It's important to explain the past so it's not forgotten. Good stories go beyond the normal player feature, and this one did that and more. A bit of self-editing would have enhanced as it was long, but still well done.

This was a very fair and balanced election preview that gave incredible detail about the candidates' histories and positions on the issues. Candidates also were given opportunity to reply to accusations against them. The reporter gave voters the information they needed going into the polls.

Very unusual story! So easy to see how people are drawn to the ducks and very interesting to hear about how he raises them.

In a division with several worthy stories, I just kept coming back to this one. Sports is about more than what happens on field and court, and you captured that. Well written, good quotes, great story.

I think most first responders would see themselves in this officer, so well captured by the photographer.

Very well-composed photograph. Tells a story of the fallen officer, and those who came to honor them.

Discusses specific examples and then takes the story to the national level.

You can tell this took planning. Putting yourself in the right spot and waiting for the right time, then to get a well-composed shot. Nice!

Oh, the irony. And how appropriate of the Herald Sun to reveal that irony. Good reporting

Clean design. The Safe Travels front gave this paper the nod over some of the others. All-in-all this category was extremely close.