2025 Explanatory Journalism (Large Newsroom) Finalists
Emiliano Tahui Gómez
Austin American-Statesman
Immigration Checkpoints Come to School
Comments From the Judges:
“Very impressive — and sensitive — reporting on display here. The reporter does a great job of showing compassion to the folks impacted by these new federal policies, and of leveling accountability at those responsible. Paints a compelling picture of life for the principal, teachers, students and families of the elementary school featured.”
“I’m amazed at the amount of perseverance and sensitivity Tahui Gómez demonstrated to tell this story. Cold calling school after school for a month until he found a school that was willing to go against district policy and give him access is the epitome of doggedness. And, in so doing, he was able to report the real, ground-level impact of President Trump’s executive order allowing immigration enforcement at schools. We all wondered if it was happening, but most of us were only able to report on drops in attendance at schools in immigrant neighborhoods.”
Mandy McLaren
The Boston Globe
A Promise Unkept
Comments From the Judges:
“Well-told story of the unmet promise of 50-year-old legislation, through the eyes of the families who are living the story every day. Compelling lede and insightful explanation of the legislative promise and the actual current day situation. Strong photos tell the story visually.”
“This is an outstanding, humanizing piece of explanatory journalism. I found myself rooting for Dante and his family throughout. Not only does this thoroughly explain a complicated federal policy failure, it confronts us with the harsh realities of that failure’s consequences. The reporter does a nice job illustrating how far-reaching those consequences are — from Boston to New Mexico. The visuals and presentation are great complements to stellar writing and reporting that carefully and concisely explains a rather complicated issue. The kicker moved me to tears.”
Giulia McDonnell Nieto del Rio & Mark Arsenault
The Boston Globe
The Education of Rümeysa Öztürk
- Tufts grad student Rümeysa Öztürk did nothing wrong. The Trump administration went after her anyway.
- ‘I sometimes wake up in tears for friends still there.’ Rümeysa Öztürk’s six weeks in ICE detention.
Comments From the Judges:
“Incredible access. A horrifying story that’s beautifully written. The series does a masterful job explaining to us how free speech is under threat. This says a lot about not just what international students are going through, but also immigrants who must keep a low profile if they want to feel safe here.”
“Well-presented and chilling account of the ICE focus on the higher education community through the story of one Tufts student grabbed off the streets. The narrative carefully explains what happened the day she was arrested and in the days following — and the implications for this student and for the higher ed community at large. Visual storytelling, too: video and photos advance the stories in a compelling way.”
