A joint investigation by Mirror Indy and IndyStar into ethical concerns in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s administration was named Story of the Year by the Indiana Professional Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
The award was among 23 Mirror Indy received April 27 at the 2025 Best in Indiana Journalism contest. “Mr. Clean” also placed first place in the “A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism” and first place for investigative journalism.
Mirror Indy reporters Emily Hopkins and Peter Blanchard teamed up with IndyStar reporters Tony Cook and Jordan Smith for the project. The judges wrote: “This thorough body of reporting exposed a significant gap between the mayor’s public promises and, most notably, his willingness to overlook a political ally’s alleged pattern of sexual harassment.”
Editor-in-Chief Oseye Boyd said Mirror Indy believes in strong, local journalism.
“We believe in the Fourth Estate, and we believe we can impact our community through journalism — but it’s always an honor to be recognized,” she said. “Our collaboration with the IndyStar is proof positive that our philosophy of collaboration over competition benefits not only journalists, but also Indianapolis.”
It’s the second consecutive year Mirror Indy has won Story of the Year, first place in the A-Mark category and first place in investigative journalism.
Bro Krift, CEO of Mirror Indy support organization Free Press Indiana, said it’s unsurprising Mirror Indy continues to be recognized for elite work.
“The newsroom is filled with creative talent willing to do the hard work,” he said. “The SPJ awards recognize that combination. More important though is the combination of skills inside the newsroom means every single person there is making this community better through their work. I’m proud to call them peers.”
Mirror Indy’s remaining awards were for publications with a circulation more than 10,000. Judges’ comments have been included where available.
Race and diversity: Enrique Saenz placed first for coverage of the Haitian community and Black history.
Arts and entertainment: Mesgana Waiss placed first for coverage of Chreece, Newfields and an underground dance club.
Best online multimedia: Johnny Magdaleno, Jenna Watson and Gwen Ragno placed first for “Inside the Riley Tower murders.” The judges said: “Excellent use of multimedia to enhance storytelling. Painful, compelling narrative work.”
Sports: David Woods placed first for his coverage of high school, collegiate and professional sports.
Website: Gwen Ragno placed first for mirrorindy.org’s use of landing pages to share neighborhood news and explain topics like redistricting and data centers, plus its use of multimedia and interactive storytelling.
Social media: Ibby Ahmed placed first for redistricting coverage: “Educating our community on the impact of dividing Indianapolis into four districts.”
Sports photography: Brett Phelps placed first for “All-Star Dunk.”
Features photography: Brett Phelps placed first for “Preshow jitters.” The judges said: “The framing of the scene clearly showcases the emotion of the moment. The second little girl looking at the camera brings the viewer even further into that world.”
Multiple picture group: Brett Phelps placed first for “A battle for power: Redistricting in Indiana.” The judges said: “Powerful images showing the story of the redistricting fight far better than words could alone.” Phelps also placed third for his coverage of the Clermont rodeo.
Graphics and illustrations: Jeneca Zody won first place for “Redistricting Battle.” The judges said: “A clever, straightforward way of showing a complicated subject.” Zody also placed second for “Budget season.” Jannell Summers and Mesgana Waiss placed third for “Chat n Chew: Artists town hall edition.”
Government/politics: Peter Blanchard placed second for coverage of turmoil in the mayor’s office.
Social justice: Tyler Fenwick, Jenna Watson and Brett Phelps placed second for their coverage of homelessness. Mary Claire Molloy placed third for her coverage of immigration.
Non-deadline: Tyler Fenwick and Doug McSchooler placed third for coverage of evictions of Section 8 renters.
Medical or science: Darian Benson, Mary Claire Molloy and Jenna Watson placed third for their story “A generation of Black men in Indy have been dying of overdoses for decades.”
Environmental: Enrique Saenz placed third for his coverage showing the negative health effects of environmental hazards, particularly on the west side.
Newsletter: Sophie Young placed third for “In the Mirror.”
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Chris Sikich is Mirror Indy’s managing editor. You can reach him at chris.sikich@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
