Stories that Shape Democracy: 2026 Toner Prize Winner Panel

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Join the Newhouse School for a virtual conversation with the winners of the 2026 Toner Prize for Excellence in Political Reporting. From the federal workforce to the streets of Chicago, these reporters documented how decisions made in Washington impact real lives. Learn how they crafted their stories and hear their thoughts on what’s ahead for political journalism following the midterm elections. Read the winning work.

The Washington Post, winner of the Toner Prize for National Political Reporting, examined President Donald Trump’s sweeping efforts to dismantle the federal government and the far-ranging consequences for the country in “The year Trump broke the federal government.”

The Chicago Tribune, winner of the Toner Prize for Local Political Reporting, followed how the Trump administration’s immigration policy unfolded in Chicago, including mass raids and public protests, in “64 Days in Chicago: The story of Operation Midway Blitz.”

Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, 6 p.m. EST Zoom Webinar | Link will be sent to you after registration

Register to attend.

Moderator: Joel Kaplan, professor of magazine, news and digital journalism

For more information, or if you require special accommodations, please contact nhspecialevents@syr.edu.

National Political Reporting Winners

Hannah Natanson

Reporter The Washington Post

William Wan

Reporter The Washington Post

Meryl Kornfield

Reporter The Washington Post

Local Political Reporting Winners

Andrew Carter

Reporter Chicago Tribune

Gregory Royal Pratt