The Assembly Network had a successful run in this year’s Green Eyeshade Awards, recognizing the best work from across the South. Our teams in the Triangle, Greensboro, and statewide won a total of eight awards for stories published in 2025.

Now in its 76th year, The Green Eyeshade Awards are the nation’s largest and oldest regional journalism contest. It is hosted by the southern contingent of the Society of Professional Journalists, which covers West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The wins reflect a wide range of topics and styles, from investigations to illustrations and lifestyle features. 

The Awards

1st in Election Reporting – Bryan Anderson, Michael Hewlett, and Jeffrey Billman
Coverage of State Supreme Court Race

1st in Lifestyle Reporting – Lena Geller, INDY
I Salvaged $6,000 of Luxury Items Discarded by Duke Students. Why Did It Make Me Feel So Terrible?

1st in Specialized Writing or Coverage – Jordan Green 
I’ve Seen How the Neo-Nazi Movement Is Escalating. You Should Worry.

1st in Newspaper Cover Design – Nicole Pajor Moore, INDY
Collection, including: Saint Augustine’s University, Durham Symphony, municipal elections in Wake County

1st in Digital Newsletters – Matt Hartman, Korie Dean, Erin Gretzinger, and Emily Stephenson
The Quad 

2nd in Lifestyle Reporting – Sayaka Matsuoka, The Thread
‘Hot Mess Express’ Transforms Lives—One Swiffer at a Time

3rd in Illustrations – Nicole Pajor Moore, INDY
Collection, including: Nut butter trademark infringement, Durham City Council campaign finance, a program for people with dementia at the Nasher Museum

3rd in Breaking News – Greg Lacour and Jeffrey Billman
Charlotte Immigration