151 first-place winners. Across audio, video, text, and multimedia — this is what public media journalists produced in 2025.
Categories are organized alphabetically. Use Explore to go directly to an entry’s published work. Where an entry is a series, a +N more link surfaces additional pieces.
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2025 Special Coverage: Federal Policy, Local Impact+
Div C
Georgia Public Broadcasting News Team
“Reporting across Georgia: ICE, food insecurity and impacts on CDC and public health”
Ive never seen it bad georgia food systems strain under shutdo…— gpb.orgProtesters rally for science and against federal cuts at state…— gpb.orgInflux of data centers threatens air quality public health in …— gpb.orgOne conversation at time pediatricians hope prevent the spread…— gpb.orgCdc workers react deadly shooting the line has now been offici…— gpb.orgWhy the shutdown could leave 15 million georgians without food…— gpb.orgFood aid in disarray some people are scrambling help— gpb.orgIn dalton community rallies for the release of student detaine…— gpb.org
Massachusetts medicaid cuts rural clinics— wbur.orgPuberty blockers transgender teens new hampshire massachusetts— wbur.orgMassachusetts international students customs trump administration— wbur.orgNoaa cuts local impacts new england massachusetts climate scie…— wbur.orgUsgs massachusetts trump administration cuts water— wbur.orgMap offshore wind projects new england vineyard southcoast rev…— wbur.orgMassachusetts immigration ice burlington field office unsanita…— wbur.orgIce courthouses arrest massachusetts— wbur.orgDoctors kids vaccines skeptics boston massachusetts— wbur.org
Arts Feature+
Div B
Blue Ridge Public Radio
“WNC artists celebrate the release of an album recorded in the muck of Hurricane Helene”
Div C
WDET - Detroit Public Radio
“Container on the Metro - Bevlove”
Div E
Courtney Keuppers, WBEZ Chicago
“Her special-needs son loves holiday music. She helped design a concert for him.”
Audience Engagement+
Breaking News+
Div A
Public Radio Tulsa/KWGS News
“More than 100 Tulsa cases involving Natives sent to tribes in mayor's sovereignty push”
Div B
KUNM FM
“UNM shooting suspect arrested in Los Lunas after campus locked down for hours”
Climate/Environment Feature+
Div B
WYSO
“Riverside's Superfund site affects an estimated 500 homes. But more could be at risk.”
Div C
Nebraska Public Media
“Eastern Nebraska's bur oak trees, known as the 'King of the Great Plains,' dying due to widespread d”
Collaborative Effort+
Div A
WMUK-FM
“Nothing but problems': Confronting the living conditions at Fox Ridge Apartments”
Displaced in the fields domestic farmworkers and the cost of i…— nwpb.orgHarvest at a crossroads in the nw halloween spending and a new…— pbs.orgCosechas en la encrucijada como la inmigracion esta afectando …— nwpb.orgEleccion imposible como la aplicacion de leyes migratorias est…— nwpb.orgDesplazados de los campos trabajadores agricolas locales y el …— nwpb.orgPoliticas migratorias y necesidades laborales aumenta dependen…— nwpb.orgWatch— youtube.comHarvest at a crossroads how immigration is affecting the 2025 …— nwpb.orgThe impossible choice how immigration enforcement is affecting…— nwpb.orgImmigration policies and labor needs a look at the growing rel…— nwpb.org
Div D
90.5 WESA/McKeesport Community Newsroom
“Mon Valley PRT Chronicles/Stories of Courage/Student Journalists”
Transcript audio gregory bovino immigrant arrests downtown chi…— wbez.orgDeported chicago to mexico husband ice detention middway blitz— wbez.orgBroadview detainees operation midway blitz self deporting high…— chicago.suntimes.comTear gas federal agents immigration enforcement chicago police…— chicago.suntimes.comGregory bovino border customs enforcement deportation trump ca…— chicago.suntimes.comChicago immigration raid south shore apartment donald trump ice— chicago.suntimes.comFederal immigration officers ice dhs license plates immigration— chicago.suntimes.comBroadview immigration processing center detention ice dhs— chicago.suntimes.comIce bovino border patrol homeland security chicago police depa…— chicago.suntimes.comGregory bovino border patrol deportation elcentro california b…— chicago.suntimes.com
Continuing Coverage+
Homeland security agents detain several people in harrisonburg…— wmra.orgMother forced to choose between leaving u s and young daughter…— wmra.orgStaunton father detained by ice appeals immigration judges denial— wmra.orgRockingham woman released to await trial for allegedly resisti…— wmra.orgRockingham mother arrested by ice has pending visa for crime v…— wmra.orgIce arrested 139 locally in first three months after inauguration— wmra.orgIce office director defends detention of immigrants without cr…— wmra.orgThree quarters of immigrants detained in farmville had no crim…— wmra.orgStaunton father detained by ice wife calls for his return— wmra.orgReports of detainment increasing for immigrants at ice check ins— wmra.org
Everything is lost now hundreds evacuate from western alaska v…— alaskapublic.orgSXdnOVdShY0— youtube.com20260305182046 PMJAHalongcontinuingcoverageentry.mp3— alaskapublic-od.streamguys1.comOne month after halong heres what rebuilding looks like in six…— alaskapublic.orgFor western alaska evacuees life in anchorage hotels brings ne…— alaskapublic.orgAnchorages yupik immersion program welcomes students from disa…— alaskapublic.orgTuntutuliak brings more stories of courage and compassion in t…— alaskapublic.orgWe got hope the few who remain in storm ravaged kipnuk race to…— alaskapublic.org51 people rescued and at least 3 still missing after massive s…— alaskapublic.org
George norcross case new jersey prosecutors appeal dismissal— whyy.orgGeorge norcross case new jersey prosecutors appeal dismissal— whyy.orgGeorge norcross indictment dismissed south jersey— whyy.orgNorcross new jersey comptroller insurance contracting violation— whyy.orgGeorge norcross naacp new jersey racketeering camden— whyy.orgCooper university hospital expansion camden norcross— whyy.org
Cross-Platform Storytelling+
Div A
Jackson Hole Community Radio/KHOL
“Non-citizen driver's licenses void in Wyoming July 1”
Div C
Georgia Public Broadcasting News Team
“Remembering President Jimmy Carter across Georgia and the world”
Atlantans say goodbye jimmy carter in poignant state funeral c…— gpb.orgDEgNS95uzw5— instagram.comDEgCk KuAMi— instagram.comDEbDPkXO1Nw— instagram.com12282024 9706398— mailchi.mp12282024 9706261— mailchi.mpLive updates remembering jimmy carter 1924 2024— gpb.orgListen gpb reflects on jimmy carters life and legacy— gpb.orgThousands pay respects jimmy carter president peanut farmer an…— gpb.org
Why is milwaukee missing many street signs— wuwm.comDSa7jYQCQm4— instagram.comRedlining created segregation barriers to homeownership— wuwm.comDR21Ak9FBzs— instagram.comCustomers mourn loss of beans barley— wuwm.comDRxo y0gE4v— instagram.comShorewood resident takes lake michigan shoreline access to court— wuwm.comDRVn2LLDRZq— instagram.comDMQOAuTMenh— instagram.com
School game plan english workbook.pdf— scpr.brightspotcdn.comLaist reporter shares her work on a school game plan series— cbsnews.comHow does school choice in california work pmja— omny.fmHow laist distributed lausd school choice guides la families— laist.comSchool game plan es— laist.comTransitional kindergarten california preschool classroom learn…— laist.comLausd magnet points choices application los angeles unified— laist.comLos angeles school choice public school charter magnet school— laist.com
Digital Writing+
Div B
WUGA
“Breaking Barriers: The Pressure and Power of Being a Black-Owned Business in Athens”
Div C
Nebraska Public Media
“Murder-suicides surge in Nebraska as funds for domestic violence services dwindle”
Div E
WGBH
“In 1775, Boston's Prince Hall broke Freemasonry's racial barrier. His global movement marches on.”
Documentary+
Div D
WPLN-Nashville Public Radio
“From street corners to campsites, the work of Miriam Field, harm reductionist”
Div E
Oregon Public Broadcasting
“Uncovering Boarding Schools: Stories of Resistance and Resilience”
Education Feature+
Div C
Texas Public Radio
“How the Texas 'Dont Say Gay' law is impacting San Antonio teens”
Div D
KUNC
“Want to feel better? In Steamboat Springs, you could be prescribed guitar lessons or drawing classes”
Div E
Curious City, WBEZ Chicago
“School is in session, so we put the CPS butter cookie to the test”
Enterprise+
Former west tennessee prison to become new privately run ice d…— wknofm.orgAmerican nightmare part 3 starting over— wknofm.orgAmerican nightmare part 2 families in lockdown— wknofm.orgAmerican nightmare part 1 jose gets visitors— wknofm.orgFor immigrants in mixed status households mass deportation is …— wknofm.org
Div B
WYPR 88.1
“Baltimore tiny home development takes a big swing at homelessness and housing affordability”
Div C
Nancy Eve Cohen, NEPM
“Investigations into Catholic dioceses changed laws in other states and Mass. victims want the same”
Div E
KUOW
“Fentanyl fuels a persistent 'hot spot' at Seattle's 12th and Jackson. What will it take to fix it?”
Government/Democracy Feature+
Div E
Mariah Woelfel, WBEZ Chicago
“Chicago-area doctors are returning from Gaza with horror stories and demands for elected officials”
Health/Medical Feature+
Div B
North Country Public Radio
“For this Plattsburgh nonprofit, the joy of biking is for everyone”
Div C
Gulf States Newsroom
“Trauma-informed nurses help sexual assault survivors. Most hospitals don't have them.”
Div D
Michigan Public
“Record number of MI kids reported hospitalized from cannabis in 2024”
Div E
KUOW
“As Travis Decker manhunt stalls, Wenatchee veterans call for more mental health services”
Human Interest Feature+
Div A
Central Florida Public Media
“Fix (slowly) coming for contaminated wells in this historically Black Osceola community”
Div B
KBIA FM
“From quirky small-town people to pioneers: Fayette marks 25 years of Juneteenth celebrations”
Div C
WDET - Detroit Public Radio
“CuriosiD: What is the origin of "What up doe?"”
Div D
Michigan Public
“Fitted for a prosthetic leg in Flint, a boy from Gaza can chase his dreams again”
Interview+
Div A
KTEP News
“Police interrogation of Walmart mass shooting gunman reveals warning signs”
Div B
Interlochen Public Radio
“After 20 years of trying, Traverse City man's crossword appears in The New York Times”
Div D
KJZZ 91.5 FM
“Why Arizona GOP chairwoman Gina Swoboda went from Clinton Democrat to Trump loyalist”
Interview Program+
Div A
Northern California Public Media
“The 707: Creating A Photojournalist; Talking with Writer and Director Erik Castro”
Investigative Reporting+
Div B
Jefferson Public Radio
“Roseburg's private homeless camps blur business and charity”
Div D
New Hampshire Public Radio
“Operation Night Cat”
Div E
WPLN-Nashville Public Radio
“How a gap in Tennessee's probation system leaves domestic violence victims in danger”
Narrative/Produced Program+
National Feature+
All Divs
Vermont Public
“These video streaming services are designed for people with dementia”
National News Coverage+
All Divs
WWNO/WRKF
“20 years ago, New Orleans fired its teachers. It's been rebuilding ever since”
News Feature+
Div A
Northern California Public Media
“Sonoma County father weighs self-deportation after weeks in ICE custody”
Div B
WSKG
“New York doesn't have enough child care. What families can get will cost them”
Div C
Georgia Public Broadcasting: Sofi Gratas
“South Georgia ICE arrests reveal a new reality of immigration enforcement”
Div D
WFAE
“Family says critically ill man was pressured into deportation order after 'Charlotte's Web' sweep”
Div E
KUT FM
“Behind those walls along I-35, TxDOT is building one of the largest tunnels Austin's ever seen”
News/Public Affairs Program+
Div A
KDRT-LP 95.7 FM
“Davisville, May 12, 2025: Davis faces choice between more homes, fewer schools”
Div B
Interlochen Public Radio
“Up North Lowdown: Meet the cop building relationships with homeless people in Traverse City”
Newscast+
Science/Technology Feature+
Div B
North Country Public Radio
“How trapping mosquitoes in St. Lawrence County is preparing the North Country for climate change”
Div C
KUER
“Saving Utah prairie dogs from the Black Death with peanut butter and flea meds”
Div D
Alaska Public Media
“West Coast states have had earthquake early warning for years. Will it ever come to Alaska?”
Div E
Connecticut Public
“Tweezers, test tubes and mosquito slurry: How CT researchers track West Nile virus”
Series+
This alaska town gets weekly barges so why do people use insta…— alaskapublic.orgAgriculture is on the rise in interior alaska but many farmers…— alaskapublic.orgAs climate change threatens subsistence savoonga is going from…— alaskapublic.orgIn alaskas most remote villages one missed plane can mean bare…— alaskapublic.org
Sports Feature+
Div A
Erin Gottsacker, The Ohio Newsroom
“An Ohio village moved to rename a park after a forgotten baseball star. Controversy followed”
Div B
Jefferson Public Radio
“In rural California, the best sheepdogs compete to be North America's top dog”
Div C
Nebraska Public Media
“How the fastest growing high school sport in Nebraska continues to break down barriers heading into”
Div E
WBUR
“I just gambled our entire savings away': Young adults in Mass. are hooked on online sports betting”
Spot News+
Div A
Jackson Hole Community Radio/KHOL
“Teton Powwow is becoming a destination, organizers say”
Div C
Louisville Public Media
“Ready to become citizens, some immigrants in Louisville turned away at the door”
Div D
WLRN
“2025 Election: Miami swings left, rejects Trump, to elect Eileen Higgins as first Democrat mayor”
Div E
Connecticut Public
“A 13-year-old yearns for her mother after she was detained by ICE”
Use of Sound+
Div C
Nebraska Public Media
“Nebraska's sandhill crane migration stronger than ever, despite bird flu worries”
Div D
St. Louis Public Radio
“How Foley artists make Halloween horror flicks sound so spooky”
Div E
Evan Jacoby, LAist
“The race to save historic Altadena fireplace tiles — because they're all that's left”
Video Storytelling+
Div A
Oregon Public Broadcasting
“Cellist Andrea Gonzalez plays at Portland's ICE building”
Div C
WHRO Public Media
“Revolution 250: Stories from the First Shore: The Bray School: Education / Indoctrination”
Unlikely hero james armistead lafayette xkaqoj— video.whro.orgGeorge wythe a philosophical foundation tojlc6— video.whro.orgBuried history first baptist church williamsburg tb4vyd— video.whro.orgMichael twitty culture through cooking wpxh29— video.whro.orgBilly flora an american hero bx21rp— video.whro.org
Visual Journalism+
Div E
Colorado Public Radio
“In photos: A ceremonial buffalo hunt helps Denver's Indigenous residents connect with their heritage”
Student Feature+
Student News Feature+
All Divs
KLCC Public Radio
“Cottage Grove woman remembers ICE agents forcibly detaining her”
Student Newscast+
Student Program+
Student Spot News+
All Divs
WKMS-FM
“Hispanic community turns out in Mayfield for 'A Day Without Immigrants' protest”
About this page
This page features first-place winners of the 2026 PMJA Annual Awards Competition. Links lead to the original published work and are provided as submitted by entrants. Some entries span multiple pieces; the primary link goes to the main submission, with additional pieces surfaced via the +N more link.