The National Press Foundation will award the 2025 Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Reporting of Congress to Jennifer Shutt, a senior reporter for States Newsroom. NPF judges recognized Shutt’s important and clear reporting on rapidly evolving Congressional action including the potential impact of Medicaid cuts on rural hospitals, shifts in FEMA duties and funding tribal radio stations.

“Jennifer Shutt stands out by demonstrating clear, accessible reporting that connects national policy to real people rather than to political insiders,” the NPF judging panel said. “States Newsroom ‘punches above its weight’ among more resourced news organizations by focusing on issues that matter to readers and presenting them in readable, straightforward language.”

The judges said Shutt’s emphasis on economic impact and human consequences is a strength and “by avoiding ‘horse race’ political coverage she delivered meaningful, impactful journalism.”

Shutt accepted the award at the National Press Foundation Annual Awards Dinner on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Ritz-Carlton in Washington, D.C.

The $5,000 Dirksen award was created in 1980 in honor of the late Republican senator from Illinois. It recognizes journalists whose work shows thoughtful appraisal and insight into the workings of the U.S. Congress.

The most recent winners of the Dirksen include Benjamin Guggenheim of Politico for his investigation into tax-advantaged retirement savings legislation; the Los Angeles Times for its coverage of Sen. Dianne Feinstein’s health; and Lisa Desjardins of PBS NewsHour for her coverage of the Jan. 6 insurrection.

See winners going back to 1980 here.