InMaricopa Shines Bright with Double Win at Arizona News Awards

InMaricopa Managing Editor Elias Weiss has been honored as the top investigative journalist in Arizona for midmarket publications, highlighting the exceptional caliber of reporting in the state.

During the Arizona Media Association’s Better Newspapers Contest, InMaricopa secured two first-place awards, a leap from last year’s achievements. Weiss earned recognition in both the Investigative Reporting and Best Narrative Work categories.

His acclaimed three-part series, “Scamouflage,” which delves into the issue of stolen valor in Maricopa, was recognized as the best investigative journalism piece. The series was published between July 2023 and May 2024, showcasing Weiss’ commitment to uncovering crucial societal issues.

Additionally, Weiss’s narrative piece, “Raising Kane,” critically examines the Sovereign Citizen and Constitutional Sheriff movements, clinching the top award in its category last year.

Weiss expressed gratitude, stating, “All credit goes to our talented editorial staff, without whom such undertakings would not be possible.” His words reflect a strong team ethic behind InMaricopa’s success.

Scott Bartle, Publisher of InMaricopa, echoed this sentiment, praising the editorial team’s relentless dedication to providing news that matters to the community. “I am proud of Elias and our entire editorial team,” he remarked.

The Arizona Media Association (AMA) serves as the voice for over 350 media brands within the state, including a diverse mix of radio, television, print, and digital outlets.

Last year marked a noteworthy debut for InMaricopa, where the organization won ten awards in its first competition among Arizona’s midmarket news publications. Competitors in this category included prominent publications such as The Arizona Mirror, The Navajo Times, and the Phoenix Business Journal.

In the previous year’s contest, InMaricopa.com was awarded first place for best website and secured four additional second-place awards, reinforcing its status as a leading source of news in the region.