The Society of Professional Journalists has recognized Tom Loftus with a Green Eyeshade Award for his investigative reporting in the Kentucky Lantern.

The Green Eyeshades, begun in 1950 and the oldest regional journalism competition, recognize outstanding work by journalists in 11 southeastern states in print, television, radio and digital.

Loftus was awarded second place in Investigative Reporting/Online for the entry “Following the political money,” which included Loftus’ revelation that hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to Gov. Andy Beshear’s campaign were linked to London Mayor Randall Weddle. Two months after Loftus broke the story, Beshear’s campaign refunded $202,000 that had been placed on Weddle’s credit card. The Kentucky Registry of Election Finance opened a civil investigation after last year’s election into the donations.

Loftus also reported about large corporate donations to the Republican Party of Kentucky Building Fund, including $1 million from pharmaceutical giant Pfizer. The Kentucky legislature in 2017 allowed political parties to establish building funds that can accept unlimited contributions, including from corporations.

Loftus has been a freelance reporter and writer for the Kentucky Lantern since its launch on Nov. 30, 2022. His long career in Kentucky journalism includes four years as Frankfort bureau chief for The Kentucky Post and 32 years as Frankfort bureau chief for The Courier Journal.?

The nonprofit Lantern is part of the nationwide States Newsroom network, supported by donations from foundations and individuals.