And we have our winners. No, not for the Triple Crown or hockey and basketball playoffs. But for the ProPublica Prizes for Investigative Governance.

As a newsroom that’s dedicated to doing investigative journalism and holding those with power accountable, we’re pleased to shine a light on these exemplary reports that essentially do the same thing for federal and state government agencies. These groups do important work that is often missed in day-to-day newsgathering, so we’re pleased to take this opportunity to acknowledge the great work they do for the people.

So without further ado, here are the winners:

Federal Investigation/Executive Branch: Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of the Interior for “Investigative Report: MMS Oil Marketing Group-Lakewood”;

Federal Investigation/Legislative Branch: Majority staff of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight, House Committee on Science and Technology for “Toxic Trailers-Toxic Lethargy”;

State or Local Investigation/Multi-District Elective or Executive Agency: Los Angeles City Controller Laura Chick for “Audit of the Forensic DNA Backlog Reduction Grant Program Awards”;

State or Local Investigation/Legislative Branch or Independent Agency: California Fair Political Practices Commission for “Independent Expenditures: The Giant Gorilla in Campaign Finance.”

We offer our congratulations to all of the above. We would also like to thank everyone who helped make this possible, including the Peter G. Peterson Foundation for its financial support, the judges who sifted through all of the nominated reports and chose the winners, and everyone who submitted an investigative report for us to consider. Thanks for your help.

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