About Fred
Fred de Sam Lazaro is director of the Under-Told Stories Project at the University of St. Thomas in Minnesota, a program that combines international journalism and teaching. He has served with the PBS NewsHour since 1985 and is a regular contributor and substitute anchor for PBS' Religion and Ethics Newsweekly.
He also has directed films from India and the Democratic Republic of Congo for the documentary series Wide Angle. Fred has reported from more than 60 countries: from Haiti to sub-Saharan Africa to south Asia. He has focused on stories that are under-reported in the mainstream U.S. media. In addition to regularly covering AIDS, public health concerns, development issues and social entrepreneurship, he led the first American crew to report on the crisis in Sudan's Darfur region.
Fred is the recipient of two honorary doctorates, numerous journalism awards and media fellowships from the Kaiser Family Foundation and the University of Michigan. He serves on the board of Minnpost and was a trustee at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota, his alma mater. He also has served on the boards of the Asian American Journalists Association and the Children's Law Center of Minnesota.
Fred’s Recent Stories
Nation Dec 31
Fatal shooting by Minneapolis police prompts protests and questions about transparencyMinneapolis police fatally shot a man during a traffic stop Wednesday night, the first killing by a member of the department since George Floyd's death in May, which spurred nationwide protests. Police Chief Medaria Arradondo said the suspect had fired…
World Dec 18
With few resources, Senegal emerges as a leader in the fight against COVID-19For much of the pandemic, New Zealand has often been praised for the effectiveness of its response. But despite few resources, the small African nation of Senegal has also become a leader in curbing the COVID-19 pandemic within its borders.
Agents for Change Nov 13
In Pakistan, 1 of 20 kids dies before age 5. This group is trying to change thatIn Pakistan, one out of every 20 children dies before age five. Now, childhood immunization rates -- already low -- have dropped sharply during the pandemic, raising fears of a looming increase in infant mortality. Special correspondent Fred de Sam…
World Nov 11
India’s poor find themselves even more desperate amid the pandemic economyIndia ranks second only to the U.S. in total COVID-19 cases. Although there has been a decline in infections recently, officials worry the onset of winter could bring new surges. Another concern is the economy, the world’s fifth largest, which…
Politics Sep 18
How northern Minnesota went from Democratic stronghold to battlegroundPresident Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden campaigned Friday in Minnesota -- a state Trump lost narrowly in 2016. They both visited the state's northern region, where voters are expressing concern over the economy, racial unrest and health care.
Nation Aug 05
Minneapolis officials grapple with question of police reform — or replacementThe killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in May prompted calls to change the policing structure there. On Wednesday night, the city’s charter commission will decide whether to ask voters to begin the process of abolishing the police force --…
Agents for Change Jul 27
Why India’s coronavirus numbers probably underestimate the country’s outbreakIndia has reported more than 1 million confirmed coronavirus infections -- a number exceeded only by the U.S. and Brazil. But experts say that both cases and deaths in the country are likely underestimates due to gaps in testing and…
Economy Jun 24
Why these meatpacking workers fear for their health and safety amid COVID-19Many U.S. meatpacking plants shut down this spring due to coronavirus outbreaks. Nationwide, more than 27,000 workers have become infected, and nearly 100 have died. But in late April, President Trump ordered the facilities to stay open, deeming them critical…
Nation Jun 15
How Minneapolis is trying to reimagine the future of policingSince the killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, calls have grown for that city to overhaul its police department. Now, the effort to “dismantle the police department as we know it” has gained the support…
Nation Jun 01
Minneapolis’ long history of policing black and white communities differentlyThe problems with criminal justice in Minnesota’s Twin Cities extend beyond the George Floyd case. Of the 100 largest metro areas in the country, Minneapolis’ income gap between black and white families is the second largest, at nearly $50,000, and…