2025 Explanatory Journalism (Small Newsroom) Finalists
Natalie La Roche Pietri
WLRN Public Media
Florida Rapidly Expanded Publicly-Funded School Vouchers. Two Years Later, Students Are Lost In The Mix.
Comments From the Judges:
“I was impressed with the way this well-reported story helped to hold policymakers accountable for a major change that they had touted as helpful to students and families.”
“The level of reporting and the voices in this story elevate it beyond a basic explainer looking at the outcome of an expanded program. Turning to lawmakers for interviews after being stonewalled by the state department of education was a smart reporting move that definitely paid off. This topic is one that could veer into a story about the debate over vouchers or a jargon- and statistic-heavy account of a policy shift. La Roche Pietri’s article doesn’t fall into either of those camps and represents a revealing and humanizing look at a system that needs fixing to deliver even the basic promises it offered to families.”
Lisa Rowan
Cardinal News
Sweet Briar’s New Admissions Policy Has Left Some Students Wondering If They Still Belong There
Comments From the Judges:
“I appreciate that the reporter did not see this story as merely a look at the latest culture war in higher ed but rather reported it out as a shift that could fundamentally change the institution. Despite the barriers to getting students to speak on-the-record with their names, the article clearly demonstrates that the reporter spent time connecting with students and understanding the student perspective.”
“This story is well-written, clearly organized and is oriented around real students’ experiences and disappointment over the change in school policy. The reporter includes helpful historical context as well as current information about how other all-girls schools handle the question of transgender and nonbinary students. I like that she explains the back and forth with school officials to show why an interview didn’t take place, which is helpful transparency for readers.”
Megan Tagami
Honolulu Civil Beat
Half Of Hawaiʻi Kids Can’t Swim. Little Is Being Done To Help Them.
Comments From the Judges:
“A great story idea that explains the lack of state investment and how attempts to fix this issue have failed, while also explaining the problem well and highlighting those trying to make a difference. I felt like I fully understood the current problem, the broader context and the possible solutions. Also, well written and the photos were adorable.”
“The presentation of this was very well done. Great visuals that added to the article, which was surprising and engaging as well as informative. The reporting dug into the reasons for debate and explained why there’s a need for solutions but challenges in implementing them. I’m impressed by the many pieces that the reporter pulled together to build a broad and engaging story that went well beyond a proposed law and an alarming statistic.”
