Context:

The 2025 Pulitzer Prizes recognized a diverse array of journalistic and artistic achievements. ProPublica received the Public Service award for its urgent reporting on the dangers posed by vague abortion laws, while The Washington Post was honored for its coverage of an assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Reuters was acknowledged for investigative reporting on fentanyl's accessibility due to regulatory failures, and The New York Times was commended for its investigation into the U.S.'s role in Afghanistan's instability. In the arts, Percival Everett's novel 'James' reimagined 'Huckleberry Finn,' and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's play 'Purpose' explored generational heritage, both receiving accolades in their respective categories.

Dive Deeper:

• ProPublica was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for its investigative work on pregnant women who died due to delayed medical care, highlighting the impact of restrictive abortion laws and vague 'life of the mother' exceptions.

• The Washington Post won the Breaking News award for its coverage of the attempted assassination of then-presidential candidate Donald Trump on July 13, showcasing the event's significant political implications.

• Reuters received the Investigative Reporting award for its exposé on the lax regulations that make fentanyl accessible and affordable in the U.S., shedding light on a critical public health crisis.

• The New York Times was honored for Explanatory Reporting with a thorough examination of how U.S. support of militia groups in Afghanistan contributed to the Taliban's resurgence, impacting the country's stability.

• In literature, Percival Everett's 'James' was acclaimed for its innovative take on 'Huckleberry Finn,' focusing on themes of racial supremacy and the search for freedom and family.

• Branden Jacobs-Jenkins's play 'Purpose' was recognized for its exploration of how different generations understand heritage, using a blend of drama and comedy to engage audiences.

• In the category of Memoir or Autobiography, Tessa Hulls's graphic memoir 'Feeding Ghosts' was celebrated for its artistic portrayal of three generations of Chinese women, offering a poignant narrative of cultural and familial legacy.