@fvaraorta

Interim Deputy Executive Director, @IRE_NICAR Past: @Chalkbeat @educationweek @ExpressNews @MyABJ @LABJnews @latimes 👨🏾‍🎓: @StMarysU @Mizzou 🇲🇽- 🇺🇸 🌈

 San Antonio, TX
ire.org
Joined March 2009
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1.7KMedia
It was nice while it lasted. Cue Boyz II Men’s “So Hard To Say Goodbye To Yesterday” and Sarah McLachlan’s “I Will Remember You”
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#AccessFest26 is built to be accessible: no travel, affordable prices and free fellowships for many attendees. 👾If it's opening doors for you, pitch in with our official merch and help IRE keep training accessible and push our mission forward, so journalists everywhere can keep learning about data, DEI and AI. Made on demand. Order NOW to get your item before the conference: ire.org/shop Pitch in, show up on camera and be part of something bigger. The training continues through you. 🖤
AccessFest26 merch: a black "Trained to inspIRE" T-shirt with AccessFest logos on the pocket and sleeve for $30, and a matching black mug for $15. Order via the link in bio or at ire.org.

ALT AccessFest26 merch: a black "Trained to inspIRE" T-shirt with AccessFest logos on the pocket and sleeve for $30, and a matching black mug for $15. Order via the link in bio or at ire.org.

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Francisco Vara-Orta retweeted
Geoff Bennett
@GeoffRBennettJul 24
As a “classically trained” political journalist, I was initially skeptical about the @TMZ move to cover the Hill. But the out-of-the-box, beyond-the-soundbite approach has been a welcome change — and the results speak for themselves. This video is nearing 4 million views.
TMZ
@TMZJul 22
🗣️ Rep. Haley Stevens defends her "stick it to 'em" ad as "authentically Michigan." 🎥: @jacob_wass
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📣 Help shape @ire_nicar’s next webinars! Tell us what you want to learn in the rest of our 2026 webinar lineup. Whether you attended, watched a recording, registered but missed it—or have ideas for future topics—we want your feedback. 📝: bit.ly/3TNv1M4 #IRE #Journalism
A green graphic that says "What IRE webinar do you want to see next?" It says "Webinars" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

ALT A green graphic that says "What IRE webinar do you want to see next?" It says "Webinars" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

A graphic with "freelancing" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

ALT A graphic with "freelancing" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

A graphic with "mental health" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

ALT A graphic with "mental health" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

A graphic with "Social Media" typed into a Spotify playlist template in the foreground and a person's fingers typing on a keyboard in the background.

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Say hello if you see me @IndigenousJA
Investigative Reporters & Editors
@IRE_NICARJul 23
IRE interim deputy executive director @fvaraorta is at the Indigenous Media Conference held by the Indigenous Journalists Association in Portland this week if you want to connect there onsite. He’s promoting AccessFest, fellowships and resources IRE provides to the journalism community. Say hello if you see him!
A Latino man in a brown suit poses in front of a step and repeat that says Indigenous Media Conference.

ALT A Latino man in a brown suit poses in front of a step and repeat that says Indigenous Media Conference.

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Francisco Vara-Orta retweeted
Brian Stelter
@brianstelterJun 28
A rare on-air apology by Fox News, seemingly in response to legal threats from people who were attacked by Kevin O'Leary...
Acyn
@AcynJun 28
FOX issues an apology: Kevin O'Leary appeared as a guest on the show and discussed the ongoing controversy surrounding his planned data center project in Utah and made claims relating to the opponents of his product.  Mr. O'Leary has now corrected the record and explained he has “no evidence” that they are funded by the Chinese communist party. Fox News media is aware of no evidence they are funded by or acting in the direction of or were in coordination with Chinese interests in opposing Mr. O'Leary's project. Fox News Media also apologizes for the error.
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He’s one to watch!
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There's still room to sign up for the IRE26 conference mentorship program! If you'll be joining us in National Harbor next month and want to participate, please fill out this form: bit.ly/49XP4N8 The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT. To participate, you must also be registered for the conference by June 1.
An indoor event features people seated at tables with food and drinks. Two individuals are talking, one holding a plate with food. The image promotes the IRE26 Mentorship Program, held from June 18-21 in National Harbor, MD. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The logos for IRE Investigative Reporters & Editors are displayed at the bottom.

ALT An indoor event features people seated at tables with food and drinks. Two individuals are talking, one holding a plate with food. The image promotes the IRE26 Mentorship Program, held from June 18-21 in National Harbor, MD. The deadline to apply is Sunday, May 31 at 11:59 p.m. CT. The logos for IRE Investigative Reporters & Editors are displayed at the bottom.

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A single phishing click can put an entire source network at risk. In this new IRE Journal article, Helal Al-Anwah of Aljumhuriya Media Network explains how his team built a security-first newsroom in exile to protect sources, verify information and keep reporting alive in Yemen. Read how cybersecurity has become a core part of courageous journalism: bit.ly/49XaZEa
Cover of The IRE Journal with a digital padlock graphic. Text reads: "Building a security-first newsroom in Yemen. By: Helal Al-Anwah, Aljumhuriya Media Network."

ALT Cover of The IRE Journal with a digital padlock graphic. Text reads: "Building a security-first newsroom in Yemen. By: Helal Al-Anwah, Aljumhuriya Media Network."

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Join IRE Board President Josh Hinkle and IRE Interim Executive Director Lauren Grandestaff for virtual office hours on June 10 from 1–2 p.m. ET. They’ll discuss the upcoming IRE Conference, the Board election, progress on the executive director search, the future of the organization and more. Bring your questions and join the conversation: bit.ly/4uFVGrZ
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Heading to the Education Writers Association annual conference in Baltimore? @benetwilson, one of IRE’s training directors, welcomes you to her hometown for this year’s conference. Join her on Friday, June 5 for two sessions: 📊 11:45 a.m. — “20 Datasets, 20 Stories” Learn how to uncover compelling education stories by digging into data and finding the numbers that matter most. ✍🏽 10:30 a.m. — “How to Freelance Like a Pro: Expert Tips and Strategies” A practical conversation for journalists looking to build sustainable freelance careers and sharpen their independent reporting skills. She’ll be at the convention throughout the day, so if you see her, say hello! She is always looking forward to connecting with fellow journalists, educators and storytellers. See where the IRE team is headed next: bit.ly/4dMX06K #EWA26 #Journalism #EducationReporting #DataJournalism #FreelanceJournalism #IRE
This image is a promotional poster for a seminar hosted by EWA in Baltimore, MD, on Friday, June 5. It features a person named Benét Wilson, labeled as the IRE Training Director. The poster lists two sessions: “20 Datasets, 20 Stories” and “How to Freelance Like a Pro: Expert Tips and Strategies.” Logos for IRE and EWA, the Education Writers Association, are also present.

ALT This image is a promotional poster for a seminar hosted by EWA in Baltimore, MD, on Friday, June 5. It features a person named Benét Wilson, labeled as the IRE Training Director. The poster lists two sessions: “20 Datasets, 20 Stories” and “How to Freelance Like a Pro: Expert Tips and Strategies.” Logos for IRE and EWA, the Education Writers Association, are also present.

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Fifty years after Don Bolles’ death, we honor his courage and his enduring legacy in investigative journalism. Bolles gave his life pursuing corruption and holding power to account. His murder shocked the journalism world and helped inspire the Arizona Project — a powerful reminder that attacks on one journalist are attacks on the public’s right to know. In the latest IRE Journal article, Jeremy Duda, an Axios Phoenix reporter and the author of “Murder in the Fourth Estate: The Assassination of Investigative Journalist Don Bolles”, reflects on Bolles’ legacy and why his investigative work still matters today. Investigative journalists owe it to Don Bolles to continue accountability reporting with courage and tenacity: bit.ly/4ua91aI
This image features a grayscale portrait of a person in glasses and a suit, next to a quote: "Fifty years after Don Bolles’ murder, we owe it to him to continue his courage." Below the quote, it says "By: Jeremy Duda, Axios Phoenix." The top left corner shows the logo of "The IRE Journal.

ALT This image features a grayscale portrait of a person in glasses and a suit, next to a quote: "Fifty years after Don Bolles’ murder, we owe it to him to continue his courage." Below the quote, it says "By: Jeremy Duda, Axios Phoenix." The top left corner shows the logo of "The IRE Journal.

Cover of the book "Murder in the Fourth Estate: The Assassination of Investigative Journalist Don Bolles" by Jeremy Duda. It features an old-fashioned typewriter at the bottom. Published by Bloomsbury.

ALT Cover of the book "Murder in the Fourth Estate: The Assassination of Investigative Journalist Don Bolles" by Jeremy Duda. It features an old-fashioned typewriter at the bottom. Published by Bloomsbury.

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Voting is now OPEN for the 2026 IRE Board of Directors and Contest Committee elections! IRE members have the opportunity to elect seven new leaders to serve on the Board of Directors and two members to the Contest Committee. Electronic ballots have been sent to the primary e-mail as listed in your membership profile.
This image features a collage of headshots for the "IRE Board of Directors" candidates. The upper row includes Michael Biesecker, Alejandra Cancino, Ashley Graham, Kate Howard, Aaron Kessler, and Andrew Lehren. The lower row includes Jenifer McKim, Charles Minshew, Paroma Soni, Marina Villeneuve, and Katie Wilcox. The IRE logo is displayed at the top. Text in the center reads, "Meet the Candidates! IRE Board of Directors Vote Now".

ALT This image features a collage of headshots for the "IRE Board of Directors" candidates. The upper row includes Michael Biesecker, Alejandra Cancino, Ashley Graham, Kate Howard, Aaron Kessler, and Andrew Lehren. The lower row includes Jenifer McKim, Charles Minshew, Paroma Soni, Marina Villeneuve, and Katie Wilcox. The IRE logo is displayed at the top. Text in the center reads, "Meet the Candidates! IRE Board of Directors Vote Now".

The image is a promotional poster for the "IRE Contest Committee." It features headshots of five candidates: Daniel Connolly, Mark Lagerkvist, Hank Nuwer, Jennifer Palmer, and Walter Smith Randolph. The text includes "Meet the Candidates!" and "Vote Now." The IRE logo is displayed at the top.

ALT The image is a promotional poster for the "IRE Contest Committee." It features headshots of five candidates: Daniel Connolly, Mark Lagerkvist, Hank Nuwer, Jennifer Palmer, and Walter Smith Randolph. The text includes "Meet the Candidates!" and "Vote Now." The IRE logo is displayed at the top.

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Who is the most secretive agency or public official in America? The finalists for IRE’s 2026 Golden Padlock Award have been announced. The Golden Padlock recognizes government agencies and officials that go to extraordinary lengths to keep information the public has a right to know hidden. See who made the list: bit.ly/4xf3Ysz #IRE26 #FOIA #FreedomOfInformation #PublicRecords #OpenGovernment #Accountability #InvestigativeJournalism #Transparency
The image features the text "2026 Golden Padlock Award Finalists" over a background with redacted text. Three padlock icons are displayed beneath the main text.

ALT The image features the text "2026 Golden Padlock Award Finalists" over a background with redacted text. Three padlock icons are displayed beneath the main text.

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As we head toward #IRE26, we're launching IRE's #InvestInYOU Series — a video campaign highlighting the people, experiences and investigations that make this community extraordinary. We're looking for short videos from journalists answering questions every single week. Here's the first question: How has IRE changed your life? Maybe it helped you land your first investigative job. Maybe it taught you a skill that transformed your reporting. Maybe it connected you with mentors, collaborators or lifelong friends. We want to hear your story. Record a 30-90 second video and tell us how IRE has impacted your career, journalism or personal growth. Submit your video: bit.ly/4x77xAV Selected responses may be featured leading up to #IRE26. #InvestInYOU #IRE26 #JournalismCommunity #InvestigativeJournalism
Poster for IRE26, taking place June 18-21 in National Harbor, MD. It features a Ferris wheel illustration and the question, "How has IRE changed your life?" The logo and name "Investigative Reporters & Editors" appear at the bottom.

ALT Poster for IRE26, taking place June 18-21 in National Harbor, MD. It features a Ferris wheel illustration and the question, "How has IRE changed your life?" The logo and name "Investigative Reporters & Editors" appear at the bottom.

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🏳️‍🌈 Better reporting starts with better understanding. On June 11 at 1 p.m. CT, join IRE leaders Francisco Vara-Orta and Adam Rhodes for a conversation on best practices for covering LGBTQ+ communities. This webinar will provide practical tools and guidance for reporting on queer communities thoughtfully and accurately in today’s political climate. Register: bit.ly/438cdZw
The image features a promotional flyer for an event by IRE, focusing on best practices for covering the queer community. It displays two individuals, Francisco Vara-Orta, Interim Deputy Executive Director, and Adam Rhodes, Managing Editor & Training Director. The background is a rainbow-colored brick wall. The event is scheduled for June 11 at 1 p.m. CT.

ALT The image features a promotional flyer for an event by IRE, focusing on best practices for covering the queer community. It displays two individuals, Francisco Vara-Orta, Interim Deputy Executive Director, and Adam Rhodes, Managing Editor & Training Director. The background is a rainbow-colored brick wall. The event is scheduled for June 11 at 1 p.m. CT.

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The IRE Investigative Managers of Color Task Force's upcoming Zoom conversation will feature Ron Nixon, who will discuss his journey from reporter to newsroom leader and share insights on navigating leadership as a senior editor and manager of color. Attend via Zoom: bit.ly/4ttoYZi
This image is a promotional flyer for a webinar hosted by Investigative Managers of Color Task Force and Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE). It features a photo of a person labeled as Ron Nixon, described as a former director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Journalism Program. The flyer highlights topics of being a senior editor and manager of color. The event is on Friday, May 29, at 12:30 p.m. ET, with a prompt to attend via Zoom.

ALT This image is a promotional flyer for a webinar hosted by Investigative Managers of Color Task Force and Investigative Reporters & Editors (IRE). It features a photo of a person labeled as Ron Nixon, described as a former director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Journalism Program. The flyer highlights topics of being a senior editor and manager of color. The event is on Friday, May 29, at 12:30 p.m. ET, with a prompt to attend via Zoom.

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Congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2025 IRE Awards! We’re so proud to recognize these journalists, whose work represents the very best in investigative reporting. Awards will be presented at the 2026 IRE Conference in National Harbor, MD on Friday, June 19, during the Awards Luncheon. Full list of winners and finalists: bit.ly/4cS2qfN
The image features the text "2025 IRE Awards" and "Congratulations Winners & Finalists" over a dark background. A partial view of a gold investigative reporting medal is visible at the bottom.

ALT The image features the text "2025 IRE Awards" and "Congratulations Winners & Finalists" over a dark background. A partial view of a gold investigative reporting medal is visible at the bottom.

The image contains text about the 2025 IRE Awards, focusing on journalistic efforts amidst shrinking newsrooms and press freedom threats. It praises winners and finalists for their impactful reporting. Walter Smith Randolph, Chair of the IRE Awards contest committee, is mentioned with a small circular photo.

ALT The image contains text about the 2025 IRE Awards, focusing on journalistic efforts amidst shrinking newsrooms and press freedom threats. It praises winners and finalists for their impactful reporting. Walter Smith Randolph, Chair of the IRE Awards contest committee, is mentioned with a small circular photo.

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The early-bird registration deadline for #IRE26 has been EXTENDED through May 15. Learn how to: • Investigate Washington from anywhere • Rebuild after layoffs • Level up your reporting Don’t wait. Register now → bit.ly/4vUizcf
A promotional graphic for IRE26, featuring a Ferris wheel and wave design. Text states: "June 18-21 • National Harbor, MD." It announces an extended deadline for early-bird registration, available through May 15. The IRE logo is at the bottom, representing Investigative Reporters & Editors.

ALT A promotional graphic for IRE26, featuring a Ferris wheel and wave design. Text states: "June 18-21 • National Harbor, MD." It announces an extended deadline for early-bird registration, available through May 15. The IRE logo is at the bottom, representing Investigative Reporters & Editors.

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IRE Training Director @laurakurtzberg will be at the SABEW Annual Conference 2026 (May 7–9). She’ll be teaching how to investigate businesses & nonprofits as well as how to verify information online. She’ll also be participating at the Thursday’s Connection Exchange. Make sure you say hi! See where IRE's training team is headed next: bit.ly/4dMX06K
This is a promotional flyer for the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) event in Philadelphia, featuring Laura Kurtzberg, IRE Training Director. It includes event details: Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9. Laura will lead sessions on investigating businesses and nonprofits, and verifying information online. Attendees can also join a Connection Exchange on Thursday. The flyer includes logos of SABEW and IRE.

ALT This is a promotional flyer for the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) event in Philadelphia, featuring Laura Kurtzberg, IRE Training Director. It includes event details: Thursday, May 7 to Saturday, May 9. Laura will lead sessions on investigating businesses and nonprofits, and verifying information online. Attendees can also join a Connection Exchange on Thursday. The flyer includes logos of SABEW and IRE.

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The IRE 2026 Conference returns June 18–21 in National Harbor, Maryland — bringing together journalists from across the country for one of the most impactful investigative journalism events of the year. From hands-on data training to panels on reporting, storytelling, and public records, this conference is designed to sharpen skills and expand networks. Explore the schedule: bit.ly/4tXm9AY
The image shows a schedule announcement for IRE26 at National Harbor, MD, from June 18-21. It features a Ferris wheel graphic and directs viewers to visit ire.org for session exploration. The Investigative Reporters & Editors logo is at the bottom.

ALT The image shows a schedule announcement for IRE26 at National Harbor, MD, from June 18-21. It features a Ferris wheel graphic and directs viewers to visit ire.org for session exploration. The Investigative Reporters & Editors logo is at the bottom.

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