Veteran National Public Radio (NPR) reporter Ina Jaffe passed away on Thursday, August 1, 2024. Her death was announced in a Facebook post stating, “Today we lost a great reporter, actress, and Cubs fan. She never let it be forgotten that she was from Rogers Park, and she could be street if she needed to be. Ina Jaffe was a real one. RIP.” The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Ina Jaffe’s Career
Ina Jaffe was a renowned NPR correspondent known for her in-depth reporting on the aging of America. Her insightful stories on “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered” covered a wide range of topics concerning older adults, including their political engagement, personal lives, long-term care, and end-of-life choices. In 2015, PBS publication Next Avenue named her one of the nation’s top “Influencers in Aging” for her innovative approach to reporting on aging.
Jaffe also had an extensive career as a political reporter, contributing to NPR’s national election coverage since 2008. Working from NPR’s production center in Culver City, California, she reported on major regional events, including the Rodney King beating and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s gubernatorial election. Her investigative skills led to several award-winning stories.
Notable Achievements
- 2012 Investigation: Jaffe’s report on the West Los Angeles VA’s illegal rental of vacant property while neglecting homeless veterans received accolades from the Society of Professional Journalists and a Gracie Award. This investigation prompted action and led to the groundbreaking of supportive housing for homeless veterans.
- 2011 Investigative Reporters and Editors Award: Her coverage of rising violence in California’s public psychiatric hospitals earned her this award and another Gracie Award.
- 2010 Series on California’s Three Strikes Law: This series won the Silver Gavel Award from the American Bar Association and recognition from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Ina Jaffe’s obituary will be released by her family.
