Indian American Journalist Keerti Gopal Wins Investigative Reporting Fellowship

Gopal covers climate change, public health, and environmental justice at Inside Climate News

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Keerti Gopal, a Chicago-based Indian American reporter covering the intersections between climate change, public health and environmental justice at Inside Climate News, has won a fellowship from the Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting. Gopal is one of 10 professional journalists chosen to participate in the society's 2026 Fellowship Program, which provides intensive training over six months to help emerging journalists enhance their reporting skills and produce investigative projects.

Why it matters

The Ida B. Wells Society Fellowship Program aims to increase the number of traditionally underrepresented voices in the ranks of investigative journalism, which is vital for holding powerful institutions accountable and shedding light on important issues that impact marginalized communities.

The details

Gopal has previously covered climate activism and movement repression, and completed a Fulbright-National Geographic Storytelling Fellowship in Taiwan, researching climate action and resilience. She has also received fellowships from the Solutions Journalism Network, The Lever, and the National Press Foundation. Gopal earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from Northwestern University.

  • Gopal was announced as one of the 10 fellows on February 23, 2026.
  • The 2026 Fellows started attending the first of a series of weeklong training sessions in Atlanta on February 22, 2026.

The players

Keerti Gopal

A Chicago-based Indian American reporter covering the intersections between climate change, public health and environmental justice at Inside Climate News.

Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting

A professional development program that aims to increase the number of traditionally underrepresented voices in the ranks of investigative journalism.

Ron Nixon

Director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Reporting Program and one of the co-founders of the Ida B. Wells Society.

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What they’re saying

“'So excited for this, thank you to the Ida B. Wells Society!'”

— Keerti Gopal (LinkedIn)

“'This year's class proves that some of the most vital watchdog reporting is now happening outside of traditional legacy outlets, and we are honored to support their efforts.'”

— Ron Nixon, Director of the Associated Press Local Investigative Reporting Program and co-founder of the Ida B. Wells Society (americanbazaaronline.com)

What’s next

After the virtual orientation session, the 2026 Fellows will attend a series of weeklong training sessions in Atlanta with top investigative reporters and editors.

The takeaway

The Ida B. Wells Society Fellowship Program is playing a crucial role in diversifying the field of investigative journalism, providing emerging journalists from underrepresented backgrounds with the resources and training to produce impactful reporting that holds powerful institutions accountable and sheds light on important issues affecting marginalized communities.