Thank you to everyone who reached out over the past day. We heard from quite a few newsrooms working hard to finalize their submissions. To ensure everyone has the time they need, we will be leaving the contest portal open through midnight on Sunday, November 16.

There’s no need to rush tonight. We won’t begin reviewing entries until Monday, so you can continue uploading and completing your submissions throughout the weekend.

We’re grateful for the tremendous participation this year and excited to see the work you’ve put forward.

We are still accepting entries across all divisions — Editorial, Advertising, and College! Whether you’re a publisher, newsroom leader, reporter, ad director, sales rep, or a student editor or journalist, entering is simple, digital, and rewarding.

This is your opportunity to showcase your best work from the past year and gain recognition for excellence in New England journalism. Entering is truly easier than you think! The entire entry process is online — no printing, mailing, or complicated steps. You can upload files, include URLs, and even have billing handled after the deadline.

If you’re actively working on submissions and anticipate any difficulty meeting the deadline, please feel free to reach out and let us know.

For further information, please email Linda Conway at l.conway@nenpa.com or Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com.

Learn more about the Better Newspaper Competition

Submit your entries

Does your newsroom have a smart or creative approach to generating community support? Enter your work in the Fundraising Strategy category of the 2025 New England Better Newspaper Competition before the final deadline this Friday, November 14!

As philanthropy becomes an increasingly important revenue source for both nonprofit and for-profit news organizations, this category honors the innovative fundraising programs that keep great journalism thriving. Judges will consider originality, scope, revenue impact, and the potential effectiveness of your strategy.

Whether you’ve built a successful donor campaign, developed partnerships with foundations, secured a grant, or launched a new initiative to engage your readers, this is your chance to showcase the sustainability side of your newsroom’s success.

While you’re preparing your entries, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the new categories introduced this year, each designed to recognize the evolving work of New England journalists.

New award categories:

• Social Media Portfolio
• Home & Garden Writing
• Housing News
• Critics Award
• Good News Award
• Protest and Demonstration Coverage
• Immigration Reporting
• 250th Celebration Coverage

Whether you’re an investigative reporter, a feature writer, a student journalist, or part of a newsroom team, there’s a place for your work in this year’s competition. We can’t wait to see the stories, photos, and projects that have made a difference in your communities.

The Better Newspaper Competition remains New England’s largest and most prestigious journalism awards program, honoring the skill, passion, and dedication that fuel outstanding local news coverage across all platforms.

Work published by NENPA member news organizations during the contest year, August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, is eligible for this competition.

The competition has three divisions:

• Editorial/Multimedia/Photography Division – Download Editorial Information Packet
• Advertising/Circulation/Promotion Division – Download Advertising Information Packet
• College/University Division – Download College Information Packet

Download the information packets, which include all the information necessary to prepare your entries, including a list of competitive categories, complete rules and guidelines, and the criteria for judging each contest category.

To get started, follow these easy steps:

1. Go to www.newspapercontest.com/nenpa to register.
2. The portal resets each year, so you’ll need to register even if you entered last year.
3. Create a password. (We don’t store last year’s password, so you’ll need to set a new one. You can reuse the same password if you wish.)
4. Enter the Association Code: NENPA

Final deadline for entries is Friday, November 14, 2025.

All awards will be presented at the annual New England Newspaper Convention, happening in Spring 2026 (location and dates to be announced soon).

We wish you the very best of luck in this year’s competition! If any questions arise while preparing your entries, please email L.Conway@nenpa.com or T.Cleary@nenpa.com.

The New England Newspaper & Press Association is proud to recognize the Vermont journalists honored with A-Mark Prizes for Investigative Journalism at the Fall Leadership Conference on September 26, 2025. Their work reflects the best of local accountability reporting — investigations that expose hidden truths, give voice to the vulnerable, and push for reform.

Funded by the A-Mark Foundation, a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to advancing investigative reporting, the A-Mark Prizes celebrate deeply researched, high-impact journalism across New England. Each year, up to $15,000 is available in every state to recognize stories that hold the powerful accountable and strengthen public trust in the press.

This year’s Vermont winners uncovered critical issues affecting everyday life in the Green Mountain State — from a statewide housing crisis and an embattled county prosecutor to the growing threat of financial scams targeting seniors.

🥇 1st Place

Carly Berlin — VTDigger and Vermont Public
“Emergency Shelters”

In 2024, as Vermont’s emergency housing policies shifted and more than 1,500 residents — including nearly 400 children — were forced out of temporary motel housing, reporter Carly Berlin of VTDigger and Vermont Public documented the crisis with persistence, compassion, and precision. A Report for America corps member jointly shared by the two outlets, Berlin blended public-records analysis, extensive field reporting, and deep community engagement to reveal the human toll of policy decisions that left families without shelter as winter approached.

Her coverage made a measurable impact. After her stories exposed the consequences for families with children, 91 Vermont legislators publicly urged the governor to declare a state of emergency, leading to the opening of three new emergency family shelters later that fall. Berlin also dismantled a long-held myth that Vermont’s homelessness crisis was driven by out-of-state migration, using data and personal stories to reshape public understanding.

The reporting — featured across VTDigger and Vermont Public’s “Brave Little State” series — stands as a model of collaborative, solutions-driven journalism. Berlin’s work not only informed and galvanized policymakers but also demonstrated how local reporting can directly improve lives.

🥈 2nd Place

John Flowers — Addison County Independent
“County Prosecutor, Eva Vekos”

In a two-part investigation, Addison County Independent senior reporter John Flowers examined growing concern over the performance and professionalism of Addison County State’s Attorney Eva Vekos. After her 2024 DUI charge and reports of hostile interactions with law enforcement, Flowers went deeper — uncovering a broader pattern of mismanagement inside her office that raised questions about how justice was being served.

Drawing on confidential interviews, court filings, and internal correspondence, Flowers revealed strained relationships with victim advocates, lenient plea deals used to clear case backlogs, and widespread frustration among survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence who felt dismissed by the system. His reporting also shed light on the absence of any state mechanism to remove an elected prosecutor short of impeachment, underscoring a structural flaw in Vermont’s system of accountability.

Flowers’s tenacity and deep institutional knowledge produced an unflinching portrait of a justice system in crisis — one that prompted statewide discussion about oversight, victims’ rights, and the ethical responsibilities of those who hold public trust.

🥉 3rd Place

Derek Brouwer — Seven Days
“Bilked and Bereft”

As part of Seven Days’ “This Old State” series exploring the challenges of Vermont’s aging population, reporter Derek Brouwer investigated how increasingly sophisticated scammers — many now using artificial intelligence — are targeting older Vermonters. His story revealed that these schemes often wiped out victims’ life savings and triggered unexpected tax bills on funds withdrawn from retirement accounts, compounding their financial ruin.

Through detailed interviews and clear, empathetic storytelling, Brouwer showed how victims’ sense of betrayal extended beyond the scammers themselves to the government systems that taxed them again after their losses. Readers praised the investigation for its clarity and urgency, with many sharing the piece to warn family members. Brouwer’s reporting helped raise awareness about a growing threat and equipped Vermonters to better recognize and prevent financial exploitation.

These Vermont journalists exemplify the highest standards of investigative reporting — determined, humane, and unafraid to ask difficult questions. Their work reveals how local journalism can inform public debate, safeguard communities, and drive meaningful change across the state. Congratulations to all of this year’s A-Mark Prize winners for advancing truth and accountability in Vermont.

The 2025 New England Better Newspaper Competition is open and accepting entries across all divisions — Editorial, Advertising, and College! Whether you’re a publisher, newsroom leader, reporter, ad director, sales rep, or a student editor or journalist, entering is simple, digital, and rewarding.

This is your opportunity to showcase your best work from the past year and gain recognition for excellence in New England journalism. The entire process is online — no printing, mailing, or complicated steps. You can upload files, include URLs, and even have billing handled after the deadline.

Entering is truly easier than you think! Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the competition to help you get started.

For further information, please email Linda Conway at l.conway@nenpa.com or Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com.

Learn more about the Better Newspaper Competition

Submit your entries

FAQs

For the first time in more than 100 years, Gannett Co., Inc. has rebranded as USA TODAY Co., aligning the company’s identity with its most recognizable national news brand. Announced at ADWEEK’s Brandweek 2025 in Atlanta, executives said the change reflects a broader shift toward digital media and stronger brand recognition.

The rebrand is particularly noteworthy for many NENPA member publications—including daily and weekly newspapers across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Connecticut—that are part of the USA TODAY Network.

CEO Mike Reed said the decision was driven by the brand’s wide public recognition and a commitment to the company’s digital transformation.

Read the announcement to learn more about what this shift means for USA TODAY Co. and its local news affiliates.

NENPA University invites you to register for two upcoming November webinars designed to strengthen newsroom strategy, support ethical reporting, and provide valuable audience insights.

Monday, November 17 · 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Solidarity Journalism: Reporting for Social Justice Beyond Taking Sides
Join Dr. Anita Varma for an engaging session on how solidarity journalism can help your newsroom reach more diverse audiences while upholding the core mission of journalism: serving the public. Learn practical ways to move beyond polarized “both-sides” framing, center affected communities, and build trust through reporting that reflects shared responsibility and care. Free to NENPA and other press association members.
Register Now

Tuesday, November 18 · 1:00–2:00 p.m.
Google Analytics 4 for News Publishers
Gain hands-on insight into Google Analytics 4 to understand your audience better, measure engagement, and apply data to editorial and revenue decisions. This session will not be recorded and is free for everyone, thanks to the generous support of Google News Initiative.
Register Now

Both sessions are part of NENPA U’s 2025 Fall Webinar Series, offering timely training and practical tools for journalists, editors, publishers, ad directors, audience and circulation managers, reporters, sales reps, and graphic artists across New England.

Check out the entire calendar of free webinars!

For more information, visit the NENPA University page.

Have a session idea, want to be considered as a presenter, or need help registering? Contact Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com.

We look forward to learning with you this fall!

NENPA U – Solidarity Journalism: Reporting for Social Justice Beyond Taking Sides

NENPA U – Google Analytics 4 for News Publishers

The New England Newspaper & Press Association proudly honors the Rhode Island journalists recognized with A-Mark Prizes for Investigative Journalism at the Fall Leadership Conference on September 26, 2025. Their reporting demonstrates how rigorous local journalism can uncover hidden risks, demand accountability, and give voice to those most affected by government action—or inaction.

Funded by the A-Mark Foundation—a nonpartisan nonprofit dedicated to strengthening investigative reporting—the A-Mark Prizes celebrate in-depth, fact-based journalism that exposes wrongdoing and spurs reform. Each year, up to $15,000 in awards is available in every New England state to highlight work that protects the public’s right to know.

This year’s Rhode Island winners produced a remarkable range of investigations—from exposing preventable data vulnerabilities in the state’s public-benefits system, to revealing new insights into domestic murder-suicides, to documenting the human impact of federal funding cuts on local workers and research institutions.

🥇 1st Place

Alexander Castro — Rhode Island Current
“RI Bridges Data Breach”

When Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee abruptly announced a cyberattack on the state’s computer systems in December 2024, the scope was staggering: the personal data of nearly 650,000 residents—almost 60 percent of the state’s population—had been exposed. While most outlets focused on the breach’s aftermath, Rhode Island Current reporter Alexander Castro dug deeper, uncovering how state-posted technical documents may have left the system vulnerable months earlier.

Through careful review of procurement records, Castro discovered a 25-page request for proposals that included a full schematic of the RIBridges system architecture—a blueprint effectively published on the state’s website. Acting responsibly, he alerted officials, verified that the file was removed, and only then published his exposé. His reporting revealed state oversight lapses, raised new cybersecurity questions, and was praised for its exceptional professionalism and ethical rigor.

🥈 2nd Place

Mark Reynolds — The Providence Journal
“Domestic Murder Suicide”

In a deeply sensitive series, Providence Journal reporter Mark Reynolds examined how law enforcement and communities confront the tragedy of domestic murder-suicides—cases that receive limited public scrutiny because they end without prosecutions. Reporting on three such incidents in 2024 and 2025, Reynolds analyzed police reports, public records, and newly obtained body-camera footage to explore how transparency and trauma intersect when the justice system’s usual mechanisms fall away.

His work broke new ground by revealing footage of a domestic-violence victim expressing fear for her safety just weeks before her death—the first time Rhode Island journalists had obtained such material under the state’s new body-camera policy. Praised by advocates for highlighting red flags, risk factors, and firearm access, Reynolds’s work reframed how the public and policymakers understand the warning signs of lethal domestic violence.

🥉 3rd Place

Jack Perry — The Providence Journal
“Lost Jobs, Trump Cuts”

Providence Journal reporter Jack Perry connected national policy decisions to the lives of Rhode Islanders in his coverage of the Trump administration’s federal budget cuts. He profiled the sudden layoffs of 14 employees at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Warwick office, revealing the personal toll of the cuts and the essential services the office provided. His persistence led to a follow-up story documenting that the workers were later reinstated.

Perry also examined how reductions to the National Institutes of Health threatened Rhode Island’s research economy—analyzing lawsuits, official filings, and testimony from hospital administrators at institutions such as Brown University, the University of Rhode Island, and Women & Infants Hospital. By translating complex funding issues into human terms, he helped readers grasp the broad economic and scientific stakes of Washington’s policy decisions.

These Rhode Island journalists exemplify the best traditions of investigative reporting: courage, care, and commitment to the truth. Their work not only informed the public but also challenged institutions to do better. Congratulations to all of this year’s A-Mark Prize winners for advancing transparency and accountability across the Ocean State.

The New England journalist meetup series keeps the momentum going with Trivia Night at the Sam Adams Tap Room in downtown Boston.

📅 Tuesday, November 11, 2025
📍 Sam Adams Tap Room, 60 State Street, Boston
⏰ 6–8 p.m. · Trivia starts at 6 p.m.

Join colleagues and friends for an evening of lively conversation, community connection, and friendly competition. Whether you’re new to the local journalism scene or a familiar face, these meetups are a great way to unwind, share ideas, and celebrate the power of quality reporting and newsroom collaboration.

Hosted by a coalition of journalism organizations — the New England Society of News Editors (NESNE), Boston Association of Black Journalists (BABJ), the New England Chapters of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ+ Journalists — with support from NENPA.

📩 RSVP or questions? Contact Emily Sweeney at emily.sweeney@globe.com.

We heard you and listened! We’re giving you two extra weeks to get your entries in! The deadline to enter the 2025 New England Better Newspaper Competition has been extended to Friday, November 14, for all divisions — Editorial, Advertising, and College.

Originally set for October 31, this extension gives you a little more breathing room to gather your best work and make sure your newsroom’s accomplishments are recognized. Whether it’s powerful reporting, innovative design, or standout advertising, this is your final opportunity to be part of New England’s most prestigious journalism awards program.

Work published by NENPA member news organizations during the contest year, August 1, 2024, to July 31, 2025, is eligible for this competition.

Non-member publications interested in participating in the competition can still join NENPA. Find out more at this link.

Don’t let the clock run out — click the links below to review the categories, rules, and guidelines for each division, and submit your entries before the final deadline!

The competition has three divisions:

·     Editorial/Multimedia/Photography Division – Download Editorial Information Packet

·     Advertising/Circulation/Promotion Division – Download Advertising Information Packet

·     College/University Division – Download College Information Packet

Download the information packets, where you will find all of the information necessary to prepare your entries, including a list of competitive categories, complete rules and guidelines, and the criteria that each contest category will be judged upon.

To get started, follow these easy steps:

1.  Go to www.newspapercontest.com/nenpa to register.

2.  The portal resets each year, so you’ll need to register even if you entered last year.

3.  Create a password. (We don’t store last year’s password, so you’ll need to set a new one. You can reuse the same password if you wish.)

4.  Enter the Association Code: NENPA

The final deadline for all entries is Friday, November 14, 2025.

Awards will be presented at the annual New England Newspaper Convention in Spring 2026 (location and dates to be announced soon).

For further information, please email Linda Conway at l.conway@nenpa.com or Tara Cleary at t.cleary@nenpa.com.

Learn more about the Better Newspaper Competition

Submit your entries

The National Press Club and the Institute are now accepting applications for all 2026 scholarships. Opportunities are available for high school, college, and graduate student journalists:

• The Scholarship for Journalism Diversity Honoring Julie Schoo is a $5,000 scholarship awarded to a high school senior. The award can be renewed for up to three years at $5,000 per year.
• The Richard G. Zimmerman Scholarship is a one-time scholarship of $5,000 to support a high school senior who wishes to pursue a career in journalism.
• The Wes Vernon Broadcast Scholarship supports diversity within broadcast journalism. The scholarship is $5,000 awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to a career in broadcast journalism. The award can be renewed for up to three years.
• The Lewis Scholarship provides housing and a monthly stipend to support student journalists of color with newsroom internships in Washington, D.C., during the summer semester.
• The Dennis and Shirley Feldman Fellowship recognizes a journalism graduate student with a one-time scholarship of $5,000.
• NEW: The Rich Passan Sports Writing Scholarship is a $5,000 award supporting undergraduate college juniors or seniors who demonstrate excellence and promise in sports journalism.

The deadline for all 2026 applications is Sunday, March 1, at 11:59 pm ET. Click here to apply.