Login

Gallup Sun

Thursday, Mar 28th

Last update12:57:39 AM GMT

You are here: News Sun News Editors’ Picks - Top 5 cover stories of 2018

Editors’ Picks - Top 5 cover stories of 2018

E-mail Print PDF

No. 5: “Fraud doc sidelines broker: No love for Valentine as he faces suspension, fines”

Run date: Jan. 12

Reporter Deswood Tom profiled local real estate broker and realtor Jason Valentine who reportedly altered a pre-qualification letter for a home loan. Valentine was fined and suspended for six months. The reporter aptly captured Valentine’s regret and the costly consequences of fraudulent actions in the world of real estate.

No. 4: “Tribute to a Gallup radio legend: John McBreen December 30, 1948 - March 19, 2018” Run date: March 23

It’s tough to come up with a few short words on how we feel about radio personality John McBreen. His professionalism and camaraderie toward other media professionals was a breath of fresh air. He touched many lives with his storytelling and early morning interviews with Gallup’s movers and shakers on the radio show Impact. This article, along with the photos, adequately captured the life of a roving radio reporter. McBreen asked the tough questions and turned mundane politics into something interesting and digestible for the public at large.

No. 3: “Torn Apart: Local father, DWI arrestee awaits deportation trial”

Run date: Aug. 10

Nery Contreras had already lost the mother of his children when she reportedly fled the area, cutting ties with her children and her own mother. Things only got worse for him when he was arrested for a DWI, and next incarcerated, awaiting a deportation hearing. This story captured his family’s anguish and sadness. It’s an important story for this day and age, as many undocumented immigrants that came here as children live in fear of deportation everyday of their lives.

No. 2: “Nursing home neglect: Local care facility comes under fire”

Run date: Sept. 21, 2018

It’s not easy to speak out against a facility tasked with taking care of elderly family members. For starters, folks fear retribution if they speak out. But not Serena Penaloza. She went to bat for her grandmother Dorothy Kein-Monohan, who was allegedly neglected during her stay at Red Rocks Care Center in Gallup. Penaloza took to social media with her complaints, and her words spread like a wildfire, prompting other folks to share their negative experiences with New Mexico care facilities. Reporter Cody Begaye and Assistant Editor Mia Poris revealed past infractions with Red Rocks, and overall less than stellar ratings for many care centers across the Land of Enchantment.

No. 1: “All the pretty horses – where do they go?”

Run dates: Nov. 23, 30 & Dec. 14

Regardless of what side of the issue you stand on, when it comes to the removal of horses from tribal lands, the decisions that tribal and non-tribal leaders make – or don’t make – reflects on our values as a society. Reporter Cody Begaye interviewed tribal officials, local and regional horse activists, and a Navajo horse whisperer. It seems the fate of New Mexico and Texas horses sold at auction on tribal lands is an uncertain one. But, one thing is for certain – Texas and New Mexico horses are being sent to Mexico every day for slaughter. Begaye weaved these elements into a thought-provoking three-part series that commands our attention.

By Sun Editorial Staff

Share/Save/Bookmark