The Minnesota Society of Professional Journalists awards the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota as part of its annual Page One Awards.
About the A-Mark Prize
Launched in 2025, the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota rewards ambitious, well-researched reporting that exposes wrongdoing, holds powerful individuals accountable, or explores complex problems, issues or subjects facing Minnesota.
Entries are judged on the quality and extent of research and reporting, along with the impact the reporting has had or has the potential to have.
This award comes with a cash prize for the journalists and newsrooms recognized for their work.
- First place: $5,000 for the reporter(s) and $2,500 for the outlet that published or aired the winning story
- Second place: $3,000 for the reporter(s) and $1,500 for the outlet
- Third place: $2,000 for the reporter(s) and $1,000 for the outlet
The cash prizes are sponsored by the A-Mark Foundation.
How to enter
MNSPJ is now accepting submissions for the 2026 A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism in Minnesota contest. Click here to learn more information.
Past winners
2026
- First place: $5,000 for the reporters and $2,500 for the news organization — “KARE 11 Investigates: Housing Hustle” by A.J. Lagoe, Kelly Dietz, Gary Knox and David Peterlinz of KARE-TV
- KARE 11’s “Housing Hustle” investigation stands as a powerful example of accountability journalism at its best — exposing a fraud scheme that exploited a Medicaid-funded housing program meant to serve vulnerable Minnesotans. The judges praised the reporting for combining rigorous investigative work with compelling storytelling. One judge even going so far as to call it the holy grail of investigative reporting. The panel applauded its wide-reaching public impact, exceptional pacing and unforgettable opening sequence that immediately drew viewers in. The investigation ultimately drove sweeping reforms, federal prosecutions, and the shutdown of the troubled Housing Stabilization Services program — underscoring the essential role investigative journalism plays in protecting public trust and taxpayer money.
- Second place: $3,000 for the reporters and $1,500 the news organization — “Forgive and Forget: A Church’s Dark Side” by Andy Mannix, Jessica Lussenhop and Leila Navidi of The Minnesota Star Tribune and ProPublica
- “Forgive and Forget” is a deeply reported investigation that exposed how church leaders failed to act on allegations of abuse, while survivors carried the lasting consequences in silence. The judges praised the reporting for being both exhaustive and compassionate — carefully protecting survivors’ privacy while still delivering a powerful, deeply personal narrative that expanded to reveal broader institutional failures. The project stood out for its immersive reporting, including journalists attending church services to better understand the culture at the center of the story. The panel also highlighted the multimedia elements, particularly the use of interrogation video that strengthened and complemented the written reporting. “Forgive and Forget” exemplifies courageous investigative journalism that combines sensitivity, persistence, and accountability in service of the public interest.
- Third place: $2,000 for the reporters and $1,000 for the news organization — “Hermantown officials deceived citizens, manipulated public process to pave way for data center” by John Ramos of the Duluth Monitor
- The Duluth Monitor’s investigation into the Hermantown data center exposed a pattern of secrecy, backroom dealings, and nondisclosure agreements that kept residents in the dark about decisions reshaping their community. The judges praised the reporting as the very definition of independent local journalism — painstaking accountability work that uncovered how officials altered plans, concealed the true nature of the project, and shut down public scrutiny. The reporting combined detailed document analysis with strong multimedia storytelling. The judges also emphasized the investigation’s extraordinary local impact, noting that without the Duluth Monitor, residents may never have known the extent to which public decisions were being made behind closed doors.
2025
- First place: $5,000 for the reporters and $2,500 for the news organization — “KARE 11 Investigates: Recovery Inc.” by A.J. Lagoe, Steve Eckert, Gary Knox and Kelly Dietz of KARE-TV
- Sparked by a tip and sustained by meticulous reporting, KARE 11’s coverage exposed fraud and exploitation within Minnesota’s addiction recovery industry. The team’s dynamic use of records, according to the judges, “untangled a really tangled web” of deceit involving politically connected players, fraudulent billing and a lack of government oversight. The coverage led to FBI raids, fraud indictments and sweeping legislative reforms. As one judge noted, the reporting team had all the receipts, and the impact was both immediate and profound.
- Second place: $3,000 for the reporters and $1,500 the news organization — “Costly Crisis” by Nathan O’Neal, Casey Hooker and Joe Augustine of KMSP-TV
- The FOX 9 Investigators’ “Costly Crisis” series was praised by judges for its compelling narrative and meticulous coverage. What appeared to be a billing mistake was, in reality, a dangerous and deceptive practice by Ramsey County, billing hundreds of people who called into a crisis hotline for help. One judge shared they were “unbelievably appalled” at what the team uncovered and praised the reporting for its sensitivity. This investigation led to a public apology and a policy change, but also inspired legislation to protect vulnerable residents across our state.
- Third place: $2,000 for the reporters and $1,000 for the news organization — “How fraudstershave gamedMinnesotagovernmentfor millions” by Deena Winter and Patrick Coolican of the Minnesota Reformer
- The Reformer’s investigative series uncovered a vast network of fraud across multiple state programs, stemming from a $250 million pandemic scam. Their reporting exposed how dozens of individuals indicted in the Feeding Our Future fraud case had also siphoned millions through other reimbursement programs. The investigation revealed shocking fraud schemes, including fake medical appointments involving interpreters and chiropractors preying on vulnerable communities. The judges praised their relentless coverage, thorough research and significant impact, especially given the outlet’s size.
The A-Mark Foundation
The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1997. The foundation makes focused grants to organizations that offer awards to promote and encourage journalism and investigative reporting. A-Mark currently has three major initiatives. The first is the A-Mark Prizes for Investigative Reporting, recognizing the best journalism in every state. The second is the A-Mark Journalism Master’s Scholarships for students in journalism master’s programs. The third is the A-Mark Student Journalism Award for student journalists at community colleges.