Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Washington Times Entry Title: Reporting on Secret Service's failures related to the assassination attempt of the life of former President Trump in Butler County, Pennsylvania Entry Credit: Lindsey McPherson Judge Comment: Simply stated: Exceptional reporting/sourcing, writing! None better in this competition! This reporter's account wins nothing. It EARNS everything--Depth, detail,
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Washington Post Entry Title: Coverage of the failed bid to move the Wizards to Virginia Entry Credit: Gregory Schneider, Jonathan O'Connell, Teo Armus, Michael Brice-Saddler, Meagan Flynn, Laura Vozzella Judge Comment: A series steeped in promises and speculation takes readers through a range of economic and political motivations that lead to a "Las Vegas-style" outcome: WHAT PLAYS IN DC STAYS IN DC. Excellent reporting/writing provides readers with an inclusive narrative style: they are engaged witnesses to the action.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Roanoke Times Entry Title: Laurence Hammack, Mountain Valley Pipeline coverage Entry Credit: Laurence Hammack Judge Comment: Excellent writing/reporting on a multi-year pipeline construction project this entry followed. Balanced sourcing from regulatory agencies to individuals affected by the environmental impact of the project provide readers with a comprehensive account of the project's progress through the communities affected.
Competition Comment: Tremendous enterprise reporting among these entries! The personalized messages should have engaged readers not just with the details, but with how the messages affect the communities and lives they represent. Balance is critical in the success of these entries, especially the honorees. This judge looked for the engaging elements; after all the messages are for readers, along with the subjects featured.
