Detroit, MI (Sept. 23, 2025) The Detroit Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists announced the winners of the annual A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism at an awards ceremony at Atwater Brewery in Detroit on Tuesday evening.

The first-place award went to the WXYZ-TV team of Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Ronnie Love and Tim Kochenderfer for “Unprotected,” its investigation of Michigan’s child welfare system.

Judges praised the reporting as “a strong example of why journalists are needed.”

The SPJ Detroit A-Mark Prize for Investigative Journalism was established in 2025 through a partnership between the Detroit Chapter and the A-Mark Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting investigative reporting nationwide. The prize recognizes ambitious, revelatory reporting that exposes wrongdoing, holds the powerful accountable or illuminates complex issues.

This year’s competition drew submissions from newsrooms across Michigan. Entries were judged on the depth, originality and impact of their reporting. A total of $15,000 in cash prizes was awarded to journalists and their newsrooms.

2025 Winners

First Place – WXYZ-TV
“Unprotected”
Reporters: Ross Jones, Randy Lundquist, Johnny Sartin, Ronnie Love, Tim Kochenderfer

Judges’ comments: “This series was at times hard to watch, but it was investigative reporting at its finest. Kids suffering from abusive parents or guardians are among the state’s most vulnerable children, and this series drew attention to the neglect and mishandling of too many cases by Child Protective Services. … The series spurred lawmakers to respond and propose new legislation, which may not have occurred without the reporting. This is what investigative reporting is all about: holding those in power accountable and giving voice to those who can’t easily speak for themselves.”

Prize money: $5,000 for the journalist, $2,500 for the newsroom

Second Place – Bridge Michigan
“Abuse rampant in Michigan nursing homes”
Reporters: Robin Erb, Simon Schuster

Judges’ comments: “This series has massive implications for people currently in nursing homes and their families, but also everyone in Michigan who may one day wind up in a nursing home themselves.”

“The findings from the reporters were both shocking and appalling as they detailed deaths in nursing homes due to neglect, staffing shortages, etc. The reporters clearly spent countless hours combing through death certificates, inspection reports and public information requests. The details — including how a nursing director would climb out of the window to avoid staff questions — engrossed the reader and made you aware of the horrors taking place inside these homes. The reporters also did their due diligence by tracking down family members unaware of how their loved one died. The series angered.”

Prize money: $3,000 for the journalist, $1,500 for the newsroom

Third Place – Detroit Free Press
“Saving lives on Lake Michigan”
Reporters: Tresa Baldas

Judges’ comments: “I was shocked to learn Lake Michigan is the deadliest lake in the U.S. and there are no lifeguards at nearly all the state beaches who could potentially save lives. (The reporter’s) reporting helped change the lifeguard policy for South Haven, which has since had several rescues. While other cities may or may not follow suit, Michiganders and out-of-state visitors may better heed the ‘do not swim’ signs and understand the risks of swimming in the lake thanks to Tresa’s reporting.

“This story ultimately impacts everyone who may set foot in Lake Michigan.”

Prize money: $2,000 for the journalist, $1,000 for the newsroom

Honorable Mentions
  • The Detroit News “Insurer accused of taking vehicles, then denying claims” — Chad Livengood
  • MLive – “Paraquat: Lethal and Legal: Honorable Mention” — Rose White, Matthew Miller, Margaret Kates

SPJ Detroit is a statewide professional organization that brings together journalists and newsrooms from all media platforms to promote ethics, excellence and diversity in the industry. It regularly hosts panel discussions, networking opportunities and other events to address the challenges and opportunities facing our evolving media landscape. In addition to advocating for press freedom and government transparency, SPJ Detroit supports the next generation of journalists through scholarships and mentorship. For more information, visit www.spjdetroit.org

The A-Mark Foundation is a nonpartisan nonprofit founded in 1997. A-Mark is dedicated to supporting and encouraging journalism and investigative reporting through grants to organizations that offer awards recognizing journalistic excellence. One of A-Mark’s flagship initiatives is the A-Mark Prizes program, which recognizes and rewards the best investigative journalism in states across the nation. Click here to learn more.