The Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) organization officially announced the winners and finalists of its prestigious 2025 IRE Awards on May 5, 2026. The awards recognize outstanding achievements in investigative journalism, with major accolades going to the Los Angeles Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, among others.
The Los Angeles Times secured two significant wins for its impactful reporting. Rebecca Ellis was recognized for her work titled “Exposing misconduct in L.A. County’s historic $4-billion sex abuse settlement,” which delved into critical issues surrounding a monumental legal resolution. The newsroom also earned an award for “L.A. Firestorms: The First 30 Days,” a piece that presumably covered the initial impact and response to significant fire events in the Los Angeles area.
The San Francisco Chronicle was honored for its investigative project, “Burned.” This award highlights the newsroom's commitment to in-depth reporting that uncovers complex issues. Further demonstrating the breadth of recognized journalism, Grace Lewis from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln received an award for her piece, “Forbidden prison romance ignites legal battle for parental rights,” showcasing the vital contributions of collegiate investigative work.
In addition to the winners, IRE also named finalists for the 2025 awards. Mackenzie Mays and Jon Schuppe, representing Bloomberg Law and NBC News, were recognized as finalists for their collaborative investigation, “Jailed and Pregnant.”
The annual IRE Awards celebrate the best in investigative journalism, acknowledging the dedication and impact of reporters and news organizations across various platforms. The announcement on May 5, 2026, underscores the continued importance of rigorous investigative reporting in holding power accountable and informing the public.