St. Louis Magazine has once again earned national recognition, receiving multiple finalist nominations in the 2026 National City and Regional Magazine Awards, presented by the City and Regional Magazine Association (CRMA).
The annual awards honor excellence in journalism, design, and editorial work among city and regional publications across the country. This year’s competition recognizes work published in 2025 and includes nearly 200 finalists representing dozens of publications nationwide. The nominations reflect the range of storytelling produced by the magazine—from deeply reported features to distinctive design and service journalism.
SLM is a finalist in the following categories:
- Short Writing Lifestyle: “Past Is Present” — Christine Jackson
A meditation on memory and legacy, the story explores the making of This House, an Opera Theatre of St. Louis production rooted in multigenerational storytelling and cultural continuity. - Profile: “Will St. Louis Love a Mike Kehoe Deal?” — Nicholas Phillips
A nuanced look at Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe—his North St. Louis roots, political instincts, and the complicated question of what his leadership means for the city. - Feature Story: “The Power & The Fury” — Jeannette Cooperman
A gripping, ground-level account of the EF3 tornado that tore through St. Louis, capturing both the chaos of the storm and the resilience that followed. - Spread Design: “Paddle-Tested” — Tom White
A bold, kinetic layout that mirrors the motion and spirit of the outdoors. - Spread Design: “Shooting Scenes” — Tom White
A cinematic visual treatment that amplifies the story’s drama through composition and pacing. - Feature Design: “Fall & Winter Arts Guide” — Emily Wells
A vibrant, highly navigable package spotlighting the region’s cultural calendar, from major exhibitions to live performances. - Feature Design: “The Power & the Fury” — Tom White
A striking visual interpretation of disaster and aftermath, pairing layered typography with powerful imagery. - Illustration & Graphics: “Paddle-Tested,” “Summer Fun,” “The Path of the Storm”
Original illustrations and infographics that enhance storytelling, including a detailed visual of the tornado’s path across the metro area. - Reader Service: “St. Louis Tornado 2025” — SLM Staff
Essential reporting and resources to help readers understand and navigate the storm’s impact. - 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
