"Invisible Threat: Carbon Monoxide’s Unchecked Toll"

Recipient of the STAR INVESTIGATIVE REPORT OF THE YEAR award in THE CHARLES E. GREEN AWARDS (2021)

Perla Trevizo, Mike Hixenbaugh, Suzy Khimm, Lexi Churchill, Ren Larson
Texas Tribune

Bronte Wittpenn/American-Statesman

Judge’s Comments:

In a series of articles, reporters revealed that the epic winter storm that plunged millions of Texans into cold darkness in February 2021, the result of a massive failure by the state's power grid, also unleashed the worst carbon monoxide disaster in the nation's modern history. Through audio, video, data visualization and stunning reporting, the team brought to light a major catastrophe with massive consequences. The incisive coverage led to real changes, including legislation to require carbon monoxide detectors in new homes. This is investigative and accountability journalism at its finest, and it also highlights the breadth and depth of reporting that's possible when powerhouse news outlets join forces.   

Jamie Stockwell
Executive Editor
Axios Local

Judge’s Bio:
Jamie Stockwell is the Executive Editor of Axios Local, Axios’ local news initiative with a presence in more than two dozen communities across America. Prior to Axios, Jamie was a deputy national editor at The New York Times, where she oversaw award-winning coverage of the South, Texas and the Southwest, as well as Race/Related, a cross-desk newsletter about race. Before the Times, Jamie was the managing editor of the San Antonio Express-News, where she oversaw the nationally recognized and award-winning newsroom’s daily operations for print, digital and mobile audiences. Her career began at The Washington Post, where she wrote primarily about criminal justice. Jamie was raised on the Texas-Mexico border in the Rio Grande Valley and graduated with a journalism degree from the University of Texas at Austin.  

To read the prize-winning investigative report from the Texas Tribune, click on the links below:

LINK 1 to content online
LINK 2 to content online
LINK 3 to content online
LINK 4 to content online