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For immediate release
5/18/11

Awards of Excellence: Phoenix, Burlington, Vineland win top watchdog awards

In the first-quarter Awards of Excellence contest, 46 newspapers were cited for excellent work. In Division I, The Arizona Republic won three first-place awards; and the Detroit Free Press was cited as a finalist in all six categories. In Division II, the Tallahassee Democrat won two first-place awards with The Burlington Free Press and the Poughkeepsie Journal cited as a finalist in four categories. In Division III, the Star-Gazette at Elmira, the Pacific Daily News in Guam and the Iowa City Press-Citizen were cited as finalists in three categories.

Judges were: Randy Brubaker, managing editor, The Des Moines Register; John Dye, executive editor, Green Bay Press-Gazette; Maricarrol Kueter, executive editor, Argus Leader at Sioux Falls; David Ledford, executive editor, The News Journal at Wilmington; and Brian Tolley, executive editor, The Daily Advertiser at Lafayette, La.

The winners and finalists are:

WATCHDOG JOURNALISM

DIVISION I

First Place

The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Craig Harris and Dennis Wagner, reporters; Pat Flannery, editor

For Craig Harris and Dennis Wagner’s dogged reporting on Fiesta Bowl CEO John Junker and his management team, which exposed unethical and illegal conduct that put one of Arizona’s leading non-profits at risk. A Fiesta Bowl Special Committee, impaneled after the newspaper’s report, found outrageous examples of spending irregularities.

Judges said: “The committee’s investigation would never have occurred had the intrepid reporting of Harris and Wagner not held up to public scrutiny. And it held up with Junker publicly denying all wrongdoing until the very end. This work illustrates the power of gumshoe reporting — and the importance of a newspaper to stand behind its investigative efforts.”

Finalists

The Courier-Journal at Louisville
James Bruggers, environmental reporter

For James Bruggers’ investigation of the Louisville Metropolitan Sewer District, which showed that a company owned by the MSD chairman had been paid nearly $600,000 in five years – without any competitive bidding. The investigation detailed “disturbing” financial connections involving two other MSD officials.

Judges said: “The impact was immediate and extensive. With six days of publication, the MSD chairman resigned, its vice president announced his resignation and a third official was asked by the mayor to resign. MSD adopted a new, stricter ethics policy. This was classic watchdog journalism at its best.”

Detroit Free Press
Todd Spangler, Washington bureau

For Todd Spangler’s report on how members of Congress increased staff salaries by 5 percent in 2010, despite high unemployment and talk in Congress about the nation’s debt, clearly exposing the hypocrisy of elected officials. Facebook and Twitter were used to drive the conversation. A custom database served as the bedrock for this important work.

Judges said: “This report put into perspective the generous raises given staffers of the Michigan delegation and paved the way for other news outlets to examine how their representatives are behaving during this fiscal crisis. Smart reporting executed well.”

The News Journal at Wilmington
Maureen Milford and Jeff Montgomery, staff writers

For Maureen Milford and Jeff Montgomery’s stories which employed old school gumshoeing and wise use of FOIA to show readers how Delaware Department of Transportation decisions enriched wealthy developers at taxpayers’ expense. In one example, the reporters uncovered a $6.5 million secret land deal struck with a car dealer.

Judges said: “This ongoing investigation spurred reforms for better transparency in the way government operates and led to the ouster of the transportation cabinet secretary and her two top aides. Well done.”

The Cincinnati Enquirer
Barry Horstman and Jane Prendergast, reporters

For stories on how the City of Cincinnati is experiencing daunting financial challenges at the same time as the city’s pension system was facing a $1 billion-plus shortfall. Reporters Barry Horstman and Jane Prendergast spell out the consequences of having a generous retirement benefits and the effects of various policies, including one that allows city employees to bank weeks of sick leave and vacation that turn into extra payments at retirement.

Judges said: “These writers clearly spell out how the city’s policies and budget practices affect the financial health of the city. There is no confusion that tough decisions need to be made, and the newspaper helped the community understand that.”

WATCHDOG JOURNALISM

DIVISION II

First Place

The Burlington Free Press
Sam Hemingway, reporter

For Sam Hemingway’s coverage of a Vermont town’s $100,000 settlement in a sexual harassment lawsuit. The lawsuit, brought by a former town administrator, accused some members of the town’s selectboard. The reporter navigated obstacles to acquire settlement documents, including a draft lawsuit detailing the charges. The stories led to the resignation of two board members and fostered discussion on the subject across other Vermont communities.

Judges said: “Sexual harassment is a difficult subject for a reporter to tackle, especially in a small community. But Sam Hemingway’s dedicated search for information in this case resulted in superb public service reporting. Hemingway was confronted with a variety of suppression efforts as he pursued the story.”

Finalists

Wausau Daily Herald
Keith Uhlig, reporter

For a report on teachers in area school districts who took part in ‘sick-outs’ in protest of a state effort to cut bargaining rights. The newspaper secured and published the teachers’ names. Attention to the situation led the school administration to create an affidavit process for teachers to self report on whether they were really sick.

Judges said: “The Wausau Daily Herald waded into the middle of a volatile debate when it sought these names. More than half the teachers in the Wausau School District were absent, which forced school administrators to close school for the day. This is a good example of a newspaper asking hard questions and fostering public debate.”

Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Megan Luther, reporter

For Megan Luther’s report on how liability claims are paid out by the city of Sioux Falls. Luther’s analysis showed the city had paid three times as much in claims in 2010 than in 2009, primarily due to damages claimed after a sewer pipe break. Since the story’s publication, city officials have discussed changes in the claims process.

Judges said: “This story demonstrates how dedicated, aggressive watchdog reporting efforts executed over months can pay off. The Argus Leader’s reporting caused city officials to review policies for reviewing and paying liability claims and raised questions about a publicly funded risk pool for larger claims against local governments.”

Asheville Citizen-Times
Mark Barrett and Jon Ostendorff, reporters

For an analysis of public pay documents that revealed Buncombe County Commissioners were earning more than any other county board in the state. Commissioners received modest pay increases but also benefited from substantial travel and technology allowances. After the Citizen-Times report, the county slashed the stipends in half.

Judges said: “These reporters did an excellent job looking beyond the county commission’s relatively small, budgeted salary increases and uncovering a lucrative system of allowances and reimbursements for commissioners. The reporting launched a community discussion and drew an immediate change in the practice.”

Poughkeepsie Journal
Mary Beth Pfeiffer, projects writer

For an investigation that showed water users in the Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority pay twice for their water usage, and some, who use their own well water instead of public water, also are assessed.

Judges said: “This package offers an example of the rewards to be gained from dedicated, detail-sensitive reporting on public agencies. Water authorities are not the sexiest of topics to examine, but Mary Beth Pfeiffer’s work in this package shows such efforts can be fruitful. This story exposed abnormalities in assessments and billing policies.”

WATCHDOG JOURNALISM

DIVISION III

First Place

The Daily Journal at Vineland
Kristi Funderburk, reporter

For a report that exposed how a car dealer with close ties to the mayor had managed to run his business for years in violation of the city’s zoning rules.

Judges said: “Using a strong mix of investigative reporting and open-records requests, the reporter pulled on one string involving a zoning complaint and proceeded to unravel a fascinating tale of incompetence and perceived preferential treatment. The result: The car dealer had to be in compliance, and a city councilman called for an investigation into the matter.”

Finalists

Star-Gazette at Elmira
Jason Whong, staff writer

For a report on how the police department had inaccurate information on its Web site about what kinds of records the public had the right to access. In response, the city immediately changed the information to match the state’s FOI law.

Judges said: “The newspaper’s reporting not only shined a light on the issue and raised public awareness, but the city admitted its error and the process for handling FOI requests was shifted to the city clerk. Great catch by a sharp-eyed reporter.”

The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Lauren Foreman and Tajuana Cheshier, reporters

For a report on a city councilman who did not have the right to run for office because of a felony conviction in his youth. The reports examined the situation, which prompted other questions related to school system job applications and how he had applied to have his rights restored.

Judges said: “An excellent job of following the paper trail to expose a public official who had misled voters and lied to his employer. A nice touch was the paper’s posting of the councilman’s job applications on its Web site. The councilman lost his council spot and his job.”

Iowa City Press-Citizen
Emily Schettler, reporter; Tricia Brown, features editor; Ben Roberts, photographer

For a partnership with the Iowa Center for Public Affairs Journalism on a report that highlights the issues and obstacles that has the city in the midst of an affordable housing crisis.

Judges said: “An extremely thorough and fully layered package that lays out in understandable language what can go wrong and why with affordable housing. Excellent job of putting real faces on a complex subject.”

Pacific Daily News, Guam
Steve Limtiaco, projects/data editor

For a report that holds newly elected lawmakers accountable, comparing their first few months in office with their pre-election promises.

Judges said: “A good idea meticulously detailed and fairly presented. The package noted how only one senator had kept his word on the first bill he would introduce once elected. An excellent piece of research that is certain to have lawmakers careful about what they promise.”

BREAKING NEWS

DIVISION I

First Place

The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
The Arizona Republic staff, azcentral.com, KPNX-12 News

For coverage of the Jan. 8 shooting outside a Tucson Safeway store that would claim six lives and leave 13 people wounded. Information was posted online within minutes of the shooting. In the first 24 hours, the effort included more than 90 social media reports, frequent online updates, strong photos, video and 13 pages of in-depth reporting in the next day’s newspaper.

Judges said: “The staffs of The Arizona Republic, azcentral.com and KPNX-12 News joined forces for a textbook example of how to cover breaking news. Readers not only got the latest news, but rich detail and needed context. Of special note is that even as conflicting reports arose about the status of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, the newspaper resisted the temptation to report as fact that Giffords was dead.”

Finalists

The Journal News at Westchester
Shawn Cohen, Terence Corcoran, Jane Lerner, reporters; Frank Becerra Jr., photographer; Chris Brown, artist; and staff

For comprehensive online and print coverage of a March 12 crash of a tour bus on I-95 at the Westchester County-Bronx border. The crash claimed the lives of 15 people and injured 17 others.

Judges said: “The Journal News brought together all the tools at its disposal in reporting on this tragic accident. It gave readers comprehensive, richly detailed reporting online and in print. Of special note is the print edition main bar by reporters Cohen, Corcoran and photographer Becerra.”

The Courier-Journal at Louisville
Courier-Journal Information Center and multimedia staff

For comprehensive coverage of a fatal plant explosion in Louisville’s Rubbertown area. The entry used digital updates, online reporting tools and a comprehensive print report to cover this story.

Judges said: “When official Louisville dropped the ball in giving city residents timely information about the potential health risks of a fatal explosion, the Courier-Journal stepped up to provide frequent social media and online updates to inform anxious residents who lived nearby. This entry combines strong use of digital tools, compelling visual elements in print and online and a print edition with rich detail and skillful writing.”

The Cincinnati Enquirer
Enquirer staff

For deep, quality online and print coverage of opening day for the community’s beloved Cincinnati Reds.

Judges said: “From the first social media update to the print edition, readers learned why opening day is more than a mere baseball game. The entry — updates, video, compelling photos and richly detailed reporting and writing — captured the spirit of what the newspaper described as an unofficial holiday in Cincinnati.”

Detroit Free Press
Michael Rosenberg, columnist; Mark Snyder, sports writer; and staff

For timely coverage of the hiring of Brady Hoke as the University of Michigan’s new head football coach.

Judges said: “Despite an adversarial relationship with the University of Michigan, the Detroit Free Press got an early jump on the hiring of the university’s new football coach and offered blanket coverage in the ensuing 24 hours. This entry tied all the elements together — social media alerts, online updates, video, photos and analysis — for a comprehensive report.”

BREAKING NEWS

DIVISION II

First Place

The Star Press at Muncie
Staff

For coverage of flash flooding throughout a five-county area that occurred in the middle of the night, days after a major ice storm.

Judges said: “Emergency officials responded poorly, but The Star Press sure didn’t. When flash flooding hit at 3 a.m., the newspaper staff was on it, having a special online page up and running by 4 a.m. Because the emergency officials dropped the ball, the newspaper became a vital contact to residents. Its social media efforts were credited with saving more than 100 animals at a flood rescue center. The Star Press shined when its community needed it the most.”

Finalists

The Burlington Free Press
Staff

For timely and compelling coverage of the most intense snowstorm of winter, with 26 inches or more stranding people in their homes.

Judges said: “The Free Press’s coverage of this snowstorm differentiated itself with its storytelling and its Facebook-generated photo gallery. A great story about how neighbors help neighbors and one man’s 90-minute walk to work raised the bar.”

Poughkeepsie Journal
Staff

For coverage of the shooting death of a police officers during a domestic violence dispute. A digital blitz highlighted by a Twitter feed allowed the community to collectively mourn the loss.

Judges said: “The Journal owned this story with an authoritative, constantly evolving report in the first 24 hours. The coverage included strong reporting that put together the pieces of the breaking story and made smart, vibrant use of Twitter for community conversation.”

Wausau Daily Herald
Jeff Starck, reporter

For wire-to-wire coverage of a major murder trial, highlighted by a daily live blog and video.

Judges said: “Reporter Jeff Starck’s blog captured each twist and turn and became the go-to source for up-to-the-minute updates. The victim’s father contacted Jeff and the newspaper to compliment the blog, telling out-of-state friends and family to follow the blog if they really wanted to know what it was like inside the courtroom.”

Green Bay Press-Gazette
Staff

For all-out coverage of the Green Bay Packers’ Super Bowl win.

Judges said: “This thorough online report supplemented by an extensive print presence showcases excellent coverage of the newspaper’s franchise subject. A full complement of live chats, blogs, text alerts and more was a sports fan’s heaven.”

BREAKING NEWS

DIVISION III

First Place

The Reporter at Fond du Lac
Patrick Flood, photographer; Russell Plummer, Laurie Ritger and Colleen Kottke, reporters; Peggy Bresiter, news editor; Keith Vandervort, page designer

For coverage of an early-morning incident in which a gunman opened fire on police. Text alerts, story updates, photo galleries, video and social media tools alerted residents to the situation. Total page views for the day topped 1 million — a 900 percent gain over a typical Sunday.

Judges said: “The Reporter’s continuous news coverage of this daylong, tragic event showed urgency and great depth. Online updates were a step ahead of what police were officially saying for much of the morning, but with carefully attributed information. Video reports effectively blended strong images with audio from police sources. Print coverage was extensive.”

Finalists

Star-Gazette at Elmira
Roger Neumann, Jennifer Kingsley, Jason Whong, Jeff Murray, staff writers; John Catlett, graphic artist; Christine Sulat, night editor; Peggy Ridosh, librarian/news assistant; Lois Wilson, managing editor/general manager

For coverage of a home explosion in the Horseheads neighborhood. The Elmira staff used Twitter, text alerts, online updates and cell phone photos to alert the community. The next day’s newspaper reported on the death of a 2-year-old boy and pushed hard on a key angle: whether New York State Electric & Gas Corp. officials responded urgently to tips of a gas leak.

Judges said: “The Star-Gazette’s news team owned this fatal explosion story, with its digital coverage and in print. They started asking hard questions of the gas company early in the reporting process and used a range of tools to deliver news from official sources and from eye-witnesses.”

The Daily Times at Salisbury
Deborah Gates, reporter; Amanda Rippen White, photographer and videographer

For coverage of a freight train and minivan collision at a busy intersection. An initial online alert was posted within minutes, followed by a story, photos and video.

Judges said: “The staff’s efforts here shined, especially the smart decision to shoot video of the crash aftermath and urgency in getting it posted. The staff used Twitter, Facebook and e-mail alerts, then followed with a strong front-page package in print.”

The Sheboygan Press
Nhia Yang, assistant editor/digital; Dave Lubach, online editor; Bob Petrie, assistant editor/print; Eric Litke, Dan Benson, reporters

For coverage of the wild scene at the Wisconsin statehouse after newly elected Gov. Scott Walker unveiled his budget proposals. Coverage included Twitter, video and life chats.

Judges said: “The digital efforts of the Sheboygan Press staff were impressive, with standup reporting in videos from assistant editor Nhia Yang. There was smart use of the interactive live chat that was fed by Tweets from staff members at the scene.”

The Marion Star
Staff

For immediate coverage of middle-of-the-night tornado warnings and flooding. The staff used live chat and photo galleries to provide information to online readers, and followed with nearly 3 pages of strong coverage in print.

Judges said: “When a powerful storm blew through Marion in the middle of the night, the Star’s staff knew what to do. They launched a live chat in the middle of the night that totaled more than 5,000 readers, and updates and galleries led to a record day for page views.”

BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION I

First Place

The Desert Sun at Palm Springs
Kate McGinty, reporter

For Kate McGinty’s dogged reporting on a $250,000 deal the city of Desert Hot Springs made with a festival promoter. McGinty demonstrated fatal flaws in the contract between the city and promoter and raised questions about the promoter’s ability to deliver. Ultimately, the city fired the promoter and asked for an audit of how the money was spent.

Judges said: “The work started with a Sunday watchdog package that raised questions about the deal the city made with the promoter. The spotlight on this contract spurred city officials to fire the promoter, but the reporting didn’t stop there. The reporter then focused on why the city was trying to fast-track the next contract. This is a great example of dogged beat work.”

Finalists

Asbury Park Press
Larry Higgs and Jean Mikle, transportation beat reporters

For work using open-records laws to show that New Jersey’s two transportation agencies were paying out millions of dollars to workers for unused sick time and vacation days. Online databases showed how much extra pay each worker had collected. The reporting led to New Jersey transit officials suspending such payments to some workers. The governor called for a halt to the practice.

Judges said: “This effort started with a strong Sunday watchdog story and resulted in the governor calling payouts to more than 1,700 workers an abuse of public money. The searchable databases were a valuable digital tool for readers.”

The News Journal at Wilmington
Cris Barrish, Chad Livengood, Wade Malcolm, staff reporters

For a series of reports into the death of a high-profile Vietnam veteran whose body was found in a Wilmington landfill. This work exemplified determined beat reporting. The News Journal’s investigation went around mum official sources to find neighbors and others who could document the veteran’s troubled final days and hours.

Judges said: “The News Journal pushed hard on this mysterious death to show the community why it should care about the life of a veteran whose final days were apparently marred by a bipolar disorder and a neighborhood feud. Resourceful reporting described the man’s final hours and the tense battles among preservationists in one of Delaware’s historic communities.”

Detroit Free Press
Chastity Pratt Dawsey and Peggy Walsh-Sarnecki, education writers; Kristi Tanner-White, data analyst/reporter

For strong, well-documented reports on two tough topics: grade-fixing and cheating on test scores. The Free Press’ work in both situations led to city or state officials launching their own investigations into practices in the public schools.

Judges said: “These reports blended compelling stories from educators, irrefutable data and strong print presentation. Reporters and editors worked for months to get the right mix of sources and evidence for the stories. The final product shows that strong legwork in the field pays off.”

The Des Moines Register
Jason Clayworth, Jennifer Jacobs and Clark Kauffman, public service reporters

For the Des Moines Register’s strong enterprise and watchdog reporting on the changing priorities and new proposals as Republicans took control of the Iowa governor’s office and House. A significant digital component – an Iowa Politics beat blog – had more than 800 posts. The Register used Document Cloud to present resumes to show how the new governor filled key positions and posted audio of more than a dozen statehouse prayers to accompany an enterprise story on whether the prayers were appropriate.

Judges said: “The Register’s public service team had a strong mix of work — breaking news, fast-turn enterprise and watchdog reporting. Their digital efforts went beyond the routine and truly added new dimensions to enterprise stories.”

BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION II

First Place

Tallahassee Democrat
Jennifer Portman, senior writer

For coverage of a riveting murder trial of a 64-year-old drifter accused of killing and dismembering a local woman. Reporter Jennifer Portman showed a deep understanding of a complicated case that involved another murder in Georgia.

Judges said: “Portman put readers in the courtroom where the chilling, compelling testimony unfolded for seven days. The narrative she crafted helped readers see the psychopath who abducted a Sunday school teacher and held her captive two days before taking her life, then cutting off her head and hands. An awful murder; a story well told.”

Finalists

The Burlington Free Press
Candace Page, environmental reporter

For Candace Page’s stories on environment issues, people and animals that help to show how special Vermont is. Page brings a strong storytelling trait to wide-ranging subjects, including a massive die-off of bats, the passionate views over wind-turbine farms and the effects of all-too-common petroleum spills.

Judges said: “Reporter Candace Page gets the vibe that makes Vermont special. Her understanding of environmental topics is evident in the impressive range of work submitted. Page chronicles complex topics that Vermonters are extraordinarily passionate about. Good show.”

Poughkeepsie Journal
Mary Beth Pfeiffer, projects writer, and Mary Huber, intern

For Mary Beth Pfeiffer’s deep reporting on an increase in prison suicides, and the state of New York’s lax attitude in addressing them.

Judges said: “This work illustrates well a reporter who has an excellent understanding of the beat she covers. Mary Beth Pfeiffer’s work is a call to action, pointing out that the suicide rate in 2010 was the highest in 28 years, and that solitary confinement adds to the risk.”

Green Bay Press-Gazette
Scott Williams, reporter

For Scott Williams’ stories examining how Green Bay officials spend tax dollars. The work focused on issues ranging from money spent on a court battle, the purchase of Super Bowl tickets and day-to-day use of a state office building.

Judges said: “Reporter Scott Williams knows his turf and he writes with authority — be it questionable awards of Super Bowl tickets to public officials or the way a home for sex offenders operates out of public view. Williams uses FOIA to good effect. He chases daily stories that have high impact. Precisely what a good reporter ought to do.”

Great Falls Tribune
Karl Puckett, reporter

For Karl Puckett’s stories that examine issues about the West. Puckett writers about how beetles are savaging timber in Montana forests, the ban of motorized vehicles on Blackhawk land and efforts by members of the Blackfeet Tribe fighting for a class-action lawsuit over mismanagement of land royalties.

Judges said: “Karl Puckett understands the West. Regardless of the topic, his work speaks with authority. And his writing is imbued with historical perspective to help readers see issues clearly. Well done.”

BEAT REPORTING

DIVISION III

First Place

Fort Collins Coloradoan
Robert Moore, editor and political reporter

Robert Moore started with a complaint from a local Republican that the Larimer County GOP was being less than candid about campaign finance reporting irregularities. He soon learned that more than one county political organization had not complied with state law.

Judges said: “Moore’s mining of public records and on-the-record interviews quickly yielded a treasure of stories about the failure of county-level political parties to take proper actions. His digging found three different local parties — two Republican and one Democratic — had not filed necessary spending reports and faced significant fines from the state.”

Finalists

Chillicothe Gazette
Jona Ison, staff writer

For Jona Ison’s police and courts coverage that focused on the growing grip of drugs on many aspects of life in the Chillicothe area.

Judges said: “The depth of Ison’s work is noteworthy. From breaking news about drug raids to the impact of abuse of prescription drugs and inhalants, this reporter shines a light on what Gov. John Kasich’s described as ‘… the evil that lurks in this county.’ “

Pacific Daily News, Guam
Brett Kelman, reporter

For Brett Kelman’s reporting on the payment of a $300,000 settlement to avoid a malpractice suit, which soon widened to other aspects at troubled Guam Memorial Hospital.

Judges said: “Kelman’s pursuit of how a seven-year-old boy’s broken leg would lead to amputation of the child’s limb produced a series of stories ranging from Guam Memorial Hospital’s handling of the case, its payment of $2.4 million in settlements since 2006 and whether Guam should change liability caps last adjusted 27 years ago.”

The Leaf-Chronicle at Clarksville
Brian Eason, city government reporter

For a selection of Brian Eason’s work covering city government issues ranging from the appointment of a former mayor to head the city’s power utility and the review of an audit of a local agency. Eason shows the ability to dig through public documents and ask questions.

Judges said: “Eason’s work shines a light on the operation of city government. Of special note is his relentless effort in reporting that the city utility board skirted rules in hiring the former mayor and may have violated Tennessee’s Sunshine Law in the process.”

The Sheboygan Press
Josh Lintereur, reporter

For Josh Lintereur’s stories about jobs and employment in the Sheboygan area, which demonstrates a clear understanding of the region’s economy and industry.

Judges said: “Lintereur’s background in accounting and finance clearly is on display in his series of stories about employment. Readers learned about topics ranging from retaining young professionals to the growing demand for trained workers in managing dairy herds. The work turns what could have a routine assignment into an insightful series.”

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

DIVISION I

First Place

The News Journal at Wilmington

Liz Harrod, Delaware Health editor, and Andre Smith, deputy new media editor

For the “Be Healthy Delaware Challenge,” a 10-week challenge to residents to be active for 150 minutes a week. Nearly 6,000 residents participated in a 5K walk to raise money for charity. The work fully leveraged Facebook, Twitter and other social media opportunities. A companion Web page offered resources, an activity log sheet and an accounting of total activity.

Judges said:is was a fun but meaningful project. The News Journal elevated the project by working with a partner on the 5K walk. This got results and allowed everyone to walk away with a sense of accomplishment.”

Finalists

The Courier-Journal at Louisville

Laura Ungar and Emily Hagedorn, reporters

For “Prescription for Tragedy,” a three-day series on Kentucky’s growing problem with prescription-drug abuse — its fatality rate has doubled in the last decade – which got the attention of the nation’s drug czar. The series showed that funding to combat abuse had been slashed, resulting in fewer police officers, counselors and treatment programs.

Judges said: “This powerful report put the issue squarely on the state and federal agenda. Through heart-breaking storytelling and strong research, the Courier-Journal spotlighted the dangerous combination of increasing deaths and declining funding to fight the abuse.”

The Des Moines Register

Rox Laird and Andie Dominick, senior editorial writers; Kelli Brown, artist; Tim Cochran, senior copy editor

For a special Opinion section dedicated to the issue of same-sex marriage, published after a move by lawmakers to amend the state Constitution picked up steam.

Judges said: “A thoughtful and moving compilation of four first-person essays added grace to a project anchored by a no-holds-barred courageous editorial urging Iowans to stand firm on civil rights. In an era when many fear angering their readership, the Register stood tall for what it believed in.”

Detroit Free Press

Chris Christoff, Lansing bureau chief; Dawson Bell, Lansing bureau; Tom Walsh, columnist; Barb Arrigo, editorial writer; Bob Campbell, politics editor

For coverage of the governor’s budget plan, which was a game-changer for Michigan and packed with controversial proposals. Using all platforms, the reporting team dissected the plan spelling out how the proposals would affect retirees, state workers, businesses, schoolchildren and aid to the poor. A moderated Web chat by the state budget director drew 180 questions from readers.

Judges said: “The budget plan was labeled a ‘re-invention’ of Michigan. The same could be said of the Free Press’ coverage, which could serve as a textbook for how to make government budget talks relevant, understandable and engaging. The coverage was enhanced by varied and strong editorial voice and served as a true example of journalism that served the best interests of the community.”

Reno Gazette-Journal

Staff

For the final package on “Reno 2020,” the Gazette-Journal’s agenda-setting work on the community and its future. The work spotlighted the region’s economic fragility. This community discussion, culminated with community forums identifying tangible steps that should be taken by elected leaders, education officials and development authorities.

Judges said: “An excellent example of solutions-based journalism, focusing on the area’s over-reliance on the gaming industry and ending with nine suggested action steps. Results were made more relevant when the newspaper, after a public forum, created breakout groups of community leaders to specifically focus on education, innovation, green energy and fiscal policy initiatives.”

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

DIVISION II

First Place

Poughkeepsie Journal

John Penney, community conversations editor

For a weekly editorial series on how domestic-violence arrests were being ignored. John Penney used strong original reporting, editorials and community columns to push for tougher penalties and broader programs to assist victims. After the work was published, the state Senate passed four bills designed to better protect victims.

Judges said: “This aggressive campaign was fueled by sound reporting and a renewed commitment to forcing change. When two women died in violent attacks after an initial appeal, the newspaper took on the challenge with energy. Penney’s research and interviews with victims and professionals allowed him to write with authority about needed changes. He also sought out 11 op-ed pieces from those who assist abuse victims and columns by victims themselves.”

Finalists

Journal & Courier at Lafayette, Ind.

Henry Howard, managing editor; Ron Wilkins, opinions editor

For an opinion page series, including editorial and guest columns, advocating the adoption of vote centers in the state. The packages included voting statistics and costs from three pilot counties and an online reader discussion urging legislators to approve the system.

Judges said: “The Journal & Courier effectively used the newspaper’s opinion pages to persuade lawmakers to allow regional vote centers. Solid reporting on staffing costs and voter turnout at three county pilot sites formed the basis for this editorial push. Important features of the three-day effort were the community contributions – from both county experts and readers. The effort helped persuade Indiana lawmakers to approve the vote centers for future elections.”

Gannett Wisconsin Media

Gannett Wisconsin Media staff

For “On Target?,” a report on Wisconsin’s deer management policies. The Wisconsin newspapers examined the recurring claims of mismanagement of the deer population by the state’s Department of Natural Resources. The reporters examined documents and talked to officials, hunters and others to test a popular perception that the deer population and the state’s proud hunting tradition were at risk.

Judges said: “This innovative package took the lead in a statewide conservation issue – the management of the deer population. Using in-depth reporting, a review of wildlife and hunting statistics and interviews with stakeholders, this package effectively laid out the realities of this hot-button issue. The report included hosted online live chats with reporters, informational graphics, statistics and photo galleries.”

Springfield News-Leader

Linda Leicht, reporter

For Linda Leicht’s stories, columns and editorials on the availability of cold-weather shelters for the homeless in Springfield. The work sparked the community to expand its shelter policies. In addition, the newspaper is pushing for a permanent emergency shelter to be built.

Judges said: “Churches and nonprofits have been providing shelter for the Springfield area homeless population. In this package, the News-Leader helped rally community support for changes to the shelter program on several levels — getting the volunteer centers to open sooner in the winter and pushing for a permanent emergency shelter to be built. This strong community leadership effort addressed the challenges, offered volunteer opportunities, shared personal accounts of life on the streets and pushed for change with strong editorial arguments.”

Pensacola News Journal

Travis Griggs, Thyrie Bland and Kris Wernowsky, reporters

For a report chronicling the criminal activity and decrepit living conditions along Frontera Circle, a relatively secluded neighborhood. The series showed how absentee landlords and criminal activity had reduced the street to a desperate scene. Stories and videos led officials to organize a cleanup involving more than 100 people. Law enforcement officials swept in with outstanding criminal warrants on a range of issues including code violations.

Judges said: “When reporters turned the light on a troubled and mostly forgotten city neighborhood, the community responded. The report tracked a history of violent crime, absentee landlords and safety concerns in the community and led to discussions about solutions. A video tour, detailed graphics and compelling interviews with residents sparked officials to take action.”

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP

DIVISION III

First Place

Stevens Point Journal

B.C. Kowalski

For news stories, editorials and a public forum on the future of a former downtown mall. With the city of Stevens Point at a critical juncture, the newspaper’s report helped the community decide what the best use of the property would be.

Judges said: “Community leadership often involves engaging city leaders and residents face to face in order to help improve understanding on important issues. Days before the community-wide vote on the mall project, the Stevens Point Journal’s public forum – held in the old mall building — allowed citizens to ask questions about the plan. Easy-to-understand news stories explained the financing issues, and editorials advocated for the mall referendum.”

Finalists

The Daily Times at Salisbury

Ted Shockley, Virginia news editor; Carol Vaughn, reporter

For The Eastern Shore News, a twice-weekly publication in the Delmarva Media Group, and its effective challenge to readers, a call to action in response to a community fitness challenge. News coverage and opinion pieces noted that 70 percent of the adults in the area were overweight, and the coverage helped enrollment in the program leap to more than 600 participants.

Judges said: “The Eastern Shore News took a three-pronged attack on an important issue — community fitness. The most effective piece may have been a column by editor Ted Shockley that used humor to show the personal sacrifices he and other community members would have to make.”

Pacific Daily News, Guam

Duane M. George, community editor

For the Pacific Daily News’ editorials steadfastly challenging new Guam Gov. Eddie Calvo and his administration to back up their talk on openness by making more information available to citizens and media.

Judges said: “Through banging a steady drumbeat on the opinion pages, the Daily News outlined specific areas in which citizens needed more information in order to understand how elected officials were looking out for their best interests.”

The Leaf-Chronicle at Clarksville

Brian Eason, city government reporter; Alane S. Megna, senior editor/community conversation; Richard V. Stevens, executive editor

For the Leaf-Chronicle’s aggressive reporting and forceful editorials about a decision by the local power board to hire a an ex-mayor to a $140,000-a-year position, despite a city law that prohibits elected officials from taking such positions for a year after leaving office.

Judges said: “The watchdog reporting of Brian Eason and the Leaf-Chronicle’s well-reasoned editorials combined to effectively outline questions about whether the hiring of the ex-mayor violated a city open-meetings laws and was a conflict of interest, especially since the mayor had appointed the board members. Eason kept the issue alive by advancing the story with new angles and public documents. Conversational yet forceful editorials raised legitimate questions, calling for the mayor to resign his position and for a special counsel to consider the case.”

The News-Star at Monroe

Staff

For the News-Star’s exclusive news reports and passionate editorials about congressional redistricting. They put a laser focus on whether the Monroe area would be the next congressman’s most important population base.

Judges said: “The News-Star appropriately demonstrated in news stories and editorials the need for northeastern Louisiana to keep a congressman who saw the region as his/her top priority. Greg Hilburn’s aggressive reporting, paired with the newspaper’s editorial positions, made it clear to readers that the News-Star was ahead of the issue.”

OUTSTANDING WRITING

DIVISION I

First Place

The Arizona Republic at Phoenix
Shaun McKinnon, reporter; Joshua Susong, story editor; and staff contributions

For Shaun McKinnon’s narrative that told the story of the Tucson shootings, which killed six people and wounded U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. The report, published in chapters, traced dozens of lives that would prove to be on a collision course. Another 10 staffers contributed to the report. The piece includes some of the final conversations among family members before the shooting, eyewitness accounts of the day and the text of the reading at the mass attended by federal judge John Roll just before his death — all reinforcing that strong storytelling starts with deep reporting.

Judges said: “This was a superb, magazine-quality effort that you couldn’t stop reading, even though you knew the ultimate outcome. Reporter Shaun McKinnon and editor Josh Susong effectively used cliffhangers that left readers hungering for the next chapter of this blockbuster. But most important, they had readers emotionally engaged in the stories of everyday Arizonians whose lives intertwined with Giffords on that tragic day.”

Finalists

The Indianapolis Star
Dan McFeely, reporter

For Dan McFeely’s story on Jacob Barnett, the 12-year-old boy math whiz. This unforgettable read was shared more than 100,000 times on Facebook and had nearly a half-million page views on the Star’s Web site. It is a story about a unique youth and included the challenges of having to explain the differences between autism and Asperger’s syndrome, as well as theories about physics and the creation of the universe.

Judges said: “Reporter Dan McFeely had the challenge of explaining how boy genius Jacob Barnett’s mind works. In a conversational style, McFeely showed readers how Jacob thinks — and what his parents have felt and thought as they progressed from worrying about a son who wouldn’t talk to them to helping nurture the inquisitive nature of a 12-year-old developing his own theories on quantum physics.”

Detroit Free Press
Jeff Seidel, staff writer

For Jeff Seidel’s poignant first-person story about the death of Wes Leonard, a star high school basketball player who had collapsed after making a winning shot. Seidel blended scenes from a heartbroken community with questions about family and mortality. “There is an old rule in sportswriting: No cheering in the press box,” Seidel wrote. “Thank God they didn’t say anything about crying.”

Judges said: “This is a story to which every reader can connect. This coverage includes all the emotional images of a town mourning a young death. But it went much further. Seidel spent time in Fennville and followed the high school team as it moved on to tournament games chronicling the tributes, moments of despair and all the shared emotions along the way. “

The Cincinnati Enquirer
Mark Curnutte, reporter

For Mark Curnette’s powerful story of an emergency room resident who discovers the patient he is treating is his wife, who was hit by a car while cycling. This couple’s journey through surgeries, physical therapy, emotional challenges and day-by-day progress is reflected in the emotions captured in this story.

Judges said: “This Sunday piece showed — not told — how a husband and wife tried to put their lives back together after a life-altering experience. Reporter Mark Curnette effectively uses dialogue to blend the medical details into this emotional story to keep it moving.”

The News-Press at Fort Myers
Rachel Revehl, reporter

For Rachel Revehl’s report on the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti. Revehl posted stories of hope with vivid imagery to her blog during the trip. A Sunday piece mixed strong storytelling with news about Southwest Florida’s efforts to help Haitians.

Judges said: “Rachel Revehl’s blog posts demonstrate the value of outstanding writing online to engage readers, and her print story delivered news scenes, just as powerfully. The News-Press has sent her to Haiti three times since the quake, and her stories reflect her expertise. Photographer Andrew West’s powerful photos accompanied this work.”

OUTSTANDING WRITING

DIVISION II

First Place

Tallahassee Democrat
Gerald Ensley, senior writer

For Gerald Ensley’s story exploring the rape, 52 years ago, of Betty Jean Owens, a black woman attacked by four white men. Ensley’s exclusive interview with Owens provided the framework for this examination of a Florida conviction which had civil rights implications well beyond the South.

Judges said: “This piece reopens a window on the South during the civil rights movement. Ensley’s attention to detail and craft bring to life the courageous actions of Owens, a then 19-year-old co-ed who testified against the men who attacked her. Ensley’s work offers fresh insight into the story Owens had not shared her children or grandchildren until recent years.”

Finalists

The Burlington Free Press
Candace Page, environmental reporter

For Candace Page’s fascinating account about how a fungus is killing off tens of thousands of bats across the Northeast.

Judges said:”Deft story-telling and exquisite detail are used to translate something with the dull-sounding name of ‘white-nose syndrome’ into a riveting tale. Page lends a sense of excitement to the scientific study of a fungal disease threatening some bat species with extinction.”

Journal & Courier at Lafayette, Ind.
Dorothy Schneider, reporter

For Dorothy Schneider’s revealing look at Indiana high school athlete Kaitlin Shoaf’s devastating knee injury and her road to recovery.

Judges said: “Journal & Courier readers were offered a detailed, well-written account of Kaitlin Shoaf’s ACL injury, subsequent surgery and recovery process. Schneider’s complete access to the teen, her mother and the surgeon resulted in a well-crafted, compelling story.”

Statesman Journal at Salem
Thomas Patterson, photographer

For Thomas Patterson’s story recording Ivan and Dot Mahoney’s struggle with Dot’s advancing Alzheimer’s disease.

Judges said: “Patterson’s stock and trade is photography, but his reporting and writing about a Salem couple’s efforts to cope with the wife’s descent into Alzheimer’s is at once touching and informative. Patterson’s work evokes emotion as Ivan Mahoney cares for Dot, his wife of 62 years, but he doesn’t resort to sentimental shortcuts.”

The Post-Crescent at Appleton
Ben Jones, Madison bureau chief

For Ben Jones’ compelling look at the demonstrators who took up residence in Wisconsin’s Capitol as the controversy over proposed state budget measures focused the national spotlight on Madison.

Judges said: “Jones spent hours with protesters who had established their own community inside one of Wisconsin’s most hallowed buildings, the state capitol. The effort shows in his richly crafted, detail-laden story, ‘Castle of the People.’ “

OUTSTANDING WRITING

DIVISION III

First Place

Oshkosh Northwestern
Adam Rodewald, reporter

For Adam Rodewald’s story about a family struggling with an illness that left a 13-year-old girl in a coma.

Judges said: “You feel the heartbreak in this finely written narrative. With incredibly rich detail, the writer captures the mixture of pain, hope and desperation of a child’s illness.”

Finalists

Iowa City Press-Citizen
Patrick Riepe, online editor

For a live blog of the six-day trial involving a University of Iowa football player charged in the sexual assault of a university swimmer. The blog was fast-paced and analytical.

Judges said: “The writer brings incredible energy and engagement to the blog, wonderfully capturing the drama and scene for his readers. The writing style fostered high participation, which the writer deftly handled.”

The Advocate at Newark
Abbey Roy, reporter

For Abbey Roy’s first-person story with dry-witted comedian Steven Wright in advance of a visit to a local theater.

Judges said: “The writer pulls off the story by writing about her conversation with the comedian and the fears she had going into it. ‘Should I try to be funny?’ The result is a story that shows an unseen side of the comedian and leaves the reader feeling warm about both the writer and the artist.”

Media Network of Central Ohio
Jessica Alaimo, reporter

For Jessica Alaimo’s interview with former U.S. Rep. Zack Space, who was soundly defeated in the November 2010 election.

Judges said: “The writer coaxes an incredibly candid interview and then weaves the details into a compelling read on the rise and fall of a moderate politician. Great detail throughout, such as the politician calling his priest after telling the president he could not support his health-care proposal.”

VISUAL JOURNALISM

DIVISION I

First Place

Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
Annette Lein, photographer

For an engaging conversation on race relations in the community using print and online storytelling platforms. Two people of different generations are featured discussing community activism, education, public service and the arts.

Judges said: “This is an outstanding multimedia package featuring conversations on race relations and generational changes in Rochester. Each segment in print and online features two prominent community leaders from different generations offering their views and recollections on the area’s arts, political, education and religious environments. Compelling work. An innovative way to foster understanding and community dialogue on an important subject.”

The Tenneseean at Nashville
Larry McCormack, photographer

This audio slideshow invites you to be a part of a longstanding family tradition in rural Tennessee — the hog-killing. It is an entertaining visual and audio presentation, effectively detailing the process by which a pig is butchered and how the animal ultimately ends up in sausages, hams and chitlins for an extended family.

Judges said: “The sounds of this family hog butchering session propel the storytelling. First the animal sounds, ultimately the sizzle of pork on the grill and in between the background of happy conversation around a butchering table. A great example of portraying unique Tennessee traditions that are vanishing from the state.”

The News-Press at Fort Myers
Andrew West, photographer; Mike Donlan, graphics team leader

For visual storytelling tools that explain why Florida residents felt drawn to return to Haiti a year after the deadly earthquake. Photographs, video and interactive mapping combined to highlight volunteers and their important work in instilling hope among earthquake survivors.

Judges said: “Andrew West’s images of Haiti are windows to the daily hardships and joys found among the makeshift tents and extensive rubble in this battered country. Videos and informational online graphics outline local volunteer efforts. A full-page graphic offers an informative directory of ways to help with relief efforts. This is equal parts photographic scrapbook and volunteer guide, an outstanding project using an array of visual journalism tools.”

Detroit Free Press
William Archie, Kathleen Galligan, Eric Seals, staff photographers

For coverage of the shocking death of a high school basketball player, minutes after he made the winning basket. Strong visual images in photo galleries and a documentary video, which featured the player’s coach and friends, added valuable human context to this tragic story.

Judges said: “This is a story to which every reader can connect – the scene of jubilant highs cascading to pervasive sorrow in a matter of minutes. The Free Press’ coverage of the death of Wes Leonard chronicled the tributes, moments of despair and all the shared emotions. The video was a highlight of this package.”

Reno Gazette-Journal
Liz Margerum, photographer

For coverage of a man’s difficult recovery after a snowmobile accident. Margerum spent a year tracking Grant Korgan and his wife as they battled their way to the goal — Grant’s return to the snowmobile.

Judges said: “The intimate images Liz Margerum secured during months spent with the couple give this accident victim recovery story a uniquely personal feel. Most impressive is a video documentary that helps viewers understand the psyche and emotions of Korgan and his wife — patient and supporting caregiver — as they work together to help Grant learn to walk again.”

VISUAL JOURNALISM

DIVISION II

First Place

MontgomeryAdvertiser
Mickey Welsh, staff photographer

For Mickey Welsh’s solo coverage of Auburn University’s run for the national championship. Inclement weather kept Welsh’s colleague in Montgomery, and Welsh’s response was to hustle through the event.

Judges said: “Mickey Welsh delivered a memorable set of pictures that fueled the Montgomery Advertiser’s online report, its print newspaper and its commemorative book chronicling the Tiger’s perfect season. The result included photos of Alabama tailgaters, action on the field, frenzied fans, coaches along the sidelines, confetti flying for the Tigers for the first time in 54 years, the crystal trophy and those honored to hold it. Exceptionally well done.”

Finalists

Argus Leader at Sioux Falls
Michael Klinski, assistant sport editor; Elisha Page, photo coordinator; Jim Cheesman, multi-media editor

For coverage of the Summit League tournament, a big deal in Sioux Falls with the winner going to the big dance of the NCAA. The tournament brings a lot of people to town, all of whom depend on the Argus Leader for deep digital and print coverage.

Judges said: “The Argus delivered on this. The coverage in print was anchored with strong photographs and illustrations, good headlines and meaty stories. Online, there was an impressive range of video, photo galleries and live programming from the scene. Well done.”

Statesman Journal at Salem
Thomas Patterson, photographer; Heather Rayhorn, designer

For coverage of the story of Dot and Ivan Mahony, a Salem couple dealing with Alzheimers. The presentation visually reflects the starkness of the situation and the reality of Dot’s world.

Judges said: “This is a smart, ambitious undertaking that helped readers see how Alzheimers savages the mind — and how the love and kindness of caregivers triumph over this debilitating disease. The narrative and multimedia report is exceptionally good journalism that opened a window into a world saturated with sadness. This showed life, joy and laughter. Well done.”

Gannett Wisconsin Media newspapers
Submitted by the Green Bay Press-Gazette

For visuals and multimedia efforts tied to a report on the number of deer kills in the last decade in Wisconsin. A database documented the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease showed at a glance how this killer was saving the deer herd.

Judges said: “Wisconsin is one of a handful of states struggling to grapple with this malady, and this report covered it in depth. The video and photo report accompanying this impressive work, as well as the live chats, helped readers understand the nuances involved in managing the herd. A surging wolf population adds a layer of complexity to bringing the system in balance, and that important component also was well represented in the interactive database. Well done.”

Journal and Courier at Lafayette, Ind.
Henry Howard, managing editor, and Michael Heinz, multimedia editor

For photos and video of a high-profile athlete who underwent surgery to repair her ACL. The player, Kaitlin Shoaf, and her family gave the photographer behind-the-scene access during the surgery and rehabilitation.

Judges said: “This ambitious project was possible because the newspaper had the trust of the injured athlete and her parents, the surgeons who repaired her ACL and the trainers and coaches who helped her through rehabilitation. Michael Heinz did not squander the opportunity. This was well done.”

VISUAL JOURNALISM

DIVISION III

First Place

Herald Times Reporter at Manitowoc
Doug Sundin, photographer; Herald Times Staff

For print and online coverage of President Barack Obama’s visit to several businesses in Manitowoc. The package includes a preview section as well as coverage of the visit. The online effort captures video, photo galleries, news coverage and conversation pieces in one spot.

Judges said: “Excellent planning and execution are evident in this coverage. The two-day print package showcases multiple photographs from the visit. The online packaging is equally impressive with news, video, live chat and photo galleries presented in one location. Traffic to the site indicates readers found it engaging and informative.”

Finalists

Iowa City Press-Citizen
Tricia Brown, features editor; Patrick Riepe, online editor; Ben Roberts, photographer

For “Heart & Soul,” an annual special section that gives a creative twist to the traditional newspaper progress edition. The magazine and online presentation tells the stories of Iowa City residents and how they contribute to their community.

Judges said: “Iowa City’s ‘Heart & Soul’ special section is simple in its approach and design, and the result is an effective visual presentation. This compilation of dozens of short profiles of Iowa City residents shows how they make the community better. Nicely packaged and easy to read.”

Star-Gazette at Elmira
Jennifer Kingsley and Jason Whong, staff writers; Al Vieira, assistant managing editor, and John Catlett, graphics editor, Press & Sun-Bulletin

For photographs and packaging of the Star-Gazette’s print coverage of a house explosion that killed a child in Horseheads. Photo galleries online, maps and graphics indicating proximity of another recent house explosion give valuable context.

Judges said: “This is an example of how to use visual components to augment and expand coverage of a breaking news event. Photographs provide readers a real-time feel of the destruction, emotion and anxiety surrounding the emergency response. Maps help readers understand the proximity of this explosion to a similar incident in 2005. Page one design makes maximum use of the visual images in delivering the coverage.”

The Jackson (Tenn.) Sun
Kenneth Cummings, photographer; Tim Davison, editor, consolidated print operations center, Murfreesboro, Tenn.

For an installment of The Jackson Sun’s series profiling West Tennessee’s World War II veterans. Photographs and video of each veteran talking about his war experience help bring the stories to life.

Judges said: “This series profiles West Tennessee World War II veterans and through video interviews allows the elderly soldiers to tell their own stories. The combination of stories, still photographs and video provides recognition for these residents.”

The Reporter at Fond du Lac
Patrick Flood, photographer; Keith Vandervort, page designer

For video and photographic coverage of the shooting of a Fond du Lac police officer, which put online users at the scene of this tense standoff. Photographers posted videos and photo galleries throughout the day to keep readers informed.

Judges said: “The visual components of this breaking news story drove coverage throughout the ordeal. The news coverage started with the morning shooting of two police officers and continued through a standoff and the eventual suicide of the suspected gunman. The work provided color and context.”