Hi Reader,

When you read a ProPublica story, chances are that by the time you reach the end, you’re outraged. And it’s no wonder! Our investigations reveal corruption, injustice and unfairness that has been hidden from the public. But outrage alone isn’t enough, and it’s not the sole reason why we do our work. ProPublica’s mission is to spur change through our journalism and to produce real-world impact for everyday people. Support from readers just like you is what makes it all possible.

Sometimes our stories produce impact very quickly. We published a shocking story this fall with our local partners at Nashville Public Radio. In 2016, four girls (the youngest only 8 years old) were arrested, handcuffed at school in front of their classmates and taken to jail for not stopping a fight between two boys, 5 and 6 years old. These children were then charged with a crime that doesn’t actually exist in Tennessee statutes. Our investigation revealed that this was just one example of a broken juvenile justice system in Rutherford County, Tennessee, that has a staggering history of jailing children — a practice that has become a revenue generator for the county. The system is overseen by Judge Donna Scott Davenport. Under her watch, the county locks up nearly half the kids in cases referred to juvenile court, in contrast to just 5% in the rest of the state.

Within days of our report, the NAACP called for a federal civil rights investigation, and Middle Tennessee State University severed ties with Davenport, who had served as an adjunct instructor for several years. The Tennessee governor has called for an investigation, as has a group of members of Congress.

We don’t always see such immediate impact from our work. Sometimes our investigations take months, or even years, of reporting to spur change. Our journalists have the freedom and resources to stick with their stories as long as it takes thanks to the generosity of readers just like you. Join us today and become part of the engine that powers this newsroom.

We need folks like you to stand with us. As we head into the new year, we’ve got dozens of stories brewing all over the country, and your support will help us continue this urgent and critical work to shine a light on corruption and miscarriages of justice.

Donate to ProPublica today and help us hold power to account, however long it takes.

Thanks so much,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican