Every year, the Chicago Headline Club honors the best in city journalism across print, broadcast, and online media at the annual Lisagor Awards. Named after Peter Lisagor, the longtime Washington bureau chief of the Chicago Daily News, the awards ceremony returned for its 38th year last Friday night. Chicago is honored to have taken home 11 awards across all different categories. Here are our Lisagor Award–winning stories and photos from 2014.
The Truth About Chicago's Crime Rates
The city’s drop in crime has been nothing short of miraculous. Here’s what’s behind the unbelievable numbers. By David Bernstein and Noah Isackson.
Winner: Best in-depth reporting in a general-interest publication; Best non-deadline reporting in a newspaper or magazine
The Rise and Fall of Juan Rangel
One man turned a small activist group into the nation’s biggest Hispanic charter school operator. And then the trouble started. By Cassie Walker Burke and the Better Government Association.
Winner: Best in-depth reporting in a magazine or magazine section; Best political reporting in a newspaper or magazine; Best education reporting in a newspaper or magazine
The Long Rebound for Darrell Williams
A sexual assault conviction derailed a promising basketball career and spurred a public outcry. Now that the verdict has been overturned, how does a young man get on with his life? By Bryan Smith.
Winner: Best sports story
Mike Nussbaum is 90 and Can Do More Push-Ups Than You
The Chicago theater legend is not only still working, but thriving. By Bryan Smith.
Winner: Best arts reporting and criticism
Life Through a Leica
For nearly 70 years, Art Shay kept two things by his side: The love of his life, Florence, and a camera.
Winner: Best photography
Chicagoans of the Year 2014
Designed by Bryan Erickson.
Winner: Best design
The Voices in Josh Marks' Head
Josh Marks was a rising culinary talent. But then, suddenly, horribly, his life spiraled out of control. By Bryan Smith.
Winner: Best feature story or series
Last Call: 22 Shots of Chicago Bars at Night's End
This is what goes on before it’s all over. By Ratko Radojcic.
Winner: Best online photo or photo series