April 30, 2026 — The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is proud to announce the 2026 finalists for this year’s Ñ Awards, recognizing outstanding journalism that elevates Latino voices and stories across platforms.
From investigative reporting to student journalism, the Ñ Awards highlight the depth, impact and range of work being produced by journalists committed to accurate, nuanced and culturally informed coverage of our communities. Each year, these awards celebrate storytelling that not only informs, but also challenges, connects and drives change.
This year’s finalists represent excellence across multiple categories, including print and digital, broadcast, audio and multimedia journalism, as well as prestigious named awards that honor leadership and impact in the field. New this year, NAHJ introduces the Data & Innovation Journalism category, recognizing work that uses creative approaches, technology and audience engagement to deepen understanding of issues impacting Latino communities.
Winners will be announced and celebrated on July 24 during the Ñ Awards Luncheon at the NAHJ Conference & Expo in New Orleans. Attendees can register here for the conference and purchase a separate ticket for the luncheon.
Ñ Award Finalists
Education Journalism
• Immigrant Students Under Siege | The 74
• Trump’s immigration crackdown upends life at Austin elementary school | Austin American-Statesman
• “¿UPR para quién?” | Centro de Periodismo Investigativo Centro de Periodismo Investigativo (CPI)
Print/Digital Journalism
• After ICE detention, Milford teen Marcelo Gomes grapples with public spotlight and threat of deportation | The Boston Globe
• Después del Darién: El viaje de salud mental que enfrentan los niños migrantes venezolanos en Estados Unidos | El Tiempo Latino & Chicago Health Magazine
• El rescate imposible de los mineros del Pinabete: “Yo no sé por qué estoy vivo. Ahí nadie iba a vivir” | El País
Podcast
• De aquí también soy | Conecta Arizona
• El precio de los elotes | Conecta Arizona
• ‘The Evergreen’: ‘I don’t want to find out if they’re going to put me in a detention center’ | Oregon Public Broadcasting
Data & Innovation Journalism
•A big question looming over future redistricting: Who should count? | Votebeat & The Texas Tribune
• Abuse and filth documented at LA tiny home villages. Officials did next to nothing. | LA Public Press & Cal State LA’s UT Community News
• The Immigration Dragnet: Revealed by the Numbers | ProPublica
Photojournalism
• ICE – Broken Families | The Miami Herald
• In One Image – No Exit | The New York Times
• Trans America: Where Rites of Passage Awaken | Reuters
Radio/Online Audio
• 287g agreements | The Mountain West News Bureau
• Erika Ramos, Mother of Liam Conejo Ramos, shares her story from hiding | Minnesota Public Radio, KNOW 91.1 in Twin Cities
• ‘It’s my responsibility’: In the wake of ICE raids, youth support their families | GBH-News
Television/Online Video Journalism
• Cosecha Digital | N+ Univision Sacramento
• Milford rallies around Marcelo Gomes after ICE detention | The Boston Globe
• The Prisoners | CBS News / 60 Minutes
Top Tier: Elaine Rivera Civil Rights & Social Justice Award
• “Don’t Bite the Hand that Feeds You” Families, Farms, Food | ABC News
• The H-2A Visa Trap | ProPublica
• Tracing Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s journey — from San Salvador to suburbia and CECOT | USA Today
Top Tier: Al Neuharth Award for Investigative Journalism
• Deported and Desperate to Be Reunited With Their Children | The New York Times
• Salud mental tras los barrotes | Centro de Periodismo Investigativo
• The Men Trump Deported to a Salvadoran Prison | ProPublica & partners (The Texas Tribune, Alianza Rebelde Investiga and Cazadores de Fake News1)
Student Print/Digital Journalism
• A Community on Edge: Deportations and Fear in NWA’s Hispanic Population | UARK SJSM, for the “Razorback Reporter.”
• Immigration Arrest Shatters Tight-Knit Memphis Family (An American Nightmare) | Institute for Public Service Reporting & WKNO Radio
• Puerto Rican centenarian is one of the last WWII veterans — and he’s telling his story | Latino Reporter
Student TV/Broadcast Journalism
• Carving students’ futures: How one artist is making an impact beyond his studio walls | WUFT
• The Everglades: A Fight For Survival | Stingtown News (Miami Senior High School)
• Una ciudad sobre nuestras raíces: Testimonios indígenas por la lucha de la tierra en Brasil | CaplinNews- FIU
About NAHJ: The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) is the largest organization of Latino journalists in the United States, dedicated to the recognition and professional advancement of Hispanics in the news industry. Established in April 1984, NAHJ works to increase the number of Latinos in newsrooms and to promote fair, accurate and inclusive coverage of Latino communities. Learn more at nahj.org.
Press contact: communications@nahj.org