One of the hardest categories to judge. Variety of entries, ranging from straight and simple facts to tell a story, to those with supporting elements like graphics, charts, multiple sources cited, just added to the caliber of quality NC writers are producing. I went back and forth from environmental to harder stories like drug and police crisis to annexation battles. 3rd place!

Getting to the bottom of a story like this takes multiple phone calls, interviews and time. Well written, multiple sources, photos and the visual online layout kept me reading it through to the end. Writing it so the average reader grasps the navigating process of a water department - 5 stars! 2nd place! Congratulations!

Boyle uses an old newspaper tactic: mixing his opinion with true reporting, which should be neutral. These 3 entries go beyond what a normal 'opinion' column is by mixing straight reporting w opinion. There is a lot of good info, background here which I appreciated. The veering from true column kept you from 1st place. Thanks.