reporters Katie Moen and Fred T. Rossi have been awarded first place by the National Newspaper Association (NNA) for their coverage of Union County’s decision to put its vacant jail complex out to bid amid statewide demands that the property not be sold to ICE.
The months-long coverage of the issue, which saw thousands of protesters flock to the normally-unattended County Commissioners meetings, won the award in the Non-Daily Division for Best Localized National Story.
“I am incredibly proud of Katie and Fred’s coverage of this important issue,” Publisher Lauren S. Barr said. “Local news is alive and well in Union County, and making a difference bringing important issues before the public.”
After the public outcry, the County committed to not selling the building, located in Elizabeth, for use as any type of detention center.
While previously winning several awards in the National Competition, this marks The Leader’s first time taking home a first-place award from the organization.
Taking second place was The AlamanceNews inGrahamNorthCarolina for their coverage on pronoun use
at a charter school and The Green River Star in Wyoming took third place for their coverage of Federal funding cuts leading to mine safety setbacks.
The NNA’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance America’s community newspapers.
