Iowa Capital Dispatch has again taken home the “Best News Story” award for the second consecutive year. It also grabbed the top honor for education coverage at the Iowa Better Newspaper Contests held by the Iowa Newspaper Association.
Deputy Editor Clark Kauffman earned first place in Division V for a powerful story about the nursing home industry’s influence on government. He also came in second for “Best Continuing Coverage,” focusing on abuse and neglect in Iowa’s nursing homes.
Reporter Brooklyn Draisey received first place in “Coverage of Education” for her in-depth stories on Iowa’s higher education landscape, including the piece “Iowans weigh in on state’s higher education future.” Draisey joined Iowa Capital Dispatch in July 2023 as part of the Report for America program.
This marks the second year Iowa Capital Dispatch has participated in this contest, competing among the largest newspapers in Iowa. Last year, they won for “Best News Story,” along with awards for “Best Video” and “Coverage of Courts and Crime.”
The recent contest featured over 3,200 entries and was judged by the Kansas Press Association. For full contest results, check here.
Notably, Iowa Capital Dispatch editor Kathie Obradovich is part of the Iowa Newspaper Association’s board of directors, highlighting the organization’s influence and commitment to quality journalism in Iowa.
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