Sonia Paul, June 28, 2017: “It had all the hallmarks of a good story. Journalists from around the world, renewed with a sense of vigor amidst a political maelstrom, braved hazardous weather conditions to talk shop and glean insight from each other, to continue to fulfill their purpose in society. As the annual Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE) Conference unfolded this year in Phoenix, Arizona, from June 22-25, daily temperatures of 117 degrees became the new normal for the unfamiliar. Attendees took refuge in more than 150 panels, hands-on classes and presentations in AC-filled rooms. As with many conferences, networking and catching up with friends was an added benefit to the tips and strategizing. But real talk from some attendees and speakers show that while inspiration is up, the hard work of digging for details, getting audiences to care, and accurately reflecting society continues to be a struggle…”