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Kirsten Berg

@kirstenberg.bsky.social
12K followers 442 following 17 posts

Research Reporter at @ProPublica.org

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Reposted by Kirsten Berg
ProPublica @propublica.org · 17/09/2026
This week, ProPublica revealed that a Russian oligarch close to President Vladimir Putin bankrolled Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas wedding festivities. Join our reporters on Sept. 23 for a behind-the-scenes conversation. 🗓️ RSVP: events.propublica.org/don-jr-weddi...
Graphic titled "Bankrolled: How a Russian Oligarch Funded Donald Trump Jr.'s Wedding Weekend." Text below reads: The inside story of how ProPublica traced the lavish three-day party back to a secret benefactor. Wednesday, Sept. 23. 4 p.m. EST. An image shows dozens of people in a group wedding photo on a beach, including Donald Trump Jr.; his wife, Bettina; and Tiffany Trump. An arrow points to Russian oligarch Umar Kremlev, labeled as "Don Jr.'s secret benefactor," in the back row.
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Lynn Dombek @lynndom.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Smart interview by @mainepublic.org 's @stevemistler.bsky.social with @mtredden.bsky.social on @propublica.org investigation into FBI's anti-corruption squad. www.mainepublic.org/politics/202...
mainepublic.org
ProPublica reporter shares key takeaways from investigative story involving Susan Collins
A new investigation is out today from the news site ProPublica about an ex-defense contractor’s allegations that he won millions in federal contracts by bankrolling the campaigns of powerful politicia...
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Molly Redden @mtredden.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Former Navatek executives, meanwhile, looked back with awe at how far their money went. “It was eye-opening for me, frankly,” said one. “‘Oh my God, all of it is for sale. It’s all for sale.’” READ MORE: www.propublica.org/article/fbi-...
propublica.org
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
After the FBI caught a defense contractor’s CEO making illegal campaign contributions, it sought to launch a sweeping political bribery probe involving Collins and others. Then the second Trump admini...
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William Turton @williamturton.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
In 2024 the former CEO of a defense contractor made a stunning confession to two FBI agents. He alleged that was the ringleader of a massive pay-to-play operation, bribing senators with campaign contributions in exchange for govt contracts. www.propublica.org/article/fbi-...
propublica.org
The FBI Anti-Corruption Squad Was Circling Susan Collins — Until Trump Got in the Way
After the FBI caught a defense contractor’s CEO making illegal campaign contributions, it sought to launch a sweeping political bribery probe involving Collins and others. Then the second Trump admini...
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 22/09/2026
Sen. Susan Collins helped steer millions in federal defense contracts to Navatek, whose CEO illegally funneled thousands of dollars to her campaign. The FBI sought to launch a probe and was eyeing Collins and other lawmakers. Then Trump gutted the unit in charge. THREAD 🧵
Martin Kao, CEO of defense contractor Navatek, poses next to Sen. Susan Collins for a photo. Collins is holding a model of a boat in her hands. Behind them is a large sign with the Navatek logo.
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Carla Astudillo @carla-astudi.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
Also, ProPublica has been tracking the volume of cases filed in federal courts amid the Trump administration’s push for mass deportations. Track the latest stats here: projects.propublica.org/habeas-track...
projects.propublica.org
Tracking the Historic Rise of Habeas Cases Filed by Detained Immigrants
ProPublica is tracking the historic rise in challenges filed by immigrants claiming their detention is illegal.
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Justin Elliott @justinelliott.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
New: Donald Trump Jr.’s Bahamas Wedding Was Secretly Bankrolled by Russian Oligarch Close to Putin www.propublica.org/article/dona... w/ @josh-kaplan.bsky.social @amierjeski.bsky.social
propublica.org
Donald Trump Jr.’s Wedding Bankrolled by Putin-Linked Russian Oligarch
The oligarch, Umar Kremlev, spent hundreds of thousands on expenses like renting out a private island. He appears to have met Trump Jr. only recently, but he attended the intimate wedding with a large...
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Sharon Lerner @fastlerner.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Forever grateful that Kris Hansen bravely shared her story with me — and the world www.propublica.org/podcast/fore...
propublica.org
How the Planet-Altering Disaster of “Forever Chemicals” Was Kept Secret
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Reposted by Kirsten Berg
ProPublica @propublica.org · 03/09/2026
NEW: Over the “strongest possible” objections of a federal prosecutor handling the case, Trump DOJ officials quashed plans to bring civil rights charges against an ICE agent accused of shooting a Venezuelan immigrant and then lying about it.
propublica.org
Trump’s DOJ Blocked Serious ICE Shooting Charge Over Federal Prosecutor’s “Strongest Possible” Objections
A prosecutor planned to file civil rights charges — similar to those brought against the officers who killed George Floyd — against an ICE agent. In an email we exclusively obtained, he reveals that T...
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Mary Ziegler @maryrziegler.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Important reporting from @jodikantor.bsky.social on when--if at all--we'll have access to full records of what really happened in the Roberts Court: www.nytimes.com/2026/09/01/u...
nytimes.com
How the Supreme Court Locks Away Its Own History
After Justice Scalia died, the justices held private negotiations about locking away their papers. We may not see the ultimate record of the Roberts court for decades.
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Reposted by Kirsten Berg
ProPublica @propublica.org · 25/08/2026
NEW: After U.S. missile strikes killed hundreds of civilians in Iran and Yemen, the Defense Department is poised to reinstate a program meant to reduce civilian harm during military operations. Pete Hegseth gutted it over the objections of top commanders.
propublica.org
Top Commanders Told Hegseth Not to Cut Civilian Protection Program, Poll Showed. He Did It Anyway.
The U.S. military has killed hundreds of noncombatants since gutting its Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response mission last year. After significant blowback, the Defense Department is considering part...
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Melissa Sanchez @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
I am so delighted that our incredible new podcast team decided to make an episode on our reporting on that big ICE raid at a Chicago apartment complex. It’s truly an incredible episode. Listen to hear the voices of the men detained that night - plus a cute cameo from my 5-year old daughter 😍
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 28/07/2026
NEW: ProPublica reviewed hundreds of cases in which judges criticized the actions of Justice Department lawyers. We found judges nominated by both parties who are frustrated that they can no longer take the government at its word.
propublica.org
Federal Judges Chastise Trump’s Justice Department for “Unlawful,” “Unethical” and “Unseemly” Conduct
ProPublica reviewed hundreds of cases in which judges criticized the actions of federal prosecutors. In many, judges expressed frustration that they can no longer take the government at its word.
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Cengiz Yar @cengizyar.com · 21/07/2026
TODAY @ 4PM EST: Join @propublica.org for a virtual discussion on how children have been caught in Trump's immigration crackdown: propub.li/4fiHDSF featuring: @perla-trevizo.bsky.social @micarosenberg.bsky.social @lisalsong.bsky.social @nicolefoy.bsky.social & @mayatmiller.bsky.social
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Kirsten Berg @kirstenberg.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
If you found @propublica.org's reporting on the children profoundly changed by this administration's immigration crackdown—through detention, family separation, and exposure chemical agents—meaningful, I encourage you to sign up for this virtual discussion with the reporters behind it today:
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 16/07/2026
NEW: Who runs this private school? Who will be teaching my child? Does this school have any documented issues? We put together this guide to help you answer questions like these about private schools so you can make informed decisions for your family.
propublica.org
How to Research Private Schools Like an Investigative Reporter
It can be really hard to get transparent, comprehensive information about private schools. Our investigative reporters share some suggestions for parents and guardians who want to collect it themselve...
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Anna Clark @annaleighclark.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"Parents have told us they assume authorities conduct safety and quality checks of private schools like they would for public ones. Our reporting shows that is often not the case. ... "We’ve written this guide to pass on a few lessons we’ve learned. We hope it will help you spot red flags..."
propublica.org
How to Research Private Schools Like an Investigative Reporter
It can be really hard to get transparent, comprehensive information about private schools. Our investigative reporters share some suggestions for parents and guardians who want to collect it themselve...
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Reposted by Kirsten Berg
Jodi Cohen @jodiscohen.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
“You lie. You lie all the time,” the school owner said to the student. She then directed classmates to attack him. She gave one a high-five. This private school, funded with tax dollars, is among an explosion of private schools in the past 3 years. www.propublica.org/article/arks...
propublica.org
This Private School Had Students Scrub Floors and Attack a Fellow Classmate. The State Still Funds It.
One of the few requirements for Arkansas private schools is that they have an American flag and a flagpole. But millions in state funds go to the largely unmonitored schools while complaints about saf...
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Andy Kroll @andykroll.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
FCC Officials Took Pricey Gifts From Paramount as the Company Needed Approval for Billion-Dollar Deals www.propublica.org/article/para...
propublica.org
FCC Officials Took Pricey Gifts From Paramount as the Company Needed Approval for Billion-Dollar Deals
Accepting tickets to the Kennedy Center honors gala compromised the commissioners’ impartiality, ethics experts told ProPublica. FCC Chair Brendan Carr has been gifted at least $63,000 worth of ticket...
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Ariana Tobin @arianatobin.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
You know that routine plan disclosure you get from your 401(k) or 403(b)? We need to see it. www.propublica.org/getinvolved/... Breaking my long social media hiatus to ask you to please do this! Please share our ask widely! For this to work the way we hope, thousands of people must participate.
propublica.org
Have a 401(k)? Help ProPublica Investigate What’s Really Happening to Your Money.
Some retirement plans are stuck in investments with bloated fees and costly add-ons. Help ProPublica investigate the financial products companies are pushing and what they’re charging workers.
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Kirsten Berg @kirstenberg.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
It takes a lot for me to make a video of myself. But I care about these issues deeply, so here I am, adding my voice to the chorus of my courageous colleagues calling for a fair contract. Please consider following @propublicaguild.org and supporting us as we try to make our newsroom even better.
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 08/07/2026
“I started about three months ago, right after I got laid off at the Washington Post,” says audio producer Sabby Robinson, “layoff protections are really important to me.” Our message to @propublica.org management: we need strong layoff protections in our contract!
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Jessica Lussenhop @jlussenhop.bsky.social · 24/06/2026
It takes serious guts to be this vulnerable, and I hope in exchange for her honesty, my friend Rocio and ALL our friends and colleagues at ProPublica can get the fair contract we need, especially when it comes to wages:
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 25/06/2026
As ProPublica’s IT support specialist Penny Serrano puts it: “We're just simply asking for a contract that reflects those values — and not just in words but also in wages.” Help us ensure fair pay for all our workers: www.propublicaguild.org
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 25/06/2026
“I care about making sure that … people who look like me have the opportunity to work here,” South reporter Aliyya Swaby says. “A big part of that, to me, is wages.” Help us guarantee all ProPublica workers make a living wage: www.propublicaguild.org
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 26/06/2026
“Our management must agree to a fair contract now,” says Florida reporter Mario Ariza. “It’s been way too long.” Mario’s cat, Obie, agrees! Support ProPublica workers (and our pets): www.propublicaguild.org
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 24/06/2026
“We have disparities across teams, across regions. No one who works at ProPublica — where we say we hire the best — should be living paycheck to paycheck.” This is why we’re fighting for fair wages: www.propublicaguild.org
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Tracy Jan @tracyjan.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
Wonderful meeting so many local reporters + editors at #IRE26. I enjoyed hearing about your work & potential project ideas at @propublica.org's Local Reporting Network breakfast and look forward to reading your proposals soon. Our next DEADLINE is July 27! www.propublica.org/atpropublica...
propublica.org
Deadline Approaching for ProPublica’s 50 State Initiative — Fall 2026 Cohort
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Lisa Song @lisalsong.bsky.social · 22/06/2026
THREE years! Sigh. There’s not much that’ll get me to voluntarily make a video of myself, but this is one of them…
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 22/06/2026
It’s been three years since we formed our union. We still don’t have a contract. Over the next few weeks, you’ll be hearing from us — the workers of @propublica.org — on why this contract is so important and the issues about which we care deeply.
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Molly Redden @mtredden.bsky.social · 08/06/2026
After a decade+ of nonstop pollution offenses, GOP Sen. Jim Justice's coal empire learned earlier this year that it was under federal criminal investigation. But before prosecutors could gather crucial evidence, Todd Blanche's office told them "pencils down."
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Star Tribune Guild @startribuneguild.bsky.social · 03/06/2026
Statement from the Star Tribune Guild in response to management’s plans to lay off 15% of staff, including union members in the newsroom:
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Melissa Sanchez @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social · 13/05/2026
1/ Last fall, as we were interviewing immigrants detained during a dramatic immigration raid at an apartment complex in Chicago, we kept hearing about a Nigerian man whose leg was mauled by a police dog. 🧵:
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 06/05/2026
NEW: Babies Are Bleeding to Death as Parents Reject a Vitamin Shot Given at Birth The vitamin K shot, a lifesaving injection given to newborns to prevent uncontrollable bleeding of the brain and intestines, has become collateral damage of the anti-vaccine movement.
propublica.org
Babies Are Bleeding to Death as Parents Reject a Vitamin Shot Given at Birth
The vitamin K shot, a lifesaving injection given to newborns to prevent uncontrollable bleeding of the brain and intestines, has become collateral damage of the anti-vaccine movement.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 04/05/2026
Our “The End of Aid” series about the fallout from the destruction of the U.S. Agency for International Development was named a finalist in the explanatory reporting category. www.propublica.org/series/the-e...
The Pulitzer Prizes Explanatory Reporting finalists: Staff of Bloomberg; Brett Murphy and Anna Maria Barry-Jester of ProPublica; Susie Neilson, Megan Fan Munce and Sara DiNatale of the San Francisco Chronicle
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 04/05/2026
ProPublica also received two other finalist designations: Our “Rx Roulette” series about how the Food and Drug Administration has for years allowed risky drugs to enter the United States was named a finalist in the investigative reporting category. www.propublica.org/series/rx-ro...
The Pulitzer Prizes Investigative Reporting finalists: Cynthia Dizikes and Joaquin Palomino of the San Francisco Chronicle; Debbie Cenziper, Megan Rose and Brandon Roberts of ProPublica; Staff of The New York Times
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Anna Clark @annaleighclark.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
"Increasingly, journalists are pushing back against attacks on our credibility by 'showing the work'... "In that spirit, I wanted to take this opportunity to show how basic beat reporting — fact-checking the assertions of a powerful figure — led to a broader story..." by @hannahallam.bsky.social
propublica.org
I Reached Out to the White House Counterterrorism Czar for Comment. He Lashed Out on X.
Sebastian Gorka accused a ProPublica reporter of writing a “putrid piece of hackery” about him. Here’s how basic beat reporting led to a broader story about the state of the U.S. counterterrorism miss...
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Lomi Kriel @lomikriel.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
The first known ICE death wasn't Renée Good. It was Ruben Martinez in March 2025 & ICE's involvement remained unknown until this year. This is a story of how an unreported ICE killing shattered two American families and changed their politics. www.texastribune.org/2026/05/04/r...
texastribune.org
An unreported ICE killing of an American shattered 2 Texas families
Josh Orta was the sole witness of Ruben Martinez’s death to dispute the government’s account. Months later, he died in a crash after learning an ICE agent killed his friend. Their mothers blame the go...
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David Gura @davidgura.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
A Pulitzer for Julie K. Brown. Richly deserved, and overdue!
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 04/05/2026
Huge congratulations to all our current and former members who won or were finalists for Pulitzer Prizes today! All journalists deserve a fair contract that provides the job security necessary to do this work. www.pulitzer.org/prize-winner...
pulitzer.org
2026 Prize Winners and Finalists | The Pulitzer Prizes
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gwen howerton @kissphoria.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
one of the most well-deserved pulitzers probably in its history tbh. if you haven't read aaron's haunting, moving account by now, stop what you're doing.
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Sophie Chou @sophiechou.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
So proud to be a Pulitzer winner along with my friends @harucoryne.bsky.social and @ginnymonk.bsky.social who all worked so hard on this messy data together!
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Nicole Foy @nicolefoy.bsky.social · 05/05/2026
shout out to my much-missed colleagues @sophiechou.bsky.social & @harucoryne.bsky.social for their incredible work on this project!! Btw this is the second project Sophie worked on that’s won a Pulitzer! And she’s job hunting! Someone hire her ASAP! 👀👀
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 26/04/2026
Nearly a year ago, Trump's counterterrorism czar Sebastian Gorka said his blueprint to combat threats was “imminent.” By July, he was “on the cusp” of unveiling it — a phrase he repeated in October and again in January. No plan has appeared, and no explanation given for the delay.
propublica.org
The Counterterrorism Czar Without a Counterterrorism Plan
Amid Trump’s war in Iran and an exodus of intelligence staffers, Sebastian Gorka has asserted that a blueprint for fighting terror threats is “imminent” — but has not released it. Iranian threats have...
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 01/05/2026
1/ Happy International Workers' Day to all our fellow workers and unions! ✊ ICYMI, our bargaining unit exercised our collective power to walk out on a one-day strike last month, as we fight for a fair contract.
A group of about 40 people stand or squat on a sidewalk. Many have fists raised in the air. Many are hodling signs that read "ON ULP STRIKE", "PROPUBLICA WORKERS DESERVE FAIR PAY", "THOUGHTS NOT BOTS", and "PROPUBLICA WORKERS HEART A FAIR CONTRACT". A group of about 8 people stand on the sidewalk in front of a table covered in signs. The signs say "PROPUBLICA WORKERS ON STRIKE FOR A FAIR CONTRACT" and "HONK". The people are holding signs and smiling.
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ProPublica @propublica.org · 15/04/2026
NEW: A ProPublica and MLK50 analysis shows that just 17 of more than 800 immigration arrests made by Trump’s crime-fighting task force in and around Memphis were for violent crimes. 82% of the immigration arrests followed a traffic stop.
propublica.org
Trump’s Memphis Crime Task Force Arrested Over 800 Immigrants, Records Show. Only 2% of the Arrests Were for Violent Crimes.
Businesses closed. Churches emptied. Parents afraid to take kids to school. Advocates say what was supposed to be a crime-fighting effort is keeping a community in fear.
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Melissa Sanchez @melissa-sanchez.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
I hate that contract negotiations are not going better, but this is where we are. Today my colleagues and I @propublica.org are walking out. We need management to come to the table with more serious contract proposals that address our real concerns about discipline, job protections and fair wages.
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Kirsten Berg @kirstenberg.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Please support our union’s work toward a fair contract by NOT crossing our digital picket line! That means not visiting @ProPublica.org today, April 8. (And please resume your support of @ProPublica.org all other days, we love the journalism we do!)
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Audrey Dutton @audreydutton.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
I love this job. I love ProPublica. I love my editors and my coworkers. And I would love to see us get to the finish line on the best contract possible for staff, so we can get back to focusing ALL of our energy on the work we're here to do.
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ProPublica Guild @propublicaguild.org · 20/03/2026
Yesterday, 92% of us voted YES (w/ 99% participation) to authorize a strike if @propublica.org management refuses to compromise on core issues. We need a fair contract that will protect the in-depth investigative reporting that our readers expect. Support us: www.gofundme.com/f/support-pr...
gofundme.com
Donate to Support ProPublica Workers in Our Fight for a Fair Contract, organized by Eli Oberman
We are the unionized workers at ProPublica, and we’re ready to… Eli Oberman needs your support for Support ProPublica Workers in Our Fight for a Fair Contract
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