Eden Prairie Reporter Rachel Hoppe Honored as Rising Star

Hoppe, 23, recognized by Editor & Publisher magazine as one of 2026's top young journalists

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:07pm

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A vibrant, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a journalist's notebook and pen repeated in a bold, colorful grid, conveying the energy and impact of local reporting.The Tomorrow's News Trailblazers award celebrates the next generation of journalism leaders making a difference in their local communities.Eden Prairie Today

Rachel Hoppe, a general assignment reporter for the Eden Prairie Local News, has been named one of Editor & Publisher magazine's 2026 Tomorrow's News Trailblazers. The award honors early-career journalists, publishers, and media innovators who are making a meaningful impact on the industry.

Why it matters

The Tomorrow's News Trailblazers award from the prestigious E&P Magazine highlights the next generation of journalism talent, recognizing reporters like Hoppe who are already making a mark with their impactful storytelling and community-focused reporting, especially for underrepresented groups.

The details

Hoppe, 23, began her first full-time reporting job with the Eden Prairie Local News in July 2025 after graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in journalism and Spanish. One of the most compelling stories she has covered was about a Spanish-speaking woman whose husband was detained by federal immigration agents, which Hoppe conducted the interview for in Spanish.

  • Hoppe started at Eden Prairie Local News in July 2025.
  • Hoppe was named one of E&P's 2026 Tomorrow's News Trailblazers.

The players

Rachel Hoppe

A 23-year-old general assignment reporter for the Eden Prairie Local News who was recently recognized as one of 2026's top young journalists by Editor & Publisher magazine.

Editor & Publisher

A magazine that has served the news media industry since 1901 and annually honors early-career journalists, publishers, and media innovators through its Tomorrow's News Trailblazers award.

Eden Prairie Local News

A local news publication serving the Eden Prairie, Minnesota community, where Hoppe works as the only full-time reporter.

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What they’re saying

“I got into journalism because I wanted to tell real people's stories, so it was an honor to be trusted with telling her family's story and to use real-life anecdotes.”

— Rachel Hoppe, Reporter

“I've taken the lessons I learned while reporting on her story to write with grace, kindness and integrity.”

— Rachel Hoppe, Reporter

The takeaway

Hoppe's recognition as a Tomorrow's News Trailblazer by the respected E&P Magazine showcases the talent and dedication of the next generation of journalists, particularly those focused on amplifying underrepresented voices and covering their communities with empathy and integrity.