The early bird deadline for 
Welcome to IRE
Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc. is a grassroots nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative reporting. IRE was formed to create a forum in which journalists throughout the world could help each other by sharing story ideas, newsgathering techniques and news sources.
IRE provides members access to thousands of reporting tipsheets and other materials through its Resource Center and hosts conferences and specialized training across the country. Programs of IRE include the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR), a collaboration between IRE and the Missouri School of Journalism.
IRE News
NICAR26 right around the corner!
The 2026 NICAR Conference will be here before you know it - have you taken advantage of the early-bird registration rate and snagged the discounted hotel rate before the block sells out? Hurry! These deals only last a few more weeks!
2025 IRE Awards now open!
It's that time of year again! The 2025 IRE Awards are now open! We're excited to announce a few new categories this year as well as a brand new contest platform.
IRE heads to New York City
Join us for a special Watchdog Workshop in New York City at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism at CUNY, January 23-24, 2026.
You'll hear from award-winning speakers and some of the top investigative and data reporters in the country. Sessions will cover breaking news investigations, getting grants for your next big story and beat reporting how-to panels for business, health care and environmental journalism.
A current IRE membership is required. Seating is limited -- don't miss your chance to snag a seat before it's too late! Need help attending? Apply for a fellowship!
The Golden Padlock Award. Photo: Travis Hartman Investigative Reporters and Editors is now welcoming nominations for its second annual Golden Padlock award recognizing the most secretive government agency in the United States. “This award acknowledges government officials across the country who excel in the art of suppressing public information,” said David Cay Johnston, president of…
By Paul Saltzman, Chicago Sun-Times On Jan. 31, 2014, a nephew of former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in a death a decade earlier. Richard J. “R.J.” Vanecko admitted doing exactly what an investigation by the Chicago Sun-Times had revealed in early 2011 he did — and what police and…
Now current through March 2014, the Hazardous Materials Incident Reports data contains information on unintentional releases of hazardous materials during transportation in air, over water, on highways and on railroads. Available fields include the route, city and state in which the incident occurred, as well as detailed information about where the materials were headed and how they…
There’s more pressure than ever to rise above the competition.
IRE can help you enhance your daily reporting with resources and member benefits you won’t find anywhere else.