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Nevada Press Foundation Celebrates Top Journalism at 2026 Awards Dinner
The Nevada Press Foundation celebrated the best in Nevada journalism at its 2026 Awards of Excellence Dinner on Saturday, September 26, at the Springs Event Center at Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.
This year’s contest recognized work from 30 publications with 365 first-, second- and third-place awards, honoring achievements in reporting, photography, design, advertising and community service. The winners represent the urban, rural, magazine and college publications that keep communities across Nevada informed.
Among the evening’s top honors:
- Journalist of Merit: Alan Halaly, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
- Outstanding Journalist — Urban: Mary Hynes, Las Vegas Review-Journal.
- Outstanding Journalist — Rural: Kelsey Penrose, Carson Now.
- Outstanding Journalist — Magazine: Johnathan L. Wright, RJ Magazine.
- Outstanding Journalist — College: Matthew Mondschein, The Scarlet & Gray Free Press.
- Story of the Year: Mary Hynes, Las Vegas Review-Journal, for “County Contract Scandal.”
- Photo of the Year: L.E. Baskow, Las Vegas Review-Journal, for his diving touchdown photograph featured in “Fernando Mendoza is sort of winner Raiders need.”
- Editorial of the Year: Victor Joecks, Las Vegas Review-Journal, for “Clark County’s shameless cover-up.”
- Editorial Cartoon of the Year: Michael Ramirez, Las Vegas Review-Journal, for “Presidential obsession.”
- Podcast of the Year: Bob Conrad and Kristen Hackbarth, This Is Reno, for “This Is Reno’s podcast and radio show.”
- Video of the Year: L.E. Baskow and Alan Halaly, Las Vegas Review-Journal, for “Nevada’s ‘white gold’ rush.”
“These awards reflect the critical role Nevada journalists play in keeping our communities informed, engaged, and connected,” said Brian Allfrey, executive director of the Nevada Press Association and Nevada Press Foundation. “We are proud to recognize the incredible talent and dedication across all divisions of Nevada media.”
Honoring the 2026 Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame Class
Earlier in the day, the Foundation welcomed Mary Hynes, Ron Kantowski, Mike Smith and Howard Stutz into the Nevada Newspaper Hall of Fame during its annual luncheon.
The four inductees were recognized for careers spanning investigative reporting, newsroom leadership, sports storytelling, editorial cartooning and coverage of Nevada’s gaming and business industries.
For Hynes, the day brought both career recognition and honors for her recent work: She joined the Hall of Fame and earned the 2026 Story of the Year and Outstanding Journalist awards in the Urban Division.
Read more about the 2026 Hall of Fame inductees.
The Nevada Press Foundation congratulates all of this year’s winners and thanks the participating publications, contest judges, sponsors and attendees for supporting excellence in Nevada journalism.
View the Full List of 2026 Winners
2026 Nevada Press Foundation Awards of Excellence Results (Press Release)
View the 2026 Awards Presentation
NPF-2026-Awards-Presentation-FINAL
Download the Official 2026 Press Release
2026_NPF_Awards_of_Excellence_Press_Release