The Times' apparent domination in the Pulitzer Prize competition this year is being taken by other newspaper editors "as a sign that the paper has put itself back on top after years of difficulties. Most credited Editor John Carroll with guiding the daily back to prominence," Joe Strupp writes in Editor & Publisher. The story is based on the LAT placing nine finalists -- far more than any other paper -- among the prize entries soon to be voted on by the Pulitzer board, at least according to a leaked list published by L.A. Observed on March 5 and subsequently in Editor & Publisher. Strupp notes that the board is free to choose from other entries or to shift categories. (via Romenesko)

