Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Peninsula Pulse Entry Title: Processing America's Withdrawal from Afghanistan Entry Credit: Debra Fitzgerald Judge Comment: This story shows strong research, storytelling, and brings a personal, local lens to a big national story: the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Excellent work.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Ladysmith News Entry Title: Family describes being taken hostage in Haiti; Hostage describes plan to escape gang in Haiti; Hostages slip past guards; with God their guide Entry Credit: Luke Klink Judge Comment: The sheer work associated with this story by Luke Klink demonstrates excellence in gaining trust of sources, and the time and focus of telling a story that has an "edge of your seat" quality. Kidnapping in foreign countries isn't focused on very much. This story with local ties is incredible. Great job.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Wausau Pilot and Review Entry Title: Wausau ranks higher in income inequality compared to Wisconsin Entry Credit: Shereen Siewert Judge Comment: Great job localizing a critical foundation to the issue of inequality in America: access to economic opportunity. (And by the way, it's related to Shereen Siewert's story on real estate inflation). Nice job.
Place Name: Honorable Mention Contestant Name: The Press Times Entry Title: Ukrainian crisis hits home for two NDA exchange students Entry Credit: Nick Bumgardner Judge Comment: Just a solid, well-done story about how war hits home, even when it's happening across the world. Nice work.
