IndyStar Won Blue Ribbon Award for Journalism
The Indianapolis newspaper received the prestigious top honor for the first time since 2012.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Awards
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The Hoosier State Press Association Foundation honored IndyStar with the Blue Ribbon Award for daily newspapers. The publication secured more than 20 total accolades during an awards ceremony held in Indianapolis.
Why it matters
The recognition reflects the impact of investigative reporting on regional accountability and transparency. These awards highlight the role of local news in scrutinizing public institutions and economic development decisions.
IndyStar received the Blue Ribbon Award for the first time since 2012, totaling over 20 honors. The newspaper's reporting also examined over $180 million in grants and contracts issued to insiders by the Indiana Economic Development Corp.
The players
IndyStar
This is a daily newspaper based in Indianapolis that provides news coverage and investigative reporting for the region.
Hoosier State Press Association Foundation
This organization supports journalism through conferences and awards programs that recognize excellence in reporting.
Kristine Phillips
She is an investigative journalist who received Story of the Year honors for her work regarding Elkhart police history.
Karl Schneider
He is an award-winning reporter recognized for his contributions to environmental journalism.
The details
Kristine Phillips earned the Story of the Year award for her investigation into Elkhart police conduct dating back to the 1980s and 1990s. Additionally, Karl Schneider was honored with the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust Environmental Journalism Award.
Timeline
The Hoosier State Press Association Foundation announced the contest awards on September 25, 2026.
The investigative reporting on Elkhart police covered events from the 1980s and 1990s.
IndyStar previously won the Blue Ribbon Award in 2012.
Culture Shift
Winning the Blue Ribbon Award highlights a return to top-tier recognition for the publication after a 14-year hiatus. This shift aligns with broader industry trends where investigative journalism has become a critical focal point for maintaining local relevance.
Readers can expect continued in-depth accountability reporting regarding state economic development and public safety. This recognition confirms the paper's role as a primary source for oversight on how millions of dollars in taxpayer-funded grants are allocated.
The takeaway
Journalism awards provide readers with a benchmark for identifying credible and thorough reporting in their communities. Supporting local investigative outlets remains essential for ensuring the transparency of long-standing government operations.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest industry honors at Awards.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Indystar.
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