The New York Times received an honorable mention for "Dying Inside: Chaos and Cruelty in Louisiana Juvenile Detention." This story and accompanying film investigates repeated abuses, overlooked complaints and a surge in suicide attempts at a detention center in Louisiana with powerful political allies.

Judges described it as “an incredible, daring feat of investigative journalism,” that was “layered and scaffolded perfectly” to “let you see the tragic evidence for yourself.” They praised Megan Shutzer and Rachel Lauren Mueller for their “devotion of time to sources,” “impeccable research,” and “sensitive exploration of different types of trauma, from suicide and rape to child sexual abuse.” They called the project’s impact “phenomenal” and noted that it “sent shockwaves through the community,” “exposing the interlocking self-interest that perpetuates trauma,” and “breaking the dam of inaction.”

Team: Megan Shutzer, reporter; Rachel Lauren Mueller, reporter; David Barstow, editor; and Paul Fishleder, editor