Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: Virginia/Hibbing - Mesabi Tribune Entry Title: Julie Buria COVID-19 Entry Credit: Jerry Burnes Judge Comment: Solid series on local candidate using a Holocaust theme during campaign, then apologizing, then retracting the apology.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: Faribault Daily News Entry Title: Area ballots to feature unprecedented diversity of candidates Entry Credit: Andrew Deziel Judge Comment: A thoughtful exploration of diversity in politics. Solid local focus, with a nod to the national stage.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Faribault Daily News Entry Title: Mental health remains a high priority during coronavirus pandemic Entry Credit: Misty Schwab Judge Comment: This story sets out the issue of mental health concerns during the pandemic, and uses expert voices to help readers lay out a path forward. Clean writing.
Competition Comment: An array of solid entries, all well written and well sourced. A good mix of pandemic-related pieces and articles that deal with non-pandemic issues.
