Kansas

Kansas Press Association

Founded in 1863

Since 2025, the Kansas Press Association has awarded the A-Mark Prize for Investigative Reporting in Kansas as part of its annual Awards of Excellence. The Prize is open to all journalists and all news organizations in Kansas.

Entries should display original reporting revealing information otherwise not generally known that individuals, governmental agencies, businesses, elected officials or organizations do not want under public scrutiny. Judging criteria include depth of research, initiative, obstacles overcome, use of databases and public records, analysis of documents and records, use of multiple sources and impact on public policy.

A-Mark Prize Recipients

2026

First Place

Finn Hartnett, “Cop faces new allegations,” Marion County Record (Links: 1, 2)

Second Place

Stefania Lugli, “Swept away: Realities of homelessness defy strict approach,” The Journal

Third Place

David Hudnall, “7-OH and American Shaman,” The Kansas City Star (Links: 1, 2)

2025

First Place

Sherman Smith, “Investigations Into Problems with Rural Justice,” Kansas Reflector (Links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)

Second Place

Stefania Lugli, “What happened inside Wichita’s emergency winter homeless shelter,” The Journal (Links: 1, 2)

Third Place

Phyllis Zorn, “Promoted to clerk, felon vanishes. . . but then sends mysterious emails to townsfolk” (PDF of series), Marion County Record