The Arkansas Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists recognized the region’s top journalists Saturday evening during the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards, presented by AY Media Group.
More than 125 journalists, communicators and media professionals gathered for the annual event, which celebrated finalists and winners across nearly 80 categories while also presenting the second annual A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting. The awards recognized outstanding work from six states, highlighting excellence in professional journalism, student journalism and communications.
Sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation and presented by Arkansas SPJ, the A-Mark Prize awarded a total of $15,000 to journalists and their news organizations for exceptional investigative reporting in Arkansas.
Chris Fulton of the Mountain Home Observer earned first place for his investigation, “The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter,” receiving $5,000 while his newsroom received $2,500. Fulton also claimed second place for “Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse,” earning an additional $3,000, with the Mountain Home Observer receiving another $1,500.
Josh Snyder of the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette received third place for his extensive reporting on the LEARNS Act, earning $2,000 while his newsroom received $1,000.
The evening also featured several special honors. Dwain Hebda, editor-in-chief of AY Media Group and founder of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths, received Arkansas SPJ’s highest honor as Diamond Journalist of the Year. Erika Konig of the University of Memphis was named Student Journalist of the Year and received a $1,000 scholarship.
Dwain Hebda | Credit: Jane Colclasure
Heather Baker, president and publisher of AY Media Group, joined Warwick Sabin, president and CEO of Deep South Today, for the evening’s keynote conversation. The two discussed the changing media landscape, the future of journalism and the importance of collaboration among news organizations.
“It was an incredible honor for AY Media Group to once again serve as the presenting sponsor of the Diamond Journalism Awards. First and foremost, I want to thank the Society of Professional Journalists for recognizing and celebrating excellence in journalism. In an industry that continues to evolve, it’s important that we pause to recognize the journalists who are committed to truth, impactful storytelling, and serving their communities,” Baker said.
She also congratulated this year’s honorees while recognizing the accomplishments of the AY Media Group staff.
“Congratulations to every journalist who was recognized this year. With entries representing six states, being honored at the Diamond Awards is an extraordinary achievement. I am especially proud of the entire AY Media Group team and every member of our staff who placed or won an award this year. Their talent, passion, and commitment to excellence continue to raise the bar for journalism in Arkansas and beyond.”
Baker offered special recognition to members of the AY team, including copy editor Sarah Declerk and Hebda.
“A special congratulations goes to our copy editor, Sarah Declerk, on her outstanding recognition, and to our Editor-in-Chief, Dwain Hebda, for being named Diamond Journalist of the Year,” she added. “There is no one more deserving. Dwain has an incredible ability to tell stories that don’t just inform people—they move them, inspire them, and make a lasting impact. His dedication to journalism is unmatched, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him leading our editorial team.”
Reflecting on her conversation with Sabin, Baker emphasized the value of cooperation within the profession.
Warwick Sabin and Heather Baker | Credit: Jane Colclasure
“It was also a privilege to keynote the evening alongside Warwick Sabin. Having known Warwick since the early 2000s, it was wonderful to reconnect and have an open conversation about the future of journalism,” she said. “While the media landscape has changed dramatically, one thing remains true: there is tremendous value in collaboration. Journalism is strongest when we work together to inform our communities with accuracy, integrity, and purpose. There is room for great journalism from many voices, and our discussion reinforced the importance of supporting one another while serving the public.”
She concluded by recognizing those who helped organize the event.
“Finally, thank you to the SPJ board and everyone who worked so hard to make this event possible. Hosting an event of this caliber takes tremendous dedication, and Arkansas was proud to welcome so many outstanding journalists for a night that celebrated the very best of our profession,” she said.
This year’s competition received 591 entries and was judged by members of the Society of Professional Journalists from Connecticut. Sonseeahray Tonsall, anchor of KARK’s Arkansas Today, served as emcee for the ceremony.
“Arkansas SPJ is overjoyed and honored to not only celebrate the best journalism from across the region, but to partner with the A-Mark Foundation in recognizing with monetary awards the critical importance of investigative reporting,” said Sarah Campbell-Miller, president of Arkansas SPJ. “The evening’s keynote conversation laying out the opportunity that lies before us was fascinating. It is an exhilarating time to be in this profession. We are so very proud of all of the winners and finalists and their wonderful work.”
Sonseeahray Tonsall | Credit: Jane Colclasure
In addition to presenting sponsor AY Media Group, the 2026 Diamond Journalism Awards were sponsored by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, the University of Memphis, the Arkansas Advocate and Crafton Tull. Entries for the 2027 competition will open in January.
A complete list of winners and finalists across all categories is below.
A-MARK PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING IN ARKANSAS
First Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, The 29 Warnings That Didn’t Matter
Second Place: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Taxation, Power and Secrecy: Inside the Briarcliff Governance Collapse
Third Place: Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, LEARNS Act Coverage
SPECIAL AWARDS
CHARLOTTE TILLAR SCHEXNAYDER PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD
Winner: Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No School, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Abuses of the Immigration Crackdown
Tammy Keith, Log Cabin Democrat, Conway School District Coverage
GARRICK FELDMAN COMMUNITY JOURNALISM AWARD
Winner: Lia Portillo, Marshall News Messenger, Coverage of the Hispanic Community in East Texas
EMERGING JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Illan Ireland, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk
Finalists: Ainsley Platt, Arkansas Advocate
Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
STUDENT JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Erika Konig, University of Memphis
Finalist: Caden Dyer, The Daily Beacon, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Dwain Hebda | Credit: Jane Colclasure
DIAMOND JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths
Finalists: Bill Bowden, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Bobby Ross Jr., The Christian Chronicle and Religion Unplugged
CRAFT ACHIEVEMENT
OUTSTANDING TV NEWS WRITER
Winner: Kevin Kelly, KLRT Fox 16
Finalist: Ashlei King, KLRT Fox 16
OUTSTANDING TV EDITOR
Winner: Lauren Motley, KNWA/Fox24 Fayetteville
OUTSTANDING COMMUNICATIONS PROFESSIONAL
Winner: Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalists: Heather Baker, AY Media Group
Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull
OUTSTANDING PRINT/ONLINE EDITOR
Winner: Sarah DeClerk, AY Media Group
Finalist: Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press
Sarah DeClerk | Credit: Jane Colclasure
OUTSTANDING PHOTOGRAPHER – ALL MEDIA
Winner: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Finalist: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
OUTSTANDING NEWS ANCHOR
Winner: Kimberly Rusley, KFDM 6
OUTSTANDING METEOROLOGIST
Winner: Darby Bybee, KHBS/KHOG
OUTSTANDING SPORTS REPORTER
Winner: Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
PRINT/ONLINE
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Winner: Staff, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism/ProPublica, The Memphis Safe Task Force
Finalists: Erika Konig, Meghnad Bose, Daniel Connolly, David Waters, Marc Perrusquia, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Immigration Crackdown in Memphis
Sophie Bates, David A. Lieb, Illan Ireland, M.K. Wilderman, Alex Rozier, Mississippi Free Press, Associated Press, Mississippi Today, Tylertown Tornado Aftermath
CRITICISM/REVIEWS
Winner: Philip Martin, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Philip Martin Portfolio
Finalists: Andrew DeMillo, The Associated Press, Book Reviews
Kimberley Jones, The Austin Chronicle, Film Reviews
EDITORIALS
Winner: David Barham, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Editorials on “Punching Down”
Finalists: Jonathan Feldman, Leader Newspaper, Editorials by Feldman
Tommy Foltz, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Tommy Foltz Portfolio of Editorials
ENTERPRISE/IN-DEPTH REPORTING
Winner: Antoinette Grajeda, Ainsley Platt, Tess Vrbin, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate, Overcrowded
Finalists: Daniel Connolly, Matt Fair, Hilary Russ, Vince Sullivan, Orlando Lorenzo, Law360 (Legal news service), For These Victims, Death Came Before Bankruptcy Resolution
Micaela Watts, Marc Perrusquia, Institute for Public Service Reporting, Are Memphis Police Over-Charging Motorists Caught With Marijuana?
PROFILES
Winner: Jane Roberts, Mary Cashiola, The Daily Memphian, For Memphis’ First COVID Patient, Early Pandemic Was Personal
Finalists: Brant Bingamon, The Austin Chronicle, If You Build It…
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, #Me First
EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Phillip Powell, Arkansas Times, Dirt Rich, Cash Poor: As Economic Pressures Mount, Some Delta Farmers Hoe Their Last Row
Finalists: Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, LEARNS Act Explored
Sammie Seamon, The Austin Chronicle, When We Lose Water
SPECIAL SECTION/NICHE PUBLICATION
Winner: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Hoa Vu, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine, Tiger Pride
Finalists: Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, Melinda Gonzales, Hoa Vu, inRegister Magazine, inRegister Weddings
Staff, The Austin Chronicle, The Austin Chronicle SXSW 2025 Festival Guide
FEATURES
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, Food is Love
Finalists: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Magazine, Minutes to Memories
Whitley O’Connor, Henry Hargreaves, Curbside Chronicle, Three Last Meals
GENERAL NEWS
Winner: Samuel Hardiman, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian, Building Colossus
Finalists: Natalie Wallington, Katherine Burgess, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Unhoused and Bad Air in Memphis
Tess Vrbin, Arkansas Advocate, Arkansas Libraries
POLITICS
Winner: Nick Judin, Ashton Pittman, Heather Harrison, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Mississippi Politics and Elections
Finalists: Ainsley Platt, Antoinette Grajeda, Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate, Senate Special Election
Alex Thomas, Ella McCarthy, Neal Earley, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Coverage of State/National Politics
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Winner: Jody Callahan, Chris Herrington, The Daily Memphian, Todd Snider Remembrance
Finalists: Aliyah Veal, Mississippi Free Press, Mississippi Arts and Culture Stories
Daniel Grear, Arkansas Times, Meet Silas Carpenter, the Searcy High School Senior Who’s a Songwriting Prodigy
EDUCATION
Winner: Josh Snyder, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Education Coverage
Finalists: Antoinette Grajeda, Arkansas Advocate, Arkansas Education Coverage
Torsheta Jackson, Heather Harrison, Ashton Pittman, Jaylin Smith, Mississippi Free Press, Academic Freedom at Mississippi Schools and Universities Under the New Trump Administration
BREAKING NEWS
Winner: Bill Bowden, Dale Ellis, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Storm Leaves 3 Dead, 32 Injured
Finalists: Ella McCarthy, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Officials Reviewing Handling of 341 Child Abuse Reports After Botched Mountain Home Incident
Nick Judin, Kevin Edwards, Ashton Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Trey Reed’s Hanging Death in the Mississippi Delta
SPORTS FEATURE
Winner: Matt Campbell, Arkansas Times, All the Singlet ladies: Little Rock Central High’s Girls Wrestling Team Dominates the State
Finalists: Bobby Ross Jr., Religion Unplugged, A pitch to follow Jesus: Baseball fans embrace players’ faith testimonies
Doug Crise, Arkansas Money & Politics, Razorback Hockey
COMMENTARY
Winner: Donna Ladd, Mississippi Free Press, Donna Ladd’s Democracy Essays
Finalists: Sonny Albarado, Arkansas Advocate, 2025 Commentary
Philip Martin, The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Portfolio of columns by Philip Martin
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Emma Murphy, Oklahoma Voice, Oklahoma A&M Regent Meetings Cost Nearly $70K with Pricey Meals and Entertainment, Records Show
Finalists: Aarron Fleming, Jane Donahoe, The Daily Memphian, Inside 201 Poplar
Rebecca Cadenhead, Charity Scott, Kevin Wurm, Andrea Morales, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, No school, No Fresh Air and Isolated: Solitary Confinement in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center
AUDIO
ENTERPRISE/EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Laura Kebede-Twumasi, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM public radio, The Long Arc of Police Violence in Memphis
Finalists: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, Surveillance Video Shows a Violent Attack and Carjacking. Hazelwood is Prosecuting the Victim
Maggie Ryan, Little Rock Public Radio, Nonprofit Teaches Culinary Arts to Help Arkansans Overcome Cycles of Poverty
Credit: Jane Colclasure
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Erika Konig, Institute for Public Service Reporting and WKNO-FM Public Radio, An American Nightmare
Finalist: Danny Wicentowski, St. Louis Public Radio, The Gentle Barn Closure Left Heartbreak Behind in Missouri. Then Animals Started Dying
EDUCATION
Winner: Maggie Ryan, National Public Radio, Black Colleges and Universities Reach Out to Students Left Stranded by Job Corps Cuts
Finalists: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Free School Breakfast Up for Debate in Arkansas Legislature
NEWS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Arkansas White Supremacist Group Draws International Attention
POLITICS
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, Christians Divided Over Arkansas Law to Mandate Ten Commandments
ONGOING COVERAGE
Winner: Nathan Treece, Josie Lenora, Maggie Ryan, Emma Bertram, Little Rock Public Radio, No Kings Protest Coverage
FEATURES
Winner: Josie Lenora, Little Rock Public Radio, CALS Used Book Sale Draws Crowds
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT COVERAGE
Winner: Paul Ladd, World Christian Broadcasting’s New Life Station and worldchristian.org, Paul McCartney at the Frist
TELEVISION
CRIME/JUSTICE
Winner: Ashlei King, Julian Jones, KLRT Fox16, Justice Denied
Finalists: Kevin Kelly, Lavant Randall, KLRT Fox16, AI Sex Generated Images
Kathryn Thornberry, KARK/Fox16, Pine Bluff Father Speaks Out After Illinois Jury Finds Former Deputy Guilty of Killing his Daughter, Sonya Massey
EXPLANATORY REPORTING
Winner: Kevin Kelly, KLRT Fox16, STRIIK TEAM
Finalist: Kevin Kelly, Kwasi Harshaw, KLRT Fox16, Seizure Free
CONTINUING COVERAGE
Winner: Matt Grant, Josh Hinkle, Dalton Huey Chris Nelson, KXAN-TV, Preventing Disaster
Finalists: Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG TV, When Bad Things Happen
Dylan Price, Jacob Osborn, KARK/Fox16, PBS FOLO – Package
NEWS FEATURE
Winner: Doug Warner, KNWA, Preserving the Dash
Finalists: Brad Horn, KNWA/Fox 24 Fayetteville, When Do You Have to Go to the Mountain Again
Doug Warner, Brad Horn, KNWA, A Divine Decision
EDUCATION
Winner: Lauren Motley, KNWA/Fox24 Fayetteville, Mr. Ladd’s Steppers
PROFILES
Winner: Kimberly Rusley, Duncan Meece, KFDM 6, Sprott Hospital: Legacy of Excellence
Finalists: Kevin Kelly, Julian Jones, KLRT Fox 16, 7 Summits
Doug Warner, KNWA, D-Day Honor of K.B. Smith
INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING
Winner: Brandon Evans, Shelby Wyatt, KHBS/KHOG TV, Whites Only Community
NEWS SPECIAL
Winner: Michael Aaron, Skot Covert, Joel Kattner, KFSM-TV Fort Smith, Arkansas Recovers: One Year Later
Finalist: Doug Warner, KNWA, 2025 Year of The Good Stuff
POLITICS
Winner: Phil Reed, KHBS/KHOG TV, Anti-Slavery Amendment
BREAKING NEWS
Winner: Madison Taylor, KHBS/KHOG TV, Escaped Killer Captured
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Winner: Breanna Hampton, Cherokee Phoenix, SkasdiCon Vol. IV sees most artists yet
Finalist: Breanna Hampton, Cherokee Phoenix, CAM Celebrates 20 Years With More Artists, Events
SPORTS FEATURE
Winner: Lauren Motley, KNWA/Fox24 Fayetteville, Legendary Waldron Football Announcer Remembered by Community
Finalists: Tyre White, Clover Wagner, KATV 7 News, Out of Bounds Miracle: A Cabot Referee’s Second Chance
Doug Warner, KNWA, Parent on the Run
WEATHER
Winner: Doug Warner, Joshua Rugger, Peyton Langford, KNWA, Why We Chase
Finalists: Micah Fletcher, Cherokee Phoenix, CN Offers Swift Response to Storm Damage
Brett Rains, KHBS/KHOG, Early Morning Twister
NEWSCAST
Winner: Tiffany Baskerville, KFSM-TV Ft. Smith, Team Coverage of Arkansas Severe Weather
Finalist: 40/29 Staff, KHBS/KHOG, 40/29 News: High Heat, Election Day & An Exclusive Interview
VISUAL JOURNALISM
GENERAL NEWS PHOTOGRAPHY – ALL MEDIA
Winner: Adam Vogler, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Storm Rescue
Finalists: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Reaper
Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Tucker Lying in State
AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Snowboard
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Thomas Metthe, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Spaghetti
Finalists: Colin Murphey, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Cyclist
Jordan Hefler, Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine, Oh, Honey, Honey
COVER DESIGN
Winner: Mandy Keener, Layet Johnson, Sarah Richardson, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times, Arkansas Times Magazine Covers
Finalists: Jennifer Tormo Alvarez, Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, Collin Richie, 225 Magazine, 225 Magazine 2025 Covers
Riley Bienvenu Bourgeois, Jordan Hefler, Jackie Haxthausen, Hoa Vu, Bre Pizzolato, Sally Grace Cagle, inRegister Magazine, Cover Collection
PAGE DESIGN
Winner: Mandy Keener, Sara Reeves, Arkansas Times, Layout for “We’ve Got the Beef: The Best Burgers in Central Arkansas”
Finalists: Michael Hoge, Sarah Smythe, Heather Kersten, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, News layouts
Stan Denman, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Stan Denman
USE OF MULTIMEDIA
Winner: Henry Hargreaves, Whitley O’Connor, Curbside Chronicle, Three Last Meals
GRAPHICS/ILLUSTRATIONS
Winner: Carrie Hill, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Carrie Hill
Finalists: Melinda Gonzalez Galjour, 225 Magazine, Gold Standard
William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Mississippi Maps and Infographics
PHOTO SPREAD/ESSAY
Winner: Andrea Morales, Kevin Wurm, MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, Memphis Safe Task Force Collection
Finalists: Chad Hunter, Cherokee Phoenix, Dancing elders find own inspiration
Staci Vandagriff, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Cave City Tornado
OVERALL WEBSITE DESIGN
Winner: Alison Fulton, Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Designed for a Rural Newsroom
Finalist: Staff, Mississippi Free Press, Mississippi Free Press Website
COMMUNICATIONS
FEATURE WRITING
Winner: Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Children’s Health System, Forced to Imagine the Unimaginable: Angel One Flight Nurse Turns Grief into Purpose
Finalist: Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull, All-Terrain Wheelchair Offerings by Arkansas State Parks, Arkansas Game & Fish Have Personal Meaning
CAMPAIGN
Winner: Crafton Tull Marketing Team, Social Media, Earned Media, Owned Media, Crafton Tull Acquires Laneshift
Finalists: Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Year-End Giving Campaign
Staci Miller, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Donor Renewals Campaign
MAGAZINE OR PUBLICATION
Winner: Donnie Sewell, Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences, and the Arts, Summer 2025 Tangents ASMSA
Finalists: Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Caring for the Earth | Focusing on the Future: Renewable Energy
Emily Partridge, Heifer International, Power in Numbers: Women’s Climb to Wealth
Credit: Jane Colclasure
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Wendy Jordan, Crafton Tull, Searcy Community Center Groundbreaking
Finalist: Amye Buckley, Crafton Tull, Bob Crafton’s Bike Ride
NEWSLETTER
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, UA Little Rock Now
PRESS RELEASE WRITING
Winner: Angelita Faller, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Research Study Co-authored by 16 UA Little Rock Students Finds Raccoons Show Early Signs of Domestication
Finalist: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University, Bill Vining Sr. Remembered for Excellence, Leadership On and Off the Court
SPECIAL TOPICS
BUSINESS
Winner: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, Air Arkansas
Finalists: Mark Carter, Arkansas Money & Politics, The White Sands of Arkansas
Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Arkansas Money & Politics, One of One
RELIGION
Winner: Aprille Spivey, Arkansas Catholic, Arkansas Catholic Article Compilation
Finalists: Frank Lockwood, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Religion Coverage on State, National and International Levels
Erik Tryggestad, The Christian Chronicle, Religion Reporting by Erik Tryggestad
HEALTH
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for AY Media Group, Health Package
Finalist: Stephanie Smittle, Arkansas Times, State of Decay: No Easy Fix for Arkansas’s Dental Health Problems
SPORTS
Winner: Roger Amos, Mississippi Free Press, Battle of Nations Brings Mississippi Choctaw, Eastern Cherokee Together for Football Match
Finalists: Chase Hartsell, Ouachita Baptist University Athletics, Tiger Tidbits: Celebrating 130 Years of Ouachita’s Football Team
Tom Murphy, Matt Byrne, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Comprehensive Coverage of State’s Top Athletic Program
ENVIRONMENT/SCIENCE
Winner: Dwain Hebda, Catherine Frederick, Ya!Mule Wordsmiths for Do South Magazine, Keeper of the Swarm
Finalists: Chris Fulton, Mountain Home Observer, Power, Pollution, and Policy in Arkansas
Illan Ireland, William Pittman, Mississippi Free Press, Ag & Water Desk, Mississippi’s Environment, From Industrial Pollution to the Yazoo Pumps Project
STUDENT JOURNALISM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Winner: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, StepAfrika Steps Up to the Stage
Finalist: Meredith Lipsey, The Echo, Evansvillle Aces Baseball Bears in Final Series Game, 8-0
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT REPORTING
Winner: Gracie Guillot, LSU Tiger TV, What’s Geauxing On- with Gracie Guillot
Finalist: TVC Staff, The Volunteer Channel, Tennessee Homecoming Parade
EDITORIALS
Winner: Vivian Phillips, The Echo, SNAP Cuts Threaten Arkansas
COMMENTARY
Winner: Claire Thatcher, The Daily Beacon, Collection
PAGE DESIGN
Winner: Emma Fingeret, Sydney Barney, Lailah Rucker, Ablaze Magazine, Ablaze Magazine Design
Finalist: Lindsay Favre, The Daily Beacon, The Daily Beacon
SPORTS
Winner: Alexa Durben, The Volunteer Channel, It’s a (Pickle)ball!
Finalists: Luke Lamoree, The Volunteer Channel, Vol Navy
Tiger TV Staff, LSU Tiger TV, Lane Kiffin to LSU
SPECIAL PROJECTS
Winner: Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon, Academic Freedom Investigation
Finalists: Erika Konig, University of Memphis, An American Nightmare
TVC Staff, The Volunteer Channel, Everything School
FEATURES
Winner: Kierra Evans, LSU Tiger TV, Living Legacy: Whitney Plantation
Finalists: Patricia Caputo, LSU Tiger TV, Bengal Bots Brawl
Sophie Starkey, The Volunteer Channel, Spooky Top
NEWS
Winner: Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon, Academic Freedom
Finalist: Erika Konig, University of Memphis, Protests, Food Shortages and Immigration
CAMPUS AFFAIRS REPORTING
Winner: Olivia Lee, Caden Dyer, Patrick Busch, The Daily Beacon, Academic Freedom
Finalists: Gracyn Thatcher, Kate Barber, The Volunteer Channel, Student Safety
Mary Lyle, The Echo, ICE Raids Not Expected to Affect UCA Students
Feature Photo (Left to Right): Mak Millard, Sarah DeClerk, Heather Baker, Dwain Hebda, Darlene Hebda | Credit: Jane Colclasure
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