DEFGHIK
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Parent CategoryChild CategoryPublication/Station/Website/CompanyApplication NameNames(s) on CertificatePlaceJudge Comments
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RISING STAR AWARDRISING STAR AWARDOhio Public Media/ideastreamSarah DonaldsonSarah DonaldsonWinnerThis was a very tough competition to judge as there is a ton of talented young reporters who submitted entries! This one stood out the most.
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RISING STAR AWARDRISING STAR AWARDThe Ohio NewsroomKendall CrawfordKendall Crawford, The Ohio NewsroomWinner
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EMIL DANSKER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN JOURNALISMEMIL DANSKER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN JOURNALISMSinclair ClarionJessica Graue for Emil Dansker AwardJessica GraueWinnerJessica Graue's career and her achievements align perfectly with the spirit of this award. Her work both in the industry and in the classroom is commendable. It is so important to have teachers and mentors who are actually still doing the journalism! The fact that she is so tuned in to the trends in the industry and is able to help her students understand those trends is a rare, valuable asset.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Arts ReportingCincinnati MagazineThe Modern Rise of Tribute BandsCincinnati Magazine by Cedric Rose Illustration by Leandro LassmarFirst PlaceRose's polished, descriptive prose conveyed an unmistakable in-depth knowledge of the regional scene, and incorporated multi-faceted views from a deep bench of seasoned sources. Though he clearly took his topic seriously, he also clearly had fun with it. Superior work.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Arts ReportingDayton Daily NewsRussell FlorenceRussell Florence Dayton Daily News
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Business/Consumer ReportingCincinnati EnquirerOhio Kroger coverageAlexander Coolidge - The Cincinnati EnquirerFirst PlaceAll three stories by this writer epitomized the description of the category: highlighting questionable behavior by a large company that clearly impacted consumers, employees and the community at large. The writing was strong, the leads gripping and the tenacity came through in every sentence. "I don't want them to get away with this," the writer was saying. And that's what makes great journalism.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Business/Consumer ReportingDayton Daily NewsFuyao investigationThomas Gnau Josh Sweigart Dayton Daily News
Second Place
Even though this judge has no connection to the coverage area, it is clear this was a huge scandal and of importance to the local community. Trafficking and money laundering? Yikes. The coverage is excellent and important.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Children’s/Education Issues ReportingThe Marshall Project - ClevelandMohican Young Star AcademyBrittany Hailer The Marshall Project - ClevelandFirst PlaceGripping writing and thorough reporting with clear impact.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Children’s/Education Issues ReportingCincinnati EnquirerProtecting children with autism from drowningVictoria Moorwood
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Criminal Justice ReportingThe Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer and Canton RepositoryWill Ohio end its death penalty stalemate? Victims, prisoners wait for answersHaley BeMiller, Stephanie Warsmith and Kevin Grasha The Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal, Cincinnati Enquirer and Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceAn impressive and comprehensive series of stories examing the politics, the practice and the philosophies behind Ohio's use of the death penalty.

Excellent work.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Criminal Justice ReportingCincinnati EnquirerCameron Knight body of workCameron Knight
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Deadline ReportingCincinnati EnquirerA chain of violent eventsCameron Knight, David Ferrara, Quinlan Bentley, Dan Horn, Bebe HodgesFirst PlaceClear, fact-based reporting on a high-profile chain of tragic events.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Deadline ReportingDayton Daily NewsDouble murder suicide in Miami CountyLondon Bishop Holly Souther Dayton Daily News
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Editorial/Criticism WritingDayton Daily NewsRay Marcano Dayton Daily News columnsRay MarcanoFirst PlaceRay Marcano's columns are very personal and touch the reader no matter what the subject – whether it’s about decisions by elected officials that affect the entire community and the nation, or the tragedy of losing his son-in-law. A fine collection of work.

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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Editorial/Criticism Writingcleveland.comLeila Atassi: Ohio is building the machinery to punish dissentLeila Atassi cleveland.com
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Explanatory Journalismcleveland.comAnna Staver - Changes to Ohio’s property tax laws will affect your bill: When and howAnna Staver Statehouse ReporterFirst PlaceThis was one of several storyt packages exploring the impact of Ohio property taxes and discussions about where to go from here. Staver took what can be a dry, wonkish topic and made it interesting, compelling and understandable. These stories prove the value -- and the power -- of explanatory journalism done well.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Explanatory JournalismThe Columbus DispatchSheridan HendrixSheridan Hendrix The Columbus Dispatch
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Feature Reportingcleveland.comKaitlin Durbin - ‘I’m a different person’ - Family Recovery Court helps parents work toward sobriety, reunificationKaitlin Durbin cleveland.comFirst PlaceExcellent in-depth reporting and humanization of people who are rebuilding their lives and navigating a complex system. Compelling interviews with subjects and written sensitively. Well done!
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Feature ReportingThe Columbus DispatchDanae KingDanae King The Columbus Dispatch
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Government/Political ReportingThe Columbus DispatchJordan LairdJordan Laird The Columbus DispatchFirst PlaceFantastic reporting using public records to see what elected officials are up to from their lavish travel schedules to their failure to pay a mortgage. Your readers are lucky to have you. You are a good watchdog. Keep up the dogged reporting.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Government/Political Reportingcleveland.comIlluminating Ohio's opaque budget processJeremy Pelzer - cleveland.com
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Investigative ReportingThe Columbus DispatchInvisible KillerMax Filby Danae King Samantha Hendrickson Samantha Madar The Columbus DispatchFirst PlaceImportant reporting bringing needed awareness to radon and its impacts on health. Excellent sourcing, on-the-ground reporting, photography and graphics. The testing partnership and ongoing tracking of radon is also impressive.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Investigative ReportingThe Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton RepositoryVICIOUS: An investigation into how Ohio laws fail thousands of dog attack victimsLaura Bischoff and Stephanie Warsmith The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Minority Issues ReportingCincinnati EnquirerNazis come to Lincoln HeightsDavid Ferrara, Dan Horn, Cameron Knight, Liz Dufour, Bebe Hodges, Aaron ValdezFirst PlaceThis Cincinnati Enquirer package stood out for its depth, historical context and sophisticated reporting on the long-standing challenges facing the predominantly Black community of Lincoln Heights. The reporters skillfully threaded the neo-Nazi demonstration and its aftermath across multiple stories, with each piece examining a different dimension. They covered the immediate confrontation and community fear to armed neighborhood patrols and the deeper legacy of racial inequity, disinvestment and distrust.

The reporting was ambitious in scope, well sourced and grounded in both accountability journalism and the voices of residents directly impacted by these issues.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Minority Issues ReportingDayton Daily NewsMaking Dayton homeSydney Dawes Dayton Daily News
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Public Service/Social Issues ReportingDayton Daily NewsHomelessness in DaytonCornelius FrolikFirst PlaceGood reporting and use of data to show the complexity of the issues. Centering the voices of people experiencing homelessness brings the reader close to the heart of the story. Vivid writing takes the reader inside a repurposed shelter that “still feels like a jail.”
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Public Service/Social Issues ReportingCincinnati EnquirerSeniors are stuckSydney Franklin, Dan Horn, Elizabeth B. Kim, Randy Tucker
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Religion ReportingThe BladeBest Religion Reporting Sarah ReaddeanSarah Readdean The BladeFirst PlaceCompelling, thorough reporting that doesn’t ignore the complex aspects of religion. The writing was visual, contextual and human-centered. This is a great example of the religion reporting we need more of. Well done!
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Religion ReportingThe Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton RepositoryHow a Christian group turns beliefs into billsJessie Balmert and Victoria Moorwood The Cincinnati Enquirer, Columbus Dispatch, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton Repository
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Science/Medical/Health Care ReportingCincinnati EnquirerBig Pharma payments to doctorsElizabeth B. KimFirst PlaceAn ambitious project that clearly explains potential issues that arise when doctors take payments from pharmaceutical companies. I appreciated both the in-depth look at a high-profile case, and the easy explanation for readers to use public records to look up information on their own doctors.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Science/Medical/Health Care ReportingThe Marshall Project - ClevelandCriminally Ill: Systemic Failures Turn State Mental Hospitals Into PrisonsDoug Livingston of The Marshall Project - Cleveland Sarah Jane Tribble of KFF Health News
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Sports Reportingcleveland.comAshley Bastock - ‘Do it for her:’ Browns kicker Andre Szmyt dedicates 55-yard game winner over Packers to his late momAshley Bastock cleveland.comFirst PlaceBastock's strong reporting and writing skills allow her to use small examples and anecdotes to draw readers in and illustrate larger stories about sports. I appreciate her ability to tell personal stories about professional athletes.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Sports ReportingThe BladeBest Sports Reporting David BriggsDavid Briggs The Blade
Second Place
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Websitehttps://www.dispatch.com/The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch Staff The Columbus DispatchFirst PlaceNewsy llking! Easy to view and navigate website for the viewer. A clean look that goes that backs up the strong news content for the viewer/reader. Good use of dark vs. light/big vs. small typography to lead the viewer into the different story packages.
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PRINT LG: (40,000+ circ.)Best Websitewww.daytondailynews.comwww.daytondailynews.comDayton Daily News
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Columnist in Ohiocleveland.comLeila Atassi’s weekly column for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer stands as a model of public-interest commentaryLeila Atassi cleveland.comFirst PlaceAtassi's thoughtful, well-researched columns display sound reasoning, weighing difficult issues with nuance and insight, while never compromising on a steady ethos.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Columnist in OhioThe Columbus DispatchAmelia RobinsonAmelia Robinson The Columbus Dispatch
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Daily Newspaper in OhioThe Columbus DispatchThe Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch Staff The Columbus DispatchFirst PlaceThe ambitious, thorough and well-told investigations were
impressive. The headlines and ledes were attention-grabbing, and the overall presentation -- including the layout, photos, and additional elements -- was thoughtful and purposeful. This paper clearly prioritizes public service journalism and that thread is evident in the big-swing investigations and enterprise, but also in the smaller dailies, features and columns, including the "How to find a food pantry near you" piece and the guest column about taking the COTA bus. I particularly appreciated the "How we did it" pieces that offer readers a look behind the big investigations, which made the paper feel like a dialogue with the community. That's local journalism that is clearly positioning itself as a service worth supporting.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Daily Newspaper in OhioCincinnati EnquirerCincinnati EnquirerEnquirer staff
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Graphic Designer in OhioDayton Daily NewsSharyn BoyleSharon Boyle Dayton Daily NewsFirst PlaceExcellent variety in cover designs to catch the reader's attention. Good use of color along with typography to create a strong center of visual impact.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Graphic Designer in OhioThe BladeBest Graphic Designer Holden SondergeldHolden Sondergeld The Blade
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Photographer in OhioThe BladeBest Photographer in Ohio Addison AnnisAddison Annis The BladeFirst PlaceExcellent collection of work across different scenarios, from powerful moments that show us why images have the ability to move us to lighter moments that bring joy. Nice eye for color, perspective and framing, as well.

The margins between entrants in this category were razor thin. Keep up the good work, everyone!
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Photographer in OhioThe BladeBest Photographer in Ohio Jeremy WadsworthJeremy Wadsworth The Blade
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Reporter in OhioThe Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton RepositoryJessie Balmert: Ohio Statehouse reporterJessie Balmert The Columbus Dispatch, Cincinnati Enquirer, Akron Beacon Journal and Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceI'm so impressed with Jessie's ability to break down difficult jargon-filled legislation and complicated policy into stories that are easily understandable and — dare I say — pleasurable to read. She dove into the thorny topic of Ohio's restrictive childcare options with ease, giving readers a deeper understanding of how the state has gotten to this point. Her story about how outsider candidates without prior elected experience are winning over voters directly connected with Trump's trajectory and broader U.S. political trends. After reading each of Jessie's stories, I walked away feeling smarter and more informed — like I was in on the real news. I wanted to send her stories to my friends and family, despite not living in Ohio or following Ohio news. Congrats to Jessie on her excellent reporting! Keep up the great work.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Reporter in OhioThe Columbus DispatchMax FilbyMax Filby The Columbus Dispatch
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Special SectionDayton Daily NewsBest of DaytonSharyn Boyle Dayton Daily NewsFirst PlaceExcellent job of working with limited editorial space to visually separate "list" from advertising. Clean and easy to read typography highlighted on the pages for the reader. Consistent and appealing.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT LG. (40,000+ circ.)Best Special SectionCincinnati EnquirerCincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden turns 150Enquirer staff
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Arts ReportingCincinnati MagazineDancing Through LifeClaire Lefton, Emma Balcom, Brianna Connock, Mildred Fallen, John Fox, Amanda Boyd Walters, Emi Villavicencio Cincinnati MagazineFirst PlaceDance is one of the most frequently neglected genres in arts journalism. That made the centerpiece of Cincinnati Magazine's April 2025 issue all the more remarkable. Its 16 jaw-dropping pages delved far beyond the mainstream, as a sextet of writers gave readers tantalizing profiles and the info to identify and locate artists, teachers and venues where some 25 disparate dance forms — from Appalachian clogging to queer ballroom culture — were practiced throughout the region. A rare achievement.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Arts ReportingColumbus MonthlyColumbus Monthly Arts TeamPeter Tonguette, Tim Johnson and Sarah Donaldson, Columbus Monthly
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Business/Consumer ReportingCanton RepositoryBev Shaffer consumer reportingBev Shaffer Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceBev's thoughtful consumer reporting on food-related trends engaged me in a way none of the other entries did. I was particularly impressed with her tipping trend story — not only did she dive into how people are affected by it today in Canton, but she also tackled the psychological effects (why people feel compelled to tip or not tip and the associated guilt), the history of how this tipping situation came to be (COVID and beyond) and the bills that incentive tax breaks on tipping. Her writing felt lively and engaging — I felt like I was right there with her at a cafe, staring down at the screen and thinking: To tip or not to tip? That is the question. Her writing is relatable and smart.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Business/Consumer ReportingRealm MagazineImmigrants Propel the Local EconomyDavid Holthaus Realm Magazine
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Children’s/Education Issues ReportingThe Lima NewsMackenzi KlemannMackenzi Klemann The Lima NewsFirst PlaceSolid reporting. You tackle complex stories and write with confidence. Your coverage looks at important issues, especially looking at why students advance grades even when they are falling behind. You are a good community watchdog.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Children’s/Education Issues ReportingCrain's Cleveland BusinessThe fight for students: how Northeast Ohio colleges are adapting to enrollment pressure and competitionJoe Scalzo, Crain's Cleveland Business
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Criminal Justice ReportingRecord-CourierReasonable and justified, court stories from Portage CountyJeff Saunder, Record-CourierFirst PlaceThis is interesting, thorough reporting -- especially for folks who may not understand the reasons why certain decisions/rulings are made. Your approach from several sides of these stories was appreciated.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Criminal Justice ReportingThe Lima NewsJ SwygartJ Swygart The Lima News
Second Place
Your ledes are so strong, and evoke such curiosity -- I appreciate being pulled into the story like that.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Deadline ReportingThe Chronicle-TelegramBreaking news in Lorain CountyOwen MacMillan, Carissa Woytach The Chronicle-TelegramFirst PlaceThe reporters clearly worked to elevate these breaking news stories beyond quick-hit, surface-level stories. The articles in this entry are well-written and well-organized, include a thoughtful level of detail and interviews with subjects that prove the reporters' commitment to understand and bring a level of humanity to the stories.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Deadline ReportingThe Daily StandardBird Flu, Church Fire, Building CollapseStaff The Daily Standard
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Editorial/Criticism WritingAkron Beacon Journal (AES building)Delays in sexual harassment investigation inexcusibleCheryl Powell Akron Beacon JournalFirst PlaceThis made a clear and concise argument and addressed a very important issue. Well done.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Editorial/Criticism WritingThe VindicatorRick Logan-Best Editorial/Criticism WritingRick Logan
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Editorial/Criticism WritingTribune ChronicleEd Puskas-Best Editorial/Criticism WritingEd Puskas
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Explanatory JournalismCanton RepositoryCanton Repository explanatory journalismEd Balint Nancy Molnar Grace Springer Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceStrong writing, compelling voices and helpful context propel Canton’s reporters to the top of a category with many submissions. Nice use of data and visuals in stories about earthquakes caused by fracking, car crash data, and a TikTok scam targeting a local tailor. Well done!
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Explanatory JournalismCincinnati Business CourierHamilton County/Bengals lease coverageChris Wetterich Cincinnati Business Courier
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Feature ReportingCanton RepositoryTim Botos feature writingTim Botos Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceYour story on Trish Parker is the stand out in your collection. It is haunting. It is richly reported. Your writing carries suspense and intrigue and is packed full of details. Powerful storytelling.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Feature ReportingCleveland MagazineAnnie Nickoloff PortfolioAnnie Nickoloff, Cleveland Magazine
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Government/Political ReportingThe VindicatorDavid Skolnick-Best Government/Political ReportingDavid SkolnickFirst PlaceYou are a watchdog for your community. Good reporting from the absurdity of a driverless bus not being used to the taxpayers picking up overtime expenses for law enforcement. You write with authority and found interesting investigative stories to cover. Keep digging and holding the government accountable.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Government/Political ReportingZanesville Times RecorderShawn Digity, best government reporting, small market printShawn Digity Zanesville Times Recorder
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Investigative ReportingAkron Beacon Journal (AES building)Akron Public Schools investigationJennifer Pignolet Akron Beacon JournalFirst PlaceClear command of the beat and the players. Good work sussing out the behind-the-scenes pieces community should know to make informed choices about their district and its leadership.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Investigative ReportingBeacon Journal JournalAkron Public Schools slow response to sexual assault complaintKelli Weir Akron Beacon Journal
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Minority Issues Reportinghttps://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/Closing the opportunity gap for minoritiesCarrie Ghose, Columbus Business FirstFirst PlaceCarrie Ghose’s package from The Columbus Business First stood out for being a sophisticated and deeply reported examination of economic equity, community ownership and access to opportunity regarding historically underserved Black communities. The reporting was ambitious in scope while remaining grounded in the voices of residents, business owners and leaders directly affected by these challenges.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Minority Issues ReportingNorwalk Reflector, Sandusky RegisterBest Minority Issues Reporting - Terry BurtonTerry Burton Norwalk Reflector
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Public Service/Social Issues ReportingMansfield News JournalSubstance use disorder in Richland CountyZach Tuggle, Mansfield News JournalFirst PlaceThese stories do a great job at articulating the complex experiences of people who struggle with substance abuse with care and compassion. Strong, immersive reporting that keeps the reader captivated and provides helpful information toward treatment and recovery.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Public Service/Social Issues ReportingAkron Beacon JournalFood deserts, foster homes shortage and mobile meals fundingTawney Beans Akron Beacon Journal
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Religion ReportingCanton RepositoryCharita Goshay faith reportingCharita Goshay Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceGoshay's professional interviews and prose let us clearly hear her subjects without becoming proselytic on their behalf.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Religion ReportingThe Bryan TimesCommunity center taking over church programs; Duduit has seen power of prayer; Stryker pastor teaches in NepalLucas Bechtol The Bryan Times
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Science/Medical/Health Care ReportingAkron Beacon Journal (AES building)She never smoked and got lung cancer. Then she learned her old home had high radon levels:Amanda Garrett Akron Beacon JournalFirst PlaceGarrett found the perfect example to illustrate the dangers of radon. She did an excellent job reporting on the complex issue and distilling it into a readable, compelling piece that alerts Ohioans to a public health problem.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Science/Medical/Health Care ReportingAkron Beacon JournalBeacon Journal reporter shares transplant journeyGeorge M. Thomas Akron Beacon Journal
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Sports ReportingCincinnati Business CourierPaid to PlaySteve WatkinsFirst PlaceOutstanding dive into issues that many have opinions on, but few truly understand. Great piece to make this real, personal for readers who may just be casual, curious observers.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Sports ReportingAkron Beacon Journal (AES building)Northeast Ohio sportsNate Ulrich Akron Beacon Journal
Second Place
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best WebsiteCincinnati Business CourierCincinnati Business Courier websiteBusiness Courier staffFirst PlaceThis is a nice mix of business news and resources for business leaders. The story highlights and option to order reprints that is included at top of articles is a nice attention to detail.
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PRINT SM: (<40,000 circ.) Best Websitehttps://www.journal-news.comJournal-NewsJournal-News
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Columnist in OhioCanton RepositoryCharita Goshay best columnistCharita Goshay Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceGoshay demonstrates refreshing ability to laugh at the audacity of local, state and national politics while also driving home the seriousness of policy decisions and their effects on people.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Columnist in OhioThe Chronicle-Telegram/The Medina GazetteThe Collected Columns of Rini JeffersRini Jeffers The Chronicle-Telegram/The Medina Gazette
Second Place
84
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Daily Newspaper in OhioSpringfield News-SunSpringfield News-SunSpringfield News-SunFirst PlaceExcellent local news coverage, including impressive use of public records and investigative reporting. Standout examples include Washington influence piece, immigration turmoil and informational graphic data package documenting federal employees across Ohio in advance of federal layoffs. Clean, consistent design with excellent photography. An enjoyable read, front to back.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Daily Newspaper in OhioJournal-NewsJournal-NewsJournal-News
Second Place
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Graphic Designer in OhioThe Ironton TribuneBest graphic designer - Kandi ThompsonKandi ThompsonFirst PlaceStrong centers of visual impact on all pages. Easy for the reader to see the hierarchy of the page. Good flow to bring the reader into the page. Visually attractive pages that are. not overdone and easy to read.
87
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Graphic Designer in OhioThe Daily StandardBody of WorkBill Thornbro The Daily Standard
Second Place
88
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Monthly in OhioCincinnati MagazineCincinnati MagazineStaff Cincinnati MagazineFirst PlaceAn engaging mix of content that highlights unique, quirky, and meaningful local people and businesses. Well-designed advertising with strong photography and consistent editorial execution. This magazine does a great job of covering the community while encouraging interaction and involvement.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Monthly in OhioColumbus MonthlyColumbus Monthlyteam
Second Place
90
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Photographer in OhioMassillon IndependentKevin WhitlockKevin Whitlock Massillon IndependentFirst PlaceAn outstanding collection of images! The competition in this category was incredibly tough. Excellent moments and perspectives, with strong storytelling bolstered by creativity. Overall, a compelling way of seeing.
91
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Photographer in OhioJournal-NewsNick GrahamNick Graham, Journal-News
Second Place
92
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Reporter in OhioCanton RepositoryTim BotosTim Botos Canton RepositoryFirst PlaceBotos' writing has a warm, conversational tone that captures the impressive range of stories well. At a time when so much newspaper writing sounds like AI, these stories are a gentle reminder of what makes a good, fresh read.
93
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Reporter in OhioAkron Beacon JournalBryce BuyakieBryce Buyakie Akron Beacon Journal
Second Place
94
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Special SectionCincinnati MagazineGives CincinnatiAiesha Little, Emi Villavicencio Cincinnati MagazineFirst PlaceThe contest was packed full of great special sections but this one stood out the most not only because of the way it was designed and the content, but also because it is a great way to use a special section to help highlight locla non profits.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Special SectionThe Lima News7-on-7 revolutionMark Altstaetter Mike Hirn Chris Howell Jim Naveau Nate Stidham David Trinko
Second Place
96
BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Weekly Newspaper in OhioColumbus Business FirstColumbus Business FirstStaff, Columbus Business FirstFirst PlaceThe margin between first and second places in this category was truly razor thin -- both of the top two publications have comparable strengths and skillsets. Columbus Business First gets the nod thanks to diversity of stories covered and the sheer strength of the storytelling itself. Compelling cover packages with not only thoughtful narrative, but significantly additive visual journalism made this publication memorable long after the reading was completed. Just exceptionally well done.
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BEST OF SHOW - PRINT SM (<40,000 circ.) Best Weekly Newspaper in OhioCincinnati Business CourierCincinnati Business CourierCincinnati Business Courier staff
Second Place
98
TRADE PUBLICATIONS Best Cover DesignTirebusiness.comTire Business data design coversMichael McCrady, Tire BusinessFirst PlaceGood variety for visual impact to attract attention to the cover. Strong focal points to catch a reader/viewer.
99
TRADE PUBLICATIONS Best Cover DesignMsRubber NewsMichael McCrady, Rubber News
Second Place
100
TRADE PUBLICATIONS Best General StoryMcKnight's Senior LivingSpy show reveals much about senior livingLois A. Bowers, Editor, McKnight's Senior LivingFirst PlaceImmediately grabs the reader. The story takes a popular show and highlights its impact in the real world and the local community. Strong writing and good flow.