The Society of Professional Journalists awarded Minnesota reporters, editors, producers, photographers and artists on June 16, 2026.
The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists announced the winners of its 2026 Page One Awards during a ceremony held June 16 at The Lowlands in St. Paul. Hubbard School students and alums took home a number of awards across a variety of categories, including a clean sweep of first, second and third places in Health/Medical News Reporting [50k+]. First place winners were given comments from the judges, as well.
Congrats to all of the winners, nominees and hard-working journalists and media outlets that tell the stories that matter in Minnesota.
Student Journalist of the Year:
Anshu Patel of the Minnesota Daily
Judge’s comments: Anshu Patel’s work demonstrates exceptional courage, curiosity, and impact. The judges praised her willingness to tackle complex, consequential stories and noted that she displayed “all the right instincts of an investigative reporter.” Beyond this standout work, Anshu has distinguished herself through breaking news coverage, accountability reporting, and a relentless commitment to serving the public interest. One judge summed up her promise simply: “If I needed to hire a journalist tomorrow, I would hire Anshu—a ready-made journalist.”
Honorable Mention:
Alexandra DeYoe of the Hubbard School
Judge’s comments: Alexandra DeYoe is a journalist whose reporting combines thoughtful rigor with exceptional storytelling. Judges were struck by the humanity and sophistication evident throughout her work, noting that her writing stood apart for its depth, clarity, and emotional resonance. Faculty and editors alike praise Alexandra’s curiosity, dedication, and commitment to mastering every aspect of the craft.
Breaking News Reporting [50k+]
Third Place: Katrina Pross (BA ’20) of the Sahan Journal for “The Trial of Derrick Thompson”
Breaking News Reporting [Less than 50k]
First Place: Rachel Hoppe (BA ’25) and Stuart Sudak of Eden Prairie Local News for their coverage of the Mitchell Road Hit-and-Run
Judge’s comments: The news team did what defines breaking news: They went deep and narrow on a horrible event. Readers were well informed. Bravo.
Profile Reporting [Less than 50k]
First Place: Jay Boller (BA ’10) of Racket for “Meet Minnesota’s Rocketman: Inside the Incomparable Life of Ky Michaelson”
Judge’s comments: The profile immediately drew the reader into Ky Michaelson’s life through a firsthand account of his home. The story had relevant and interesting detail and the timeline of Michaelson’s life was organized. It was well-written, well-researched and every question was answered. An impressive blend of fact and imagery. This story will stick with people long after they’ve read it.
Second Place: Katie Dohman (BA ’03) of Super Lawyers Magazine for “Family Business”
Enterprise/In-depth Reporting [50k+]
Second Place: Joey Peters (BA ’08) and Mohamed Ibrahim (BA ’20) of the Sahan Journal for “Somali homebuyers’ dreams dashed by Nolosha Development’s failed promises, missing deposits”
Business News Reporting [Less than 50k]
Second Place: J.D. Duggan (BA ’20) of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for “The New Kitchen Nightmare: Finding One”
Business Feature Reporting [50k+]
Second Place: Adjunct Instructor Frederick Melo of the Pioneer Press for “Twin Cities brace for egg prices“
Business Feature Reporting [Less than 50k]
Third Place: Caitlin Anderson (BA ’20) and Nancy Kuehn of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for “Sweet Martha’s”
State Politics/Government Reporting [50k+]
Third Place: Ryan Faircloth (BA ’18) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “Coverage of Gov. Tim Walz and Minnesota politics”
State Politics/Government Reporting [Less than 50k]
First Place: Stuart Sudak and Rachel Hoppe (BA ’25) of Eden Prairie Local News for “Legislators React to Gun Violence”
Judge’s comments: Well sourced/researched; good use of details and quotations from sources; show the impact of gun violence on real people’s lives; describes the problem and possible solutions (new and existing ones) and roadblocks to enacting safeguards with respect to gun ownership and gun violence; a timely topic and and interesting read.
Local Politics/Government Reporting [50k+]
Third Place: Jake Steinberg (BA ’19), Jeff Hargarten (BA ’14), Ellie Lin, Tom Nehil and Bryan Brussee of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “2025 Minneapolis mayor’s race data-driven storytelling”
Local Politics/Government Reporting [Less than 50k]
First Place: Em Cassel and Jay Boller (BA ’10) of Racket for “‘Call It the Clown Car’: An Oral History of Minneapolis’s 35-Candidate 2013 Mayoral Election”
Judge’s comments: An unconventional approach to recapping an unconventional election, complete with a colorful cast of characters.
Health/Medical News Reporting [50k+]
First Place: Yuqing Liu and C.J. Sinner (BA ’08) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “MMR vaccination data shows areas of vulnerability in Minnesota”
Judge’s comments: Does a great job of describing national-level issues with a local focus to humanize them, without flinching from showing the ugly parts.
Second Place: Isabella Silva-Biotti (BA ’23) of Project Optimist for “Can community-led initiatives bridge Minnesota’s Latino mental health gap?”
Third Place: Mohamed Ibrahim (BA ’20) of the Sahan Journal for “Impacts of Medicaid cuts by the Trump administration and Republicans in Congress on Minnesotans”
Health/Medical News Reporting [Less than 50k]
Third Place: Maddie Robinson (BA ’25) of Eden Prairie Local News for “Eden Prairie family turns rare disease battle into hope with Mayo Clinic, new nonprofit”
Education News Reporting [50k+]
Third Place: Brian Arola (BA ’13) of MinnPost for “Needed: EV mechanics”
Environment News Reporting [50k+]
First Place: Kristoffer Tigue (BA ’08), Industry Inclusion Fellow Carlos Gonzalez and Yuqing Liu of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “Northern wildfires have smoked out Minnesota’s summer, but in Canada it’s been devastating”
Solutions Reporting [50k+]
First Place: Andy Steiner and Ellen Schmidt (BA ’19) of MinnPost for “School–based mental health”
Judge’s comments: This three-part series on school-based mental health treatment in Minnesota was compelling from start to finish. Backed by in-depth reporting and thorough research, the story capitalized on the reporter’s sometimes nearly lyrical writing (such as the first installment’s lead) that kept me highly engaged throughout the series. The stories were seamlessly stitched together to provide a big-picture understanding of what’s at risk and how schools are confronting the mental health crisis head on. Wonderful reporting — and so important and impactful!
Best Interview [Less than 50k]
Second Place: J.D. Duggan (BA ’20) of Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for “Joe Berg’s ‘mullet concept’ for restaurant success”
Arts & Entertainment Reporting [Less than 50k]
First Place: Scott Selmer (BA ’23) of the Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder for “Jellybean Johnson: A legacy of joy and genius”
Sports Feature Reporting [50k+]
First Place: Ben Goessling (BA ’05) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “The making of J.J. McCarthy”
Judge’s comments: Fascinating look at the system that goes into creating the modern NFL quarterback.
Best Website [Print/Online combined]
Second Place: Elizabeth Dunbar (BA, Journalism) and Jim Bernard of MinnPost
Audience Engagement [Print/Online combined]
First Place: Joey Peters (BA ’08), Cynthia Tu, Sam Rabiyah and Staff of the Sahan Journal for “Meet Your Mayor Quizzes”
Judge’s comments: This series is a true UX engagement collection of articles and stories that is interactive for the audience across multiple platforms. Interaction with site is measurable. The readers/viewers are educated with memorable tools and are given ongoing opportunities for civic learning.
Third Place: Jake Steinberg (BA ’19), Jeff Hargarten (BA ’14), Zoë Jackson, Tom Nehil, Jamie Hutt and Bryan Brussee of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “Where is Uptown? Help us settle the debate”
Breaking News Reporting [TV/Video]
Second Place: Dymanh Chhoun (BA ’11) and Alberto Villafan (BA ’23) of Sahan Journal for “Protesters clash with federal, MPD officers over armed enforcement action on Lake Street”
News Special [TV/Video]
Second Place: Alberto Villafan (BA ’23), Hannah Ihekoronye (BA ’21), Samantha HoangLong and Michael Tortorello of the Sahan Journal for “How is the ICE surge affecting Somali Minnesotans?”
Breaking News Reporting [Radio]
Second Place: Chelsey Perkins (BA ’08) of KAXE / KBXE for “Former Sen. Justin Eichorn’s Arrest”
Enterprise/In-depth Reporting [Radio]
Second Place: Kirsti Marohn (BA ’95), Dan Kraker, Ben Hovland and Derek Montgomery of MPR News for “Trouble by the water: Minnesota’s lakes under threat”
Third Place: Ellie Roth (BA ’23) of MPR News for “Inspection shortfalls, political pressures leave low-income renters vulnerable in greater Minnesota”
News/Public Affairs [Radio]
First Place: Angela Davis, Cari Dwyer, Maja Beckstrom and Nikhil Kumaran (BA ’23) of MPR News for “MPR News with Angela Davis: After the Annunciation Shootings, How Communities Heal”
Judge’s comments: Experts share valuable information coping with trauma and mental health after a mass casualty event. As the segment pointed out: this is often an overlooked area. Good format that included taking calls from listeners. WELL DONE!
Podcast [Radio]
Third Place: Eric Roper, Melissa Townsend, MaryJo Webster and Jenni Pinkley (BA ’92) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “Ghost of a Chance”
Local Politics/Government Reporting [Radio]
First Place: Chelsey Perkins (BA ’08) of KAXE / KBXE for “Brainerd City Council and Homelessness Policy”
Judge’s comments: Highlights an important issue that many cities are dealing with; offers the perspective of government officials and the homeless individuals, the latter who face an uncertain future.
Second Place: Chelsey Perkins (BA ’08) of KAXE / KBXE for “Local Sheriffs Enter ICE Agreements”
News Photography [Photography/Graphics]
First Place: Ellen Schmidt (BA ’19) of MinnPost for her portfolio of news photos
Judge’s comments: Powerful images that help to tell an impactful story. Amazing work!
Page Design [Photography/Graphics]
Second Place: Anna Boone, Tom Nehil and Jake Steinberg (BA ’19) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “Paddling the Twin Cities”
Third Place: Josh Jones (BA ’15) of the Minnesota Star Tribune for “The legacy of George Floyd”