CONGRATULATONS!
MNA members entered their best work online, in print and on social platforms to the tune of 4,102 professional entries and 177 college entries.
Iowa news professionals chose the best of the best. And here they are, the winners of the 2025-2025 Minnesota Newspaper Association Better Newspaper Contest.
Winners were honored at the MNA Awards Gala on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Click the image to see the winning entries and judge’s comments:
Vance Trophy Winner: Rochester Post-Bulletin
The Vance Trophy honors the best nonmetro multiday publication in Minnesota. It is awarded based on points accumulated in all advertising and news contest categories in the Better Newspaper Contest. Click to learn more about the Vance Trophy.
Mills Trophy Winner: Steele County Times
The Mills Trophy honors the best weekly publication in Minnesota. It is awarded based on points accumulated in all advertising and news contest categories in the Better Newspaper Contest. Click to learn more about the Mills Trophy.
Need a duplicate award?
Click here for Professional division duplicates
Click here for College division duplicates
Contact Member Services & Program Manager Laura Niemi for contest questions, laura@mna.org or 612-278-0226.