Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Progress-Index Entry Title: The murder of Irvo Otieno Entry Credit: Bill Atkinson Judge Comment: Irvo Otieno's story needs to be told. He needs to be remembered. The community deserves justice and change. These stories lay out all of that with as much detail as the authorities are unable to hide. The writing is strong and clear. Well done. Easily the strongest in the field.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: 'Are they hiding something?': Calls grow louder for UVa to release review of 2022 shooting Entry Credit: Jason Armesto Judge Comment: This reporter does a commendable job of getting experts on the record to show why the university's pretexts for hiding publicly commissioned report do not hold water. Good public service.
Note: Rating should be 9, not 7. I hit a wrong button.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: A historically Black church is now an event space. Who decides if it's gentrification? Entry Credit: Alice Berry , Reynolds Hutchins Judge Comment: Very good job of representing all perspectives. The dive into the site's history is especially relevant. Years pass, things change. This story lets the reader decide which changes are appropriate.
Competition Comment: A strong field. A couple of entries could compete well in other categories.
