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Hi Reader, 

Most people know ProPublica for our stories — deeply-researched, long-form investigations that, more often than not, leave readers with a sense of outrage. But what readers might not realize is that every single one of those stories is driven by a clear, guiding mission that goes to the heart of what we do: we publish investigative journalism in the public interest, journalism that shines a light and uncovers wrongdoing and corruption. When our stories get into the hands of readers, impact can occur — the wrongs we uncover can be corrected. Let me give you a recent example.

Just last month, ProPublica Illinois published a deep-dive about the use of “isolated timeouts” in schools across the state. These timeouts were designed to keep children safe, but our reporting found that they often had the reverse effect, leaving children traumatized and sometimes physically hurt. We also found that isolated timeouts are routinely (and often illegally) misused — children as young as five were being sent to seclusion rooms, sometimes for hours on end, alone and often terrified, for reasons as minor as spilling milk. 

This story struck a chord with readers in Illinois, and less than a day after we published the story, the Illinois State Board of Education issued an emergency order halting the practice of isolated timeouts, and the Illinois governor promised to work with legislators to enact a permanent ban. This kind of impact is what we strive for, and by reading these stories, sharing them, talking about them, and even donating to support them, you help advance ProPublica’s mission. 

Our newsroom relies on individuals like you to help fund our reporting. I’m asking you today to support ProPublica with your year-end donation. When you do, you’ll help ensure that ProPublica has the resources to follow the most important stories, wherever they lead and as long as it takes, to bring you the facts and create change. Thank you for standing with us.

Warmly,
Jill Shepherd
Proud ProPublican

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