St. Louis Magazine has achieved national acclaim once again, garnering several finalist nominations at the 2026 National City and Regional Magazine Awards, organized by the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA).
The yearly awards celebrate outstanding achievements in journalism, design, and editorial excellence among city and regional magazines across the nation. This year’s contest highlights work published in 2025, featuring nearly 200 finalists from a wide array of publications. The nominations showcase the diverse storytelling capabilities of the magazine, ranging from in-depth features to unique design and service journalism.
SLM is a finalist in the following categories:
- Short Writing Lifestyle: “Past Is Present” — Christine Jackson
A reflective piece on memory and legacy, this story delves into the making of This House, an Opera Theatre of St. Louis production centered on multigenerational storytelling and cultural continuity. - Profile: “Will St. Louis Love a Mike Kehoe Deal?” — Nicholas Phillips
A detailed exploration of Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe—his roots in North St. Louis, political instincts, and the complex implications of his leadership for the city. - Feature Story: “The Power & The Fury” — Jeannette Cooperman
An intense, on-the-ground narrative of the EF3 tornado that struck St. Louis, capturing the chaos of the storm and the subsequent resilience. - Spread Design: “Paddle-Tested” — Tom White
A dynamic, energetic layout that reflects the movement and essence of the outdoors. - Spread Design: “Shooting Scenes” — Tom White
A cinematic visual approach that enhances the drama of the story through composition and pacing. - Feature Design: “Fall & Winter Arts Guide” — Emily Wells
A colorful, highly navigable guide showcasing the region’s cultural calendar, from major exhibitions to live performances. - Feature Design: “The Power & the Fury” — Tom White
A powerful visual representation of disaster and recovery, combining layered typography with impactful imagery. - Illustration & Graphics: “Paddle-Tested,” “Summer Fun,” “The Path of the Storm”
Original illustrations and infographics that enrich storytelling, including a detailed depiction of the tornado’s path throughout the metro area. - Reader Service: “St. Louis Tornado 2025” — SLM Staff
Crucial reporting and resources designed to assist readers in understanding and navigating the storm’s effects. - Designer of the Year: Tom White
- Excellence in Design: March
- Newsletter Excellence: “Family”
- Newsletter Excellence: “Outdoors”
- General Excellence 2 (Circulation 18,000–33,000): St. Louis Magazine
