Boy’s ice cream stand dispute with town reveals unsavory side

By Michael Casey, Rodrique Ngowi and Steven Senne

When reporter Michael Casey saw a local news report about a Massachusetts boy whose charity ice cream stand was shut down by the city because of code violations, he knew the story would do well with a global audience.

The boy had become a minor celebrity, and several businesses took up his campaign to raise money for his autistic brother’s hockey team. His plight caught the attention of residents and local businesses who have since raised nearly $20,000 on his behalf.

Casey partnered with video journalist Rodrique Ngowi and photographer Steven Senne to tell the tale in all formats. The story also covered the less savory side of fame: death threats and other nasty notes flooded the city officials who sent the letter, an oversized and vile response to a low-level enforcement issue.

Casey’s hunch was on point: The story strongly resonated with digital and print customers and on APNews.com.

The judges noted that the story — one that in an earlier AP era would likely have run only on state lines as a member pickup — took on a much broader, more resonant form through Casey’s original reporting.

For taking a local story and framing it for a global audience, Casey earns this week’s Best of the AP — Second Winner.

Visit AP.org to request a trial subscription to AP’s video, photo and text services.

For breaking news, visit apnews.com.