Earlier in February, I had the privilege of attending the New England Newspaper and Press Association Better Newspaper Convention in Boston. I took home a second-place “spot news” award for a February 2019 story I wrote about a car chase from Norwich that ended in a fatal shooting in Willimantic.

During the convention, I learned first-hand from the region’s best journalists about the changing industry. I found the “words matter” seminar to be particularly thought-provoking, especially in regards to the “newer” language choices in minority communities. Journalists must navigate and adapt to these evolving vocabularies.

A week after the convention and awards ceremony, the state’s attorney confirmed that Willimantic, Norwich and state police officers acted accordingly in their use of force during the shootings. Although this story might be the end of the state’s involvement, I believe the effects of the shooting will prevail in my local community.