Nevada Press Association The best in Nevada journalism since 1924
General Excellence
1. Las Vegas Review-Journal
The Review-Journal is a top-flight paper with great reporting, excellent design and loads of local content. This paper can contend with some of the nation’s best.
2. Reno Gazette-Journal
The RGJ has excellent reporting, good photography and decent design. It’d be nice to see more local reporting, but that may be life inside Gannett.
3. Las Vegas Sun
This paper is more than half opinion. Why?
Community Service
1. Siobhan McAndrew, Reno Gazette-Journal
Special Education
2. Amelia Pak-Harvey, Meghin Delaney, John Kerr, Tom Spousta, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Community service stories on Trustee Kevin Child
3. Anjeanette Damon, Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
The Pill Problem
Breaking News Reporting
1. Rachel Crosby, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Neighbor tried to intervene seconds before central valley couple’s apparent murder-suicide
In breaking news I look at impact and the coverage of the event. In this situation a neighbor trying to help out in a really bad situation was very commendable. The writer of the story was able to portray the good deed in such a way to look at how this deed impacted his life. He put his own life in jeopardy to help someone else. The writer was able to capture the drama and emotion of the event. Good job.
2. Ricardo Torres-Cortez, Las Vegas Sun
Woman shot to death by husband was denied restraining order
This event was a terrible thing to have to report. The writer did a good job with background and looking at the issue of domestic violence. A tragic event which the writer dealt with in a very informative manner.
3. Staff, Reno Gazette-Journal
Flood Breaking News
The coverage of this flooding event was very good. There was a lot of good information and the reader would have been well instructed as to what was happening with this flood event. The writer did a great job capturing the emotion of the event and the impact to all those involved.
Best Feature Writing
1. Natalie Bruzda, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas Paiute boy given the sacred mantle of song carrier
2. Siobhan McAndrew, Reno Gazette-Journal
Refugees
3. Chris Murray, Reno Gazette-Journal
Christy Wise
Best Nonstaff Story
1. John Glionna, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Reno man’s suffering from undiagnosed disease also traps his mother
Unique, well-written, interesting
2. John Glionna, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Third-generation machinist keeps wheels turning for Tonopah’s mining-centric economy
Exceptionally well-written, compelling
3. John Glionna, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Pioneer women reflect on life, friendship in Nevada outback
Creative story, not the same-old-same-old. Very interesting. Well-written. The only thing that detracted a little, I think, was the jumbled timeline.
Best Business Spot News Story
1. Wade Millward, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Las Vegas protest for higher workers’ wages stirs up altercation
From the first sentence, it’s clear the author of this story didn’t report it from behind a desk. The mix of sources from the scene — who would have been unreachable from the newsroom — and the author’s own observations give the story a sense of immediacy and weight. That, coupled with strong background information for context about an important issue, means the story both informs readers and leaves an imprint on them. What more can we ask of local journalism?
2. Adam Candee, Las Vegas Sun
Nevada real estate investment firm receives $2.2 billion judgment
Given the complexity of the topic, this was no doubt a difficult article to compile. However, the author uses in-depth knowledge of the case to provide crucial background information and distill the story into a highly readable prose.
3. Eli Segall, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Bonanza Gift Shop in Las Vegas sold for $50M, records show
The author impressively uses a breaking-news event to illustrate a larger theme. Rather than simply informing readers about the sale of the property, the story provides context about how the transaction fits into recent real estate trends.
Best Business Feature
1. Eli Segall, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Laughlin’s abandoned Emerald River resort remains an eyesore
Clever idea clearly and concisely explored. There were a lot of clearly and concisely written articles on interesting topics. Great work, very enjoyable to read.
2. Jackie Valley, The Nevada Independent
The Indy Explains: How one Las Vegas dispensary produces its own marijuana
Exceptionally well explained.
3. Mike Higdon, Reno Gazette-Journal
Don Clark Business Feature
Interesting and clearly written. Explores some unique aspects of the situation well. One thing was confusing and could have used better differentiation: all the Clarks. I was never quite sure if there were two or three, and sometimes was unsure which was being referred to.
Best Explanatory Journalism
1. Sandy Lopez, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Sex trafficking and prostitution
2. Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
Boomerang
3. Jackie Valley, The Nevada Independent
The Indy Explains: How one Las Vegas dispensary produces its own marijuana
Best News Feature Story
1. April Corbin, Mick Akers, Chris Kudialis, Camalot Todd, Ricardo Torres-Cortez, Ian Whitaker, Las Vegas Sun
The hurricane is about to hit
2. Rachel Crosby, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Young people with guns contribute to Las Vegas Valley’s growing homicide rate
3. Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
Snake in the Brain
Best Investigative Story
1. Anjeanette Damon, Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
Pill Problem Investigation
The story examined what are arguable weaknesses in how the state’s prescription-drug monitoring program is used (or isn’t used, as was the article’s focus). One of the criteria for judging is “importance to readers.” Almost by that factor alone, the article is the standout winner. The opioid crisis has clearly reached epidemic proportions nationally, and clearly Nevada is not exempt from that. I believe it is becoming more and more difficult — perhaps impossible — to find any person who has not been touched by the devastating effects of opiate prescription pills as well as illicit opiate drugs. That aside, here are other observations:
• Sometimes in investigative journalism (particularly more longform articles), an article can become so bogged down in details that it forgets that it’s supposed to be telling a story. Not so here. There was a near perfect balance, in my opinion, of narrative with statistics/data. Or, the opposite becomes a problem — not enough detail, or details so vague that they lost their value or impact. Again, “The Pill Problem” was stellar in that area.
• The research seemed adequate and thorough. There can be the danger that too much investigation can present questions that an article addresses but then doesn’t answer, or worse, doesn’t bother to tell the reader why the question isn’t or can’t be answered. Thank you for leaving no questions, let alone ones that weren’t answered.
2. Siobhan McAndrew, Reno Gazette-Journal
Special Education Investigation
3. Jason Hidalgo, Reno Gazette-Journal
Little Valley Fire Investigation
Best Local Column
1. Amelia Pak-Harvey, Las Vegas Review-Journal
2. Jon Ralston, The Nevada Independent
3. Rachel Crosby, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best Local Non-staff Column
1. John Smith, The Nevada Independent
1st and 2nd were close, but 1st won due to James Carpenter piece.
2. Jane Ann Morrison, Las Vegas Review-Journal
3. Orrin Johnson, The Nevada Independent.
Best Sports Spot News Story
1. Steve Carp, Las Vegas Review-Journal
NHL committee picks Las Vegas for expansion
2. Jesse Granger, Las Vegas Sun
Now that Golden Knights are official, GM McPhee can roll up his sleeves
3. Chris Murray, Reno Gazette-Journal
Pack NCAAs
Best Sports Feature Writing
1. Chris Murray, Reno Gazette-Journal
Fenner feature
2. Ed Graney, Las Vegas Review-Journal
A year after his death, Austen Russell is celebrated by his family
3. Jim Krajewski, Reno Gazette-Journal
Shane Wicks feature
Best Sports Column
1. Ray Brewer, Las Vegas Sun
From the Pressbox
First place received high scores because all three of his articles managed to connect with me from the beginning and kept me reading through the end. That is very important when it comes to column writing.
2. Chris Murray, Reno Gazette-Journal
Second place was a notch below because one of his articles pulled emotion and personal stories that made it captivating to read the whole story and feel for what is being written. I would like to see a mixture of both.
3. Ed Graney, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best Entertainment Writing
1. Christopher Lawrence, Las Vegas Review-Journal
What it’s like … Frank & Lola … Jason Bourne
Three different approaches to three different pieces that complement each other. All heartfelt and thought-provoking. Enjoyed this category the most.
2. Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
At 15, Las Vegas painter … Lassie Lou … Notes with a Purpose
Great pieces that illustrate how art touches the artist and those who experience their creations.
3. Jason Bracelin, Las Vegas Review-Journal
20 years after … Take a tour … The Killers …
Appreciated how these pieces peel away the stardom and get to the people.
Best Critical Writing
1. Christopher Lawrence, Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘Fifty Shades Darker’ … Sleepless … Warcraft …
Delightful descriptions. Your words will inspire the reader to see the movie or if you say so they won’t. Very colorful.
2. Jason Bracelin, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Phish … Psycho Las Vegas … T-Mobile Arena
Great reviews. Great writing. So descriptive. You can almost picture yourself at these events.
3. Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
‘Cabaret’ … Matilda … Neverland
Great job. Very meaningful content which will give the reader a general idea if they would like to see the show or not. Great writing style.
Best Editorial Writing
1. John Kerr, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Forceful and pointed, these editorials deal with statewide issues of legitimate concern and leave no doubt as to the needed resolution.
2. Ric Anderson, Las Vegas Sun
Well-written, clear and provocative.
3. Reno Gazette-Journal
The editorials offer strong support for the paper’s stance on local issues of concern. Good research.
Best Editorial Page
1. Mark Robison, Reno Gazette-Journal
2. Las Vegas Sun Editorial Staff, Las Vegas Sun
3. John Kerr, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best Overall Design
1. Las Vegas Sun Design Staff, Las Vegas Sun
2. Staff, Reno Gazette-Journal
Best Page One Design
1. Take Uda, Reno Gazette-Journal
2. LeeAnn Elias, Las Vegas Sun
Best Graphic Designer
1. Take Uda, Reno Gazette-Journal
The custom illustrations on the “Teaching tragedy” and “High Sierra” pieces are really well done. They add a lot to the story. The gymnastics layout and design is really beautiful, specifically the subtlety of the pattern in the background. It helps tie it all together with and keeps the entire piece cohesive. The use of the photos to help frame and guide text is also very nice. It feels like the RGJ loves to have large photo/illustration driven stories on section covers with content underneath. I wonder if that begins to be tedious and repetitive to the reader. Even if the graphic element is really well done, I would be hesitant to get stuck in the same trap of that cover consistently being the same layout. Many of the entries felt very similar — it appears that the RGJ uses a pattern in their section covers that is almost universally followed – large image/graphic at the top with the cover story and other stories underneath. Stronger graphics and designs caught the eye, while some just felt the same no matter which entry I was looking at.
2. Jodi Miskell, Reno Gazette-Journal
The layouts are all very creative and use the graphical elements really well. I felt like the deficit story could have used more information in the graphic itself — more of a way to know the story, without necessarily needing to read the copy. The water layout was really effective and a great incorporation of the art with white space.
3. LeeAnn Elias, Las Vegas Sun
The layouts are consistently well done. There’s variety in placement, in headline usage, and in how the reader views the page. I appreciate the use of color to drive the eyes in specific directions and to specific stories. I would say there is nothing really stunning from a graphic design standpoint, but the layouts are just so nice and clean to look at. I especially enjoy the use of white space.
Best News Photo Coverage
1. Benjamin Hager, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Soldier-dad’s homecoming surprise creates magical, emotional moment for his sons
2. Cathleen Allison, Nevada Photo Source
Clear Creek Fire
3. Mike Higdon, Reno Gazette-Journal
Displaced
Best Feature Photo
1. Chase Stevens, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Unicorn fireworks kiss
This was a tough one for me. I really loved Street performer, Police remember, Polar plunge and Barber Clinton as well.
2. Erik Verduzco, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Aviation Nation air show at Nellis Air Force Base
3. Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
Snow day
This was a tough one for me. I really loved Street performer, Police remember, Polar plunge and Barber Clinton as well.
Best Multiple Photo Essay
1. First Place, Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
School shooting
2. Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
Burning Man
3. Cathleen Allison, Nevada Photo Source
Mystery Disease
Best Portrait
1. Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
Cowboy Randy Lemas
I love this one. Even with nothing else in the picture, no special edits, I know his story.
2. Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
Jane Chu
This photo immediately endears me to this lady. I love that she is the focus, but her students are still featured.
3. Benjamin Hager, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Paralyzed Henderson resident Sam Schmidt reaches Pikes Peak summit
The only reason this didn’t get a top placing for me is the focus of the story was about him climbing a mountain, not racing a car.
Best Illustrated Photo
1. Benjamin Hager, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Wasteland Weekend brings ‘Mad Max’ to the Mojave Desert
That’s an attention-getter, and the lighting and angle capture the setting.
2. Andy Barron, Reno Gazette-Journal
Cavalier King Charles model
Aww. That took some work, I imagine, and came out adorable.
Best Sports Photo
1. Benjamin Hager, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Catch me, if you can
2. L.E. Baskow, Las Vegas Sun
UNLV vs Cal State
3. Erik Verduzco, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Ducks lose title game
Best Special Section (Editorial)
1. Steve Carp, Ron Kantowski, Todd Dewey, Matt Youmans, Bill Bradley, Allen Leiker, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Hockey is here
This is by far my favorite special section. It is helpful for someone who isn’t familiar with hockey.
2. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Nevada Photo Source
Carson City Visitors Guide.
This section provided a lot of fun feature stories.
Best Special Section or Campaign (Advertising)
1. Cathleen Allison, Teri Vance, Nevada Photo Source
Carson City Visitors Guide
2. David Sly, Jorge Betancourt, Rhodora Santiago, Angela Johnson, Angelena Gutting, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best of Las Vegas Special Section
3. Rhodora Santiago, Angela Johnson, David Sly
Las Vegas Review-Journal, Book of Lists Special Section
Best In-House Promotion
1. Angela Johnson, David Sly, Rhodora Santiago, Las Vegas Review-Journal
El Tiempo Media Kit
2. Angela Johnson, David Sly, Rhodora Santiago, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Best of Las Vegas Campaign
3. Angela Johnson, David Sly, Rhodora Santiago, Angelena Gutting, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Innovation Awards
Best Print Ad
1. Rhodora Santiago, Angela Johnson, Las Vegas Review-Journal
American Male
2. Rhodora Santiago, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Furniture Royal
3. Rhodora Santiago, Angela Johnson, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Cool Sculptings
Best Niche Magazine
1. Jorge Betancourt, Angela Johnson, Rhodora Santiago, David Sly, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Smith Center Program Book
Top quality from beginning to end.
Best Web Site
1. Staff, The Nevada Independent
thenevadaindpendent.com
Great use of images, the home page is really cool, but it also feels like it is so dominant the reader can’t see anything else and is forced to scroll to read other headlines. Not sure which of those two points is most important/compelling. Every story gets that big, full-screen image treatment and that can be a little distracting. The site also benefits from the lack of advertising to gum it up. That is really noticeable, but it makes a huge difference in the user experience.
2. Staff, Las Vegas Sun
LasVegasSun.com
Overall the site is really busy which makes for a difficult reader experience. Why the completely different experience between News/Business? (Sun Inc.), Politics also gets a little bit of different treatment, the slider on A&E is a very visually appealing element on a landing page or home page and could be used more. The newsletter sign-up link resolves differently than at the top of the page, I like the one in the menu bar better than the one at the top of the page. Sometimes feels like there’s no space to breathe, no space to feel comfortable. It’s text heavy and feels that way.
3. RGJ staff, Reno Gazette-Journal
RGJ.com
It’s very clearly a USA Today property with a site virtually identical to USA Today. Good work with the strong visual elements. Although there’s some random quirkiness to ads loading, jumping content, takeovers, etc as the user navigates around the site. The story pop-up with the page the user is on in the background is nice, and the easy navigation to the next story should help user engagement.
Comment: Consider a best “web presence” category, rather than just website. This would involve a judge looking at social media, email newsletter, website, and analytics to try and measure how well the contestant is utilizing the web to reach audience, disseminate information. All publishers are much more than just a website when it comes to digital presence and we should begin having contest categories that reflect that.
Best Digital Storytelling
1. Michael Quine, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Discover ancient artwork, sandstone landscape at Gold Butte National Monument
2. Rachel Aston, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Ella
3. Benjamin Hager, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Wasteland Weekend
Best Platform Writing
1. Brian Duggan, Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno Memo
This is great newsletter writing. The information is enough that if all I have time for is this, I know what I need to know. It’s also compelling enough that I want to click through to read the rest of the stories. I like how you’re treating email like an independent platform, not just a method to drive web traffic. This is the platform.
2. Anjeanette Damon, Reno Gazette-Journal
City Hall Scandal
Writing is well done. It is comprehensive in examining the situation at city hall. I assume that it was extremely appealing to those in the community. The presentation online with the slideshow was also very nice. A good way to read the story. I became slightly confused by the story underneath and the slider story at the top. I didn’t realize it was the same thing until about halfway through reading the same material again. So better organization would have been useful.
3. Staff, Reno Gazette-Journal
Flood
Overall this category is extremely important and I’m glad to see it in the competition as well as the variety of entries (email newsletter, online slideshow, aggregation of event coverage).
Digital innovation
1. Brian Duggan,Brett McGinness, Reno Gazette-Journal
Reno Memo
2. Megan Messerly, Riley Snyder, The Nevada Independent
Connecting the Dots: A year out from governor’s race, donors pony up for Laxalt, Sisolak
3. Brad Horn, Nevada Photo Source
Epic Rides – Discover Carson City
Best online ad
1. Rhodora Santiago, Las Vegas Review-Journal
X Cycle Digital Campaign
2. Dany Haniff, Las Vegas Sun
Las Vegas Sun Standout Awards