Tribune-Review earns 22 Golden Quill nominations from Press Club of Western Pa.

Tribune-Review stories about the Tree of Life massacre, the killing of Antwon Rose and compensation programs set up after the clergy sex abuse scandal in Pennsylvania are among the top nominees in this year’s Golden Quill Awards.

In all, the Trib garnered 22 nominations for the awards, which are presented every year by the Press Club of Western Pennsylvania to recognize outstanding performance in journalism.

“We have a tremendously talented and dedicated group of journalists here at the Trib who work tirelessly to give the readers all they want in print and online,” said Sue McFarland, executive editor at Trib Total Media. “It is our honor and privilege to enter those readers’ lives each and every day to fulfill our mission of informing, educating and serving as a watchdog in our communities.”

Winners will be announced at the 55th Golden Quill Awards dinner Wednesday at the Rivers Casino Event Center on Pittsburgh’s North Shore. The Golden Quills recognize professional excellence in written, photographic, illustration, broadcast and online journalism in Western Pennsylvania and nearby counties in Ohio and West Virginia.

Enterprise/Investigative

“Condoms criminalized in Allegheny County”

Megan Guza

An analysis of court records showed that police in Allegheny County often charged suspected sex workers under Pennsylvania’s vague “possession of an instrument of crime” law when the suspect was caught with condoms. Allegheny County police were the biggest offenders. The department superintendent pledged to stop the practice in the wake of activist blowback after the article.

Written Journalism—Daily

“Blind Spot: How Allegheny County fails to prevent sex assault”

Theresa Clift

This Trib investigation revealed that female inmates at the Allegheny County Jail could be the target of sexual assaults. The investigation exposed how the jail, where about 300 of roughly 2,400 inmates are women, is violating a federal law created to thwart predators from finding their next victims. It disclosed the existence of blind spots that block the jail’s camera system from viewing key spots throughout the facility.

Spot/Breaking News

“Tree of Life shooting”

Tribune-Review staff

Multi-day coverage of the horrific massacre in Squirrel Hill on October 27, 2018, that left 11 people dead. The Trib’s coverage touched every aspect of the tragedy: The suspect’s anti-semitic rants on social media; the emotional vigils in Pittsburgh; and President Trump’s controversial visit to the city three days after the shooting. In the aftermath of the shooting, the Trib attended every funeral for all 11 victims.

“The Killing of Antwon Rose”

Tribune-Review staff

This series of stories reported the case of Antwon Rose, 17, an unarmed high school student shot and killed by former police officer Michael Rosfeld after fleeing from a felony traffic stop in June 2018. Rose’s death prompted protests throughout Pittsburgh. Rosfeld was acquitted of homicide in Rose’s death.

Traditional Feature

“The Darkest Day”

Jason Cato

A week after the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh’s Squirrel Hill neighborhood, the Tribune-Review ran a minute-by-minute account of what happened from the moments just before the Oct. 27 mass shooting until police captured the gunman 83 minutes after the terror began.

Public Affairs/Politics/Government

“Compensation program: Fair for whom?”

Aaron Aupperlee, Jamie Martines and Debra Erdley

A package of stories that examined how compensation programs set up by the Greensburg and Pittsburgh dioceses in the wake of the August 2018 state grand jury report on clergy sex abuse would work, including a closer look into the mechanics of the funds, profiles of those operating the funds and conversations with attorneys and survivors.

Science/Environment

“Signature Role: Oldest man-made object in space bears autograph of Ligonier Township man”

Stephen Huba

The article tells the story of Alex Simkovich, who was an engineer on the Vanguard 1 project as a young man just out of college. He was featured in Life magazine. Vanguard 1 was the first satellite launched by the U.S. into space in 1958. Simkovich etched his name into the satellite, which is still orbiting the earth. Huba’s story ran on the launch’s 60th anniversary.

Three categories: Art & Entertainment; Lifestyle; and Profile

“It’s you I like, Mr. Rogers legacy lives”

Debra Erdley

On the 50th anniversary of the first airing of his classic children’s TV show, Erdley looked at the lasting impact of Fred Rogers and how family and community shaped this amazing man.

Lifestyle

“The Louis Vuitton on your arm: Is it real or fake?”

JoAnne Klimovich Harrop

The story detailed how to spot a real or fake handbag or pair of shoes. With so many quality knockoffs these days, it makes it harder to spot an authentic upscale fashion classic. The story included interviews with local fashion experts, some who sell them on consignment and need to know if they are real or fake.

Sports

“Blind hunter takes his first deer on a memorable opening day”

Bob Frye

Max Lamm heard friends talk about deer hunting. But he didn’t see the appeal initially, wondering why they would sit for hours in the cold to shoot a whitetail. But after getting his first buck, he’s hooked. And while a hunter’s first deer is always special, Max’s was especially so, for a lot of people. Lamm is blind, and his success was a team effort.

Editorials

“Catholic Church scandal”

Lori Falce

This series of editorials addressed the grand jury report detailing 70 years of documented, credible reports of sexual abuse by “predator priests” in dioceses across Pennsylvania and the response by local bishops.

Feature Photo — Craft Achievement

“Jets Fly Past Basilica”

Chaz Palla

“Night Sky”

Sean Stipp

The photo was taken late at night on the Allegheny River near Templeton, Armstrong County, last July. The landscape is illuminated by traffic passing by and residential street lamps.

Spot News Photo — Craft Achievement

“Officer approaches shooting scene”

Nate Smallwood

The photo shows a Pittsburgh SWAT officer heading toward the scene of a mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Squirrel Hill

“Boy breaks down”

Nate Smallwood

The photo shows a boyhood friend of Antwon Rose II breaking down in tears during a protest over his death.

Sports Photo — Craft Achievement

“All Squared”

Chaz Palla

Two categories: Video Profile; Video Essay – Craft Achievement

“Priest abuse survivor”

Sean Stipp

The video features Catholic Church sex abuse survivor Ryan O’Connor sharing his story of healing.