Investigations into the Chicago Transit Authority, a suburban chemical company, and city-run migrant shelters were recognized among the state's best work in this year's Driehaus Foundation Awards ceremony May 15.
The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Awards for Investigative Reporting, held every year by the Better Government Association, highlight the impact of Illinois investigative reporting as a reform tool within the context of state and local government. The awards celebrate exemplary reporting that uncovers problems, holds powerful institutions accountable, and helps the public more deeply understand of the issues of our time.
Jelani Cobb, dean of the Columbia University Journalism School, joined the "Beyond the Byline" event as this year's special guest. Cobb, interviewed by Illinois Answers reporter Casey Toner, reflected on journalism’s role in advancing truth, equity and democracy, reminding us why a strong press matters.
A opening panel conversation between Illinois Answers editor-in-chief Ruby Bailey, journalist Jamie Kalven and the Medill School's Mackenzie Warren, covered how journalism sparks change and why public trust and accountability remain essential.
2025 Driehaus Foundation Awards winners and finalists
Large Newsrooms (newsrooms with editorial staffs of more than 10)
First place: CBS WBBM-TV, “Failure to Protect: A Domestic Violence Investigation” by Marissa Perlman, Michele Youngerman, Tim Viste, Jeff Harris, Elliott Ramos, Scott Wilson, Alfredo Roman, Jeff Renfroe and Aaron Cooper
Runner up: Block Club Chicago, “Death Behind the Wheel: How the CTA Failed a Driver in Crisis” by Manny Ramos
Finalists: Chicago Tribune, “Medical Misconduct” by Lisa Schencker and Emily Hoerner; NBC Chicago and Telemundo Chicago, “Dismissed: How Sex Crimes Disappear” by Bennett Haeberle, Jorge DeSantiago, Lisa Capitanini, Katy Smyser, Lucia Walinchus, Nathan Halder, Casey Mitchell, Rich Moy, Matt Stefanski, Connor Dore, Abra Richardson, Lauren Stauffer and Sally Ramirez
Small Newsrooms (newsrooms with editorial staffs of less than 10)
First place (tie): Capitol News Illinois, “The Shonya Massey Shooting” by Beth Hundsdorfer; Invisible Institute, “A History of Misconduct” by Farrah Anderson, Sam Stecklow and Dean Olsen
Finalists: Cicero Independiente, “The Inside Story On A Billion-Dollar Chemical Company’s Fight To Keep Its Secrets From The Public” by Cicero Independiente staff and MuckRock staff; Borderless Magazine and Investigative Project on Race and Equity, “Investigating Chicago’s Migrant Shelters” by Mauricio Peña, Katrina Pham, Emeline Posner and Nissa Rhee
The Driehaus Foundation has supported the annual awards ceremony, now in its 21st year, through a longstanding partnership with the Better Government Association.
