The Pulitzer Prize winners are more than a collection of standout stories. They’re an annual signal about what journalism values and what kind of work can break through. This year’s winners, announced Monday afternoon , suggest the field remains focused on accountability and human impact, even as the pressures on the press continue to mount. The prizes highlight reporting that scrutinizes the top echelons of power, documents war on multiple continents and leans into deeply reported storytelling — a snapshot of a profession navigating a complicated moment. They also hint at the changing contours of the industry, with one ascendant newsroom earning nine awards or nominations, two opinion categories combined into one and beat reporting returning after two decades away. Beat Reporting is back The Pulitzers brought back a beat reporting category for the first time since 2006.…