Local Reporting Network Archive
South Carolina: The State Where Judges Rule Themselves in Secret
Ethics complaints against South Carolina’s circuit judges are buried in an opaque system that shields the accused.
California Tried to Fix Its Prisons. Now County Jails Are More Deadly.
In a 48-hour stretch during January 2018, three men were booked into the Fresno County Jail. One was beaten into a coma. Two died soon afterward. Their cases kicked off a nightmarish year in a local jail where problems trace back to California’s sweeping 2011 prison downsizing and criminal justice reforms.
After Baby’s Death, Rhode Island 911 Operators May Receive Enhanced Training
The governor supports a recommendation from the state police superintendent to have all 34 telecommunicators and eight supervisors in the 911 emergency center certified in emergency medical dispatch.
ProPublica Is Again Expanding Its Local Reporting Network. Apply for a Spot.
Six additional reporters working on accountability projects will be selected to join the network on July 1, bringing the total number of newsrooms and projects this year to 20.
HUD’s Inspection System Gets a Poor Grade in Congressional Watchdog’s Report
The Government Accountability Office’s findings mirror those of an investigation by The Southern Illinoisan and ProPublica, which documented numerous cases in which substandard housing complexes received passing — and even glowing — scores from HUD.
Two Indiana Police Officers Face Federal Charges in Videotaped Beating of Handcuffed Man
The charges come after ProPublica and the South Bend Tribune exposed details of the abuse and published the video. “The alleged actions by these individuals went against everything in the oath they took to serve and protect,” the FBI said.
Doctors, EMS Leaders Call for Changes to Rhode Island’s 911 System
At a legislative hearing, witnesses decried the lack of CPR instructions provided by call takers at the state’s 911 center. Meanwhile, the State Police superintendent pledged to review procedures and training of 911 call takers.
How Rhode Island’s Emergency 911 System Failed Baby Alijah
Rhode Island 911 telecommunicators rarely instruct callers in CPR, doctors and EMS officials say. Better training could save hundreds more cardiac arrest victims per year, experts say.
Rhode Island, Have You Called 911? Do You Work in Emergency Response? Talk to Us.
We want to hear from Rhode Islanders who’ve called 911 in a medical emergency and those who work in emergency medical response to uncover challenges facing the state’s 911 system.
Head of Rhode Island’s 911 System Is Removed From Post
The move came after The Public’s Radio sought verification of Gregory M. Scungio’s Red Cross certifications, and state police learned that he had been training call takers in CPR without proper certification.
Oregon Should Overhaul Handling of Insanity Defendants, Says Head of Psychiatry Security Review Board
The board’s executive director acknowledged gaps in the system for treating and discharging people found criminally insane and said the Legislature should weigh appointing a task force to consider reforms.
HUD Plans to Reduce Notice Given Before Inspections, but Advocates Are Unimpressed
A plan recently announced by the agency doesn’t address its much-maligned scoring system, despite recommendations drafted in 2016 by senior department officials.
Residents Say Natural Gas Production Is Marring West Virginia. And the Legislature Isn’t Doing Anything About It.
Though studies recommended additional protections years ago, lawmakers have not taken action to put them in place. But when residents sued, a Supreme Court justice said it was the Legislature’s job.
A Guide to Every Permitted Natural Gas Well in West Virginia
For the first time ever, ProPublica and the Gazette-Mail used software to show over 5,000 permitted wells and the pads on which they sit. Here’s what they look like.
How I Learned to Let Communities Guide Our Local Reporting Projects
As an engagement reporter on ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network, I gave people avenues to participate in our reporting and learned lessons about respect, building networks and getting journalism to the people affected by it.
Large Natural Gas Producer to Pay West Virginia Plaintiffs $53.5 Million to Settle Royalty Dispute
As our investigation detailed, EQT Corp. had been accused of deducting a variety of unacceptable charges from natural gas royalty checks. The company says it wants to “turn over a new leaf” in its relationship with the state’s residents.
HUD’s System for Processing Public Records Requests Died During the Shutdown
The contract for the agency’s electronic system for managing FOIA requests lapsed in early January and hasn’t been renewed. Delays are mounting.
What Do You Know About County Jails in California? Talk to Us.
ProPublica and The Sacramento Bee are spending the year reporting on resources, safety and crowding in California county jails.
Detective in Elkhart, Indiana, Wrongful Conviction Case Dies in Apparent Suicide
Steve Rezutko, the former Elkhart police detective, was central in an investigation that led to a high-profile pair of wrongful convictions.
