonathan Krim, Laura Wenus, Noah Arroyo, Cintia Lopez, Gary Baca, Adriana Rezal and Audrey Brown
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: The San Francisco Chronicle devoted massive resources to try and help solve some of the intransigent problems of San Francisco. Through a series of innovative online and in-person communication methods they are showing how solutions journalism can be applied on a large scale. It will be great to see results on this continuing project.
Second Place
“My Take by Kristin Brey”
Kristin Brey, Bill Schulz and David Haynes
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Third Place
“Shape Your L.A.”
Los Angeles Times Staff
Los Angeles Times
Best political coverage
First Place
“Kansas Decides”
Katie Bernard, Jonathan Shorman and Kevin Hardy
Kansas City Star
Judges’ comments: In a strong smorgasbord of political coverage, The Kansas City Star brought insight into three significant public issues. Included in the entry we learned that Kansas cut what appears to be a bad deal for economic development; the high-profile case of a legal prosecution gone awry and an excellent look at the role of churches in the abortion debate.
Second Place
Dallas Morning News staff
Dallas Morning News
Third Place
“Money & Influence in Pennsylvania”
Angela Couloumbis
Spotlight PA
MAGAZINES
Coverage of a major news event or topic
First Place
“The Long Goodbye”
Geoff Colvin
Fortune Media
Judges’ comments: “The Long Goodbye” brought force the realities of McDonald’s decision to leave Russian in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. It was a stunning decision for the Golden Arches to walk away from a significant portion of its world-wide business. The writing was fluid and the reporting detailed.
Second Place
“On the 10th Green at Pinetree”
Brian Burnsed
Sports Illustrated
Third Place
“Xi’s Police State in the U.S.”
Didi Kirsten Tatlow
Newsweek
Feature writing by an individual on a variety of subjects
First Place
“Tall Order”
Brian Burnsed
Sports Illustrated
Judges’ comments: Mavericks 7’6″ center Shawn Bradley’s career ends in a bicycle crash. Paralyzed from chest down, he sets a daily goal of getting from wheelchair to bed without assistance. Reported without sentimentality.
Second Place
“TikTok Troubles”
Olivia Carville
Bloomberg
Third Place
“‘I’m the Operator’: The Aftermath of a Self-Driving Tragedy”
Lauren Smiley
WIRED
Speciality News Coverage
First Place
“The Crypto Story”
Matt Levine
Bloomberg
Judges’ comments: Bloomberg’s crypto story offered newbies to the field a primer on understanding what crypto is all about and how far and wide it reaches. The digital graphics and illustrations added the needed to the reader’s understanding.
Second Place
“Cosmopolitan: The Mental Health Issue”
Cosmopolitan staff
Cosmopolitan
Third Place
“Neuralink Wants to Get Inside Your Head”
Jeremy Kahn and Jonathan Vanian
Fortune Media
In-depth Story or Series on a Major News Event
First Place
“It’s Not Over”
Cosmopolitan staff
Cosmopolitan
Judges’ comments: “It’s Not Over” report on 2022 reproductive rights examines the fight for abortion services in multiple delivery venues. The rising expense of abortion procedures along with the heartbreak of turning patients away and forcing them to travel significant distances is also covered.
Second Place
“Cocaine Express”
Bloomberg Staff
Bloomberg
Third Place
“The road to Jan. 6 ran through St. Louis”
Paul Wagman
Gateway Journalism Review
PHOTOGRAPHY AND GRAPHICS FOR DAILY NEWSPAPER, MAGAZINES, NEWS SERVICE AND SYNDICATES
Spot news photography
First Place
“Evacuation”
Evgeniy Maloletka
The Associated Press
Judges’ comments: The civilian casualties of war are captured by AP photographer Evgeniy Maloletka as we see an injured pregnant woman rushed to a hospital on a stretcher through the rubble of a bombed out city, only to lose her baby and her life.
Second Place
“Fleeing War”
Emilio Morenatti
The Associated Press
Third Place
“Funeral for FDNY firefighter Jesse Gerhard of Islip”
Alejandra Villia Loarca
Newsday
Feature photography
First Place
“Holi Dance”
Mark Graves
The Oregonian/OregonLive
Judges’ comments: A perfect moment of celebration that was well composed, showed jubilation, and filled with color.
Second Place
“Prayers for the Ukraine”
Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday
Third Place
“Evening Wave”
Leonard Ortiz
Southern California News Group
Sports action or sports feature photography
First Place
“Broken Bat”
Keith Birmingham
Southern California News Group
Judges’ comments: OUCH! A broken bat flies through the mask of the home plate umpire and sends him to the hospital. Keith’s picture captures the moment the bat strikes his face.
Second Place
“Ain’t That a Kick in the Head”
Hans Gutknecht
Southern California News Group
Third Place
“Mo Donegal”
Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday
Individual photo portfolio
First Place
Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday
Judges’ comments: Thomas A. Ferrara – with a sports-heavy portfolio – wins the individual portfolio because his pictures capture great moments which are both well composed and fun to view. His subjects come to life through their gyrations and antics.
Second Place
Tom Fox
Dallas Morning News
Third Place
Alejandra Villa Loarca
Newsday
Staff photo portfolio
First Place
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel staff
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judges’ comments: The staff portfolio award goes to Milwaukee because every picture in the entry was good-to-great, which elevated it above its competition.
Second Place
Dallas Morning News staff
Dallas Morning News
Third Place
“Dunia, A Journey of Courage”
Newsday Staff
Newsday
Single day photo story
First Place and BEST IN SHOW
“Hollywood’s Finest”
Christina House
Los Angeles Times
Judges’ comments: An epic tale of Mckenzie Trahan’s love, loss, drugs, motherhood & homelessness on the streets of Los Angeles told through the lens of Christina House. We follow Mckenzie for more than two years as she struggles with her addictions, overcomes them, gives birth, loses her child, returns to the streets and eventually gets off the street and into an apartment.
Second Place
“The Fight Against COVID, a Chaplain Says, Unfolded on ‘Sacred Ground'”
Francine Orr
Los Angeles Times
Third Place
“A Month of Terror in Bucha, Ukraine”
Erin Trieb
Insider
Multiple day photo story
First Place
“Fatal Dose: A City’s Fentanyl Failure”
The Chronicle Staff
San Francisco Chronicle
Judges’ comments: San Francisco is ravaged by the deadly scourge of fentanyl. This portfolio slams you in the face again and again with visual manifestation of the human wreckage fentanyl addiction inflicts. From death to desperation, these pictures show the impact of the epidemic.
Second Place
“Destination Williamsport, Scenes from the 2022 Little League World Series”
Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday
Third Place
“Quiet and Sadness in Uvalde”
Maye-E Wong, Dario Lopez-Mills and Jae C. Hong
The Associated Press
Portrait
First Place
“Roz Stafford-Grady smokes a cigar”
Tom Fox
Dallas Morning News
Judges’ comments: Tom Fox’s portrait brings new meaning to a “smoke filled room” as cigar bar owner Roz Stafford-Grady puffs proudly on her cigar.
Second Place
“Portrait of Nafiah Ikram”
J. Conrad Williams Jr.
Newsday
Third Place
“Smokey in Red”
Jovanny Hernandez
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Pictorial
First Place
“Ice Bridge”
Mike De Sisti
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Judges’ comments: Pictorial excellence displays great composition, textures, contrasts and moments. This aerial photo showing a bridge spanning an icy river has all the stuff of a great pictorial image.
Second Place
“Citi Field”
Thomas A. Ferrara
Newsday
Third Place
“Wildfire Haze”
Kristyna Wentz-Graff
OPB