In reflecting on their criticism of the Corps, however, the reporters were careful not to impugn the Corps’ goals.
“We were not questioning the mission of Americans helping other countries—that is a noble idea. But it’s about time someone kept track of how they’re doing it,” Hopgood said.
Other finalists include David Barstow of The New York Times and Lowell Bergman of Frontline for their report on the possibility that businesses are killing their workers by disregarding safety laws, and Joe Stephens and David B. Ottaway of the Washington Post for investigating the questionable land purchases of the Nature Conservancy.
The list of finalists is rounded out by the staff of the Gannett New Jersey Newspapers for their work in exposing lawmakers who made millions by exploiting their public service jobs.
The winner of the Goldsmith Prize will be announced on March 17 at the Kennedy School of Government.