The Austin Weekly News has done it again at the Illinois Press Association Awards this year, winning several first place reporting awards and placing among the best newspapers in the state. The paper also won honors in the design, photo and column categories. Longtime AWN freelancer La Risa Lynch and Chloe Riley, a reporter for AustinTalks.org, won the top awards in the business reporting and single-news story categories, respectfully. AWN was also named third best pub in the state; parent pub Wednesday Journal was No. 1. Sales rep Dawn Ferencak was named Salesperson of the Year. The IPA awards took place June 15 in Springfield. AWN’s entire winning roster is below:
General Excellence
Third Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago.
News Reporting – Single Story
First Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Chloe Riley. What’s on their money menu?
Honorable Mention: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Ellyn Fortino. Nursing home cited for health safety violations.
Business / Economic Reporting
First Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, La Risa Lynch. Expanding the food desert
Feature Writing
First Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Megan Dooley. Wrongly jailed, seeking solace.
News Reporting – Series
Third Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Megan Dooley, Devin Rose, Marty Stempniak. Murder of Chervon Alexander, 29
Original Column
Honorable Mention: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, China Hill.
Spot News Photo
Second Place: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, J. Geil. Warehouse Fire
Informational Graphic
Honorable Mention: Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Alaina Buzas. Chicago Alderwomen
Newspaper Design
Austin Weekly News, Chicago, Alaina Buzas