Investigative Journalism Projects
Since 2021, Hola Cultura has accomplished a series of investigative journalism projects that have resulted in award-winning investigative stories and coproductions and four podcast seasons. These projects were made possible thanks to funding from SpotlightDC, the Pulitzer Center and the Fund for Investigative Journalism.
The Shade Gap
Last summer, we finished up a powerful new investigative series that had been more than a year in the making. These environmental justice stories examine the toll real estate development is taking on D.C.’s urban forest and how residents of neighborhoods already bearing the brunt of environmental malfeasance are most at risk for heat-related illnesses and flooding as more trees come down. Read the stories co-published with the Washington City Paper now.
Flooding Investigative Project
In August 2023, we culminated our research with an in-depth article, co-published with the Washington City Paper, that exposed who is most vulnerable to flooding in D.C.
The Climate Divide
Through conversations with residents, researchers and officials, this podcast explores how in D.C. and nationwide, past policies have left many low-income residents and communities of color disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards. Listen to every episode now.
In June 2023, the program WAMU 88.5 aired on “The Climate Divide” won a regional Best News Documentary in the large market radio division of the Edward R. Murrow Awards.
D.C.’s Heat Islands / Islas de calor en D.C.
Produced by SPEL’s Environmental Justice storytelling team, Hola Cultura’s first investigative series is a three-part report on summertime temperatures in D.C.; the connection between heat, trees and human health; and how to cool down D.C. Find out how heat treats you and others in the District.
Our Heat Islands investigative series, also published in the Washington City Paper, received an honorable mention in the 2022 Institute for Nonprofit News awards.