Pulitzer Center Update January 3, 2025
Pulitzer Center Impact in 2024: Stories Shaping Change
Country:
Project
A Poisoned Community
Lead abatement efforts remain ineffective in Oakland's Latino community.
Happy 2025! As we begin a new year, we are looking back at the impact from over 150 reporting projects supported by the Pulitzer Center in 2024. The following stories are just a few of them. Click on the link above to see more impact from Pulitzer Center-supported projects.
- In The Dark, a series by The New Yorker, has reignited scrutiny over the 2005 Haditha, Iraq, massacre, in which 24 civilians were killed by U.S. Marines. In a letter to the Department of Defense inspector general, U.S. lawmakers cited the New Yorker investigative work and demanded answers about the department’s handling of alleged war crimes and the failure to take accountability. U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat, said in response to the In the Dark’s findings: “There must be real accountability when we fail.”
- After delays, officials in Oakland, California, are being urged to use part of a $5 million lead settlement fund to address lead contamination in schools. Alameda County officials and community leaders, frustrated by the city's inaction, are pressing for immediate action after reporting by El Tímpano revealed the ongoing risks to residents.
- The Democratic Republic of Congo canceled a controversial oil and gas auction after an investigation uncovered irregularities in the bidding process, including favoritism and backroom deals. Reporting revealed that at least 13 auction blocks overlapped with protected areas, including vital tropical peatlands that store large amounts of carbon. In response, the government pledged to relaunch the auction with reforms.
The Pulitzer Center is entering 2025 with a sustained commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power to account.
We have always prioritized underreported stories, and with your support, we are bringing vital global issues to light. Make sure to explore more top stories and photography from 2024 in the "Year in Stories" and "Year in Photos" curations.
Best,
Impact
Stories from the Amazon Film Festival, promoted by the Pulitzer Center, spotlighted stories about the rainforest for Brazilians in the states of Maranhão and Pará.
Three cities—Imperatriz, Marabá, and Rondon do Pará—had screenings that were focused on underreported Amazon stories and issues. In partnership with the Federal University of Maranhão and the Federal University of Southern and Southeastern Pará, the film festival featured sessions and debates involving the local community, teachers, students, and journalists. Among the documentaries featured was Relatos de um Correspondente da Guerra na Amazônia (Reports from a War Correspondent in the Amazon), which follows a reporter covering the search for his friend, journalist Dom Phillips, who was murdered in the Amazon along with Indigenous expert Bruno Pereira in June 2022.
Read more about the film festival here.
Photo of the Week
This message first appeared in the January 3, 2025, edition of the Pulitzer Center's weekly newsletter. Subscribe today.
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An investigation into the killings of 24 Iraqi civilians by U.S. Marines resulted in no prison time.
