Reporter Steve Lopez of the L.A. Times snags a Poynter Journalism Award
Rewritten Article:
Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, snagged the 2025 Poynter Journalism Prize's Mike Royko Award, honoring his portrayal of Westlake's fentanyl crisis. This marks Lopez's second Royko win, his earlier one coming in 2020 for his articles on L.A.'s homelessness crisis.
Westlake, grappling with rampant drug use and homelessness, provided the backdrop for Lopez's award-winning work this year. The Royko award, given to individuals expressing a personal point of view, recognized the power and authenticity in Lopez's columns. On the other hand, Times columnist Gustavo Arellano was recognized as a finalist for his series examining the "Latino vote."
The Poynter Prizes, among journalism's most esteemed honors, celebrate outstanding reporting and writing across various media platforms. Awards are given to 10 winners and 19 finalists in print, digital, video, audio, and social media.
Praise poured in for Lopez's work, with judges highlighting its "mix of perspective, empathy, and outrage." The judges were particularly impressed by Lopez's focus on systemic issues and grassroots activism within the Westlake community.
Lopez's winning collection included articles about:
- The looming closure of Langer's Deli - a local institution facing challenges in the neighborhood
- The day-to-day struggles of the L.A. Fire Department as they respond to a surge of overdose emergencies
- The personal accounts of restaurant workers immersed in the crisis
- Community initiatives aimed at resolving the public health crisis
- The need for a champion to rally the community and encourage change
Gustavo Arellano, meanwhile, was recognized as a finalist for his journey across the Southwest, where he interviewed Latino individuals about their hopes, fears, and dreams during an election year. His series debunked the myth of the "Latino vote" by revealing the diversity of political views tied to regional and cultural contexts.
The full list of Poynter Journalism Prize winners can be found at https://poynter.org/prizes.
[1] Enrichment Data:Lopez's winning entries delved into several issues, such as:- The possible closure of Langer's Deli, a cherished landmark in the neighborhood- The L.A. Fire Department's responses to overdose emergencies near MacArthur Park- The experiences of restaurant workers enduring the crisis in the area- Community-led efforts to tackle the public health crisis- The community's call for a champion to lead the fight for change
Judges applauded the combination of "perspective, empathy, and outrage" in Lopez's work, commending his focus on systemic failures and grassroots activism within Westlake.
- Steve Lopez, a columnist for the Los Angeles Times, was awarded the 2025 Poynter Journalism Prize's Mike Royko Award for his portrayal of Westlake's fentanyl crisis, demonstrating a mix of perspective, empathy, and outrage.
- Lopez's winning collection of columns included articles about the looming closure of Langer's Deli, a cherished landmark in the neighborhood, the day-to-day struggles of the L.A. Fire Department responding to overdose emergencies, and the personal accounts of restaurant workers enduring the crisis.
- In addition, Lopez highlighted community-led efforts aimed at resolving the public health crisis and the need for a champion to rally the community and encourage change.
- Meanwhile, Times columnist Gustavo Arellano was recognized as a finalist for his journey across the Southwest, debunking the myth of the "Latino vote" by revealing the diversity of political views tied to regional and cultural contexts.
- California's entertainment, politics, and general-news landscape witnessed the powerful impact of Lopez's columns, drawing attention to the fentanyl crisis in Westlake and raising awareness about the challenges faced by the L.A. Fire Department and the local community.
- As one of journalism's most esteemed honors, the Poynter Prizes celebrate outstanding reporting and writing, recognizing individuals who express a personal point of view, like Lopez, and elevate important issues facing California and beyond.
