Sierra Nevada Ally Wins Eight Awards from Nevada Press Association – Sierra Nevada Ally

On Saturday, September 14, Sierra Nevada Ally reporters were recognized with eight awards from the Nevada Press Association. Notable wins included first place in the Multiple Photo Essay or Gallery category, given to writer/photographer Richard Bednarski, and first place in the Political-Government-Enterprise reporting category, given to Noah Glick.

Take a look at our winning entries from last year and congratulations to everyone involved!

First Place, Multiple Photographic Essay or Gallery, Rural Area

In this post, Richard Bednarski takes to the skies with his drone to capture the rapid spring 2023 snowmelt on the Truckee River and asks where along this key waterway for northern Nevada we might see signs of climate change.

First Place, Political-Government-Entrepreneurship Report, Rural Areas

In this article, executive editor Noah Glick examines the status of Nevada’s new climate policy after Gov. Joe Lombardo scrapped the old one. It turns out there was no plan at the time (the plan was later released) and agencies weren’t entirely sure who was responsible for it.

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Ally also won several second and third place awards for work done by employees.

Second Place, Political-Government-Enterprise Reporting, Rural Areas

Dignity is in crisis in public discourse, and one idea is gaining local traction. The Dignity Index is designed to help officials and residents think about how they interact with each other, especially when they disagree. This story by Noah Glick delves into what the Dignity Index is and how it offers a framework for collaboration. Whether it works or not in the long run is another story…

Second Place, Coverage of Underserved Communities, Rural Areas

Nevada is home to more than two dozen federally recognized tribes, but their voices are often left out of mainstream discussions about important issues. Sierra Nevada Ally’s reporting on Native issues and perspectives has helped to elevate the voices and concerns of Native people while also helping to educate non-tribal people about the importance of their perspectives and history.

The winners of this award were Noah Glick, Alejandra Rubio and Scott King.

Second Place, Investigative Story, Country

Speaking of tribal issues and overlooked voices, this article by Noah Glick and Alejandra Rubio explored the concerns of tribal residents who oppose the Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada. While the mining company offered some concessions to local tribes, Native voices were left out of the approval process for the project, which was approved at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Second Place, Health Report, Rural Areas

A group of Nevadans are pushing to de-stigmatize and decriminalize psychedelic treatments for mental illness. From PTSD to depression, research shows psychedelic-assisted therapy can have major benefits in Nevada and beyond. Noah Glick received second place for this story.

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One of the most exciting moments of the evening was when the Sierra Nevada Ally staff went beyond the rural categories and competed directly with rural, urban and magazine media. Competing against any journalist in the state, The Ally proved that our work is equal to the best of them.

Second Place, Journalist of Merit: Scott King

Scott King was recognized for his in-depth reporting on energy and climate issues in Nevada, primarily for his work on the emerging lithium industry. He described how Nevada is working to close the “lithium loop” and push for a critical mineral economy. He also looked at the challenges tribes face in making their reservations climate-resilient and the historical context for this work.

The Journalist of Merit Award is given to young journalists in Nevada who have a bright future ahead of them.

Third Place, Outstanding Journalist: Noah Glick

Editor-in-Chief Noah Glick was recognized for his efforts to elevate Indigenous voices, as well as his reporting on key civic and health topics during the year. His reporting was broad and included reports on mental health, climate policy and underrepresented voices.

The Outstanding Journalist category recognizes veteran Nevada reporters, honoring those who have impacted their communities through greater understanding.

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Congratulations to everyone at Sierra Nevada Ally for the awards and recognition for your high-quality work. And thank you to all of our readers and donors for supporting The Ally in doing this critical work.