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Albuquerque Journal Wins 15 Awards in Rocky Mountain Journalism Contest
Albuquerque, NM, USASunday, May 3, 2026
The Albuquerque Journal has earned a total of fifteen honors from the Society of Professional Journalists’ Top of the Rockies competition, which spotlights excellence across New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and Utah.
First‑Place Wins
| Category | Winner(s) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Breaking News Story | Algernon D’Ammassa, Matthew Reisen & Justin Garcia | Vivid coverage of tragic events in Las Cruces |
| Headline Writing | Elizabeth Trujillo | A catchy title capturing the excitement of a Taos ski‑valley outdoor rink |
| Sports Photography/Videography | Chancey Bush | Dramatic moment in the “Bloody Victory” piece |
| Business News | Gregory R. C. Hasman | “It’s not just a place to die,” blending history and personal narrative |
| Arts & Entertainment/Food Criticism | Logan Royce Beitmen | Thoughtful column about an opera date |
Second‑Place Awards
- Jessica Baca – Sports Photography/Videography: “Bull Jump”
- Eddie Moore – News Photography/Videography: N.M. ICE raids; Climate Photography linking public lands to the local economy
- Algernon D’Ammassa – Arts & Entertainment/Food Criticism: Adobe Deli’s unique menu
Third‑Place Honors
| Category | Winner(s) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| Sports Feature | Rick Wright | “Back from the Precipice” |
| Photo Package (Social Justice Reporting) | Jessica Baca | Vigil for a Rio Rancho teen |
| Multimedia Story | Chancey Bush & Cathy Cook | “Echoes of Fallout” |
| Social Justice Reporting | Gillian Barkhurst | “Not anytime soon” |
| Social Justice Photography | Chancey Bush | Protester removal piece |
Editorial Praise
The Journal’s executive editor highlighted the team’s dedication, noting that these awards confirm the paper’s growing reputation for high‑quality journalism.
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