(27 entries)

Judge: Stephen Magagnini, senior writer, Sacramento Bee
Magagnini has covered ethnic and race relations for the Bee since 1994 and has won several Best of the West awards.

First Place
MAUREEN WEST and BETTY REID
The Arizona Republic: "Old and alone"
"Aging on Navajo and Hopi reservations. These two stories brought the Navajo and Hopi elders to life with tight writing, fine description and genuine voices. The elders were portrayed honestly, and without pity."

Second Place
JAMES AHLERS
The Tribune
"60 percent of death benefits?"
"A clear, straightforward story that brought to light a long-standing Arizona injustice -- and helped push lawmakers to remedy it." No third place

Honorable Mention
RHONDA BODFIELD SANDER
Arizona Daily Star
"Money Machines ring as 2 live in tool shed"
"A story newspapers don't do enough of -- it calls into question how Indian gaming tribes and nations are using their new wealth to erase generations of poverty."