Impact
Journalism in the Public Interest
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Lawmakers and Students Say Professors Who Sexually Harass Should Face Stronger Consequences
After NPR Illinois and ProPublica found that several University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign professors who violated policies were allowed to quietly resign and take paid leave with their reputations intact, lawmakers called for reforms.
“Humbled”: Nonprofit Christian Hospital Dials Back Aggressive Debt Collection and Raises Wages After Our Investigation
MLK50 and ProPublica found that Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare sued thousands of low-income patients, including dozens of its own employees, over five years. The hospital system just announced major policy changes in response.
Nonprofit Christian Hospital Suspends Debt Collection Lawsuits Amid Furor Over Suing Its Own Employees
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare is reevaluating its policy after an MLK50-ProPublica investigation found that it had filed 8,300 lawsuits in the past five years, including against many of its own employees.
Millionaire CEO of Nonprofit Hospital That Sues the Poor Promises Review of Policies
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare promised a policy review after an investigation by MLK50 and ProPublica found it had sued 8,300 patients — including its own employees — over medical debt. Its CEO has not responded to our questions.
After Serious 911 Mishaps, Rhode Island Will Now Pay for Better Training
Lagging rates of cardiac arrest survival and bystander CPR in Rhode Island could soon improve if lawmakers approve a budget allocating $220,000 to strengthen 911 call taker training.
New Jersey Task Force Examines Tax Breaks for George Norcross Projects
A task force appointed by Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy says it will investigate projects connected to the state’s top political boss.
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.
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.
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.
Stung by Controversies, Police Chief Resigns in Elkhart, Indiana
Ed Windbigler’s resignation as chief follows a videotaped beating of a handcuffed man and reports by the South Bend Tribune and ProPublica that he had promoted officers with disciplinary histories.
Elkhart City Council Members Support Investigation of Police Department
If the Department of Justice won’t investigate, council members say they would pay for an outside investigation into misconduct by Elkhart police.
Elkhart, Indiana, Police Chief Suspended for 30 Days Following Release of Beating Video
The mayor disciplined the chief after revelations by the South Bend Tribune and ProPublica about the city’s troubled police force. But the mayor made no public announcement, leaving people, including the chair of the city’s civilian oversight commission, to wonder where the chief was.
Oregon Officials Call for Changes of Laws on Criminally Insane
The state’s attorney general said the rate of recidivism among defendants found not guilty by reason of insanity is “too high,” and key lawmakers said they plan to rewrite the state’s laws after an analysis by the Malheur Enterprise and ProPublica.
Senators Seek Answers From HUD About Public Housing Crisis in East St. Louis
Last year, HUD Secretary Ben Carson gave control of the city’s public housing complexes back to local officials after a lengthy federal receivership. He said problems had been fixed, but an investigation by The Southern Illinoisan and ProPublica found deteriorating conditions.