Two Post and Courier Stories Finalists for 2025 Dao Prize in Investigative Journalism
Two investigative reports from the Post and Courier have been selected as finalists for the 2025 Dao Prize, announced on Sept. 30.
Lead Project Reporter Tony Bartelme and Visuals Editor Robert Scheer received recognition in the Best Overall Reporting category for their piece “41 Seconds,” which details the ejection and crash of a Marine Corps F-35 in North Charleston in 2023. The report addresses significant aviation concerns and outlines the pilot's decision to eject, revealing decisions made by Marine leadership during the incident's aftermath.
Additionally, Bartelme and Glenn Smith, deputy managing editor for investigations, were honored in the Best Local Journalism category for “Deadly Helene,” a narrative examining Hurricane Helene's devastating impact on the Carolinas.
The Dao Prize aims to recognize investigative journalism that prioritizes accuracy and public interest in an era when media trust is declining.
Winners will be revealed on Nov. 19 at the Waldorf-Astoria in Washington, D.C., with a total of $170,000 allocated to winners and runners-up.