Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Beloit Daily News Entry Title: Closing ‘loophole’ in gun law may impact domestic violence Entry Credit: Sara Myers Judge Comment: Really great job of presenting the data in a way that is simple to understand. This story was well researched and incredibly well written. Although guns being used in homicides more often than any other weapon seems obvious, the writer does a great job of including statistics to drive home the point. Using the local cases along with statewide data really localizes the national issue for the reader. This could be a textbook example for the category. Also, the compelling quote at the end resonates well. Excellent choice for the ending.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The Freeman Entry Title: Roe v. Wade overturned: Wisconsin reacts to landmark court ruling Entry Credit: Hunter Turpin Judge Comment: Fantastic front-page coverage. Love the inclusion of the ‘Sound Off’ box garnering more reactions. Important issue, well covered.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Herald Times Reporter Entry Title: What do you do when 3,000 hamburger patties don't show up? School districts face COVID-19-related food shortages Entry Credit: Patti Zarling Judge Comment: What a genius story idea! And I love the headline. The reporter does a good job keeping the reader engaged throughout the story.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: Wausau Daily Herald Entry Title: Wausau is facing an 'affordable housing crisis.' Here’s what is being done to address it. Entry Credit: Emalyn Muzzy Judge Comment: I love addressing the larger issue through the telling of a local person’s story. Really well done.
Competition Comment: There were so many great entries, it was incredibly tough to choose. I would have like to have awarded at least three more an honorable mention.
