Nothing serves journalism better than being there, reporting with a sense of place, and speaking with people whose stories have yet to be told. 

We have a story today from Springfield, Ohio, on the effect of recanted charges of aberrant behavior – claims that have led to the political demonization of a community. Claims that have hurt people – mostly legal residents on Temporary Protected Status and those around them. 

It’s another deftly executed Monitor piece by a careful writer. It showcases not only the indiscriminate effects of hate and fear – mental terrorism, really – but also the agency of those who are responding with love.