Local Reporting Network Archive
The VA Will Now Let Some Administrative Staff Work From Home
After New Mexico In Depth and ProPublica reported that the VA was not allowing telework, the agency reversed course. Some workers remain skeptical that the policy will be implemented.
Fatal Coronavirus Outbreak at Assisted Living Center Is Grim Reminder That Both Residents and Staff Are at Risk
Three Atria Willow Wood residents died from COVID-19. One resident went untested for days before being diagnosed, and his family didn’t learn test results until after his death.
Remote Alaska Villages Isolate Themselves Further in Effort to Shield Against Coronavirus
Alaskan communities that are accessible only by plane or snowmobile are cutting off the outside world in response to COVID-19 rather than risk elders’ lives.
The Veterans Health Administration Has Banned Even Administrative Employees From Working From Home
VA employees have expressed alarm that they may be unnecessarily exposed to the coronavirus at a time when the agency could face a flood of new patients. Many VA clients are elderly, a group at especially high risk from COVID-19.
A Congressman Skipped the Coronavirus Relief Vote. Instead, He Went Home to Tell Senior Citizens to Blame Mass Media.
Rep. Don Young of Alaska isn’t the only politician to downplay the threat of coronavirus, in direct contrast with his state government’s public efforts. He may be the only one to do so at a gathering of senior citizens, though.
As Doctors and Nurses Grow Desperate for Protective Gear, They Fear They’re Infecting Patients
The CDC and hospitals have put medical providers and patients at risk as they fail to address national supply shortages. One emergency room doctor who did not have proper equipment and learned he had COVID-19 said, “I’m sure I exposed everyone I saw.”
A Little-Known State Law Says Felons Must Carry a Special ID or Go to Jail
Alabama is the only state where people with multiple felony convictions are required to register with law enforcement and carry special ID cards, legal experts say. When felons are caught without them, they can be arrested and fined or jailed.
Local Housing Authorities Give Themselves Perfect Scores. Renters Disagree.
Nine in 10 local housing authorities say they’re doing well at helping the poor find housing in nice areas. But those who use Section 8 vouchers say the process is “hell.”
Three New Partners Selected for ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network
Reporters in Florida, Georgia and Pennsylvania will join the network on April 1, bringing the total number of newsrooms and projects this year to 23.
Tell Us About Police Misconduct in New Jersey
We want to hear from police officers, public employees and community members who can help us learn more about police misconduct in New Jersey and why it’s allowed to continue.
California Takes a First Step Toward Improving Its Failing County Jails
After an investigation by McClatchy and ProPublica, a state oversight agency is proposing tougher scrutiny and consequences for dangerous conditions in California’s county jails.
How Louisiana Lawmakers Stop Residents’ Efforts to Fight Big Oil and Gas
Louisiana has pioneered ways for other states to discourage environmental protests around “critical infrastructure” projects. Much of it can be traced back to efforts by corporate lobbyists.
Justice Dept. Says It Will Investigate Deadly Conditions at Four Mississippi Prisons
The agency’s Civil Rights Division decided to act after a letter from prison reformers citing stories by the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting and ProPublica.
Local Accountability Journalism Still Has a Huge Impact
Between the Local Reporting Network and ProPublica Illinois, our work shows that state leaders across the country are listening and things can change.
Sex Offenders Were Becoming Cops. After Our Stories, Alaska’s Governor Wants That To End.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s proposed law comes after Anchorage Daily News and ProPublica found that dozens of rural Alaskan police officers had been hired despite criminal convictions.
How These Jail Officials Profit From Selling E-Cigarettes to Inmates
Many cash-strapped Kentucky jails prop up their budgets by selling e-cigarettes to inmates, making more than $1.3 million in 2018. Some jailers, or their friends and family, are making money while jails overlook the health concerns of vaping products.
Alaska’s Public Safety Officer Program Is Failing. Can It Be Saved?
A big part of Alaska’s law enforcement crisis is a program that recruits residents of remote villages and trains them to work as police. Now, a group of state legislators is proposing nine ideas to rescue the program.
After Our Reporting, Connecticut Officials Are Taking On Housing Segregation
In one of the most segregated states in the nation, the governor and legislators are calling for new measures to entice towns to build more affordable housing.
Help Us Understand Logging and Timber Practices Across Oregon
Logging shapes the state’s economy and environment. ProPublica, Oregon Public Broadcasting and The Oregonian are teaming up to report on the issues.
They Were Promised Broadband and High-Tech Jobs. They’re Still Waiting.
Kentucky’s plan to bring broadband to remote parts of the state has sputtered and its future looks increasingly bleak. State leaders told rural residents it would create better business opportunities. But instead, they keep getting left behind.
