TY 2020 Form 990

(A) Name and title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)	(C) Position (do not check more than one box, unless person is both an officer and a director/trustee)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC)
(1) PAUL E STEIGER...................................................................... EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN	30.00 .................	X	X	49,325	6,617
(2) PAUL SAGAN...................................................................... CHAIRMAN	2.00 .................	X	X	0	0
(3) DANIELLE ALLEN...................................................................... DIRECTOR THRU 12/13/20	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(4) CLAIRE BERNARD...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(5) MARK COLODNY...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(6) STEVE DAETZ...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(7) ANGELA FILO...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(8) HENRY LOUIS GATES JR...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(9) CLAIRE HOFFMAN...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(10) KATIE MCGRATH...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(11) ROBERT CS MONKS...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(12) RONALD OLSON...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(13) JAMES STONE...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(14) S DONALD SUSSMAN...................................................................... DIRECTOR	1.00 .................	X		0	0
(15) STEPHEN ENGELBERG...................................................................... CO-CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF	40.00 .................		X	418,112	51,331
(16) RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT...................................................................... CO-CEO & TREASURER	40.00 .................		X	427,692	27,187
(17) RAGAN RHYNE VICE PRESIDENT OF...................................................................... DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY	40.00 .................		X	265,159	14,760

- TIN:

SCHEDULE A
(Form 990 or 990EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Public Charity Status and Public Support

Complete if the organization is a section 501(c)(3) organization or a section 4947(a)(1) nonexempt charitable trust.
right arrow

Attach to Form 990 or Form 990-EZ.
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Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for instructions and the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

PRO PUBLICA INC

Employer identification number

14-2007220

Part I

Reason for Public Charity Status (All organizations must complete this part.) See instructions.

The organization is not a private foundation because it is: (For lines 1 through 12, check only one box.)

A church, convention of churches, or association of churches described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(i).

A school described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(ii). (Attach Schedule E (Form 990 or 990-EZ).)

A hospital or a cooperative hospital service organization described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii).

A medical research organization operated in conjunction with a hospital described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iii). Enter the hospital's name, city, and state:

An organization operated for the benefit of a college or university owned or operated by a governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(iv). (Complete Part II.)

A federal, state, or local government or governmental unit described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(v).

An organization that normally receives a substantial part of its support from a governmental unit or from the general public described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

A community trust described in section 170(b)(1)(A)(vi). (Complete Part II.)

An agricultural research organization described in 170(b)(1)(A)(ix) operated in conjunction with a land-grant college or university or a non-land grant college of agriculture. See instructions. Enter the name, city, and state of the college or university:

An organization that normally receives: (1) more than 331/3% of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions—subject to certain exceptions, and (2) no more than 331/3% of its support from gross investment income and unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 tax) from businesses acquired by the organization after June 30, 1975. See section 509(a)(2). (Complete Part III.)

An organization organized and operated exclusively to test for public safety. See section 509(a)(4).

An organization organized and operated exclusively for the benefit of, to perform the functions of, or to carry out the purposes of one or more publicly supported organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or section 509(a)(2). See section 509(a)(3). Check the box in lines 12a through 12d that describes the type of supporting organization and complete lines 12e, 12f, and 12g.

Type I. A supporting organization operated, supervised, or controlled by its supported organization(s), typically by giving the supported organization(s) the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the directors or trustees of the supporting organization. You must complete Part IV, Sections A and B.

Type II. A supporting organization supervised or controlled in connection with its supported organization(s), by having control or management of the supporting organization vested in the same persons that control or manage the supported organization(s). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and C.

Type III functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with, and functionally integrated with, its supported organization(s) (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A, D, and E.

Type III non-functionally integrated. A supporting organization operated in connection with its supported organization(s) that is not functionally integrated. The organization generally must satisfy a distribution requirement and an attentiveness requirement (see instructions). You must complete Part IV, Sections A and D, and Part V.

Check this box if the organization received a written determination from the IRS that it is a Type I, Type II, Type III functionally integrated, or Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organization.

Enter the number of supported organizations ...............................

Provide the following information about the supported organization(s).

(i) Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	(iv) Is the organization listed in your governing document?		(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)
(i) Name of supported organization	(ii) EIN	Yes	No	(v) Amount of monetary support (see instructions)	(vi) Amount of other support (see instructions)


Total

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for
Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 11285F

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 2

Part II

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Sections 170(b)(1)(A)(iv) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 5, 7, or 8 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part III. If the organization failed to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part III.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grant.") ..	13,765,153	43,063,123	25,576,127	37,366,751	36,816,824	156,587,978
2	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf....
3	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge..
4	Total. Add lines 1 through 3	13,765,153	43,063,123	25,576,127	37,366,751	36,816,824	156,587,978
5	The portion of total contributions by each person (other than a governmental unit or publicly supported organization) included on line 1 that exceeds 2% of the amount shown on line 11, column (f)..						21,552,941
6	Public support. Subtract line 5 from line 4.						135,035,037

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
7	Amounts from line 4..	13,765,153	43,063,123	25,576,127	37,366,751	36,816,824	156,587,978
8	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources...	105,365	91,606	449,799	635,480	200,509	1,482,759
9	Net income from unrelated business activities, whether or not the business is regularly carried on..	8,230	52,755	36,395	68,949	137,708	304,037
10	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.)..	245,214	108,258	230,179	454,278	146,125	1,184,054
11	Total support. Add lines 7 through 10						159,558,828

Gross receipts from related activities, etc. (see instructions) ..................

1,860,963

First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization, check this box and stop here........................................ right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2020 (line 6, column (f) divided by line 11, column (f)) .........

84.630 %

Public support percentage for 2019 Schedule A, Part II, line 14 ...............

78.480 %

16a

33 1/3% support test—2020. If the organization did not check the box on line 13, and line 14 is 33 1/3% or more, check this box
and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....................... right arrow

33 1/3% support test—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 13 or 16a, and line 15 is 33 1/3% or more, check this
box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ..................... right arrow

17a

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2020. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, or 16b, and line 14
is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here. Explain
in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported
organization ..................................................... right arrow

10%-facts-and-circumstances test—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, or 17a, and line
15 is 10% or more, and if the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test, check this box and stop here.
Explain in Part VI how the organization meets the "facts-and-circumstances" test. The organization qualifies as a publicly
supported organization ................................................ right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 13, 16a, 16b, 17a, or 17b, check this box and see
instructions ..................................................... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 3

Part III

Support Schedule for Organizations Described in Section 509(a)(2)
(Complete only if you checked the box on line 10 of Part I or if the organization failed to qualify under Part II. If the organization fails to qualify under the tests listed below, please complete Part II.)

Section A. Public Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
1	Gifts, grants, contributions, and membership fees received. (Do not include any "unusual grants.") .
2	Gross receipts from admissions, merchandise sold or services performed, or facilities furnished in any activity that is related to the organization's tax-exempt purpose
3	Gross receipts from activities that are not an unrelated trade or business under section 513 .....
4	Tax revenues levied for the organization's benefit and either paid to or expended on its behalf...
5	The value of services or facilities furnished by a governmental unit to the organization without charge
6	Total. Add lines 1 through 5
7a	Amounts included on lines 1, 2, and 3 received from disqualified persons
b	Amounts included on lines 2 and 3 received from other than disqualified persons that exceed the greater of $5,000 or 1% of the amount on line 13 for the year.
c	Add lines 7a and 7b..
8	Public support. (Subtract line 7c from line 6.)

Section B. Total Support

Calendar year (or fiscal year beginning in)		(a) 2016	(b) 2017	(c) 2018	(d) 2019	(e) 2020	(f) Total
9	Amounts from line 6...
10a	Gross income from interest, dividends, payments received on securities loans, rents, royalties and income from similar sources..
b	Unrelated business taxable income (less section 511 taxes) from businesses acquired after June 30, 1975.
c	Add lines 10a and 10b.
11	Net income from unrelated business activities not included in line 10b, whether or not the business is regularly carried on.
12	Other income. Do not include gain or loss from the sale of capital assets (Explain in Part VI.) ..
13	Total support. (Add lines 9, 10c, 11, and 12.)..

First 5 years. If the Form 990 is for the organization's first, second, third, fourth, or fifth tax year as a section 501(c)(3) organization,
check this box and stop here............................................. right arrow

Section C. Computation of Public Support Percentage

Public support percentage for 2020 (line 8, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) .........

Public support percentage from 2019 Schedule A, Part III, line 15 ...............

Section D. Computation of Investment Income Percentage

Investment income percentage for 2020 (line 10c, column (f) divided by line 13, column (f)) ......

Investment income percentage from 2019 Schedule A, Part III, line 17 .............

19a

331/3% support tests—2020. If the organization did not check the box on line 14, and line 15 is more than 33 1/3%, and line 17 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization ....... right arrow

33 1/3% support tests—2019. If the organization did not check a box on line 14 or line 19a, and line 16 is more than 33 1/3% and line 18 is not more than 33 1/3%, check this box and stop here. The organization qualifies as a publicly supported organization .... right arrow

Private foundation. If the organization did not check a box on line 14, 19a, or 19b, check this box and see instructions .... right arrow

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 4

Part IV

Supporting Organizations

(Complete only if you checked a box on line 12 of Part I. If you checked box 12a, of Part I, complete Sections A and B. If you checked box 12b, of Part I, complete Sections A and C. If you checked box 12c, of Part I, complete Sections A, D, and E. If you checked box12d, of Part I, complete Sections A and D, and complete Part V.)

Section A. All Supporting Organizations

Yes

Are all of the organization’s supported organizations listed by name in the organization’s governing documents?
If "No," describe in Part VI how the supported organizations are designated. If designated by class or purpose,
describe the designation. If historic and continuing relationship, explain.

Did the organization have any supported organization that does not have an IRS determination of status under section 509(a)(1) or (2)? If "Yes," explain in Part VI how the organization determined that the supported organization was described in section 509(a)(1) or (2).

Did the organization have a supported organization described in section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6)? If "Yes," answer lines 3b and 3c below.

Did the organization confirm that each supported organization qualified under section 501(c)(4), (5), or (6) and satisfied the public support tests under section 509(a)(2)? If "Yes," describe in Part VI when and how the organization made the determination.

Did the organization ensure that all support to such organizations was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes? If "Yes," explain in Part VI what controls the organization put in place to ensure such use.

Was any supported organization not organized in the United States ("foreign supported organization")? If “Yes” and if you checked box 12a or 12b in Part I, answer lines 4b and 4c below.

Did the organization have ultimate control and discretion in deciding whether to make grants to the foreign supported organization? If “Yes,” describe in Part VI how the organization had such control and discretion despite being controlled or supervised by or in connection with its supported organizations.

Did the organization support any foreign supported organization that does not have an IRS determination under sections 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1) or (2)? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI what controls the organization used to ensure that all support to the foreign supported organization was used exclusively for section 170(c)(2)(B) purposes.

Did the organization add, substitute, or remove any supported organizations during the tax year? If “Yes,” answer lines 5b and 5c below (if applicable). Also, provide detail in Part VI, including (i) the names and EIN numbers of the supported organizations added, substituted, or removed; (ii) the reasons for each such action; (iii) the authority under the organization's organizing document authorizing such action; and (iv) how the action was accomplished (such as by amendment to the organizing document).

Type I or Type II only. Was any added or substituted supported organization part of a class already designated in the organization's organizing document?

Substitutions only. Was the substitution the result of an event beyond the organization's control?

Did the organization provide support (whether in the form of grants or the provision of services or facilities) to anyone other than (i) its supported organizations, (ii) individuals that are part of the charitable class benefited by one or more of its supported organizations, or (iii) other supporting organizations that also support or benefit one or more of the filing organization’s supported organizations? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did the organization provide a grant, loan, compensation, or other similar payment to a substantial contributor (defined in section 4958(c)(3)(C)), a family member of a substantial contributor, or a 35% controlled entity with regard to a substantial contributor? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ) .

Did the organization make a loan to a disqualified person (as defined in section 4958) not described in line 7? If “Yes,” complete Part I of Schedule L (Form 990 or 990-EZ).

Was the organization controlled directly or indirectly at any time during the tax year by one or more disqualified persons, as defined in section 4946 (other than foundation managers and organizations described in section 509(a)(1) or (2))? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did one or more disqualified persons (as defined in line 9a) hold a controlling interest in any entity in which the supporting organization had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

Did a disqualified person (as defined in line 9a) have an ownership interest in, or derive any personal benefit from, assets in which the supporting organization also had an interest? If “Yes,” provide detail in Part VI.

10a

Was the organization subject to the excess business holdings rules of section 4943 because of section 4943(f) (regarding certain Type II supporting organizations, and all Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations)? If “Yes,” answer line 10b below.

10a

Did the organization have any excess business holdings in the tax year? (Use Schedule C, Form 4720, to determine whether the organization had excess business holdings).

10b

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 5

Part IV

Supporting Organizations (continued)

Yes

Has the organization accepted a gift or contribution from any of the following persons?

A person who directly or indirectly controls, either alone or together with persons described in lines 11b and 11c below, the governing body of a supported organization?

11a

A family member of a person described in 11a above?

11b

A 35% controlled entity of a person described in line 11a or 11b above? If “Yes” to 11a, 11b, or 11c, provide detail in Part VI.

11c

Section B. Type I Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the officers, directors, trustees, or membership of one or more supported organizations have the power to regularly appoint or elect at least a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees at all times during the tax year? If “No,” describe in Part VI how the supported organization(s) effectively operated, supervised, or controlled the organization’s activities. If the organization had more than one supported organization, describe how the powers to appoint and/or remove directors or trustees were allocated among the supported organizations and what conditions or restrictions, if any, applied to such powers during the tax year.

Did the organization operate for the benefit of any supported organization other than the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised, or controlled the supporting organization? If “Yes,” explain in Part VI how providing such benefit carried out the purposes of the supported organization(s) that operated, supervised or controlled the supporting organization.

Section C. Type II Supporting Organizations

Yes

Were a majority of the organization’s directors or trustees during the tax year also a majority of the directors or trustees of each of the organization’s supported organization(s)? If “No,” describe in Part VI how control or management of the supporting organization was vested in the same persons that controlled or managed the supported organization(s).

Section D. All Type III Supporting Organizations

Yes

Did the organization provide to each of its supported organizations, by the last day of the fifth month of the organization’s tax year, (i) a written notice describing the type and amount of support provided during the prior tax year, (ii) a copy of the Form 990 that was most recently filed as of the date of notification, and (iii) copies of the organization’s governing documents in effect on the date of notification, to the extent not previously provided?

Were any of the organization’s officers, directors, or trustees either (i) appointed or elected by the supported organization(s) or (ii) serving on the governing body of a supported organization? If "No," explain in Part VI how the organization maintained a close and continuous working relationship with the supported organization(s).

By reason of the relationship described in line 2 above, did the organization’s supported organizations have a significant voice in the organization’s investment policies and in directing the use of the organization’s income or assets at all times during the tax year? If "Yes," describe in Part VI the role the organization’s supported organizations played in this regard.

Section E. Type III Functionally-Integrated Supporting Organizations

Check the box next to the method that the organization used to satisfy the Integral Part Test during the year (see instructions):

The organization satisfied the Activities Test. Complete line 2 below.

The organization is the parent of each of its supported organizations. Complete line 3 below.

The organization supported a governmental entity. Describe in Part VI how you supported a government entity (see instructions)

Activities Test. Answer lines 2a and 2b below.

Yes

Did substantially all of the organization’s activities during the tax year directly further the exempt purposes of the supported organization(s) to which the organization was responsive? If "Yes," then in Part VI identify those supported organizations and explain how these activities directly furthered their exempt purposes, how the organization was responsive to those supported organizations, and how the organization determined that these activities constituted substantially all of its activities.

Did the activities described in line 2a, above constitute activities that, but for the organization’s involvement, one or more of the organization’s supported organization(s) would have been engaged in? If "Yes," explain in Part VI the reasons for the organization’s position that its supported organization(s) would have engaged in these activities but for the organization’s involvement.

Parent of Supported Organizations. Answer lines 3a and 3b below.

Did the organization have the power to regularly appoint or elect a majority of the officers, directors, or trustees of each of the supported organizations?If "Yes" or "No", provide details in Part VI.

Did the organization exercise a substantial degree of direction over the policies, programs and activities of each of its supported organizations? If "Yes," describe in Part VI. the role played by the organization in this regard.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 6

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations

Check here if the organization satisfied the Integral Part Test as a qualifying trust on Nov. 20, 1970 (explain in Part VI). See instructions. All other Type III non-functionally integrated supporting organizations must complete Sections A through E.

	Section A - Adjusted Net Income		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Net short-term capital gain	1
2	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	2
3	Other gross income (see instructions)	3
4	Add lines 1 through 3	4
5	Depreciation and depletion	5
6	Portion of operating expenses paid or incurred for production or collection of gross income or for management, conservation, or maintenance of property held for production of income (see instructions)	6
7	Other expenses (see instructions)	7
8	Adjusted Net Income (subtract lines 5, 6 and 7 from line 4)	8

	Section B - Minimum Asset Amount		(A) Prior Year	(B) Current Year (optional)
1	Aggregate fair market value of all non-exempt-use assets (see instructions for short tax year or assets held for part of year):	1
a	Average monthly value of securities	1a
b	Average monthly cash balances	1b
c	Fair market value of other non-exempt-use assets	1c
d	Total (add lines 1a, 1b, and 1c)	1d
e	Discount claimed for blockage or other factors (explain in detail in Part VI):
2	Acquisition indebtedness applicable to non-exempt use assets	2
3	Subtract line 2 from line 1d	3
4	Cash deemed held for exempt use. Enter 0.015 of line 3 (for greater amount, see instructions).	4
5	Net value of non-exempt-use assets (subtract line 4 from line 3)	5
6	Multiply line 5 by 0.035	6
7	Recoveries of prior-year distributions	7
8	Minimum Asset Amount (add line 7 to line 6)	8

	Section C - Distributable Amount		Current Year
1	Adjusted net income for prior year (from Section A, line 8, Column A)	1
2	Enter 85% of line 1	2
3	Minimum asset amount for prior year (from Section B, line 8, Column A)	3
4	Enter greater of line 2 or line 3	4
5	Income tax imposed in prior year	5
6	Distributable Amount. Subtract line 5 from line 4, unless subject to emergency temporary reduction (see instructions)	6

Check here if the current year is the organization's first as a non-functionally-integrated Type III supporting organization (see instructions)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 7

Part V

Type III Non-Functionally Integrated 509(a)(3) Supporting Organizations(continued)

Section D - Distributions		Current Year
1 Amounts paid to supported organizations to accomplish exempt purposes	1
2 Amounts paid to perform activity that directly furthers exempt purposes of supported organizations, in excess of income from activity	2
3 Administrative expenses paid to accomplish exempt purposes of supported organizations	3
4 Amounts paid to acquire exempt-use assets	4
5 Qualified set-aside amounts (prior IRS approval required - provide details in Part VI)	5
6 Other distributions (describe in Part VI). See instructions	6
7Total annual distributions. Add lines 1 through 6.	7
8 Distributions to attentive supported organizations to which the organization is responsive (provide details in Part VI). See instructions	8
9 Distributable amount for 2020 from Section C, line 6	9
10 Line 8 amount divided by Line 9 amount	10

Section E - Distribution Allocations (see instructions)		(i) Excess Distributions	(ii) Underdistributions Pre-2020	(iii) Distributable Amount for 2020
1 Distributable amount for 2020 from Section C, line 6
2 Underdistributions, if any, for years prior to 2019 (reasonable cause required-- explain in Part VI). See instructions.
3 Excess distributions carryover, if any, to 2020:
a From 2015.......
b From 2016.......
c From 2017.......
d From 2018.......
e From 2019.......
fTotal of lines 3a through e
g Applied to underdistributions of prior years
h Applied to 2020 distributable amount
i Carryover from 2015 not applied (see instructions)
j Remainder. Subtract lines 3g, 3h, and 3i from line 3f.
4Distributions for 2020 from Section D, line 7:
$
a Applied to underdistributions of prior years
b Applied to 2020 distributable amount
c Remainder. Subtract lines 4a and 4b from line 4.
5 Remaining underdistributions for years prior to 2020, if any. Subtract lines 3g and 4a from line 2. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions.
6 Remaining underdistributions for 2020. Subtract lines 3h and 4b from line 1. If the amount is greater than zero, explain in Part VI. See instructions.
7 Excess distributions carryover to 2021. Add lines 3j and 4c.
8 Breakdown of line 7:
a Excess from 2016.....
b Excess from 2017.....
c Excess from 2018.....
d Excess from 2019.....
e Excess from 2020.....

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) (2020)

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Page 8

Part VI

Supplemental Information. Provide the explanations required by Part II, line 10; Part II, line 17a or 17b; Part III, line 12; Part IV, Section A, lines 1, 2, 3b, 3c, 4b, 4c, 5a, 6, 9a, 9b, 9c, 11a, 11b, and 11c; Part IV, Section B, lines 1 and 2; Part IV, Section C, line 1; Part IV, Section D, lines 2 and 3; Part IV, Section E, lines 1c, 2a, 2b, 3a and 3b; Part V, line 1; Part V, Section B, line 1e; Part V Section D, lines 5, 6, and 8; and Part V, Section E, lines 2, 5, and 6. Also complete this part for any additional information. (See instructions).

Facts And Circumstances Test

Return Reference	Explanation
SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME:	HONORARIA AND OTHER REVENUE - 2016 AMOUNT: $ 26,750. 2017 AMOUNT: $ 90,734. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 77,346. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 49,055. 2020 AMOUNT: $ 29,589. INSURANCE REIMB OF LEGAL FEES - 2016 AMOUNT: $ 218,464. 2017 AMOUNT: $ 17,524. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 152,833. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 405,223. 2020 AMOUNT: $ 116,536.

Schedule A (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

	(a) Donor advised funds	(b) Funds and other accounts
1	Total number at end of year .........
2	Aggregate value of contributions to (during year)
3	Aggregate value of grants from (during year)
4	Aggregate value at end of year ........


a	Total number of conservation easements ......................	2a
b	Total acreage restricted by conservation easements ....................	2b
c	Number of conservation easements on a certified historic structure included in (a) .....	2c
d	Number of conservation easements included in (c) acquired after 7/25/06, and not on a historic structure listed in the National Register ...	2d


b	If "Yes," explain the arrangement in Part XIII and complete the following table:		Amount
c	Beginning balance .............................	1c
d	Additions during the year ............................	1d
e	Distributions during the year ..........................	1e
f	Ending balance ................................	1f

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Schedule I
(Form 990)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Grants and Other Assistance to Organizations,
Governments and Individuals in the United States

Complete if the organization answered "Yes," on Form 990, Part IV, line 21 or 22.
lBullet

Attach to Form 990.
lBullet

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization
PRO PUBLICA INC

Employer identification number
14-2007220

Part I

General Information on Grants and Assistance

Does the organization maintain records to substantiate the amount of the grants or assistance, the grantees' eligibility for the grants or assistance, and
the selection criteria used to award the grants or assistance? ........................

Yes No

Describe in Part IV the organization's procedures for monitoring the use of grant funds in the United States.

Part II

Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Organizations and Domestic Governments. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 21, for any recipient

that received more than $5,000. Part II can be duplicated if additional space is needed.

(a) Name and address of organization or government	(b) EIN	(c) IRC section (if applicable)	(d) Amount of cash grant	(h) Purpose of grant or assistance
(1) ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS 300 W31ST AVENUE ANCHORAGE,AK99503	37-1869203		92,256	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(2) ARIZONA DAILY STAR 4850 SOUTH PARK AVENUE TUSCON,AZ85714	86-0621785		77,291	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(3) ASBURY PARK PRESS 3600 HIGHWAY 66 NEPTUNE,NJ07554	06-1032273		83,025	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(4) BAY CITY NEWS FOUNDATION 900 HILLDALE AVENUE BERKELEY,CA94708	83-0654488	501(C)(3)	92,256	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(5) BRYANT FURLOW LLC 400 GOLD AVENUE SW FLOOR 7 ALBUQUERQUE,NM87102	82-3961205		12,648	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(6) CHICAGO PUBIC MEDIA INC 848 E GRAND AVENUE NAVY PIER CHICAGO,IL60611	36-3687394	501(C)(3)	82,995	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(7) COASTALASKA INC 360 EGAN DRIVE JANEAU,AK99801	92-0162579	501(C)(3)	23,925	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(8) COMMUNITY LIFT CORP 119 S COURT AVENUE SUITE 100 MEMPHIS,TN38103	27-3941355	501(C)(3)	17,425	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(9) FRONTIER MEDIA GROUP 12117 SOUTH 12TH COURT JENKS,OK74307	81-4620550	501(C)(3)	29,520	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(10) GANNETT SHARED SERVICES CENTER (DESERT SUN PUBLISHING LLC) 750 N GENE AUTRY TRAIL PALM SPRINGS,CA92262	46-5738464		86,490	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(11) GEORGIA PUBLIC TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 260 14TH ST NW ATLANTA,GA30318	58-1496258	501(C)(3)	15,991	PARTICIPATION IN PROPUBLICA'S ELECTIONLAND LOCAL REPORTING PROJECT
(12) KENTUCKY CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING 619 SOUTH 4TH STREET LOUISVILLE,KY40202	61-1259787	501(C)(3)	46,128	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(13) MAX BLAU MBW LLC 1360 MEMORIAL DRIVE ATLANTA,GA30317	37-1945751		64,575	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(14) MIAMI HERALD 3511 NW 91 AVENUE MIAMI,FL33172	20-5063905		50,316	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(15) MOUNTAIN STATE SPOTLIGHT PO BOX 1111 CHARLESTON,WV25324	85-1154363		11,685	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(16) NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO 630 MAINSTREAM DRIVE NASHVILLE,TN37228	62-1631652	501(C)(3)	18,840	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(17) NEW MEXICO IN DEPTH 808 DOUGLAS MACARTHUR NW ALBURQUEQUE,NM87107	45-4011138		54,996	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(18) OAHU PUBLICATIONS INC 500 ALA MOANA BLVD STE 7-500 HONOLULU,HI96813	99-0353529		178,356	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(19) OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING 7140 SW MACADAM AVE PORTLAND,OR97219	93-0814638	501(C)(3)	69,192	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(20) RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH 300 EAST FRANKLIN STREET RICHMOND,VA23219	84-4721627		60,951	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(21) SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RADIO 474 SOUTH RAYMOND AVENUE PASADENA,CA91105	95-4765734	501(C)(3)	29,676	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(22) THE ARIZONA REPUBLIC 200 E VAN BUREN STREET PHOENIX,AZ85004	86-0937358		25,430	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(23) THE BUSINESS JOURNAL 25 E BOARDMAN STREET SUITE 306 YOUNGSTOWN,OH44503	34-1461521		30,750	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(24) THE CAPITAL 160 N STETSON 40TH FL CHICAGO,IL60601	36-3779720		21,528	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(25) THE MAINE CENTER FOR PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTING PO BOX 284 HALLOWEL,ME04347	27-2623867	501(C)(3)	67,164	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(26) THE NEWS & OBSERVER 421 FAYETVILLE STREET SUITE 104 RALEIGH,NC27601	56-0338580		67,620	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(27) THE PALM BEACH POST 175 SULLYS TRAIL PITTTSFORD,NY14534	47-2464860		29,694	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(28) THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER 801 MARKET STREET SUITE 300 PHILADELPHIA,PA19107	27-2937767		72,001	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(29) THE TAMPA BAY TIMES 490 1ST AVE ST PETERSBURG,FL33701	59-0482470		21,525	PARTICIPATION IN PROPUBLICA'S ELECTIONLAND LOCAL REPORTING PROJECT
(30) VPM MEDIA CORPORATION 23 SESAME STREET RICHMOND,VA23235	54-0735782	501(C)(3)	25,656	PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE
(31) WCIJ INC 821 UNIVERSITY AVENUE MADISION,WI53706	26-2143608	501(C)(3)	17,835	PARTICIPATION IN PROPUBLICA'S ELECTIONLAND LOCAL REPORTING PROJECT

Enter total number of section 501(c)(3) and government organizations listed in the line 1 table ................. Bullet Image

Enter total number of other organizations listed in the line 1 table ........................ . Bullet Image

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990.

Cat. No. 50055P

Schedule I (Form 990) 2020

Page 2

Part III

Grants and Other Assistance to Domestic Individuals. Complete if the organization answered "Yes" on Form 990, Part IV, line 22.
Part III can be duplicated if additional space is needed.

(a) Type of grant or assistance	(b) Number of recipients	(c) Amount of cash grant
(1) EMERGING REPORTER STIPEND	11	49,500
(2) DIVERSITY STIPEND	29	16,323
(3) LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK GRANT	3	85,338
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)

Part IV

Supplemental Information. Provide the information required in Part I, line 2; Part III, column (b); and any other additional information.

Return Reference

Explanation

PART I, LINE 2:

A) STIPEND NARRATIVE FOR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE: STIPEND PAYMENTS REPRESENT A FORM OF GRANT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED TO PARTICIPANTS IN VARIOUS PROPUBLICA OUTREACH PROGRAMS. PARTICIPANTS IN THE PROGRAMS ARE SELECTED VIA COMPETITIVE APPLICATION PROCESS IN WHICH THE APPLICANTS ARE CHOSEN BASED ON THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND CAREER PROSPECTS IN THE FIELD OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM. FUNDING IS OFTEN PROVIDED AS A PART OF A GRANT RECEIVED BY PROPUBLICA. IN SUCH INSTANCES, THE GRANT REQUIREMENTS DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF FUNDING AVAILABLE AND MAY INFORM THE STIPEND PAYMENT PROCESS. IF THE FUNDING IS PROVIDED THROUGH PROPUBLICA'S GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET, FUNDING AVAILABILITY IS DETERMINED BASED ON OVERALL BUDGETARY CONCERNS. BASED ON THESE PARAMETERS, PROGRAM DIRECTORS DETERMINE WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS APPLY: - ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE EQUAL STIPEND AMOUNTS. - ALL PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE SOME STIPEND, WITH THE AWARD AMOUNT VARYING BASED ON DETERMINATION OF NEED. - SOME PARTICIPANTS RECEIVE STIPENDS, WITH THE AWARD AMOUNT VARYING BASED ON DETERMINATION OF NEED. IN THIS INSTANCE, APPLICANTS MUST APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE AS A SEPARATE PROCEDURE FROM THE GENERAL APPLICATION PROCESS AND ARE NOTIFIED THE AMOUNT OF THE TOTAL ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE BASED ON GRANT FUNDS AVAILABLE. APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE REQUIRE APPLICANTS TO ADDRESS THE FOLLOWING: - EXPLICITLY ANSWER THE QUESTION OF WHETHER OR NOT THEY NEED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. - PROVIDE THE AMOUNT OF ASSISTANCE THAT THEY ARE REQUESTING BASED ON PRE-DETERMINED FUND AVAILABILITY. - EXPLAIN HOW THE FUNDING WOULD MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THEM TO ATTEND THE PROGRAM WHEN THEY OTHERWISE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO. IF THE CASE IS COMPELLING, THE REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE IS GRANTED UP TO THE LIMITS OF THE FUNDS AVAILABLE. IF THE EXPLANATION OF NEED INCLUDES THE COST OF EXPENSES THAT ARE ALREADY COVERED FOR ALL ATTENDEES, THE AMOUNT OF THE GRANT MAY BE REDUCED ACCORDINGLY. FOR EXAMPLE, IF A PARTICULAR PROGRAM COVERS THE COST OF LODGING AND TRAVEL FOR ALL ATTENDEES AND LODGING/TRAVEL ARE INCLUDED IN THE EXPLANATION OF NEED, THE AMOUNT AWARDED MAY BE REDUCED. WHEN FUNDING IS PROVIDED VIA PASS-THROUGH GRANTS FROM OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, MONITORING OF FUND USAGE AND FOLLOW-UP ARE BASED UPON ONGOING VERBAL AND WRITTEN DIALOGUE, GRANT REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, AND WRITTEN GRANT REPORTS PROVIDED TO GRANTING ORGANIZATIONS AT THE END OF THE GRANT PERIOD. WHEN FUNDING IS PROVIDED THROUGH GENERAL OPERATING BUDGET DESIGNATION, PROPUBLICA MAINTAINS RECORDS OF INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING AND BENEFITTING FROM GRANT FUNDS, INCLUDING COMPLETED W-9 FORMS. AS THESE GRANTS ARE NEED-BASED, SUCH FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE. B) NARRATIVE FOR ORGANIZATIONS & INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING ASSISTANCE THROUGH LOCAL REPORTING INITIATIVES: THE OTHER TYPE OF FUNDING PROPUBLICA PROVIDES IS THROUGH REGRANTING FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN LOCAL REPORTING INITIATIVES, INCLUDING LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK AND ELECTIONLAND. THROUGH THESE INITIATIVES, PROPUBLICA PARTNERS WITH LOCAL NEWSROOMS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A REPORTER TO WORK ON AN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM FOR A SPECIFIED PERIOD OF TIME. MOST OFTEN, THE GRANTEE IS THE NEWSROOM ORGANIZATION ITSELF; HOWEVER, OCCASIONALLY, FUNDING MAY BE PROVIDED DIRECTLY TO A REPORTER WITH AN AFFILIATION TO THE SELECTED NEWSROOM. NEWSROOMS ARE SELECTED TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE INITIATIVES VIA A COMPETITIVE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND IN ADDITION TO FUNDING, PARTNERS RECEIVE ACCESS TO PROPUBLICA RESOURCES INCLUDING EDITORS, TRAINING SESSIONS, AND CO-PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES. LOCAL GRANT AMOUNTS ARE DETERMINED BASED ON EACH REPORTER'S ANNUAL SALARY AND A STANDARD BENEFITS PERCENT ALLOCATION, WHICH WAS 23% FOR GRANTS ORIGINATING IN 2020, AND AMOUNTS ARE AGREED TO IN WRITING BY BOTH THE PARTICIPATING NEWSROOM AND PROPUBLICA. FUND USAGE IS MONITORED BY THE PROPUBLICA EDITORS WHO OVERSEE THE PROGRAMS AND WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE REPORTERS AND NEWSROOMS. ULTIMATELY, LOCAL GRANTEE REPORTERS ARE EXPECTED TO PUBLISH A FULL-LENGTH INVESTIGATIVE PIECE IN COORDINATION WITH PROPUBLICA. ALSO, PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATIONS MUST PROVIDE A WRITTEN ACCOUNTING FOR FUNDS USAGE AT THE END OF THE GRANT PERIOD, WHICH MOST OFTEN INCLUDES A COPY OF THE FUNDED REPORTER'S W2 FOR THE FUNDED GRANT YEAR.

Schedule I (Form 990) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

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SCHEDULE O
(Form 990 or 990-EZ)

Department of the Treasury
Internal Revenue Service

Supplemental Information to Form 990 or 990-EZ

Complete to provide information for responses to specific questions on
Form 990 or 990-EZ or to provide any additional information.
MediumBullet

Attach to Form 990 or 990-EZ.
MediumBullet

Go to www.irs.gov/Form990 for the latest information.

OMB No. 1545-0047

2020

Open to Public
Inspection

Name of the organization

PRO PUBLICA INC

Employer identification number

14-2007220

Return Reference	Explanation
IN 2020, PROPUBLICA ANNOUNCED A DRAMATICALLY EXPANDED COMMITMENT TO	LOCAL INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM WITH THE FORTHCOMING LAUNCH OF REGIONAL REPORTING HUBS IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST, IN ADDITION TO BROADENING OUR ILLINOIS EFFORTS TO COVER A WIDER SWATH OF THE MIDWEST. PROJECTS FROM THE FIRST YEAR OF OUR JOINT INITIATIVE WITH THE TEXAS TRIBUNE EXPOSED (AND ULTIMATELY HELPED REVERSE) THE PRACTICES OF A LENDER THAT SUED TEXAS BORROWERS AFTER THEY LOST JOBS TO THE PANDEMIC, AND THE STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS AND DISTURBING ORIGINS OF A PRIVATELY FUNDED PORTION OF TRUMP'S BORDER WALL. STORIES FROM THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK ILLUMINATED THE EROSION OF HAWAII'S BEACHES AND THE STATE'S FAILURE TO RETURN NATIVE HAWAIIANS TO ANCESTRAL LANDS, MAINE'S SHODDY AND PREDATORY LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE STATE'S POOREST DEFENDANTS, AND HOW OREGON HAS PRIORITIZED THE TIMBER INDUSTRY OVER THE ECONOMY AND ENVIRONMENT. AUGMENTING THE LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, WE ANNOUNCED A LONGER-TERM DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM, ENABLING LOCAL REPORTERS TO PARTNER WITH PROPUBLICA FOR THREE YEARS AS THEY PRODUCE INVESTIGATIVE PROJECTS FROM THEIR HOME NEWSROOMS. PROPUBLICA WON THE PULITZER PRIZE - OUR SIXTH - FOR NATIONAL REPORTING FOR "DISASTER IN THE PACIFIC," A SERIES ABOUT SAFETY PROBLEMS IN THE NAVY'S 7TH FLEET AND THE PROBLEMATIC RESPONSE OF THE NAVY HIGH COMMAND. THE 2020 PULITZER GOLD MEDAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, THE NATION'S HIGHEST JOURNALISTIC HONOR, WAS AWARDED TO THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS IN COLLABORATION WITH PROPUBLICA FOR OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK SERIES ON MAJOR SHORTFALLS IN PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES IN RURAL ALASKA. OUR STORY ON AFRICAN AMERICAN LAND LOSS IN THE SOUTH, CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORKER, WON THE GEORGE POLK AWARD IN JOURNALISM FOR MAGAZINE REPORTING, AND OUR INVESTIGATION ON THE USE OF JAILHOUSE INFORMANTS CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR REPORTING. AS PROPUBLICA CONTINUES TO GROW - MORE THAN DOUBLING IN SIZE OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS - WE EXPANDED OUR SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM TO INCLUDE FIVE ADDITIONAL EDITORS AND REPORTERS. THIS MOVE HAS BOTH STRENGTHENED AND DIVERSIFIED OUR NEWS LEADERSHIP WITH JOURNALISTS WHOSE DEPTH AND BREADTH OF KNOWLEDGE, LIFE EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATIVE THINKING HAVE BEEN CRUCIAL TO PRODUCING SOME OF OUR BEST WORK. AT THE SAME TIME, OUR STAFF OVERALL IS GROWING MORE DIVERSE, FROM 37% PEOPLE OF COLOR IN 2019 TO 40% IN 2020. OUR PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED TO GROW, WITH 80 IN 2020 ALONE. PARTNERS OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED THE NEW YORK TIMES, WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORKER, THE ATLANTIC, UNIVISION, POLITICO, TELEMUNDO AND USA TODAY. PROPUBLICA IS CONTINUING TO REACH NEW AUDIENCES THROUGH THIRD-PARTY DISTRIBUTION PLATFORMS SUCH AS APPLE NEWS, MICROSOFT NEWS, GOOGLE NEWS AND SMARTNEWS. TRAFFIC GREW SUBSTANTIALLY ON SUCH PLATFORMS, WITH THESE MONTHLY AVERAGE PAGE VIEWS CLIMBING 81% TO 10.2 MILLION. TRAFFIC ON OUR OWN SITE ROSE 72% TO 9 MILLION PAGE VIEWS PER MONTH ON AVERAGE. IMPACT THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF PROPUBLICA IS WHETHER OUR WORK IS MAKING AN IMPACT. WE MEASURE OUR IMPACT NOT IN TERMS OF AUDIENCE SIZE OR HONORS BUT IN REAL-WORLD CHANGE. IN 2020, OUR JOURNALISM SPURRED SUCH CHANGE IN A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT AREAS. ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL RESIGNS AFTER TEXTS TO JUNIOR EMPLOYEE EXPOSED IN AUGUST, PROPUBLICA AND THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION REPORTING THAT ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL KEVIN CLARKSON SENT HUNDREDS OF TEXT MESSAGES TO A YOUNGER STATE EMPLOYEE - AT LEAST 558 MESSAGES IN MARCH ALONE - INVITING HER TO COME TO HIS HOME IN AT LEAST 18 OF THEM AND OFTEN USING KISS EMOJI. AT THE TIME OF OUR REPORTING, CLARKSON WAS ON A MONTHLONG LEAVE OF ABSENCE WITHOUT PAY, BUT THE STATE HAD NEVER TOLD THE PUBLIC HE WAS GONE, OR WHY. RECORDS OBTAINED SHOWED THE ABRUPT ABSENCE CAME AFTER A JUNIOR STATE EMPLOYEE RAISED CONCERNS ABOUT THE TEXT MESSAGES. HOURS AFTER WE PUBLISHED OUR STORY, WHICH INCLUDED TEXTS OBTAINED BY PROPUBLICA AND THE DAILY NEWS, CLARKSON RESIGNED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL. AFTER DUBIOUS CONVICTION (AND 33 YEARS), A RELEASE FROM PRISON IN 2018, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, ABOUT A BELOVED TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL NAMED JOE BRYAN WHO WAS CONVICTED OF HIS WIFE'S 1985 MURDER. HIS CONVICTION RESTED LARGELY ON BLOODSTAIN-PATTERN ANALYSIS, A DUBIOUS FORENSIC PRACTICE. THE STATE DENIED BRYAN PAROLE SEVEN TIMES, INCLUDING MOST RECENTLY IN 2019, EVEN AFTER THE BLOODSTAIN-PATTERN ANALYST WHO TESTIFIED AGAINST BRYAN ADMITTED THAT HIS CONCLUSIONS WERE WRONG. IN MARCH 2020, THE PAROLE BOARD REVERSED COURSE AND - 33 YEARS AFTER HIS CONVICTION, AT AGE 79 - BRYAN WAS RELEASED ON PAROLE. FOLLOWING NATIONAL OUTRAGE, TEEN RELEASED FROM JUVENILE DETENTION LAST JULY, WITH THE DETROIT FREE PRESS AND BRIDGE MICHIGAN, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED THE STORY OF GRACE (HER MIDDLE NAME, USED TO PROTECT HER IDENTITY), A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL FROM SUBURBAN DETROIT WHO HAD BEEN SENT TO A DETENTION CENTER FOR FAILING TO COMPLETE ONLINE SCHOOLWORK. JUDGE MARY ELLEN BRENNAN OF THE OAKLAND COUNTY JUVENILE COURT RULED THAT THIS HAD VIOLATED THE PROBATION GRACE HAD BEEN GIVEN WEEKS EARLIER FOR FIGHTING WITH HER MOTHER AND STEALING A CLASSMATE'S CELLPHONE. WITHIN DAYS OF THE STORY'S PUBLICATION, #FREEGRACE BECAME A TRENDING HASHTAG. PROTESTERS SHOWED UP OUTSIDE THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE WHERE SHE WAS SENTENCED, AND POLITICIANS - INCLUDING HILLARY CLINTON AND THEN-SEN. KAMALA HARRIS - CALLED FOR HER RELEASE. LESS THAN THREE WEEKS LATER, THE MICHIGAN COURT OF APPEALS ORDERED GRACE'S RELEASE, AND SOON AFTER, BRENNAN DISMISSED HER CASE ENTIRELY. THE MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT'S OVERSIGHT AGENCY CONTINUES TO INVESTIGATE THE COURT PROCEDURES IN GRACE'S CASE AND HAS ALREADY PROPOSED A RULE THAT WOULD BAN COURTS FROM USING HANDCUFFS AND SHACKLES ON JUVENILES. GRACE'S SCHOOL DISTRICT ALSO ISSUED AN APOLOGY AND INSTITUTED A RESTORATIVE JUSTICE PROGRAM. DIRECTOR OF MAINE'S PUBLIC DEFENSE AGENCY RESIGNS IN OCTOBER, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER MAINE MONITOR INVESTIGATED HOW THE STATE HANDLES LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE POOR. MAINE IS THE ONLY STATE IN THE COUNTRY THAT DOES NOT HAVE A PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEM. INSTEAD, THE STATE'S POOREST DEFENDANTS ARE PROVIDED WITH ACCESS TO PRIVATE ATTORNEYS CONTRACTED BY A STATE OFFICE CALLED THE MAINE COMMISSION ON INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES. THE INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THESE ATTORNEYS LACK OVERSIGHT FOR PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND HAVE DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, INCLUDING FOR REPEAT DRUNKEN DRIVING AND POSSESSION OF CHILD PORNOGRAPHY. WITHIN A WEEK OF PUBLICATION, GOV. JANET MILLS SAID SHE WAS "DISTURBED" BY THE INVESTIGATION AND CALLED FOR A BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO REFORM MAINE'S DEFENSE SYSTEM. AMID MOUNTING CRITICISM OF HIS MANAGEMENT OF LEGAL SERVICES FOR MAINE'S POOR, JOHN PELLETIER STEPPED DOWN AS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COMMISSION. CHICAGO'S PUNITIVE TICKETING PRACTICE OUTLAWED IN 2018, A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND WBEZ INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT CHICAGO USES AGGRESSIVE TICKETING PRACTICES AND PUNITIVE COLLECTION MEASURES TO BOOST REVENUE, DISPROPORTIONATELY TARGETING POOR, MINORITY RESIDENTS AND TRAPPING THEM IN SPIRALING DEBT. OUR REPORTING SPARKED NUMEROUS CHANGES TO THE SYSTEM.
MOST RECENTLY, IN JANUARY, GOV. J.B. PRITZKER SIGNED THE LICENSE TO WORK AC	INTO LAW, WHICH ENDS THE PRACTICE OF SUSPENDING DRIVER'S LICENSES OVER UNPAID PARKING TICKETS AND OTHER NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS. CDC SHUTS DOWN LAB INVOLVED IN BOTCHED CORONAVIRUS TESTS IN OCTOBER, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION INTO MEDDLING AT THE CDC FROM WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS DETERMINED TO PRIORITIZE THE PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE OVER PUBLIC HEALTH. THE REPORTING SHED LIGHT ON MISSTEPS AT THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY, INCLUDING LINE-BY-LINE EDITS THAT TRUMP ADVISERS MADE TO OFFICIAL HEALTH GUIDANCE AND A LAB DIRECTOR SENDING FAULTY COVID-19 TEST KITS TO STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH LABS - EVEN THOUGH HIS OWN STAFF'S QUALITY CHECKS SHOWED THEY MIGHT NOT WORK. LESS THAN SIX HOURS AFTER PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED THIS INVESTIGATION, THE CDC SHUT DOWN THE KEY LAB IMPLICATED IN THE FAULTY TESTS WHILE IT CONDUCTED ITS OWN INVESTIGATION AND DEVELOPED CORRECTIVE ACTION PLANS. NEW LAW MANDATES TRANSPARENCY ON HEALTH INSURANCE CONFLICTS OF INTEREST IN 2019, PROPUBLICA AND NPR PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTING THE HIDDEN CASH AND GIFTS THAT HEALTH INSURERS PAY TO INFLUENCE THE INDEPENDENT INSURANCE BROKERS WHO ADVISE EMPLOYERS ON WHICH INSURANCE TO CHOOSE FOR THEIR STAFF. THIS INFLUENCE ULTIMATELY HELPS DETERMINE THE HEALTH COVERAGE FOR ABOUT 150 MILLION AMERICANS. IN DECEMBER 2020, TUCKED INTO THE CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL, CONGRESS PASSED A NEW FEDERAL REQUIREMENT FOR BROKERS TO DISCLOSE TO EMPLOYERS WHAT THEY RECEIVE FROM THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY. DIRECTOR OF NEWARK HOSPITAL'S TROUBLING TRANSPLANT PROGRAM DEPARTS IN 2019, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION OF THE TRANSPLANT TEAM AT NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER THAT REVEALED ATTEMPTS TO ARTIFICIALLY INCREASE THE PROGRAM'S SURVIVAL RATE, AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR USED BY FEDERAL REGULATORS. IN ONE EGREGIOUS CASE, IT KEPT A PATIENT ALIVE IN A VEGETATIVE STATE FOR A FULL YEAR WITHOUT CONSULTING HIS FAMILY MEMBERS ABOUT TREATMENT DECISIONS OR EXPLAINING THEIR OPTIONS FOR CARE. AFTER AN INVESTIGATION SPURRED BY PROPUBLICA'S ARTICLES, THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES FOUND THAT THE TRANSPLANT PROGRAM WAS PUTTING PATIENTS IN "IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY AND DIRECTED THE HOSPITAL TO IMPLEMENT CORRECTIVE MEASURES. IN OCTOBER, THE HOSPITAL ANNOUNCED THAT, AFTER A YEARLONG ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE, THE DIRECTOR OF NEWARK BETH ISRAEL'S HEART TRANSPLANT CENTER, DR. MARK ZUCKER, WAS DEPARTING AND NEWARK BETH ISRAEL IS CONDUCTING A SEARCH FOR HIS REPLACEMENT. TURBOTAX ABUSES SPOTLIGHTED IN STATE AND FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS IN 2019, PROPUBLICA SHOWED HOW TURBOTAX USES DECEPTIVE DESIGN AND MISLEADING ADS TO GET PEOPLE TO PAY TO FILE THEIR TAXES, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO FILE FOR FREE. THE SERIES PROMPTED INVESTIGATIONS BY FEDERAL AND STATE AGENCIES. IN FEBRUARY 2020, THE TREASURY INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR TAX ADMINISTRATION RELEASED A SCATHING AUDIT OF TURBOTAX-MAKER INTUIT, H&R BLOCK AND OTHER COMPANIES, WHICH FOUND THAT 14 MILLION TAXPAYERS PAID FOR TAX PREP SOFTWARE IN 2019 THAT THEY COULD HAVE GOTTEN FOR FREE. THE AUDIT ALSO CONFIRMED PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING THAT SO FEW TAXPAYERS USE THE FREE FILE PROGRAM BECAUSE OF TAX PREP COMPANIES' USE OF CONFUSING DESIGN AND LAX OVERSIGHT BY THE IRS. IN JUNE, THE BIPARTISAN SENATE PERMANENT SUBCOMMITTEE ON INVESTIGATIONS PUBLISHED A REPORT ON ITS OWN INVESTIGATION, WHICH CRITICIZED THE IRS FOR FAILING TO OVERSEE THE FREE TAX FILING PROGRAM AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE IRS INCREASE FUNDS TO ADVERTISE THE FREE FILING OPTION INSTEAD OF RELYING ON THE FOR-PROFIT TAX PREP INDUSTRY. ANOTHER INVESTIGATION BY THE NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES, ALSO LAUNCHED IN RESPONSE TO OUR REPORTING, CONCLUDED IN JULY THAT TURBOTAX, H&R BLOCK AND OTHER TAX PREP COMPANIES HAVE LONG ENGAGED IN "UNFAIR AND ABUSIVE PRACTICES." BORDER PATROL AGENTS FIRED OR SUSPENDED FOR TROUBLING FACEBOOK ACTIVITY IN JULY 2019, PROPUBLICA SPOTLIGHTED THE U.S. BORDER PATROL AGENTS RESPONSIBLE FOR DETAINING AND SAFEGUARDING IMMIGRANTS CROSSING THE BORDER WITH MEXICO, INCLUDING MANY CHILDREN. OUR SERIES REVEALED A PATTERN OF INDIFFERENCE AND CALLOUS BEHAVIOR, INCLUDING PARTICIPATION IN A SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP FOR PRESENT AND FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENTS WHERE THEY SHARED RACIST, SEXIST AND MISOGYNISTIC POSTS ABOUT IMMIGRANTS AND MEMBERS OF CONGRESS. THE INTERNAL AFFAIRS OFFICE OF CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION, THE AGENCY THAT OVERSEES THE BORDER PATROL, LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION WITHIN HOURS OF OUR REPORT. IN JULY, THE AGENCY REVEALED THAT ITS INVESTIGATION RESULTED IN THE FIRING OF FOUR EMPLOYEES AND SUSPENSION WITHOUT PAY FOR DOZENS OF OTHERS. SENATE INTELLIGENCE CHAIR STEPS DOWN IN MARCH, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT SENATE INTELLIGENCE CHAIRMAN RICHARD BURR SOLD OFF UP TO $1.7 MILLION OF STOCK AFTER RECEIVING EARLY CLASSIFIED INTELLIGENCE BRIEFINGS ON THE SERIOUS HEALTH THREATS OF COVID-19. SIMULTANEOUSLY, BURR WAS REASSURING THE PUBLIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS PREPARED TO DEAL WITH THE HEALTH CRISIS. IN MAY, FBI AGENTS SERVED A SEARCH WARRANT TO BURR, WHICH INCLUDED THE SEIZURE OF HIS CELLPHONE, AS PART OF AN INVESTIGATION OF HIS STOCK TRADES. THE NEXT DAY, BURR RESIGNED AS CHAIRMAN. CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS AVIATION COMPANIES MISUSED BAILOUT FUNDS IN JULY, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THREE AIRLINE INDUSTRY COMPANIES RECEIVED $338 MILLION IN PUBLIC MONEY DESIGNED TO PRESERVE JOBS IN THE HARD-HIT INDUSTRY, BUT THEY LAID OFF THOUSANDS OF WORKERS ANYWAY. THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ALLOWED THE COMPANIES TO KEEP THE RELIEF MONEY INTENDED FOR STAFF THAT THEY HAD ALREADY LAID OFF. IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR INVESTIGATION WAS PUBLISHED, THREE HOUSE COMMITTEES ANNOUNCED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ADMINISTRATION'S HANDLING OF THE AVIATION PAYROLL SUPPORT PROGRAM. IN OCTOBER, THE HOUSE SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS RELEASED ITS REPORT, ECHOING PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS. "TREASURY'S IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PAYROLL SUPPORT PROGRAM UNDERMINED THE PROGRAM'S JOB PRESERVATION PURPOSE," THE SUBCOMMITTEE WROTE. "TREASURY PERMITTED AVIATION CONTRACTORS TO LAY OFF TENS OF THOUSANDS OF WORKERS THROUGH THE WORST MONTHS OF THE PANDEMIC AND STILL RECEIVE FULL PAYROLL SUPPORT CALCULATED BASED ON PRE-PANDEMIC WORKFORCE NUMBERS - THE SAME AMOUNT THEY WOULD HAVE RECEIVED IF THEY HAD NOT LAID OFF A SINGLE WORKER." USDA CANCELS CONTRACT WITH UNLICENSED FOOD SUPPLIER IN MAY, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S BILLION-DOLLAR FARMERS TO FAMILIES FOOD BOX PROGRAM, MEANT TO DISTRIBUTE FRESH FOOD TO STRUGGLING FOOD BANKS AND OTHER NONPROFITS DEALING WITH INCREASED FOOD INSECURITY DURING THE PANDEMIC, WAS RIFE WITH PROBLEMS. THE PROGRAM USED AN UNUSUALLY FAST BIDDING PROCESS THAT AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MANY ORGANIZATIONS THAT LACKED EXPERIENCE OR PROPER LICENSES. ANOTHER RESULT OF THIS PROCESS WAS THAT THE PROGRAM LEFT HARD-HIT AREAS LIKE NEW YORK WITH LESS FOOD THAN AREAS WITH LESS NEED AND BYPASSED THE STATES OF MAINE AND ALASKA ENTIRELY. IN RESPONSE TO OUR REPORTING, MEMBERS OF BOTH THE HOUSE AND SENATE SENT LETTERS TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ASKING FOR AN EXPLANATION OF HOW IT EVALUATED THE BIDS, INCLUDING IF IT CHECKED COMPANIES' LICENSES AND CONSIDERED EQUITY ACROSS REGIONS. THE USDA COMMITTED TO REVIEWING FOOD DISTRIBUTION TO UNDERSERVED AREAS DURING ITS NEXT ROUND OF CONTRACTS AND CANCELED THE LARGEST UNLICENSED CONTRACT, A $40 MILLION DEAL TO AN AVOCADO GROWER PROFILED IN OUR INITIAL INVESTIGATION. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BACKS OUT OF CONTROVERSIAL VENTILATOR CONTRACT IN MARCH, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A STORY SHOWING HOW A U.S. SUBSIDIARY OF ROYAL PHILIPS N.V., A DUTCH APPLIANCE AND TECHNOLOGY COMPANY, HAD RECEIVED MILLIONS IN FEDERAL TAX DOLLARS YEARS AGO TO DELIVER A LOW-COST VENTILATOR FOR PANDEMICS BUT FAILED TO DO SO. YET, AS THE CORONAVIRUS BEGAN SPREADING AROUND THE GLOBE AND U.S. HOSPITALS WERE DESPERATE FOR MORE, PHILIPS WAS SELLING COMMERCIAL VERSIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT-FUNDED VENTILATOR TO OVERSEAS BUYERS FROM ITS PENNSYLVANIA FACTORY. WE REPORTED IN APRIL THAT, DESPITE HAVING NOT FULFILLED THE INITIAL CONTRACT, THE DUTCH COMPANY STRUCK A MUCH MORE LUCRATIVE DEAL TO SELL THE U.S. GOVERNMENT 43,000 VENTILATORS FOR $646.7 MILLION - FOUR TIMES THE PRICE. IN AUGUST, A HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE GOVERNMENT'S PURCHASE OF THE NEW PHILIPS VENTILATORS SAID THAT "GULLIBLE" WHITE HOUSE NEGOTIATORS OVERPAID. CITING EVIDENCE OF WASTE, FRAUD AND ABUSE, THE SUBCOMMITTEE ASKED THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL TO LAUNCH ITS OWN INVESTIGATION OF THE DEAL. BY THE END OF THE MONTH, HHS TERMINATED THE CONTROVERSIAL CONTRACT WITH PHILIPS, AND THE COMPANY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD STOP MAKING THE VENTILATORS.
DATA RELEASED ON EMERGENCY LOANS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES	IN MAY, PROPUBLICA, TOGETHER WITH SEVERAL OF THE NATION'S LARGEST NEWS ORGANIZATIONS, FILED A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT LAWSUIT TO OBTAIN DATA ABOUT BORROWERS RECEIVING FUNDS FROM THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM. THROUGH THE PROGRAM, CREATED UNDER THE CARES ACT AND WITH LITTLE OVERSIGHT, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DISPENSED MORE THAN $525 BILLION IN LOANS THAT CAN BE FORGIVEN IF THE MONEY IS MOSTLY SPENT TO KEEP EMPLOYEES. IN NOVEMBER, FEDERAL JUDGE JAMES BOASBERG RULED IN THE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS' FAVOR, NOTING THAT THE PROGRAM WAS AT SIGNIFICANT RISK OF FRAUD AND WOULD THEREFORE BENEFIT FROM ADDITIONAL SCRUTINY. HE ORDERED THE RELEASE OF THE NAMES, ADDRESSES AND PRECISE LOAN AMOUNTS OF ALL BORROWERS THAT RECEIVED GOVERNMENT PANDEMIC LOANS, AND THE RELEASE OF THE DATA FOLLOWED IN EARLY DECEMBER. CONGRESS INVESTIGATES CHILD CAR SEAT MAKER AND CALLS FOR FURTHER PROBES IN FEBRUARY, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION REVEALING THAT THE CHILD CAR SEAT MAKER EVENFLO PUT PROFITS OVER CHILD SAFETY, MARKETING ITS "BIG KID" BOOSTER SEATS AS "SIDE-IMPACT TESTED" DESPITE INTERNAL VIDEO OF SIDE-IMPACT TESTS SHOWING THAT CHILDREN COULD BE INJURED OR KILLED IN THE SEATS. OUR REPORTING HIGHLIGHTED THE CORPORATE DISREGARD AND REGULATORY FAILURES THAT ALLOWED THE BOOSTER SEATS TO BE SOLD EVEN AFTER SERIOUS INJURIES TO CHILDREN RESULTED. WITHIN A WEEK OF OUR REPORTING, THE U.S. HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND REFORM'S SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND CONSUMER POLICY OPENED AN INVESTIGATION OF EVENFLO, REQUESTING THE COMPANY'S RECORDS RELATED TO THE MARKETING OF THE BIG KID AND OTHER BOOSTERS. IN NOVEMBER, THE SUBCOMMITTEE CHASTISED THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION FOR FAILING TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM INJURY AND DEATH AND ASKED THE AGENCY TO JUSTIFY WHY IT HADN'T ADOPTED THE TOUGHER SAFETY RULES THAT MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HAD PUSHED. IN DECEMBER, THE SUBCOMMITTEE RELEASED A REPORT FINDING WIDESPREAD EVIDENCE THAT THE NATION'S LARGEST MANUFACTURERS OF CAR SEATS ENDANGERED THE LIVES OF MILLIONS OF AMERICAN CHILDREN AND MISLED CONSUMERS ABOUT THE SAFETY OF BOOSTER SEATS IN CRASHES. IT ALSO FORMALLY REQUESTED THAT FEDERAL HIGHWAY SAFETY REGULATORS, AS WELL AS THE FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION, INVESTIGATE "UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE MARKETING AND UNREASONABLE RISKS TO SAFETY" BY THE MAKERS OF BOOSTER SEATS AND URGED STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL TO LOOK FOR VIOLATIONS OF CONSUMER PROTECTION LAWS BY THESE COMPANIES. FEDERAL INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS VA SECRETARY MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS PROPUBLICA REPORTED IN FEBRUARY THAT, ACCORDING TO AN ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT, SECRETARY OF VETERANS AFFAIRS ROBERT WILKIE PERSONALLY SOUGHT DAMAGING INFORMATION ABOUT A CONGRESSIONAL AIDE WHO SAID SHE WAS SEXUALLY ASSAULTED IN A VA HOSPITAL. IN RESPONSE TO THE STORY, THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR THE VA OPENED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATION. THE INSPECTOR GENERAL ISSUED A REPORT IN DECEMBER THAT CONFIRMED THE FINDINGS OF PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, AND EVERY MAJOR VETERANS GROUP CALLED FOR WILKIE'S RESIGNATION. HOUSE INVESTIGATION OPENED ON TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE IN FEBRUARY, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT MISSTEPS AT THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION - INCLUDING DESIGNING A FLAWED TEST FOR COVID-19, THEN TAKING WEEKS TO FIGURE OUT A FIX SO STATE AND LOCAL LABS COULD USE IT - MAY HAVE HAMPERED OFFICIALS' ABILITY TO CONTAIN THE DISEASE'S SPREAD IN THE UNITED STATES. CITING PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, THE HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE IN MARCH ANNOUNCED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S RESPONSE TO THE CORONAVIRUS. VICTIM OF PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT WALKS FREE AFTER 18 YEARS AS PART OF A 2012-13 SERIES ON PROSECUTORIAL MISCONDUCT IN NEW YORK, PROPUBLICA PROFILED THE CASE OF TYRONNE JOHNSON. JOHNSON WAS CONVICTED OF MURDER IN 2002 AND SPENT THE NEXT 18 YEARS IN JAIL, EVEN THOUGH PROSECUTORS FAILED TO DISCLOSE KEY EVIDENCE, INCLUDING WITNESS STATEMENTS THAT WOULD HAVE CLEARED HIM OF THE CRIME. PROPUBLICA ALSO REPORTED THAT THE ORIGINAL PROSECUTOR HAD BEEN STRIPPED OF HIS LICENSE FOR OTHER CASES OF MISCONDUCT. IN FEBRUARY 2020, SEVEN YEARS AFTER OUR STORY, JOHNSON WAS RELEASED ON PAROLE. HE CREDITS THE PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATION, WHICH HE INCLUDED IN A PACKET OF MATERIALS SUBMITTED TO THE PAROLE BOARD, WITH HELPING SECURE HIS RELEASE BECAUSE IT OFFERED THE "MOST THOROUGH EXAMPLE OF THE TRUTH OF WHAT HAPPENED." FIVE MORE WRONGFUL CONVICTIONS OVERTURNED A 2016 PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATION PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE SPOTLIGHTED HOW POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN NEVADA AND OTHER STATES USED ROADSIDE DRUG TESTS TO SECURE GUILTY PLEAS, DESPITE WIDESPREAD EVIDENCE THAT THE TESTS ROUTINELY PRODUCE FALSE POSITIVES. THE STORY LED TO FIVE OVERTURNED DRUG CONVICTIONS IN MULTNOMAH COUNTY, OREGON, AND MORE THAN 250 IN HOUSTON. IN JULY 2020, THE CLARK COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE IN LAS VEGAS DISCLOSED THAT, FOLLOWING PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, LAS VEGAS COURTS OVERTURNED FIVE MORE DRUG CONVICTIONS IN 2017. UPON REANALYZING WHITE POWDER, ORIGINALLY BELIEVED TO BE COCAINE, FOUND WITH THE ACCUSED, LAS VEGAS POLICE OFFICERS FOUND THAT THE POWDERS WERE NOT ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES AT ALL. ILLINOIS BEGINS SHARING DATA ABOUT COVID-19 OUTBREAKS IN SCHOOLS IN OCTOBER, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION ABOUT COVID-19 OUTBREAKS IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS. THE ARTICLE REVEALED THAT MORE CHILDREN WERE TESTING POSITIVE SINCE SCHOOL REOPENED THAN DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC, BUT ILLINOIS, UNLIKE MANY OTHER STATES, WAS NOT SHARING INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS WITHIN SCHOOLS WITH THE PUBLIC. AFTER A REQUEST BY PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND THE TRIBUNE, STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS RELEASED DATA SHOWING NEARLY 9,000 CHILDREN TESTING POSITIVE SINCE MID-AUGUST, ROUGHLY 180 NEW INFECTIONS ON AVERAGE EACH DAY, BUT THEY DECLINED TO PUBLISH THE NUMBER OF CASES LINKED TO SCHOOLS OR WHICH SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN AFFECTED. TWO WEEKS AFTER OUR REPORTING, THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD START SHARING THE NUMBER OF CASES AND OUTBREAKS BY SCHOOL. ILLINOIS SCHOOL BOARD BEGINS PHASE-OUT OF ISOLATED TIMEOUTS PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS PARTNERED WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE FOR A 2019 INVESTIGATION INTO THE ROUTINE AND ILLEGAL USE OF "ISOLATED TIMEOUT" ROOMS WITHIN ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE FOUND THAT CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS 5 WERE SENT TO SECLUSION ROOMS, SOMETIMES FOR HOURS ON END, FOR MINOR INFRACTIONS. IN JANUARY, EDUCATORS TESTIFIED BEFORE ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS AT LEGISLATIVE HEARINGS ON REFORM BILLS, URGING AN END TO THE PRACTICE. TWO U.S. SENATORS AND 10 MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES (ALL BUT ONE FROM ILLINOIS) ASKED THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INSTITUTE A NATIONAL BAN ON THE USE OF STUDENT SECLUSION ROOMS AND PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS THAT RESTRICT BREATHING. THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION CONDUCTED THE FIRST REVIEW OF ISOLATED TIMEOUTS IN SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE, FINDING THAT SIX OF THE EIGHT DISTRICTS THEY EXAMINED VIOLATED STATE LAW BY PLACING CHILDREN IN SECLUSION FOR IMPROPER REASONS, FOR TOO LONG OR WITHOUT PROPERLY NOTIFYING PARENTS. IN FEBRUARY, THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO PERMANENTLY PROHIBIT THE USE OF LOCKED SECLUSION ROOMS AND STOP SCHOOLS FROM USING FACE-DOWN RESTRAINT - BUT IT QUIETLY REVERSED ITS DECISION IN APRIL, AFTER A FEW SMALL SCHOOLS MOUNTED LETTER-WRITING CAMPAIGNS IN OPPOSITION. SCHOOLS WILL NOW BE ALLOWED TO USE FACE-DOWN RESTRAINTS FOR ONE MORE SCHOOL YEAR, AIMING TO PHASE OUT ITS USE BY JULY 2021. DEBT COLLECTION LAWSUITS DROPPED AMID CORONAVIRUS PROPUBLICA AND THE TEXAS TRIBUNE INVESTIGATED OPORTUN INC., A SILICON VALLEY-BASED INSTALLMENT LENDER THAT CATERS TO LATINO IMMIGRANTS, AND FOUND THAT IT WAS CONTINUING TO SUE BORROWERS EVEN AFTER THEY LOST JOBS BECAUSE OF THE PANDEMIC. AS WE WERE TALKING TO BORROWERS AND BEFORE WE PUBLISHED THE STORY, OPORTUN ANNOUNCED THAT IT WAS DROPPING THE LAWSUITS IT FILED AGAINST BORROWERS WHO FELL BEHIND ON PAYMENTS, INCLUDING DURING THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC. IT ALSO ANNOUNCED A CAP ON INTEREST RATES FOR NEW LOANS.
HOSPITAL REFORMS AFTER STATE AND FEDERAL INVESTIGATIONS	IN JUNE, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER NEW MEXICO IN DEPTH REPORTED ON LOVELACE WOMEN'S HOSPITAL, A PROMINENT FACILITY IN ALBUQUERQUE WHERE PREGNANT NATIVE WOMEN WERE SINGLED OUT FOR COVID-19 TESTING AND SEPARATED FROM THEIR NEWBORNS AFTER DELIVERY. CLINICIANS AND HEALTH CARE ETHICISTS DEEMED THESE PRACTICES - IN WHICH MOTHERS WERE SEPARATED FROM BABIES FOR SEVERAL DAYS WHILE WAITING ON TEST RESULTS, PREVENTING THEM FROM NURSING AND BONDING - TO BE RACIAL PROFILING. THE DAY AFTER OUR REPORTING, GOV. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM ANNOUNCED A STATE INVESTIGATION OF THE HOSPITAL. IN AUGUST, THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES CONCLUDED ITS INVESTIGATION, FINDING THAT THE PRACTICE, WHICH LOVELACE HALTED, HAD VIOLATED PATIENTS' RIGHTS. HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ALSO SUBMITTED A PLAN TO FIX PROBLEMS IDENTIFIED BY FEDERAL INVESTIGATORS, INCLUDING A PROMISE TO CONDUCT INTERNAL AUDITS TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH STATE AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS AND COVID-19 SCREENING GUIDANCE. SALARIES AND BENEFITS FOR ER PROVIDERS PROTECTED IN MARCH, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE MEDICAL STAFFING COMPANY ALTEON HEALTH WOULD CUT SALARIES, TIME OFF AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR EMERGENCY ROOM DOCTORS AND NURSES. CITING LOST REVENUE AS HOSPITALS POSTPONE ELECTIVE PROCEDURES AND NON-CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS AVOID EMERGENCY ROOMS, ALTEON AND OTHER STAFFING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED PAY AND BENEFITS CUTS TO ER PROVIDERS DEALING WITH AN ONSLAUGHT OF CORONAVIRUS PATIENTS AND SHORTAGES OF PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT. AFTER OUR REPORTING, THE COMPANY SAID IT WILL NOT CUT MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS' STIPENDS BY 20% AS PLANNED AND WILL CONTINUE OFFERING PAID TIME OFF. AND WHILE ALTEON DEFERRED MATCHING 401(K) CONTRIBUTIONS, IT DID NOT ELIMINATE THOSE CONTRIBUTIONS, AS IT HAD ANNOUNCED. ILLEGAL EVICTION FILINGS REVERSED PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT LANDLORDS IN AT LEAST FOUR STATES (GEORGIA, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS AND FLORIDA) HAD VIOLATED THE EVICTION BAN PASSED BY CONGRESS IN MARCH, MOVING TO THROW MORE THAN 100 PEOPLE OUT OF THEIR HOMES. WITH NO CLEAR ENFORCEMENT MECHANISM FOR THE CARES ACT, BUILDING OWNERS FACED NO APPARENT CONSEQUENCE FOR SIMPLY NOT FOLLOWING THE LAW. AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY PROPUBLICA AND INFORMED THEIR ACTIONS WERE ILLEGAL, FOUR LANDLORDS SAID THEY WERE WITHDRAWING THEIR EVICTION FILINGS. MEDICAID BENEFITS FOR UNINSURED RETIREE REINSTATED IN MARCH, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON ONE OF THE MILLIONS OF AMERICANS FACING THE CORONAVIRUS THREAT WITH CHRONIC ILLNESSES AND NO INSURANCE. MEDICAID HAD ABRUPTLY CANCELED COVERAGE FOR JUDITH PERSUTTI IN NOVEMBER 2019. THE 64-YEAR-OLD RETIREE, WHO GETS BY ON SOCIAL SECURITY AND FOOD STAMPS, HAD APPEALED THE DECISION UNSUCCESSFULLY FOR MONTHS USING A PROCESS THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS CALLED A "GUARDRAIL" TO PROTECT CITIZENS AS STATES TRY TO APPLY MORE STRINGENT REQUIREMENTS FOR MEDICAID. DAYS AFTER OUR STORY, PERSUTTI'S MEDICAID BENEFITS WERE REINSTATED. WI-FI INSTALLED IN RURAL SCHOOL DISTRICT IN MARCH, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE REPORTED ON LEARNING CHALLENGES IN SOUTHWESTERN ILLINOIS'S TRICO SCHOOL DISTRICT, FOLLOWING CORONAVIRUS-RELATED SCHOOL CLOSURES. WHILE STUDENTS WERE EXPECTED TO LEARN REMOTELY, MANY FAMILIES IN THE DISTRICT LACK COMPUTERS OR INTERNET CONNECTIONS, AND TRICO DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE WI-FI HOT SPOT. WITHOUT ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY, TEACHERS DISTRIBUTED NEARLY 6,000 PAGES OF PAPER LESSONS TO THE DISTRICT'S K-12 STUDENTS JUST BEFORE THEY LEFT SCHOOL. WEEKS AFTER THE STORY, A LOCAL INTERNET PROVIDER MOVED TO INSTALL WI-FI SERVICE TO CONNECT FAMILIES TO THE DISTRICT NETWORK, AND AN ANONYMOUS DONOR PLEDGED TO DONATE A DOZEN HOT SPOTS. IN ADDITION, A SCHOOL DISTRICT IN CHICAGO'S SUBURBS SAID IT WOULD SHIP ABOUT 250 USED CHROMEBOOKS TO TRICO WHEN THE COMPUTERS ARE REPLACED AFTER THIS SCHOOL YEAR. GAG GIFT SHOP FINALLY CLOSES AMID CORONAVIRUS FEARS ACTING ON A TIP FROM STAFF MEMBERS FEARFUL OF CONTRACTING COVID-19, PROPUBLICA REPORTED IN MARCH THAT NOVELTY STORE SPENCER'S REMAINED OPEN EVEN AFTER A NATIONAL EMERGENCY WAS DECLARED. WHILE OTHER CHAINS SHUT DOWN AMID THE PANDEMIC, SPENCER'S FORCED ITS STAFF TO WORK - SELLING GAG GIFTS AND SEX TOYS - WITH LITTLE OR NO PROTECTION. PROPUBLICA CONTACTED THE COMPANY, AND WITHIN HOURS OF OUR PUBLISHING DEADLINE, IT SHUTTERED ITS MORE THAN 650 STORES, PROMISING TO PAY STAFF AT LEAST THROUGH THE END OF THE MONTH. TELEWORK FOR VA ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF INSTITUTED PROPUBLICA AND NEW MEXICO IN DEPTH, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, REPORTED IN MARCH THAT THE U.S. VETERANS HEALTH ADMINISTRATION HAD BANNED MOST ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF FROM WORKING AT HOME, DESPITE CALLS FROM PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS AND THE WHITE HOUSE FOR MORE AMERICANS TO STAY HOME DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. VA EMPLOYEES EXPRESSED ALARM TO OUR REPORTERS THAT THEY MIGHT BE UNNECESSARILY EXPOSED. AFTER THE ARTICLE, THE VA REVERSED COURSE TO ALLOW SOME ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF TO WORK FROM HOME. PERMIT FOR CONTROVERSIAL $9 BILLION PLASTICS PLANT PUT ON HOLD IN 2019, PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH THE TIMES-PICAYUNE AND THE ADVOCATE ON A SERIES ABOUT LOUISIANA'S CANCER ALLEY, A STRETCH OF THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER BETWEEN NEW ORLEANS AND BATON ROUGE WITH A HIGH CONCENTRATION OF PETROCHEMICAL FACILITIES. OUR ANALYSIS CONCLUDED THAT TOXIC AIR POLLUTION IN THESE PREDOMINANTLY BLACK AND POOR COMMUNITIES IS RISING, AND AIR QUALITY RELATIVE TO ITS PEERS IS GETTING WORSE. ONE STORY IN THE SERIES FOCUSED ON TAIWANESE PLASTIC COMPANY FORMOSA'S PROPOSAL TO BUILD A $9.4 BILLION PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX IN THE AREA, ESTIMATING THAT THE COMMUNITIES AROUND THE PLANT WOULD FACE DOUBLE OR EVEN TRIPLE THE TOXIC LEVELS OF CANCER-CAUSING CHEMICALS THAN THEY CURRENTLY DO. IN NOVEMBER, THE ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS SUSPENDING A PERMIT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLANT. COURT OFFICIALS REVIEW CASES HANDLED BY JUDGE WITH ALZHEIMER'S IN OCTOBER, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ERRATIC BEHAVIOR, MYSTERIOUS MEDICAL LEAVE AND ABRUPT EARLY RETIREMENT OF A YOUNG JUDGE FROM THE NEW YORK STATE SUPREME COURT. WHILE DOCUMENTING JUDGE SHAWNDYA SIMPSON'S RAPID MENTAL DECLINE AS A RESULT OF EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S, PROPUBLICA'S INVESTIGATION HIGHLIGHTED POLICIES AND PROCEDURES THAT ENABLE IMPAIRED JUDGES TO REMAIN ON THE BENCH, AND THE LACK OF PROCEDURES FOR REVIEWING RULINGS MADE DURING THAT TIME. WITHIN DAYS OF OUR STORY, NEW YORK COURT OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THAT THEY PLAN TO REVIEW ALL OF THE CASES HANDLED BY SIMPSON WHILE SHE WAS ON MEDICAL LEAVE. GAO REPORT ON TRUMP CRONIES ECHOS OUR REPORTING IN 2018, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE "MAR-A-LAGO CROWD" - A GROUP OF BUSINESSMEN WHO MET AT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S PRIVATE CLUB IN PALM BEACH, FLORIDA, INCLUDING MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT CHAIRMAN IKE PERLMUTTER, DOCTOR BRUCE MOSKOWITZ AND LAWYER MARC SHERMAN - WAS EXERTING SIGNIFICANT INFLUENCE OVER THE DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS, ADVISING THE PRESIDENT ON VETERANS ISSUES. THEY MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON VA POLICIES, PROGRAMS AND PERSONNEL, EVEN THOUGH NONE OF THEM HAD MILITARY OR GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE. PROMPTED BY PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS REQUESTED A REVIEW BY THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE. THE GAO REPORT, RELEASED IN JUNE 2020, CONFIRMED PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS THAT TRUMP EMPOWERED HIS FRIENDS TO SECRETLY STEER THE SECOND-LARGEST GOVERNMENT AGENCY WITHOUT ANY ACCOUNTABILITY OR OVERSIGHT. FIRST RESEARCH STUDY ON FBI PHOTO ANALYSIS METHOD RELEASED AND FINDS SERIOUS FLAWS IN 2019, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED A TECHNIQUE THE FBI LABORATORY HAS USED FOR DECADES TO IDENTIFY CRIMINALS, PURPORTING TO MATCH THEIR BLUEJEANS WITH THOSE PHOTOGRAPHED IN SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS. AFTER OUR STORY, WHICH RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS PRACTICE, RESEARCHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY, TESTED THE FBI'S METHOD AND FOUND SEVERAL SERIOUS FLAWS. PUBLISHED IN FEBRUARY IN THE JOURNAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES, IT IS THE FIRST KNOWN INDEPENDENT RESEARCH ON THE TECHNIQUE'S RELIABILITY, EVEN THOUGH COURTS HAVE ALLOWED IT AS TRIAL EVIDENCE FOR YEARS.
INTERNAL MARINE CORPS INVESTIGATION OF FATAL CRASH REINFORCES OUR REPORTING	IN 2019, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON A 2018 MARINES CORPS CRASH OFF THE COAST OF JAPAN THAT KILLED SIX MEN. DESPITE AN ORIGINAL MARINE CORPS INVESTIGATION INTO THE CRASH THAT LARGELY BLAMED THE SQUADRON, PAINTING THE MEN AS RECKLESS AVIATORS WHO FLOUTED SAFETY PROTOCOLS AND ABUSED PRESCRIPTION DRUGS, PROPUBLICA REVEALED DEEP SYSTEMIC FAILINGS THAT WERE WELL KNOWN TO SUPERIORS UP THE CHAIN OF COMMAND. THE SQUADRON HAD BEEN DEPRIVED OF ADEQUATE TRAINING AND EQUIPMENT, AND ITS REPEATED PLEAS FOR HELP FROM SUPERIORS IN THE MONTHS BEFORE THE CRASH WENT UNADDRESSED. A NEW MARINE CORPS REVIEW OF THE CRASH, WHICH CONCLUDED IN JULY 2020, ACKNOWLEDGED THAT ITS ORIGINAL INVESTIGATION WAS INACCURATE AND INCOMPLETE, LED BY A COMMANDER WHO WAS MORE CONCERNED WITH HOW HIS FINDINGS WOULD BE PERCEIVED BY HIS BOSSES THAN GETTING TO THE TRUTH. MANY OF THE REPORT'S FINDINGS REINFORCE PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING. EEOC PROBE CONFIRMS PROPUBLICA FINDINGS ON AGE DISCRIMINATION AT IBM IN 2018, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO IBM'S PRACTICES OF FORCING OLDER WORKERS OUT OF THEIR JOBS THROUGH RETIREMENT AND LAYOFFS, REPLACING THEM WITH YOUNGER EMPLOYEES AND FLOUTING LAWS INTENDED TO PROTECT AGAINST AGE BIAS. MONTHS AFTER OUR STORIES PUBLISHED, THE U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION CONSOLIDATED AGE DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE COMPANY FROM AROUND THE COUNTRY, LAUNCHING A NATIONWIDE INVESTIGATION OF AGE BIAS AT IBM. THE EEOC RELEASED THE RESULTS OF THE INVESTIGATION IN A LETTER IN 2020 TO A GROUP OF EX-EMPLOYEES, ECHOING PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS IN THEIR CONCLUSION THAT IBM ENGAGED IN SYSTEMATIC AGE DISCRIMINATION BETWEEN 2013 AND 2018, WHEN IT SHED THOUSANDS OF OLDER WORKERS IN THE UNITED STATES. EMPLOYMENT LAW EXPERTS SAID THE AGENCY'S FINDING COULD RESULT IN IBM FACING MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN SETTLEMENT PAYMENTS OR A FEDERAL LAWSUIT. LEGISLATION INTRODUCED TO IMPROVE ALASKA PUBLIC SAFETY THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS, A MEMBER OF THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, PARTNERED WITH US FOR A PROJECT THAT UNCOVERED A SEXUAL ASSAULT CRISIS IN RURAL ALASKA AND HOW IT IS COMPOUNDED BY A PROFOUND LACK OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES. ALMOST ALL OF THESE REMOTE COMMUNITIES ARE PRIMARILY ALASKA NATIVE AND OFTEN HAVE NO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. IN THE WAKE OF OUR INVESTIGATION, IN FEBRUARY A TASK FORCE OF ALASKA LEGISLATORS FILED BILLS THAT WOULD OVERHAUL KEY ELEMENTS OF THE STATE'S VILLAGE PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER PROGRAM, WHICH USES STATE MONEY TO TRAIN AND PAY OFFICERS WORKING IN REMOTE VILLAGES. AMONG OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS, THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WOULD DEFINE VPSO'S LAW ENFORCEMENT POWER AND DUTIES TO AVOID ANY AMBIGUITY AND REMOVE A CAP ON OVERHEAD COSTS THAT VPSO EMPLOYERS CAN BILL THE STATE. BILL PROPOSED TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY AMPUTATIONS AND RACIAL DISPARITIES IN MAY, A PROPUBLICA STORY DETAILED HOW BLACK AMERICANS WITH DIABETES LOSE LIMBS AT A RATE TRIPLE THAT OF OTHERS, A SIGN THAT QUALITY PREVENTIVE CARE ISN'T REACHING THE PEOPLE WHO NEED IT MOST. IN THE WEEKS THAT FOLLOWED PUBLICATION, SEVERAL CONGRESSIONAL AND STATE LEGISLATIVE OFFICES REACHED OUT TO THE AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION TO ASK FOR GUIDANCE ON DRAFTING POLICY TO REDUCE DISPARITIES IN DIABETIC AMPUTATIONS. IN AUGUST, THE DIABETES ASSOCIATION UNVEILED A NEW INITIATIVE TO PREVENT UNNECESSARY AMPUTATIONS AS PART OF AN UNPRECEDENTED CAMPAIGN ON RACE AND DIABETES CARE. IN OCTOBER, U.S. REP. DONALD M. PAYNE JR. INTRODUCED A BILL TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY AMPUTATIONS AND ADDRESS RACIAL DISPARITIES. CALLED THE AMPUTATION REDUCTION AND COMPASSION ACT OF 2020, THE BILL PROPOSES MAJOR REFORMS THAT SEEK TO ADDRESS POLICY GAPS EXPLORED IN THE PROPUBLICA ARTICLE, IN ADDITION TO BETTER ALIGNING MEDICARE PAYMENTS WITH AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION AND THE AMERICAN COLLEGE OF CARDIOLOGY GUIDELINES ON PERIPHERAL ARTERY DISEASE. LEGISLATION PASSED TO STOP UNEMPLOYMENT AGENCIES FROM DEMANDING MONEY BACK WHEN THEY MAKE MISTAKES AN OCTOBER PROPUBLICA ARTICLE EXPOSED THE DEBTS AND ANGUISH FACED BY WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN OVERPAID THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS BY STATE UNEMPLOYMENT AGENCIES, SOMETIMES AS A RESULT OF THE STATE'S MISTAKES. EVEN WHEN THE AGENCIES MADE THE ORIGINAL ERROR, THEY HAVE GARNISHED PAYCHECKS OR TAXED REFUNDS TO OBTAIN REPAYMENT, WHILE OTHERS CHARGED INTEREST ON THE DEBT. IN DECEMBER, PROMPTED BY PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, MEMBERS OF THE U.S. HOUSE INTRODUCED BIPARTISAN LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SHIELD UNEMPLOYED WORKERS FROM HAVING TO RETURN FEDERAL PANDEMIC UNEMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE BENEFITS WHEN AGENCIES HAVE MISTAKENLY PAID THEM THESE FUNDS. THE CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL THAT CONGRESS PASSED - AND THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SIGNED INTO LAW - SOON AFTER GRANTED HARDSHIP WAIVERS FOR PANDEMIC ASSISTANCE OVERPAYMENTS BY STATE UNEMPLOYMENT AGENCIES. BILL INTRODUCED BANNING USE OF TEAR GAS AND RUBBER BULLETS ON PROTESTERS IN JUNE, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF TEAR GAS, WHICH CAN CAUSE LONG-TERM LUNG DAMAGE AND INCREASES THE RISK OF CONTRACTING VIRUSES LIKE COVID-19; CONTAMINATES FOOD, FURNITURE, SKIN AND SURFACES; AND SEEPS INTO HOMES. CITING OUR INVESTIGATION, SEN. EDWARD MARKEY AND SEN. BERNIE SANDERS INTRODUCED THE NO TEAR GAS OR PROJECTILES ACT, WHICH WOULD PROHIBIT FEDERAL, STATE AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS' USE OF TEAR GAS AND RUBBER BULLETS BY BANNING FEDERAL OFFICERS' USE OF RIOT CONTROL AGENTS AND KINETIC IMPACT PROJECTILES AND BY LIMITING FEDERAL FUNDING TO STATE AND LOCAL ENTITIES THAT DO NOT BAN THEIR USE. HAWAII OFFICIALS PLEDGE NEW POLICIES TO PROTECT DISAPPEARING BEACHES THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER AND PROPUBLICA REPORTED IN AUGUST THAT BEACHFRONT PROPERTY OWNERS ACROSS THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HAVE CIRCUMVENTED ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS MEANT TO PRESERVE DISAPPEARING SHORELINES, WINNING PERMITS TO PROTECT MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR HOMES AT THE EXPENSE OF THE STATE'S BEACHES. IN RESPONSE TO THE INVESTIGATION, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES ANNOUNCED THAT IT IS REVISING ITS RULES GOVERNING SHORELINE STRUCTURES, AND HAWAII LAWMAKERS SAID THEY WILL INTRODUCE A BILL REQUIRING SELLERS OF RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY TO PROVIDE A WRITTEN STATEMENT DISCLOSING THE RISKS OF SEA LEVEL RISE. OFFICIALS CALL FOR REFORMS TO NYPD OFFICER DISCIPLINE A SERIES OF PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATIONS REVEALED THAT NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMISSIONERS HAVE USED THEIR AUTHORITY TO OVERTURN CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PUNISHMENTS FOR POLICE MISCONDUCT, AS WELL AS RULINGS BY DEPARTMENT HEARING OFFICERS AND EVEN GUILTY PLEAS AGREED TO BY POLICE OFFICERS. IN DECEMBER, THE CHAIR OF THE CCRB CALLED FOR A FUNDAMENTAL SHIFT IN HOW NYPD OFFICERS ARE DISCIPLINED FOR ABUSE OF CIVILIANS, SAYING THE POLICE COMMISSIONER SHOULD NO LONGER BE THE FINAL ARBITER OF DISCIPLINE IN CASES INVESTIGATED BY THE CCRB. IN ADDITION, SEVERAL CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS ARE WORKING ON LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SHIFT FINAL DISCIPLINARY AUTHORITY AWAY FROM THE COMMISSIONER. FEMA WARNS AGAINST UNUSABLE COVID-19 TESTING SUPPLIES AS HOMELAND SECURITY INVESTIGATES THE CONTRACTOR IN JUNE, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PAID A FLEDGLING TEXAS COMPANY $7.3 MILLION FOR TEST TUBES NEEDED IN TRACKING THE SPREAD OF THE CORONAVIRUS NATIONWIDE. BUT, INSTEAD OF THE STANDARD VIALS, FILLAKIT LLC SUPPLIED PLASTIC TUBES MADE FOR BOTTLING SODA, WHICH STATE HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY ARE UNUSABLE AND MAY BE CONTAMINATED. A LATER STORY IN THE WALL STREET JOURNAL RAISED SIMILAR ALLEGATIONS. A WEEK AFTER THE STORIES PUBLISHED, THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY WARNED STATES NOT TO USE COVID-19 TESTING SUPPLIES IT BOUGHT UNDER ITS CONTRACT WITH FILLAKIT, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OPENED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE CONTRACTOR. GAO INVESTIGATES DUBIOUS CONTRACT FOR UNAUTHORIZED HOSPITAL MASKS IN MAY, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT FORMER WHITE HOUSE DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF ZACH FUENTES' 11-DAY-OLD COMPANY RECEIVED A $3 MILLION FEDERAL CONTRACT TO PROVIDE KN95 RESPIRATOR MASKS TO NAVAJO NATION HOSPITALS DURING THE PANDEMIC. FUENTES SECURED THE DEAL WITH THE INDIAN HEALTH SERVICE WITH LIMITED COMPETITIVE BIDDING AND NO PRIOR FEDERAL CONTRACTING EXPERIENCE - AND HIS COMPANY'S CHINESE-MADE MASKS DID NOT MEET FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION SAFETY STANDARDS FOR USE IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS. IN JUNE, IHS ATTEMPTED TO RETURN THE POSSIBLY INEFFECTIVE MASKS. SEVERAL MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ALSO DEMANDED INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE CONTRACT, AND THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE ANNOUNCED PLANS TO REVIEW THE DEAL.
LAWMAKERS DEMAND THAT NYPD HALT UNDERCOVER SEX TRADE STINGS	IN DECEMBER, PROPUBLICA REVEALED THAT UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY THAT AIM TO ARREST SEX WORKERS OR THEIR CLIENTS HAVE LED TO NUMEROUS ALLEGATIONS OF FALSE ARREST AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT, AND THAT ALMOST EVERYONE ARRESTED WAS NONWHITE. DAYS AFTER WE PUBLISHED THE STORY, A GROUP OF NEW YORK LAWMAKERS CALLED ON THE NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT TO STOP THE BUSTS IN A LETTER TO LEADERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL, AS WELL AS THE STATE ASSEMBLY AND SENATE. THE LETTER ALSO ASKED FOR AN OVERSIGHT HEARING TO EXAMINE MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE NYPD VICE UNIT, THE PRIMARY DIVISION THAT POLICES THE SEX TRADE. HUMAN RIGHTS LAWSUIT CHALLENGES SECRETIVE IMMIGRATION POLICY IN APRIL, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON A SECRETIVE POLICY ISSUED BY THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, WHICH BARRED UNAUTHORIZED IMMIGRANTS FROM ENTERING THE UNITED STATES. OUR REPORTING UNCOVERED AN INTERNAL MEMO THAT, CITING AN OBSCURE FEDERAL LAW AUTHORIZING THE GOVERNMENT TO BAN THE ENTRY OF PEOPLE WHO COULD "INTRODUCE" AN INFECTIOUS DISEASE (IN THIS CASE, THE NOVEL CORONAVIRUS), INSTRUCTED BORDER PATROL AGENTS TO SUMMARILY EXPEL MIGRANTS. THE GUIDANCE ORDERED THIS WITHOUT CONSIDERING WHETHER MIGRANTS MIGHT BE PERSECUTED IN THEIR HOME COUNTRIES - A SCREENING THAT IS REQUIRED OF AGENTS UNDER U.S. IMMIGRATION LAW. IN JUNE, A COALITION OF ADVOCACY ORGANIZATIONS SUED THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO STOP A 16-YEAR-OLD BOY FROM BEING SENT BACK TO HONDURAS AFTER HE CROSSED INTO THE U.S. TO JOIN HIS FATHER. THE LAWSUIT, WHICH CITES PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, WAS THE FIRST CHALLENGE TO THE ADMINISTRATION'S POLICY. NEW YORK MAYOR SEEKS CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION ON TRUMP'S TAX INCONSISTENCIES IN 2019, PROPUBLICA AND WNYC REPORTED THAT PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S COMPANY MADE ITS NEW YORK PROPERTIES APPEAR MORE PROFITABLE TO LENDERS AND LESS PROFITABLE TO TAX OFFICIALS. IN JANUARY, NEW YORK CITY CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION BASED ON OUR REPORTING AND, ACCORDING TO MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO, THE CITY SENT ITS FINDINGS TO THE MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY "BECAUSE THERE IS A POSSIBILITY OF A CRIMINAL ACT HAVING BEEN COMMITTED." STATE LEGISLATORS DEMAND INVESTIGATION INTO NEW ORLEANS HOSPICE'S PRACTICES FOR COVID-19 PATIENTS IN SEPTEMBER, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE OCHSNER WEST BANK HOSPITAL IN NEW ORLEANS WAS SENDING PATIENTS INFECTED WITH THE CORONAVIRUS INTO HOSPICE FACILITIES OR BACK HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES TO DIE, IN SOME CASES PRESSURING FAMILIES INTO DISCONTINUING TREATMENT AS THEY PUSHED BACK OR STOPPING TREATMENT AGAINST FAMILY INSTRUCTIONS. WITHIN WEEKS OF OUR REPORTING, THE LOUISIANA LEGISLATIVE BLACK CAUCUS, WHICH INCLUDES 37 LEGISLATORS, MET WITH GOV. JOHN BEL EDWARDS TO DISCUSS PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS AND SUBMITTED A LETTER TO THE GOVERNOR DEMANDING A STATE INVESTIGATION. NEW YORK NURSING HOME RESIDENTS SUE OVER HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AND ATTORNEY GENERAL INVESTIGATES IN APRIL, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE QUEENS ADULT CARE CENTER, WHICH HOUSES ELDERLY, SICK OR MENTALLY ILL NEW YORKERS, WAS COVERING UP CASES OF COVID-19 WITHIN ITS FACILITY AND NOT IMPLEMENTING PROCEDURES TO STOP THE SPREAD. PATIENTS WITH THE VIRUS CONTINUED SHARING ROOMS WITH ELDERLY AND AT-RISK RESIDENTS AND WERE ALLOWED TO CIRCULATE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. FEARING FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, STAFF DIDN'T RETURN TO WORK OR MINIMIZED CONTACT TO SUCH A DEGREE THAT RESIDENTS WENT WITHOUT FOOD AND MEDICATIONS. IN MAY, PROPUBLICA LEARNED THAT THE NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL IS INVESTIGATING THE CENTER AFTER BEING CONTACTED BY TWO LOCAL LAWMAKERS WHO READ OUR STORY, AND SEVERAL RESIDENTS FEATURED IN OUR REPORTING ARE NOW SUING THE FACILITY UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S CIVIL RIGHTS ROLLBACKS INTERROGATED IN JULY, PROPUBLICA AND THE CAPITOL FORUM REPORTED THAT THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION HAS PULLED BACK ON CIVIL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT AS A PART OF ITS OVERALL RELAXATION OF BANK OVERSIGHT, QUIETLY ABANDONING SIX DISCRIMINATION PROBES INTO BANK OF AMERICA AND OTHER LENDERS. STAFF AT THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY, THE REGULATORY AGENCY THAT CONDUCTS INVESTIGATIONS INTO DISCRIMINATION, FOUND EVIDENCE THAT PEOPLE OF COLOR WERE BEING DISPROPORTIONATELY DENIED LOANS OR WERE CHARGED MORE AT BANKS ACROSS THE COUNTRY. THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FINES OR PENALTIES WERE IGNORED AND THE CASES CLOSED. WITHIN A WEEK OF OUR INVESTIGATION, 18 SENATE DEMOCRATS ASKED THE OFFICE OF THE COMPTROLLER OF THE CURRENCY TO EXPLAIN HOW THE AGENCY HANDLED INVESTIGATIONS INTO DISCRIMINATION AND "REDLINING" IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY. LAWSUIT FILED AGAINST TRUMP ORGANIZATION FOR OVERCHARGING INAUGURAL COMMITTEE OUR "TRUMP, INC." COLLABORATION WITH WNYC REPORTED IN 2018 AND 2019 THAT THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION OVERCHARGED THE NONPROFIT PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION COMMITTEE FOR ROOMS, MEALS AND EVENT SPACE AT THE COMPANY'S WASHINGTON HOTEL AND THAT IVANKA TRUMP WAS INVOLVED IN NEGOTIATING THE PRICE THE HOTEL CHARGED THE INAUGURAL COMMITTEE. IN JANUARY, THE WASHINGTON, D.C., ATTORNEY GENERAL FILED A CIVIL LAWSUIT CHARGING THE INAUGURAL COMMITTEE AND THE TRUMP ORGANIZATION WITH USING AROUND $1 MILLION OF CHARITABLE FUNDS TO IMPROPERLY ENRICH THE TRUMP FAMILY. OPPORTUNITY ZONE ABUSES INVESTIGATED IN 2019, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF POLITICALLY CONNECTED BILLIONAIRES BENEFITING FROM THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE TAX BREAK, A 2017 ANTI-POVERTY MEASURE MEANT TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES TO LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES. IN RESPONSE TO REQUESTS BY CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS WHO CITED PROPUBLICA'S STORIES, THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT'S INSPECTOR GENERAL ANNOUNCED IN JANUARY THAT THE AGENCY WOULD INVESTIGATE THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE PROGRAM AND PUBLISH THE RESULTS. CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO SEX OFFENDERS ON DATING APPS OPENED IN 2019, PROPUBLICA REPORTED, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COLUMBIA JOURNALISM INVESTIGATIONS, ON THE USE OF ONLINE DATING APPS BY SEX OFFENDERS TO ATTACK OTHER USERS AND THE BILLION-DOLLAR INDUSTRY'S RESISTANCE TO LEGISLATION TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF ITS PRODUCTS. IN JANUARY, THE HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC AND CONSUMER POLICY RESPONDED TO OUR REPORTING WITH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE SAFETY OF ONLINE DATING APPS, INCLUDING THE USE OF DATING SITES AMONG MINORS, THE SALE OR DISSEMINATION OF USERS' PERSONAL INFORMATION AND THE PRESENCE OF REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS ON FREE DATING SITES. LAWMAKERS SUBMITTED LETTERS TO THE TOP EXECUTIVES AT SITES LIKE MATCH GROUP, BUMBLE, GRINDR AND THE MEET GROUP, REQUESTING INFORMATION ON HOW (AND IF) THEY SCREEN FOR SEX OFFENDERS OR INDIVIDUALS CONVICTED OF VIOLENT CRIMES. OREGON GOV. CALLS FOR AUDIT OF AGENCY THAT LOBBIED FOR TIMBER INDUSTRY PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING JOINED WITH THE OREGONIAN TO INVESTIGATE THE TIMBER INDUSTRY, REPORTING THROUGH THE SUMMER ON HOW THE STATE'S PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT FOR WEALTHY CORPORATIONS HAS HAD DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS ON BOTH THE LOCAL ECONOMY AND THE ENVIRONMENT. AMONG OTHER FINDINGS, THE REPORTING TEAM REVEALED THAT THE TAX-FUNDED AGENCY OREGON FOREST RESOURCES INSTITUTE WORKED TO DISCREDIT ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND ACTED AS A LOBBYING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ARM FOR THE TIMBER INDUSTRY. IN SEPTEMBER, OREGON GOV. KATE BROWN CALLED ON SECRETARY OF STATE BEV CLARNO TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH STATE AUDIT OF THE AGENCY. TOUGHER CONSEQUENCES PROPOSED FOR CALIFORNIA'S COUNTY JAILS IN 2019, PROPUBLICA AND THE SACRAMENTO BEE, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, PUBLISHED A SERIES OF INVESTIGATIONS THAT EXPOSED HOW CALIFORNIA'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE POPULATION OF STATE PRISONS HAVE LED TO OVERCROWDED AND DANGEROUS, INCREASINGLY DEADLY, CONDITIONS IN ITS COUNTY JAILS. IN JANUARY, CALIFORNIA GOV. GAVIN NEWSOM SUBMITTED A 2020 BUDGET THAT WOULD GIVE MORE AUTHORITY TO THE BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS, WHICH OVERSEES JAILS, EMPOWERING IT TO TAKE MORE AGGRESSIVE AND TRANSPARENT STEPS WHEN ITS INSPECTORS FIND CONDITIONS THAT VIOLATE STATE STANDARDS. IN FEBRUARY, THE BSCC PROPOSED TOUGHER SCRUTINY AND CONSEQUENCES FOR DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN CALIFORNIA'S COUNTY JAILS. THE BOARD ALSO FORMALIZED AN ENHANCED INSPECTION PROCESS FOR EVALUATING JAILS, AND CALIFORNIA ASSEMBLY MEMBER SYDNEY KAMLAGER HAS DEMANDED AUDITS OF SEVERAL SHERIFFS' OFFICES WITH REGARD TO HOW THEY USED STATE FUNDING RECEIVED SINCE 2011 TO IMPLEMENT IMPROVEMENTS TO COUNTY JAILS.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATES DEADLY MISSISSIPPI PRISONS	IN 2019, PROPUBLICA AND THE MISSISSIPPI CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, INVESTIGATED THE MISSISSIPPI PRISON SYSTEM, WHICH HAS ONE OF THE HIGHEST INCARCERATION RATES IN THE UNITED STATES AND HAS BEEN PLAGUED BY ACCUSATIONS OF BRUTALITY, CORRUPTION AND ABUSE. IN FEBRUARY, AFTER A LETTER FROM PRISON REFORM OGANIZATIONS THAT CITED OUR SERIES, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE'S CIVIL RIGHTS DIVISION OPENED AN INVESTIGATION INTO FOUR OF MISSISSIPPI'S PRISONS TO DETERMINE WHETHER PRISONERS WERE ADEQUATELY PROTECTED FROM PHYSICAL HARM BY OTHER PRISONERS, IF PROPER SUICIDE PREVENTION MEASURES WERE TAKEN AND IF ADEQUATE MENTAL HEALTH CARE WAS PROVIDED. CLEVELAND HOSPITAL'S PRIVATE POLICE COME UNDER SCRUTINY IN SEPTEMBER, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT THE ARMED PRIVATE POLICE IN CLEVELAND'S LARGELY WHITE HOSPITAL ZONE, INCLUDING AT THE FAMED CLEVELAND CLINIC, PREDOMINANTLY CITE AND CHARGE BLACK PEOPLE FOR TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS AND MISDEMEANORS SUCH AS TRESPASSING, JAYWALKING AND POSSESSION OF MARIJUANA. IN RESPONSE TO OUR INVESTIGATION, WHICH REVEALED THAT NEARLY 90% OF PEOPLE CHARGED BY UNIVERSITY CIRCLE POLICE SINCE 2015 WERE BLACK, TWO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS, A MUNICIPAL COURT JUDGE AND THE NAACP HAVE CALLED FOR TOUGHER SUPERVISION OF PRIVATE POLICE FORCES IN CLEVELAND'S MEDICAL AREA, AND ONE OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENTS IS VOWING REFORM. NONPROFIT RECEIVES FLOOD OF DONATIONS FOLLOWING HEIRS' PROPERTY STORY IN A 2019 COLLABORATION WITH THE NEW YORKER, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED HEIRS' PROPERTY, A LEGAL MEANS FOR LAND TO BE PASSED DOWN TO FAMILY WITHOUT A WILL, WHICH HAS MADE PROPERTY OWNERS VULNERABLE TO LOSING THEIR LAND AND PROHIBITS THEM FROM RECEIVING THE FULL BENEFITS OF LAND OWNERSHIP. THIS HAD LED TO BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LAND LOSS, PRIMARILY BY BLACK LANDOWNERS IN THE SOUTHERN UNITED STATES. THE CENTER FOR HEIRS PROPERTY PRESERVATION, WHICH HELPS PROTECT HEIRS' PROPERTY BY ASSISTING FAMILIES ON CLEARING TITLES AND WRITING WILLS, HAS RECEIVED MORE THAN $200,000 IN DONATIONS IN RESPONSE TO PROPUBLICA'S STORY. IN OCTOBER, PROPERTY LAW SCHOLAR THOMAS MITCHELL, FEATURED IN THE STORY, WON A MACARTHUR "GENIUS" AWARD AND PLANS TO USE THE GRANT TO CREATE A LAW CENTER TO HELP PROTECT THE REAL ESTATE AND WEALTH OF DISADVANTAGED PROPERTY OWNERS. ELECTIONLAND TRACKED VOTER PROBLEMS, ALERTED VOTERS THROUGHOUT 2020, PROPUBLICA'S ELECTIONLAND USED DATA AND TECHNOLOGY TO TRACK ISSUES THAT PREVENT VOTERS FROM CASTING THEIR BALLOTS. THE HOPE WAS TO ADDRESS THOSE PROBLEMS BEFORE THE 2020 ELECTION. FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE CHANGES SPURRED BY REPORTING BY PROPUBLICA AND PARTNERS: - KQED AND PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON WECHAT MISINFORMATION IN THE CHINESE AMERICAN COMMUNITY. A LOCAL NONPROFIT USED OUR REPORTING TO DEVELOP AN ANTI-MISINFORMATION CAMPAIGN, TRANSLATING MATERIALS TO DISSEMINATE AMONG SAN FRANCISCO'S LARGE CHINESE AMERICAN COMMUNITY BEFORE ELECTION DAY. - AFTER VOTERS IN A NEW JERSEY TOWN RECEIVED MESSAGES FROM THE LOCAL GOP STATING THAT THERE WAS NO IN-PERSON VOTING, NORTHJERSEY.COM AND NJ SPOTLIGHT SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT TO EXPLAIN ACTUAL VOTER OPTIONS. - GOV2GO, A PUBLIC SERVICE APP IN FLORIDA, SENT MIAMI USERS THE WRONG DATE FOR ELECTION DAY, SUGGESTING IT WAS THREE DAYS LATER THAN THE ACTUAL ELECTION. THE MIAMI HERALD ALERTED VOTERS TO THE ERROR A COUPLE OF WEEKS BEFORE THE REAL ELECTION DAY. - AN IOWA MAN WITH A LARGE, MILITARY-STYLE VEHICLE PROMOTING TRUMP WAS ASKED BY THE COUNTY ATTORNEY TO MOVE HIS VEHICLE TO THE LEGAL LIMIT OF AT LEAST 300 FEET FROM A POLLING PLACE, FOLLOWING REPORTING FROM IOWA PUBLIC RADIO. - THE ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY AND REGISTRAR OF VOTERS ANNOUNCED THEY WOULD INVESTIGATE AN ALLEGEDLY FRAUDULENT VOTING CENTER AFTER PARTNER VOICE OF OC REPORTED IT. - FOLLOWING CONFUSION ABOUT WHETHER COVID-19-POSITIVE OMAHA VOTERS COULD USE CURBSIDE VOTING, POLL WORKERS WERE CONTACTED TO ALERT VOTERS THEY COULD IN FACT USE THAT VOTING METHOD, THANKS TO PARTNER 3 NEWS NOW'S REPORTING. - THE BEACON'S STORY ON INSECURE LOCAL ELECTION WEBSITES IN KANSAS AND MISSOURI, WHICH USED ELECTIONLAND RESOURCES, LED SEVERAL COUNTIES TO UPDATE THEIR SECURITY MEASURES. RECOGNITION FOR OUR WORK PROPUBLICA'S WORK WAS HONORED IN 2020 AS FOLLOWS: "LAWLESS," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT WITH THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS THAT UNCOVERED SEXUAL ASSAULT IN RURAL ALASKA AND HOW IT IS COMPOUNDED BY A LACK OF PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES, WON THE PULITZER PRIZE GOLD MEDAL FOR PUBLIC SERVCE. THE SERIES ALSO WON THE PAUL TOBENKIN MEMORIAL AWARD, THE AL NAKKULA PRIZE FOR POLICE REPORTING, THE SCRIPPS HOWARD IMPACT AWARD, THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR COMMUNITY JOURNALISM, THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARDS' AL NEUHARTH AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, A NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S FRANK BLETHEN AWARD FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING, THE JOHN JAY/HARRY FRANK GUGGENHEIM AWARD IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING AWARD FOR SERIES, THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNALISM, THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' NORTHWEST EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE, THE BEST OF THE WEST AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GOLDSMITH PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE MICHAEL KELLY AWARD. OUR SERIES ON DEADLY ACCIDENTS IN THE NAVY AND MARINES CAUSED BY INADEQUATE TRAINING AND FAULTY EQUIPMENT WON THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR NATIONAL REPORTING, A NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S DEBORAH HOWELL AWARD FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE, THE WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' ASSOCIATION'S INAUGURAL KATHARINE GRAHAM AWARD FOR COURAGE AND ACCOUNTABILITY, THE GERALD R. FORD AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED REPORTING ON NATIONAL DEFENSE, THE MILITARY REPORTERS AND EDITORS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR PRINT/ONLINE DOMESTIC, AND MALOFIEJ SILVER MEDALS IN THE FEATURES AND MOTION GRAPHICS CATEGORIES. THE SERIES WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST, AND THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR DIGITAL VIDEO STORYTELLING. OUR STORY ON AFRICAN AMERICAN LAND LOSS IN THE SOUTH, CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORKER, WON THE GEORGE POLK AWARD IN JOURNALISM FOR MAGAZINE REPORTING, THE JOHN BARTLOW MARTIN AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST MAGAZINE JOURNALISM, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS' SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR MAGAZINE, WAS A RUNNER UP FOR THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S DORI J. MAYNARD AWARD FOR JUSTICE IN JOURNALISM. "THE QUIET ROOMS," A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS SERIES WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ABOUT THE UNLAWFUL USE OF ISOLATED TIMEOUTS IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS, WON THE FRED M. HECHINGER GRAND PRIZE FOR DISTINGUISHED EDUCATION REPORTING, THE TOP PRIZE IN THE NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EDUCATION REPORTING, A NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S FRANK BLETHEN AWARD FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING, THE ANTHONY SHADID AWARD FOR JOURNALISM ETHICS, THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARDS' UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE DATA JOURNALISM, THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, THE KATHERINE SCHNEIDER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING ON DISABILITY, THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, AS WELL AS THE DRIEHAUS AWARDS' INAUGURAL READERS' CHOICE AWARD,THE ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION KNIGHT CHAIR AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE REPORTING, THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATED PRESS MEDIA EDITORS AWARDS FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, EDITORIAL SWEEPSTAKES AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING AND FOUR CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB PETER LISAGOR AWARDS: THE WATCHDOG AWARD, BEST EDUCATION REPORTING, BEST DATA JOURNALISM AND BEST MULTIMEDIA COLLABORATION. IT RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE DART AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COVERAGE OF TRAUMA, WON SECOND PLACE FOR THE NATIONAL HEADLINER AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN NEWSPAPERS,WAS A FINALIST FOR THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE, THE SELDEN RING AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR PRINT/ONLINE, AND WAS ON THE SHORTLIST FOR THE SIGMA AWARD FOR DATA-DRIVEN REPORTING. OUR REPORTING ON THE PERVASIVE USE OF JAILHOUSE INFORMANTS TO SECURE CONVICTIONS, CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR REPORTING, THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE, THE TAYLOR FAMILY AWARD FOR FAIRNESS IN JOURNALISM, THE HILLMAN PRIZE FOR MAGAZINE JOURNALISM AND AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR PRINT/ONLINE, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR A NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S DEBORAH HOWELL AWARD FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE.
"PROFITING FROM THE POOR," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT	WITH MLK50: JUSTICE THROUGH JOURNALISM THAT EXPOSED PREDATORY DEBT COLLECTION PRACTICES BY THE LARGEST HEALTH CARE SYSTEM IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE, WON THE GERALD LOEB AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL JOURNALISM FOR LOCAL REPORTING, THE SELDEN RING AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR PRINT/ONLINE, THE BARLETT & STEELE BRONZE AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE BUSINESS JOURNALISM, A NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK JOURNALISTS' SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR ONLINE PROJECT AND THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE JOURNALISTS AWARD FOR BUSINESS JOURNALISM, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR COMMUNITY JOURNALISM. "THE TURBOTAX TRAP," OUR SERIES THAT REVEALED THAT TURBOTAX SOLD TAXPAYERS A SERVICE THEY COULD HAVE RECEIVED FOR FREE, WON THE GERALD LOEB AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL JOURNALISM FOR PERSONAL FINANCE AND CONSUMER REPORTING AND THE EDWARD R. MURROW NATIONAL AWARD FOR SOCIAL MEDIA, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SELDEN RIGHT AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR BUSINESS/FINANCIAL REPORTING, AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR GOVERNMENT. "A 911 EMERGENCY," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT BY THE PUBLIC'S RADIO ON HOW INADEQUATE TRAINING AND OVERSIGHT HARMS EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE IN RHODE ISLAND, WON THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR RADIO/AUDIO AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SCRIPPS HOWARD IMPACT AWARD, AS WELL AS AN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR RADIO/AUDIO. "INSIDE THE BORDER PATROL" WON THE RFK JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE NEW MEDIA CATEGORY. "THE BAD BET," AN INVESTIGATION BY PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND WBEZ ABOUT VIDEO GAMBLING ACROSS THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, WON THE EDWARD R. MURROW NATIONAL AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE EDWARD R. MURROW REGIONAL AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GERALD LOEB AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL JOURNALISM FOR LOCAL REPORTING AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST GRAPHICS, AND WON THIRD PLACE IN THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. "POLLUTER'S PARADISE," A COLLABORATION WITH THE TIMES-PICAYUNE AND THE ADVOCATE, WON THE SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS' NINA MASON PULLIAM AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING, A SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS' KEVIN CARMODY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE WRITERS' SCIENCE IN SOCIETY AWARD FOR SERIES, THE MALOFIEJ AWARDS' CLIMATE CHANGE AND ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT BEST GRAPHIC AWARD, A MALOFIEJ SILVER MEDAL IN THE FEATURES CATEGORY AND A SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN BRONZE MEDAL FOR MAPS, AND WAS SELECTED FOR THE SIGMA AWARDS SHORTLIST FOR VISUALIZATION. REPORTER CAROLINE CHEN WON THE LIVINGSTON AWARD FOR YOUNG JOURNALISTS IN THE LOCAL REPORTING CATEGORY FOR HER STORY ON A NEWARK HOSPITAL THAT KEPT A VEGETATIVE PATIENT ON LIFE SUPPORT TO BOOST ITS SURVIVAL RATE. THE STORY ALSO WON THE NEW YORK PRESS CLUB JOURNALISM AWARDS FOR FEATURE REPORTING IN SCIENCE, MEDICINE, TECHNOLOGY, AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR HEALTH/SCIENCE. "UNCHECKED POWER" BY RECKON BY AL.COM, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, WON THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE JOURNALISM AND THIRD PLACE FOR THE NATIONAL HEADLINER AWARD FOR HEALTH, MEDICAL AND SCIENCE WRITING. THREE PROPUBLICA NEWSLETTERS ("FALSE WITNESS," "DISASTER IN THE PACIFIC AND NOT SHUTTING UP") WON THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR PUBLIC SERVICE IN NEWSLETTER JOURNALISM. OUR REPORTING ON PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S TAX INCONSISTENCIES WON THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR BANKING/FINANCE. "THE EXTORTION ECONOMY," OUR STORY ON HOW INSURANCE COMPANIES ARE FUELING A RISE IN RANSOMWARE ATTACKS, WON THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR TECHNOLOGY. OUR COLLABORATION WITH BUZZFEED NEWS ON THE GRUELING, SOMETIMES DEADLY CONDITIONS ENDURED BY DRIVERS WHO WORK IN AMAZON'S DELIVERY NETWORK WON THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR RETAIL. "THE EXTORTION ECONOMY," ABOUT HOW COMPANIES PURPORT TO HELP VICTIMS OF RANSOMWARE, WON THE TRACE PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. "TRUMP, INC.," A COLLABORATION BETWEEN PROPUBLICA AND WNYC, WON THE NEW YORK PRESS CLUB JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE PODCAST CATEGORY, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR PODCASTING. PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS' REPORTING WITH THE CHICAGO SUN-TIMES ON THE FAILURES OF THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILY SERVICES TO SERVE SPANISH-SPEAKING FAMILIES IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB PETER LISAGOR AWARDS FOR BEST NON-DEADLINE REPORTING AND BEST ILLUSTRATION, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. OUR REPORTING ON SUNDOWN TOWNS WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE STORY OR SERIES. OUR REPORTING WITH THE SACRAMENTO BEE ON HOW CALIFORNIA'S EFFORTS TO REFORM THE STATE PRISON SYSTEM LEFT ITS COUNTY JAILS MORE DEADLY, A PROJECT OF THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, WON THE CALIFORNIA JOURNALISM AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. AN INVESTIGATION BY NPR ILLINOIS, A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, INTO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN'S HANDLING OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT COMPLAINTS AGAINST FACULTY WON THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATED PRESS BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORT. OUR REPORTING WITH THE CONNECTICUT MIRROR, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, ON HOW STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS BLOCKED AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN AFFLUENT CONNECTICUT TOWNS, WON THE NEW ENGLAND NEWSPAPER & PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE REPORTING. OUR VISUALIZATION OF THE SPREAD OF THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY ACROSS WEST VIRGINIA, CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION. PROPUBLICA WAS A FINALIST FOR AN ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM. OUR REPORTING WITH AMERICAN BANKER ON HOW TRUMP'S POLITICAL APPOINTEES INTERVENED TO REDUCE SANCTIONS AGAINST TWO LARGE BANKING ORGANIZATIONS INVOLVED IN TRADING RISKY SECURITIES RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR BANKING/FINANCE. OUR REPORTING ON WHITE SUPREMACIST GROUPS FOR PROPUBLICA'S "DOCUMENTING HATE" SERIES WAS RECOGNIZED AS A FINALIST FOR THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S BATTEN MEDAL FOR COURAGE IN JOURNALISM. OUR REPORTING ON INVASIVE TSA SEARCHES THAT TRANSGENDER PEOPLE OFTEN FACE AT AIRPORTS WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GLAAD MEDIA AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM ARTICLE. OUR COLLABORATION WITH PBS FRONTLINE ON PROBLEMS WITH A NEW YORK CITY POLICY TO MOVE MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE INTO PRIVATE APARTMENTS WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION'S RESEARCH AND JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE TELEVISION AND RADIO JOURNALISM CATEGORY. "FINANCIAL AID LOOPHOLE," A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS SERIES REVEALING THAT WELL-OFF FAMILIES WERE TRANSFERRING GUARDIANSHIP OF THEIR COLLEGE-BOUND TEENAGERS TO QUALIFY FOR FINANCIAL AID, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST NON-DEADLINE REPORTING. OUR REPORTING WITH PORTLAND MONTHLY ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT BY U.S. AMBASSADOR GORDON SONDLAND WAS A RUNNER-UP FOR THE SPJ NORTHWEST EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE FEATURE/HARD NEWS CATEGORY. OUR INSTAGRAM VIDEO, WHICH TOLD THE STORY OF A 16-YEAR-OLD MIGRANT WHO DIED WHILE IN BORDER PATROL CUSTODY, WON A SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN BRONZE MEDAL FOR SOCIAL MEDIA DESIGN. OUR REPORTING ON POLITICALLY CONNECTED BILLIONAIRES BENEFITING FROM THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE TAX BREAK INTENDED AS AN ANTI-POVERTY MEASURE WAS SELECTED FOR THE SIGMA AWARDS SHORTLIST FOR DATA-DRIVEN REPORTING. "AGGRESSION DETECTORS," OUR INVESTIGATION ON UNPROVEN SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY SCHOOLS ARE USING TO MONITOR STUDENTS, WAS SELECTED FOR THE SIGMA AWARDS SHORTLIST FOR INNOVATION. OUR NEWS APPLICATIONS AND DATA VISUALIZATIONS WON A MALOFIEJ SILVER MEDAL IN THE FEATURES CATEGORY FOR "TRAPPED IN A DEADLY CHASE AND A MALOFIEJ BRONZE MEDAL FOR THE PORTFOLIO OF NEWS APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER AL SHAW. OUR ILLUSTRATION FOR A STORY ABOUT AN ANESTHESIOLOGIST WHO BEGAN KEEPING COUNT OF HEALTH WORKERS LOST TO COVID-19, WON A SOCIETY OF ILLUSTRATORS SILVER MEDAL.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 11B	PRO PUBLICA HAS ITS FORM 990 PREPARED BY AN OUTSIDE ACCOUNTING FIRM AND HAS ESTABLISHED THE FOLLOWING REVIEW PROCESS TO ENSURE THAT THE INFORMATION REPORTED IS COMPLETE AND ACCURATE. WHEN THE FORM 990 HAS BEEN PREPARED, REVIEWED BY THE PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION AND IS READY TO BE FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, IT IS SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO ALL MEMBERS OF PRO PUBLICA'S GOVERNING BODY FOR ANY COMMENTS PRIOR TO ITS SUBMISSION. THE GOVERNING BODY IS PROVIDED WITH AT LEAST ONE WEEK TO REVIEW THE PREPARED FORM 990 AND PROVIDE THEIR COMMENTS. ANY COMMENTS ARE THEN GROUPED, SUMMARIZED AND PROVIDED TO THE AUDIT COMMITTEE FOR THEIR REVIEW. EACH ISSUE IS DOCUMENTED AND ADDRESSED UNTIL THE RETURN IS FINALIZED AND APPROVED FOR FILING.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 12C	PRO PUBLICA HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, WHICH APPLIES TO ALL DIRECTORS (BOARD MEMBERS), OFFICERS, AND EMPLOYEES. AN INTERESTED PERSON MUST DISCLOSE AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE TO THE SECRETARY THE EXISTENCE OF A POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST AND ALL MATERIAL FACTS RELATED TO THE CONFLICT. IF A DIRECTOR OR OFFICER IS UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHETHER A CONFLICT EXISTS, HE/SHE MUST REPORT THE POSSIBLE CONFLICT IN ALL CASES IN WHICH A CRITICAL EXTERNAL OBSERVER MIGHT REASONABLY PERCEIVE A CONFLICT TO EXIST. THE BOARD COMMITTEE WILL DETERMINE IF A CONFLICT OF INTEREST EXISTS. IN THE EVENT THAT A CONFLICT OF INTEREST ARISES, THE DIRECTOR OR OFFICER WITH WHOM THE CONFLICT PERTAINS TO IS EXCLUDED FROM VOTING ON THE ISSUE. HE/SHE MUST LEAVE THE ROOM AND THE OTHER DIRECTORS VOTE ON THE ISSUE PERTAINING TO THAT SPECIFIC TRANSACTION. WITH RESPECT TO ANY BOARD COMMITTEE'S DISCUSSION, DECISION, OR ACTIONS INVOLVING TRANSACTIONS IN WHICH A DIRECTOR OR OFFICER HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD COMMITTEE MEETING WILL REFLECT THE BOARD'S DELIBERATIONS AND VOTING PROCESS. IN CASE OF AN INTERESTED PARTY WHO IS NOT A DIRECTOR OR OFFICER, THE PRESIDENT MONITORS AND ENFORCES THE ORGANIZATION'S COMPLIANCE WITH ITS CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY. IF AN EMPLOYEE HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, HE/SHE CANNOT PARTICIPATE IN THE DECISION MAKING OF THE CONFLICTED TRANSACTION.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION B, LINE 15A	SALARIES FOR THE CEOS ARE SET BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD USES THE SERVICES OF A LAW FIRM (CAPLIN & DRYSDALE, WHO SPECIALIZE IN NOT FOR PROFIT ISSUES) FOR GUIDANCE ON MATTERS OF CEO COMPENSATION. THE BOARD REVIEWS PROPOSED COMPENSATION INCREASES FOR THE CEOS IN RELATION TO THEIR PERFORMANCE, RATES OF INFLATION, COMPENSATION PRACTICES AND PLANS FOR OTHER PROPUBLICA EMPLOYEES, AND COMPARABLE DATA. COMPARABLE DATA MAY INCLUDE INFORMATION ABOUT JOURNALISM OUTLETS AS WELL AS OTHER NOT FOR PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS. APPROVED SALARY CHANGES ARE DOCUMENTED IN HUMAN RESOURCES FILES AND REQUIRE THE SIGNATURE OF BOTH THE EMPLOYEE AND THE HR DIRECTOR. THE BOARD'S CONSIDERATION OF THIS MATTER IS ALSO DOCUMENTED IN THE MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE SESSION. THIS PROCESS WAS LAST COMPLETED IN 2020.
FORM 990, PART VI, SECTION C, LINE 19	THE ORGANIZATION MAKES ITS FORM 990 AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AS REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 6104 OF THE INTERNAL REVENUE CODE. THE RETURN IS POSTED ON GUIDESTAR.ORG AND OTHER SIMILAR TYPES OF WEBSITES. IN ADDITION, THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, FORM 990, FORM 1023, AND BY-LAWS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, AND ON THE ORGANIZATION'S WEBSITE (WWW.PROPUBLICA.ORG).
FORM 990, PART XI, LINE 9:	LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF ASSET -1,892.
FORM 990, PART XII, LINE 2C:	PRO PUBLICA HAS AN AUDIT COMMITTEE THAT ASSUMES RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE OVERSIGHT OF THE AUDIT OF ITS FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND FOR THE SELECTION OF AN INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT. THE PROCESS HAS NOT CHANGED FROM THE PRIOR YEAR.

For Paperwork Reduction Act Notice, see the Instructions for Form 990 or 990-EZ.

Cat. No. 51056K

Schedule O (Form 990 or 990-EZ) 2020

Additional Data

Software ID:
Software Version:

		Prior Year	Current Year
8	Contributions and grants (Part VIII, line 1h) .........	37,366,751	36,816,824
9	Program service revenue (Part VIII, line 2g) .........	620,950	77,000
10	Investment income (Part VIII, column (A), lines 3, 4, and 7d ) ....	514,196	146,510
11	Other revenue (Part VIII, column (A), lines 5, 6d, 8c, 9c, 10c, and 11e)	744,987	472,758
12	Total revenue—add lines 8 through 11 (must equal Part VIII, column (A), line 12)	39,246,884	37,513,092
13	Grants and similar amounts paid (Part IX, column (A), lines 1–3 )...	1,384,457	1,728,901
14	Benefits paid to or for members (Part IX, column (A), line 4).....	0	0
15	Salaries, other compensation, employee benefits (Part IX, column (A), lines 5–10)	20,702,693	22,874,147
16a	Professional fundraising fees (Part IX, column (A), line 11e) .....	9,600	13,300
b	Total fundraising expenses (Part IX, column (D), line 25) 1,436,519
17	Other expenses (Part IX, column (A), lines 11a–11d, 11f–24e)....	6,533,836	5,591,844
18	Total expenses. Add lines 13–17 (must equal Part IX, column (A), line 25)	28,630,586	30,208,192
19	Revenue less expenses. Subtract line 18 from line 12.......	10,616,298	7,304,900
		Beginning of Current Year	End of Year
20	Total assets (Part X, line 16).............	51,252,809	58,666,359
21	Total liabilities (Part X, line 26).............	748,489	883,526
22	Net assets or fund balances. Subtract line 21 from line 20.....	50,504,320	57,782,833

Sign Here

	Signature of officer	Date

	Type or print name and title


4a	(Code: ) (Expenses $ 25,867,160 including grants of $ 1,728,901 ) (Revenue $ 146,395 )
	INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST:OUR JOURNALISM SPURRED DRAMATIC CHANGES IN 2020. SEN. RICHARD BURR RESIGNED AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SENATE INTELLIGENCE COMMITTEE AFTER OUR REVELATIONS ABOUT HIS STOCK TRADING JUST BEFORE THE CORONAVIRUS MARKET CRASH. AFTER 33 YEARS BEHIND BARS, A MAN OUR REPORTING SHOWED WAS WRONGFULLY CONVICTED WAS RELEASED FROM PRISON IN TEXAS. CHICAGO'S PUNITIVE TICKETING PRACTICES WERE OUTLAWED AFTER WE SHINED A LIGHT ON THEM. AFTER OUR STORY, CONGRESS PASSED LEGISLATION TO STOP UNEMPLOYMENT AGENCIES FROM DEMANDING MONEY BACK WHEN THEY MISTAKENLY OVERPAY. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKED OUT OF WHAT WE REVEALED TO BE MULTIPLE SKETCHY CORONAVIRUS CONTRACTS, AND LANDLORDS ACROSS FOUR STATES REVERSED ILLEGAL EVICTION FILINGS IN THE FACE OF OUR INQUIRIES.OUR WORK BROUGHT CLARITY TO THE STAKES AND CONSEQUENCES OF COVID-19, INCLUDING STORIES ON MISSTEPS AT THE U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION THAT HAMPERED THE NATION'S ABILITY TO TRACK AND CONTAIN THE VIRUS'S SPREAD, AS WELL AS UNPRECEDENTED WHITE HOUSE MEDDLING INSIDE THE PUBLIC HEALTH AGENCY. WE PUBLISHED CRITICAL EXPLANATORY PIECES ON ASYMPTOMATIC CARRIERS, ANTIBODY TESTS AND HOW TO UNDERSTAND CORONAVIRUS NUMBERS. STORIES ALSO SHED LIGHT ON RACE AND POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY, INEQUITIES IN MICHIGAN'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM (INCLUDING THE STORY OF AN AFRICAN AMERICAN TEEN INCARCERATED FOR FAILING TO COMPLETE HER ONLINE COURSEWORK), AND RACIAL DISPARITIES ACROSS THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. PROPUBLICA'S ELECTIONLAND ALSO PRODUCED REVELATORY REPORTING ON U.S. POSTAL SERVICE SLOWDOWNS, VOTING-BY-MAIL CONCERNS AND THE PROLIFERATION OF VOTING MISINFORMATION.

4b	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4c	(Code: ) (Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )












4d	Other program services (Describe in Schedule O.)
	(Expenses $ including grants of $ ) (Revenue $ )
4e	Total program service expenses25,867,160

(A) Name and title	(B) Average hours per week (list any hours for related organizations below dotted line)		(D) Reportable compensation from the organization (W-2/1099-MISC)	(E) Reportable compensation from related organizations (W-2/1099-MISC)	(F) Estimated amount of other compensation from the organization and related organizations
(A) Name and title
(18) ROBIN FIELDS........................................................................ MANAGING EDITOR	40.00 .......................	X	306,360	0	17,976
(19) JESSE EISINGER........................................................................ SENIOR EDITOR & REPORTER	40.00 .......................	X	242,770	0	46,753
(20) CHARLES ORNSTEIN........................................................................ SENIOR EDITOR	40.00 .......................	X	241,461	0	43,904
(21) TRACY WEBER........................................................................ DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR	40.00 .......................	X	233,262	0	34,915
(22) JOSEPH SEXTON........................................................................ SENIOR EDITOR	40.00 .......................	X	227,524	0	31,980

1b	Sub-Total................
c	Total from continuation sheets to Part VII, Section A....
d	Total (add lines 1b and 1c)...........	2,411,665	0	275,423

1	Briefly describe the organization’s mission or most significant activities: TO EXPOSE ABUSES OF POWER AND BETRAYALS OF THE PUBLIC TRUST. BY GOVERNMENT, BUSINESS, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS, USING THE MORAL FORCE OF INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM TO SPUR REFORM THROUGH THE SUSTAINED SPOTLIGHTING OF WRONGDOING.
2	Check this box
3	Number of voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1a) ........	3	13
4	Number of independent voting members of the governing body (Part VI, line 1b) .....	4	12
5	Total number of individuals employed in calendar year 2020 (Part V, line 2a) ......	5	162
6	Total number of volunteers (estimate if necessary) .............	6	13
7a	Total unrelated business revenue from Part VIII, column (C), line 12 ........	7a	202,933
b	Net unrelated business taxable income from Form 990-T, line 39 .........	7b	137,708

(A) Name and business address	(B) Description of services	(C) Compensation
RYAN MCCARTHY 240 12TH STREET APT 2 BROOKLYN,NY11215	EDITING SERVICES	142,658
AMAZON WEB SERVICES PO BOX 84023 SEATTLE,WA981248423	WEBSITE HOSTING SERVICES	132,697



2 Total number of independent contractors (including but not limited to those listed above) who received more than $100,000 of compensation from the organization 2

1a	Federated campaigns..		1a
b	Membership dues..		1b
c	Fundraising events..		1c
d	Related organizations		1d
e	Government grants (contributions)		1e

f	All other contributions, gifts, grants, and similar amounts not included above		1f	36,816,824

g	Noncash contributions included in lines 1a - 1f:$		1g	306,075

h Total. Add lines 1a-1f.......		36,816,824

		Business Code
2a	JOURNALISM AND EDITORIAL FEES	519130	77,000	77,000
b
c
d
e
f	All other program service revenue.
g	Total. Add lines 2a–2f .....		77,000

3 Investment income (including dividends, interest, and othersimilar amounts) ......			146,204			146,204
4 Income from investment of tax-exempt bond proceeds
5 Royalties...........			123,700	69,395		54,305
		(ii) Personal	(i) Real
6a	Gross rents			6a
b	Less: rental expenses			6b
c	Rental income or (loss)			6c
d	Net rental income or (loss).......
		(ii) Other	(i) Securities
7a	Gross amount from sales of assets other than inventory		308,498	7a
b	Less: cost or other basis and sales expenses		308,192	7b
c	Gain or (loss)		306	7c
d	Net gain or (loss).........			306			306
8a	Gross income from fundraising events (not including $ of contributions reported on line 1c). See Part IV, line 18 ....
			8a
b	Less: direct expenses ...		8b
c	Net income or (loss) from fundraising events..
9a	Gross income from gaming activities. See Part IV, line 19 ...
			9a
b	Less: direct expenses ...		9b
c	Net income or (loss) from gaming activities..
10a	Gross sales of inventory, less returns and allowances ..
			10a
b	Less: cost of goods sold ..		10b
c	Net income or (loss) from sales of inventory..
Business Code			Miscellaneous Revenue
11a	ADVERTISING REVENUE		541800	202,933		202,933
b	INSURANCE REIMB. OF LEGAL FEES		900099	116,536			116,536
c	HONORARIA AND OTHER REVENUE		900099	29,589			29,589
d	All other revenue ....
e	Total. Add lines 11a–11d ......			349,058
12	Total revenue. See instructions.....			37,513,092	146,395	202,933	346,940

1	Grants and other assistance to domestic organizations and domestic governments. See Part IV, line 21 ....	1,577,740	1,577,740
2	Grants and other assistance to domestic individuals. See Part IV, line 22 ...........	151,161	151,161
3	Grants and other assistance to foreign organizations, foreign governments, and foreign individuals. See Part IV, lines 15 and 16. .............
4	Benefits paid to or for members .......
5	Compensation of current officers, directors, trustees, and key employees ...........	1,260,183	525,386	454,878	279,919
6	Compensation not included above, to disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)) and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) .........
7	Other salaries and wages........	17,660,400	15,653,192	1,553,651	453,557
8	Pension plan accruals and contributions (include section 401(k) and 403(b) employer contributions) ....	726,400	646,382	62,457	17,561
9	Other employee benefits .......	1,839,632	1,590,044	175,955	73,633
10	Payroll taxes ...........	1,387,532	1,209,191	129,003	49,338
11	Fees for services (non-employees):
a	Management ......
b	Legal .........	190,501	165,150	9,961	15,390
c	Accounting ...........	63,650		63,650
d	Lobbying ...........
e	Professional fundraising services. See Part IV, line 17	13,300			13,300
f	Investment management fees ......
g	Other (If line 11g amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 11g expenses on Schedule O)	535,731	526,985	7,782	964
12	Advertising and promotion ....	285,185	225,449	49,376	10,360
13	Office expenses .......	616,704	268,606	36,206	311,892
14	Information technology ......	942,927	748,890	87,087	106,950
15	Royalties ..
16	Occupancy ...........	1,300,263	1,112,105	126,666	61,492
17	Travel ............	387,796	376,594	7,375	3,827
18	Payments of travel or entertainment expenses for any federal, state, or local public officials .
19	Conferences, conventions, and meetings ....	18,058	16,172	450	1,436
20	Interest ...........
21	Payments to affiliates .......
22	Depreciation, depletion, and amortization ..	329,604	280,164	32,960	16,480
23	Insurance ...	364,973	287,716	60,316	16,941
24	Other expenses. Itemize expenses not covered above (List miscellaneous expenses in line 24e. If line 24e amount exceeds 10% of line 25, column (A) amount, list line 24e expenses on Schedule O.)
a	UBIT TAX EXPENSE	6,900		6,900
b	PUBLIC REC. COP. & SUBS	339,338	339,338
c	RECRUITMENT/PROF DEVEL.	125,428	92,204	32,041	1,183
d	REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE	54,268	47,225	4,747	2,296
e	All other expenses	30,518	27,466	3,052
25	Total functional expenses. Add lines 1 through 24e	30,208,192	25,867,160	2,904,513	1,436,519
26	Joint costs. Complete this line only if the organization reported in column (B) joint costs from a combined educational campaign and fundraising solicitation. Check here if following SOP 98-2 (ASC 958-720).

1	Cash–non-interest-bearing ........			5,266,631	1	4,195,076
2	Savings and temporary cash investments .........			27,716,756	2	37,782,891
3	Pledges and grants receivable, net ......			16,985,216	3	15,350,410
4	Accounts receivable, net .............			24,712	4	27,793
5	Loans and other receivables from any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .......
					5
6	Loans and other receivables from other disqualified persons (as defined under section 4958(f)(1)), and persons described in section 4958(c)(3)(B) ...
					6
7	Notes and loans receivable, net ...........				7
8	Inventories for sale or use ............				8
9	Prepaid expenses and deferred charges ......			530,134	9	764,575
10a	Land, buildings, and equipment: cost or other basis. Complete Part VI of Schedule D	10a	1,375,843
b	Less: accumulated depreciation	10b	890,739	628,991	10c	485,104
11	Investments—publicly traded securities .			15,200	11	14,866
12	Investments—other securities. See Part IV, line 11 .....				12
13	Investments—program-related. See Part IV, line 11 ..				13
14	Intangible assets ...............				14
15	Other assets. See Part IV, line 11 ...........			85,169	15	45,644
16	Total assets. Add lines 1 through 15 (must equal line 33)...			51,252,809	16	58,666,359

17	Accounts payable and accrued expenses .....	254,144	17	462,210
18	Grants payable ...		18
19	Deferred revenue .........	494,345	19	421,316
20	Tax-exempt bond liabilities .........		20
21	Escrow or custodial account liability. Complete Part IV of Schedule D		21
22	Loans and other payables to any current or former officer, director, trustee, key employee, creator or founder, substantial contributor, or 35% controlled entity or family member of any of these persons .........
			22
23	Secured mortgages and notes payable to unrelated third parties ..		23
24	Unsecured notes and loans payable to unrelated third parties ..		24
25	Other liabilities (including federal income tax, payables to related third parties, and other liabilities not included on lines 17 - 24). Complete Part X of Schedule D		25
26	Total liabilities. Add lines 17 through 25..	748,489	26	883,526

	Organizations that follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 27, 28, 32, and 33.
27	Net assets without donor restrictions ..........	28,252,244	27	34,370,956
28	Net assets with donor restrictions ...........	22,252,076	28	23,411,877
	Organizations that do not follow FASB ASC 958, check here and complete lines 29 through 33.
29	Capital stock or trust principal, or current funds .....		29
30	Paid-in or capital surplus, or land, building or equipment fund ...		30
31	Retained earnings, endowment, accumulated income, or other funds		31
32	Total net assets or fund balances ...........	50,504,320	32	57,782,833
33	Total liabilities and net assets/fund balances ........	51,252,809	33	58,666,359

Name of organization PRO PUBLICA INC

Part I Contributors	Contributors (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part I if additional space is needed.
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
RESTRICTED	,	$ RESTRICTED	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
(a) No.	(b) Name, address, and ZIP + 4	(c) Total contributions	(d) Type of contribution
		$	Person Payroll Noncash (Complete Part II for noncash contributions.)
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)

Name of organization PRO PUBLICA INC		Employer identification number 14-2007220

Part II	Noncash Property (see instructions). Use duplicate copies of Part II if additional space is needed.
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
(a) No. from Part I	(b) Description of noncash property given	(c) FMV (or estimate) (See instructions)	(d) Date received
		$
Schedule B (Form 990, 990-EZ, or 990-PF) (2020)


Name of organization PRO PUBLICA INC			Employer identification number 14-2007220
Part III Exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions to organizations described in section 501(c)(7), (8), or (10) that total more than $1,000 for the year from any one contributor. Complete columns (a) through (e) and the following line entry. For organizations completing Part III, enter the total of exclusively religious, charitable, etc., contributions of $1,000 or less for the year. (Enter this information once. See instructions.) $ Use duplicate copies of Part III if additional space is needed.

1a	Beginning of year balance ....
b	Contributions ...
c	Net investment earnings, gains, and losses
d	Grants or scholarships ...
e	Other expenditures for facilities and programs ...
f	Administrative expenses ....
g	End of year balance ......

1a	Land .....
b	Buildings ....
c	Leasehold improvements	266,318	133,165	133,153
d	Equipment ....	783,726	569,269	214,457
e	Other .....	325,799	188,305	137,494
Total. Add lines 1a through 1e. (Column (d) must equal Form 990, Part X, column (B), line 10(c).)..				485,104

(a) Description of security or category (including name of security)	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value
(1) Financial derivatives.........
(2) Closely-held equity interests........
(3)Other
(B)
(C)
(D)
(E)
(F)
(G)
(H)
(I)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col. (B) line 12.)

(a) Description of investment	(b) Book value	(c) Method of valuation: Cost or end-of-year market value

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
(10)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 13.)

1.(a) Description of liability	(b) Book value
(1) Federal income taxes

(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(8)
(9)
Total. (Column (b) must equal Form 990, Part X, col.(B) line 25.)
2. Liability for uncertain tax positions. In Part XIII, provide the text of the footnote to the organization's financial statements that reports the organization's liability for uncertain tax positions under FIN 48 (ASC 740). Check here if the text of the footnote has been provided in Part XIII

Part XI Reconciliation of Revenue per Audited Financial Statements With Revenue per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total revenue, gains, and other support per audited financial statements .......			1	37,370,169
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12:
a	Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments ....	2a	-24,495
b	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2b
c	Recoveries of prior year grants ...........	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d .....................			2e	-24,495
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1..................			3	37,394,664
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 12, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b .	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ...........	4b	118,428
c	Add lines 4a and 4b....................			4c	118,428
5	Total revenue. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 12.) ......			5	37,513,092

Part XII Reconciliation of Expenses per Audited Financial Statements With Expenses per Return. Complete if the organization answered 'Yes' on Form 990, Part IV, line 12a.
1	Total expenses and losses per audited financial statements ...........			1	30,091,656
2	Amounts included on line 1 but not on Form 990, Part IX, line 25:
a	Donated services and use of facilities .........	2a
b	Prior year adjustments ............	2b
c	Other losses ................	2c
d	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	2d
e	Add lines 2a through 2d....................			2e	0
3	Subtract line 2e from line 1...................			3	30,091,656
4	Amounts included on Form 990, Part IX, line 25, but not on line 1:
a	Investment expenses not included on Form 990, Part VIII, line 7b ..	4a
b	Other (Describe in Part XIII.) ............	4b	116,536
c	Add lines 4a and 4b.....................			4c	116,536
5	Total expenses. Add lines 3 and 4c. (This must equal Form 990, Part I, line 18.) ......			5	30,208,192

Return Reference	Explanation
PART X, LINE 2:	THE ORGANIZATION RECOGNIZES THE EFFECT OF INCOME TAX POSITIONS ONLY IF THOSE POSITIONS ARE MORE LIKELY THAN NOT OF BEING SUSTAINED. MANAGEMENT HAS DETERMINED THAT THE ORGANIZATION HAD NO UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS THAT WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL STATEMENT RECOGNITION OR DISCLOSURE. THE ORGANIZATION IS NO LONGER SUBJECT TO EXAMINATIONS BY THE APPLICABLE TAXING JURISDICTIONS FOR PERIODS PRIOR TO 2017.
PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:	REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 116,536. LOSS ON DISPOSAL OF ASSET 1,892.
PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS:	REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 116,536.

(A) Name and Title		(B) Breakdown of W-2 and/or 1099-MISC compensation			(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)	(F) Compensation in column (B) reported as deferred on prior Form 990
(A) Name and Title		(i) Base compensation	(ii) Bonus & incentive compensation	(iii) Other reportable compensation	(C) Retirement and other deferred compensation	(D) Nontaxable benefits	(E) Total of columns (B)(i)-(D)
1STEPHEN ENGELBERG CO-CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF	(i) (ii)	414,548 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	3,564 ------------- 0	14,250 ------------- 0	37,081 ------------- 0	469,443 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
2RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT CO-CEO & TREASURER	(i) (ii)	424,128 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	3,564 ------------- 0	14,250 ------------- 0	12,937 ------------- 0	454,879 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
3ROBIN FIELDS MANAGING EDITOR	(i) (ii)	305,118 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	1,242 ------------- 0	7,650 ------------- 0	10,326 ------------- 0	324,336 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
4JESSE EISINGER SENIOR EDITOR & REPORTER	(i) (ii)	241,550 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	1,220 ------------- 0	12,551 ------------- 0	34,202 ------------- 0	289,523 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
5CHARLES ORNSTEIN SENIOR EDITOR	(i) (ii)	240,714 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	747 ------------- 0	12,550 ------------- 0	31,354 ------------- 0	285,365 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
6RAGAN RHYNE VICE PRESIDENT OF DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY	(i) (ii)	264,619 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	540 ------------- 0	13,250 ------------- 0	1,510 ------------- 0	279,919 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
7TRACY WEBER DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR	(i) (ii)	231,115 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	2,147 ------------- 0	11,938 ------------- 0	22,977 ------------- 0	268,177 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0
8JOSEPH SEXTON SENIOR EDITOR	(i) (ii)	224,348 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0	3,176 ------------- 0	11,525 ------------- 0	20,455 ------------- 0	259,504 ------------- 0	0 ------------- 0

	(a) Check if applicable	(b) Number of contributions or items contributed	(c) Noncash contribution amounts reported on Form 990, Part VIII, line 1g	(d) Method of determining noncash contribution amounts
1 Art—Works of art ....
2 Art—Historical treasures .
3 Art—Fractional interests ..
4 Books and publications ..
5 Clothing and household goods .......
6 Cars and other vehicles ..
7 Boats and planes ....
8 Intellectual property ...
9 Securities—Publicly traded .	X	51	306,075	AVG. SELLING PRICE
10 Securities—Closely held stock .
11 Securities—Partnership, LLC, or trust interests ....
12 Securities—Miscellaneous ..
13 Qualified conservation contribution—Historic structures .....
14 Qualified conservation contribution—Other ...
15 Real estate—Residential .
16 Real estate—Commercial ..
17 Real estate—Other ...
18 Collectibles .....
19 Food inventory ...
20 Drugs and medical supplies .
21 Taxidermy ......
22 Historical artifacts ....
23 Scientific specimens ..
24 Archeological artifacts ...
25 Other ( )
26 Other ( )
27 Other ( )
28 Other ( )