Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Winchester Star Entry Title: One person shot, two suspects at large after shooting outside Winchester Sheetz Entry Credit: Max Bachmann Judge Comment: An EXCELLENT example of breaking news coverage done right by C. Max Bachmann, who weaved together on scene interviews with witnesses (great of him to go to the scene), police comments/statements and photos of the immediate aftermath of the shooting. His lead graph was great - telling readers the most important parts of this story asap, that a person had been wounded and their medical status and that 2 suspects were wanted and being looked for and a brief mention of type of incident with date, location. Article flowed well, and this entry clearly met all the criteria of contest judging rules robustly and to a "T." Thanks for a great effort & kudos to Bachmann for getting onto the scene fast enough to interview witnesses. Bravo!!
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The News & Advance Entry Title: Community reacts to death of Charlie Kirk Entry Credit: Justin Faulconer, Madi Kirkman Judge Comment: Clear second place honoree in this judge's opinion. I thought the instant reaction to getting to students and getting those reactions and how it tied to the Liberty University campus was well done. Getting to campus to get authentic photographs was also well done and helpful. A side element of this coverage is simply the newpaper covering this reaction. I can speak from experience that not many newsrooms cared about this news incident, let alone covered it in a respectful manner. Big kudos to that aspect. Liked the end portion with assorted political figure reactions, including a Democrat who likely opposed Kirk as many of them did. Thank you!!
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: The Winchester Star Entry Title: Clarke County pair among D.C. airport chaplains offering comfort following crash Entry Credit: Mickey Powell Judge Comment: A nice, alternative article that didn't follow normal "breaking news" formula - reporting on the mental and spiritual health response to a tragic air disaster by telling community of two local chaplains who went to help. Not too long, but has needed elements to nab 3rd place. Good stuff. Thank you!
Competition Comment: Three placing articles exhibited good breaking news "chops" and followed contest criteria for this category. The 1st place winning article is a masterclass in breaking news coverage, from its lead graph down through the entire article. That reporter got to scene, took good photos and got eyewitness interviews all while telling readers all the info they needed about this local shooting. In 2nd place, I give credit to the 2 reporters and editors for having courage many newspapers across nation did not in covering the assassination of Charlie Kirk with coverage of reaction at local university which Kirk had ties to. Many newspapers ignored, downplayed or did disrespectful coverage of this assassination, not your team. Overall, good entries top to bottom. Thank you.
