Steve Mills
I’m an editor in the Midwest, based in ProPublica’s Chicago office.
Have a Tip for a Story?
I’m interested in any and all tips about stories anywhere in the Midwest.
What I Do
I work with reporters in Illinois and four other states, though they sometimes range beyond the borders of the states where they live.
My Background
I came to ProPublica in 2017 to help open the organization’s first regional office. Before that, I was a reporter at the Chicago Tribune for more than 20 years. I also worked at the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle and the Winston-Salem Journal. I’m originally from California.
Cook County Judge Blocks ProPublica Illinois From Publishing Details of Child Welfare Case
In moving to shield minors, the judge weighs a challenge to the First Amendment right to publish.
Say What? How Reporters Gather and Use Quotations
Journalists work hard to get the truth and capture comments that are compelling and colorful.
Get Out of Jail for a Price: The First Investigation From Our Illinois Reporting Project
Over the next few months, we’ll publish more stories from across the state — including ones that look at topics involving the environment and worker safety.
How Do We Prevent Typos and Other Errors From Appearing in Our Stories?
We don’t always, but we sure try. A lot of eyes on a story helps.
Defining the Delicate and Often Difficult Relationship Between Reporters and Sources
Journalists stay in touch with the people who give them information and might even meet them for lunch or a drink. But there are boundaries.