Announcing the winners of the 2025 Excellence in NJ Local News Awards
The Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2025 Excellence in New Jersey Local News Awards. These awards recognize the essential work being done by reporters, editors, and news organizations across our state to keep communities informed, hold power accountable, and amplify diverse voices.
Local journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy and civic engagement. Whether investigating environmental hazards, exposing systemic inequities, or documenting community responses to climate change, local journalists provide vital information that helps residents understand and engage with issues affecting their daily lives. The work detailed below is a testament to how careful reporting, deep community connections, and persistent investigation can drive positive change at the local and community levels.
This year, we received 80 outstanding submissions, a testament to the continued vitality and impact of local journalism across New Jersey. The breadth and depth of the submissions — from innovative student journalism to groundbreaking investigative work — showcase the creative ways news organizations are serving their communities despite industry challenges.
After careful deliberation, we have selected 11 winners whose work exemplifies excellence in local journalism and service to New Jersey communities. Each winner will receive a $100 gift card, an award certificate, and a digital award badge.
🏆 And the winners are —
Mark Berkey-Gerard and Dianne Garyantes et al., South Jersey Climate News
Extensive climate reporting and overall contributions to New Jersey’s student-to-professional journalism pipeline
A student-driven initiative that produced 50 original multimedia stories on climate issues in southern New Jersey, covering everything from organic farming and offshore wind energy to urban sustainability efforts. Nearly a third of these stories were picked up by major local news outlets, amplifying the project’s reach and impact. Beyond the reporting itself, this initiative has played a key role in mentoring and training student journalists, preparing them for careers in environmental reporting while making a tangible difference in the state’s climate news coverage. This is a model of collaborative, community-focused journalism that shows what’s possible when universities and newsrooms work together.
Individual awardees: Rowan University and Atlantic Cape Community College journalism students and advisors:
Advisors: Dianne Garyantes, Mark Berkey-Gerard
Students: Jon Akass, Jada Ali, Rachel Amarillo, Anthony Amoroso, Rim Badaoui, Jimmy Borgmann, Paige Britt, Shane Crowley, Tyler Delpercio, Sophia Fandino, Maryella Gallardo, Essence Holman, Elena Laughton, Aiden Martz, Sylent Lee Michaels, Madison Miller, Joe Pidgeon, Kelsey Royal, Arian Shahrokh, Abigail Twiford, Brynn Wilson, Kate Zaffarese
Mark Bonamo and Tom Franklin, New Jersey Monitor & NJ Spotlight News
Reporting on the threat of Passaic River flooding amid Newark building boom
An investigative report highlighting the impact of rapid development in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood, where a surge in new apartment buildings along the Passaic River is raising urgent questions about flood risks and climate resilience. With powerful storytelling and expert analysis, this piece examines whether Newark’s infrastructure is prepared for the combined pressures of urban expansion and worsening environmental threats. The reporting provides crucial insights into city planning, the risks of unchecked development, and the long-term sustainability of one of New Jersey’s fastest-growing communities.
Individual awardees: Mark Bonamo, Tom Franklin
Matt Skoufalos, NJ Pen Media Group LLC
Reporting on racial bias issues in Collingswood Public Schools
This investigative series exposed systemic racial bias in Collingswood High School, revealing disparities in discipline, student protests, and the broader community’s struggle for accountability. This reporting didn’t just cover a local education story — it became part of the conversation on racial equity in New Jersey’s schools, pushing local officials to address systemic bias. By staying on the story, documenting student and parent experiences, and holding institutions accountable, this work stands as an example of why local journalism matters.
Individual awardees: Matt Skoufalos
Arishita Gupta, The Daily Targum
Investigative series, “Diving into divestment at Rutgers-New Brunswick”
A groundbreaking investigative series examining the Rutgers University Student Assembly’s divestment referendum, bringing critical transparency to the university’s financial ties to arms-related industries. By using Open Public Records Requests and detailed financial analysis, this reporting uncovered where Rutgers’ endowment funds were invested, fueling campus-wide discussions about ethical investing. The impact of this series was felt beyond the university, as it served as a model for how student journalism can challenge power and demand accountability.
Individual awardees: Arishita Gupta, Yash Goyal, Maya Stokley, Alexandria Kenney
Kimberly Izar, The Jersey Bee
Reporting on the history and legacy of segregation in Essex County
An in-depth investigation, series of events, and community engagement campaign into how historic segregation policies — such as redlining and exclusionary zoning — continue to shape racial and economic disparities in Essex County today. This reporting blends historical research, expert interviews, and data-driven analysis to tell the story of how longstanding policies have kept communities divided and resources unevenly distributed. It is a powerful reminder that the past is never really behind us and that journalism can be a tool for reckoning and reform.
Individual awardees: Kimberly Izar
Brian Branch-Price, Emma Uk, Renee Johnston, Public Square Amplified
Commitment to ethical journalism and diverse storytelling
PSA’s body of work in 2024 exemplifies a commitment to ethics in journalism, diverse storytelling, and critical local reporting. Winning submissions include:
- A photo essay by Brian Branch-Price documenting the struggles and triumphs of Black maternal healthcare through the lens of a Newark family navigating pregnancy and childbirth.
- A three-part investigative series by Emma Uk exposing gender and racial inequities in New Jersey newsrooms, highlighting pay disparities, lack of opportunity, and systemic barriers for journalists of color.
- A critical editorial by Renee Johnston challenging the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists (NJSPJ) for platforming a pro-Israel advocacy group in a discussion about journalistic objectivity, raising essential ethical questions about bias and press integrity.
Individual awardees: Brian Branch-Price, Emma Uk, Renee Johnston
Matt Kadosh, TAPinto Newark
Reporting on homelessness and Newark’s shelter crisis
An in-depth investigative series uncovering the dire conditions in Newark’s homeless shelters, this reporting sheds light on overcrowding, mismanagement, and city policies that failed the most vulnerable. By amplifying the voices of shelter residents and holding city officials accountable, this work played a critical role in sparking inspections and policy changes aimed at improving shelter conditions. This is watchdog journalism at its best, ensuring that those in power take responsibility for the well-being of their communities.
Individual awardees: Matt Kadosh, Mark Bonamo
Meg McGuire and Chris Mele, Delaware Currents
Investigation into the March 2023 chemical spill into the Delaware River
A months-long investigation analyzing over 600 pages of government records, this reporting exposed regulatory failures, foot-dragging by polluters, and government miscommunication in the response to a major chemical spill affecting millions of residents. Through meticulous research and relentless pursuit of transparency, this work ensured that critical information about environmental safety and accountability was brought to light. The reporting serves as a model for investigative environmental journalism that keeps both polluters and officials in check.
Individual Awardees: Meg McGuire, Chris Mele
Jessie Gomez, Chalkbeat Newark
Coverage of Newark Public Schools’ AI camera project
An investigative series on Newark Public Schools’ $17.5 million AI camera project, this reporting uncovered delays, cost overruns, and hidden challenges in modernizing security systems in aging school buildings. Through deep reporting, public records requests, and persistent questioning of school officials, this work not only shed light on how federal COVID relief funds were being used but also raised important ethical concerns about student surveillance. This is a prime example of investigative education journalism that keeps institutions accountable.
Individual Awardees: Jessie Gomez
Jordan Gass-Poore’, NJ Spotlight News/NJ PBS
Hazard NJ podcast on public health and environmental Hazards in New Jersey
A groundbreaking investigative podcast series exposing toxic waste and pollution across New Jersey, Hazard NJ connects decades of pollution history to present-day public health risks, bringing much-needed attention to Superfund sites and PFAS contamination. The series not only holds polluters and government agencies accountable but also empowers residents with the knowledge needed to advocate for their communities. Following its release, the podcast was picked up by national outlets, inspiring further investigations into contamination across the region. This work represents the power of audio storytelling in investigative journalism.
Individual Awardees: Jordan Gass-Poore’, Michael Sol Warren, Jamie Kraft, Joe Lee
Carolyn Jones and Richard K. Rein, TAPinto Princeton
Investigation into the impact of flooding on historic properties in Princeton
A compelling investigation into the intersection of climate change, historic preservation, and bureaucracy, this article tells the story of a Princeton homeowner fighting to relocate his flood-prone 300-year-old house. By weaving together human narratives, policy conflicts, and environmental urgency, this piece highlights the tensions between preserving history and preparing for an uncertain future. This reporting was widely discussed among local officials and remains a key reference in conversations about flood mitigation policies in Princeton.
Individual Awardees: Carolyn Jones — Writer; Richard K. Rein — Editor
These winners illustrate the essential role of local journalism in informing the public, uncovering injustices, and helping people live with dignity in their communities. Their work demonstrates the power of dedicated reporting to create tangible change in communities across New Jersey.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and deep appreciation to every journalist and news organization who submitted their work this year.
Once again, congratulations to the 2025 winners, and thank you to the journalists who work tirelessly to keep their communities informed and engaged.
♥️ The Center is grateful to Democracy Fund for supporting the Center and these annual local news awards.
Joe Amditis is the assistant director of operations at the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University. Contact him at amditisj@montclair.edu or on Twitter at @jsamditis.
About the Center for Cooperative Media: The Center is a primarily grant-funded program of the School of Communication and Media at Montclair State University. Its mission is to grow and strengthen local journalism and support an informed society in New Jersey and beyond. The Center is supported with funding from Montclair State University, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, Democracy Fund, the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, the Independence Public Media Foundation, Rita Allen Foundation, Inasmuch Foundation and John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. For more information, visit centerforcooperativemedia.org.
