Two Houston Press writers have been honored in a national journalism contest sponsored by the Association of Alternative Newsmedia it has been announced.
Houston Press Staff writer April Towery received first place in the category of News Story – Long Form. And longtime theater critic for the Houston Press, D. L. Groover received an honorable mention in Arts Criticism for a collection of his columns in 2025.
“April Towery and D.L. Groover deserve every accolade they receive and it so great to see them recognized in a national journalism contest,” said Houston Press Editor-in-Chief Margaret Downing. “There were more than 800 entries in this competition and to know that each of them rose to the top tier of finalists is testament to the good work they do.”
Towery received her AAN award for “Harris County Death Sentences Can Last a Lifetime,” an investigation into the years upon years that many inmates given the death sentence remain in prison costing taxpayers millions of dollars.
The judges’ comment:
“You’ve given voice to a forgotten population. The personal stories, vivid descriptions and diverse sourcing make this a compelling read. This story delivers outstanding public-service journalism by combining important contextual data with great storytelling. This story makes clear the real financial and policy implications of the death penalty in Harris County. A strong example of investigative reporting at its best.”
Groover’s columns:
“December: a love years in the making Takes a While to Get Where it’s Going”
“Fire! Fire! Topdog/Underdog at 4th Wall”
“Basking, Sort of, in Ken Ludwig’s Baskerville”
Groover also received some memorable remarks from the judges:
“How many outlets in America still have a dedicated theater critic? Let alone one who can reference every show a local actor has done for the past decade. D.L. is one of a kind in his wit, but also unique in his direct brevity and resulting ability to reach those of us who infrequently go to the theater. He writes for readers, not for ego, and continues serving as a role model for all those who aspire to be AAN arts critics.”