Beth LeBlanc of The Detroit News Wins First Annual SPJ Detroit A-Mark Prize
Detroit, MI (Sept. 23, 2025) — The Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced the winners of the inaugural SPJ Detroit A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism Tuesday evening at an awards ceremony at Atwater Brewery in Detroit.
The first-place award winner is Beth LeBlanc of The Detroit News for her investigation, “The unraveling of a $20 million earmark.” Judges praised the reporting as “a strong example of why journalists are needed.”
The SPJ Detroit A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism was established in 2025 through a partnership between the Detroit chapter and the A-Mark Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting investigative reporting nationwide. The prize recognizes ambitious, revelatory reporting that exposes wrongdoing, holds the powerful accountable or illuminates complex issues.
In its first year, the competition drew submissions from newsrooms across Michigan. Entries were judged on the depth, originality and impact of reporting. Cash prizes, totaling $15,000, were awarded to journalists and their newsrooms.
2025 Winners
First Place – The Detroit News
“The unraveling of a $20 million earmark”
Reporter: Beth LeBlanc
Judges’ comments: The reporting is “a strong example of why journalists are needed, what news outlets are supposed to do” — highlighting how LeBlanc’s coverage exposed systemic corruption and loose oversight in state government, beginning with a $4,500 coffeemaker and leading to revelations of favoritism, dishonest and reckless public spending. Judges called it “a story of systemic corruption and loose oversight” and “an infuriating look at government spending.”
Prize money: $5,000 for the journalist, $2,500 for the newsroom
Second Place – Detroit Free Press
“Where secrets go to die: The disappearance of Derrick Henagan”
Reporters: John Wisely, Darcie Moran, Robin Chan
Judges’ comments: Praised as dogged, multiyear investigative reporting “that goes beyond the disappearance of one man to probe into police incompetence, favoritism and misconduct, with lots of description and drama.” Judges lauded the commitment to telling the story via podcast. “Good recognition that this kind of narrative with strong characters is perfect story for this increasingly popular medium.”
Prize money: $3,000 for the journalists, $1,500 for the newsroom
Third Place – Outlier Media
“The speculators of Detroit”
Reporters: Aaron Mondry, Cydni Elledge
Judges’ comments: “Skilled use of documents and interviews to clearly explain the dollars and cents of morally questionable business dealings and the human and community impacts of those practices.” Judges highlighted its “extensive use property ownership data and government documents, as well as interviews that put human faces and voices … into the coverage.”
Prize money: $2,000 for the journalists, $1,000 for the newsroom
Honorable Mention
• Detroit Free Press – “Police shootings in Detroit” — Violet Ikonomova
• WXYZ-TV – “Against their will: For-profit psych wards” — Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Heather Catallo
• MLive.com – “Migrant workers death fell through the cracks” — Rose White
SPJ Detroit is a statewide professional organization that brings together journalists and newsrooms from all media platforms to promote ethics, excellence and diversity in the industry. It regularly hosts panel discussions, networking opportunities and other events to address the challenges and opportunities facing the evolving media landscape. In addition to advocating for press freedom and government transparency, SPJ Detroit supports the next generation of journalists through scholarships and mentorship. For more information, visit www.spjdetroit.org
The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1997. A-Mark is dedicated to supporting and encouraging journalism and investigative reporting through grants to organizations that offer awards recognizing journalistic excellence. One of A-Mark’s flagship initiatives is the A-Mark Prizes program, which recognizes and rewards the best investigative journalism in states across the nation. Click here to learn more.
