Sentinel Journalists Reach Finals for Dual National Awards

Three members of the Tucson Sentinel’s newsroom have been named finalists for journalism awards by the Institute for Nonprofits News (INN). Natalie Robbins and Dylan Smith are being honored for their investigative reporting, while Paul Ingram is recognized for his work in photojournalism. The announcement was made last Friday.

Robbins and Smith were highlighted for their investigation into the Pima County Sheriff’s Department’s mishandling of notifying the family of a deceased inmate. Their report uncovered that the family of 22-year-old Caleb Kenowski remained unaware of his death for over two months. Upon discovering Kenowski’s autopsy report, Robbins quickly determined that the family was unaware of his passing and notified them. This investigation is now a finalist for INN’s Best Investigative Journalism Award, which recognizes significant and impactful reporting that serves the public interest.

The report led to significant changes in the handling of missing persons reports by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Tucson Police Department. Both agencies have since improved their communication protocols to prevent similar incidents. The Sentinel continued to investigate the jail conditions, resulting in Robbins’ comprehensive series “Fatal Consequences.”

In addition to Robbins and Smith’s recognition, Paul Ingram is a finalist for the Insight Award for Visual Journalism. His work, including the series “Barrier in the Borderlands,” captures compelling images and narratives from the U.S.-Mexico border. His photojournalistic efforts provide an accurate portrayal of the often misunderstood border region, highlighting the plight of migrants and the efforts of aid workers.

Ingram expressed his gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of in-depth reporting on the border. He noted the trust built with migrants and aid workers over the last decade as crucial to his storytelling.

The Tucson Sentinel’s commitment to impactful journalism was also acknowledged by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN). Ingram was named the top beat reporter, and Blake Morlock was a finalist in the political columnist category. Daniel Shailer was honored for his environmental reporting, particularly his coverage of South32’s mining plans in the Patagonia Mountains.

Sentinel Co-Publisher Maria Coxon-Smith underscored the significance of these awards as a testament to the newsroom’s dedication. She highlighted the team’s experience and the newsroom’s investment in mentoring early-career journalists, fostering future talents who have already gained national recognition.