The Indianapolis Recorder was recognized for journalistic excellence at the 2026 Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Best in Indiana Journalism Awards on April 17, 2026.
The Recorder’s newsroom talent was recognized across multiple categories, including sports, business, and race and diversity. Among the honorees were Noral Parham III, Chloe McGowan, Hanna Rauworth and LaTasha Boyd Jones, each representing the Recorder’s dedication to truth and storytelling that reflects and uplifts the community.
First place wins
Multi-media reporter Noral Parham III won first place in sports reporting for ” ‘Misfits’ to most wanted: IU football secures first undefeated season in program history.”
‘Misfits’ to most wanted: IU football secures perfect regular season – Indianapolis Recorder
LaTasha Boyd Jones won first place in column writing for “Censored in the name of free speech.”
Censored in the name of free speech – Indianapolis Recorder
Other SPJ award wins
LaTasha Boyd Jones won second place in sports reporting for “The sacred huddle: How game day chapels quietly power the Indiana fever.”
How game day chapels quietly power the Indiana Fever
Earning the Recorder a clean sweep in the sports reporting category, Health and Environmental Reporter Hanna Rauworth won third place for “A father’s promise, a son’s future: Ball State legacy comes full circle.”
A father’s promise, a son’s future: Ball State legacy comes full circle – Indianapolis Recorder
Rauworth also won third place in business or consumer affairs reporting for “Historic Illinois building transformed: InterContinental Indianapolis celebrates grand opening.”
Arts and Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan won second place in coverage of social justice issues for “More than data: ‘State of Women Report’ sheds light on conditions for Hoosier women and girls.”
Noral Parham III won second place in sports column writing for “Dear Tyrese.” Parham also won second place in coverage of race and diversity issues for “The color of competition: Diversity shines at NHRA Nationals.”
The color of competition: Diversity shines at NHRA Nationals – Indianapolis Recorder
Malik Simon is a Staff Writer for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Memphis, TN, he graduated from Mississippi Valley State University with a Bachelor of Arts in General Studies concentrating on journalism. Before joining the Recorder, he wrote for the Devil’s Gazette newspaper at MVSU and served as a freelance content and video editor. He seeks to use media to help communities flourish through literacy and factual reporting.
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