Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Des Moines - Iowa Capital Dispatch Entry Title: Iowa Capital Dispatch - Best News Story Entry Credit: Clark Kauffman Judge Comment: Unveils the disgraceful system that allows for and sustains poor care of society's most vulnerable adults. Really exemplary reporting that should shock readers into action.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Des Moines - Des Moines Register Entry Title: Inside an Iowa Planned Parenthood clinic before abortion ban takes effect Entry Credit: Michaela Ramm Judge Comment: Clearly explains the challenges confronting medical providers and female patients as an abortion ban descends on Iowa. Ramm's detailed writing fosters understanding of what the new law could mean.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Des Moines - Des Moines Register Entry Title: Des Moines city leaders sidestep Iowa law, hold secret meetings on development agreements Entry Credit: Virginia Barreda Judge Comment: This is one of the most important functions of a newspaper: removing the veil of secrecy that keeps the public's business hidden from them. Good writing and reporting in clear and pertinent style. Democracy is served best when reporters take the time to cover failures in open government. Barreda did just that.
