PRO PUBLICA INC: Form 990, tax year 2021
View the entire original 990 at ProPublica ↗
- Organization
- PRO PUBLICA INC (EIN 14-2007220)
- Tax period
- 2021-01-01 to 2021-12-31
- Filed
- 2022-09-26
- IRS object ID
- 202242699349300499
- Schema version
- 2021v4.2
- Source
- Download XML · Original 990 at ProPublica
Every field in the e-filed return. Faint text is the IRS element name, for citing.
Return header ReturnHeader
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return | 2022-09-26T14:29:20-05:00 | ReturnTs |
| Tax Period End | 2021-12-31 | TaxPeriodEndDt |
Preparer Firm PreparerFirmGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Firm EIN | 271728945 | PreparerFirmEIN |
Preparer Firm Name PreparerFirmName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | PKF O'CONNOR DAVIES LLP | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
Preparer US Address PreparerUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 245 PARK AVENUE 12TH FLOOR | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | NEW YORK | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | NY | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 10167 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Type | 990 | ReturnTypeCd |
| Tax Period Begin | 2021-01-01 | TaxPeriodBeginDt |
Filer Filer
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| EIN | 142007220 | EIN |
Business Name BusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | PRO PUBLICA INC | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Control | PROP | BusinessNameControlTxt |
| Phone | 2125145250 | PhoneNum |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS 13 FL | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | NEW YORK | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | NY | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 10013 | ZIPCd |
Business Officer BusinessOfficerGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Person | ROBIN SPARKMAN | PersonNm |
| Person Title | PRESIDENT | PersonTitleTxt |
| Phone | 2125145250 | PhoneNum |
| Signature | 2022-09-19 | SignatureDt |
| Discuss With Paid Preparer | Yes (1) | DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd |
Signing Officer SigningOfficerGrp
Person Full Name PersonFullName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Person First | ROBIN | PersonFirstNm |
| Person Last | SPARKMAN | PersonLastNm |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| SSN | 142007220 | SSN |
Preparer Person PreparerPersonGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Person | EVA MRUK | PreparerPersonNm |
| PTIN | P00543254 | PTIN |
| Phone | 2122862600 | PhoneNum |
| Preparation | 2022-09-26 | PreparationDt |
Additional Filer Information AdditionalFilerInformation
Trusted Customer TrustedCustomerGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Trusted Customer | 3 | TrustedCustomerCd |
| Authentication Assurance Level | AAL1 | AuthenticationAssuranceLevelCd |
| Identity Assurance Level | IAL1 | IdentityAssuranceLevelCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 2021 | TaxYr |
| Build TS | 2022-09-23 18:48:47Z | BuildTS |
Form 990 IRS990
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Officer | ROBIN SPARKMAN | PrincipalOfficerNm |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS 13 FL | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | NEW YORK | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | NY | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 10013 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Receipts | $36,838,949 | GrossReceiptsAmt |
| Group Return For Affiliates | 0 | GroupReturnForAffiliatesInd |
| Organization501c3 | Yes (X) | Organization501c3Ind |
| Website Address | WWW.PROPUBLICA.ORG | WebsiteAddressTxt |
| Type Of Organization Corp | Yes (X) | TypeOfOrganizationCorpInd |
| Formation | 2007 | FormationYr |
| Legal Domicile State | DE | LegalDomicileStateCd |
| Activity Or Mission | 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. | ActivityOrMissionDesc |
| Voting Members Governing Body | 12 | VotingMembersGoverningBodyCnt |
| Voting Members Independent | 12 | VotingMembersIndependentCnt |
| Total Employee | 205 | TotalEmployeeCnt |
| Total Volunteers | 14 | TotalVolunteersCnt |
| Total Gross UBI | $161,048 | TotalGrossUBIAmt |
| Net Unrelated Bus Txbl Incm | $76,285 | NetUnrelatedBusTxblIncmAmt |
| PY Contributions Grants | $36,816,824 | PYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| CY Contributions Grants | $35,406,294 | CYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| PY Program Service Revenue | $77,000 | PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| CY Program Service Revenue | $5,250 | CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| PY Investment Income | $146,510 | PYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| CY Investment Income | $162,432 | CYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| PY Other Revenue | $472,758 | PYOtherRevenueAmt |
| CY Other Revenue | $431,324 | CYOtherRevenueAmt |
| PY Total Revenue | $37,513,092 | PYTotalRevenueAmt |
| CY Total Revenue | $36,005,300 | CYTotalRevenueAmt |
| PY Grants And Similar Paid | $1,728,901 | PYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt |
| CY Grants And Similar Paid | $1,343,169 | CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt |
| PY Benefits Paid To Members | $0 | PYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt |
| CY Benefits Paid To Members | $0 | CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt |
| PY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $22,874,147 | PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| CY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $26,863,869 | CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| PY Total Prof Fndrsng Expns | $13,300 | PYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt |
| CY Total Prof Fndrsng Expns | $13,700 | CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt |
| CY Total Fundraising Expense | $1,587,960 | CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt |
| PY Other Expenses | $5,591,844 | PYOtherExpensesAmt |
| CY Other Expenses | $5,932,383 | CYOtherExpensesAmt |
| PY Total Expenses | $30,208,192 | PYTotalExpensesAmt |
| CY Total Expenses | $34,153,121 | CYTotalExpensesAmt |
| PY Revenues Less Expenses | $7,304,900 | PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| CY Revenues Less Expenses | $1,852,179 | CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| Total Assets BOY | $58,666,359 | TotalAssetsBOYAmt |
| Total Assets EOY | $60,782,681 | TotalAssetsEOYAmt |
| Total Liabilities BOY | $883,526 | TotalLiabilitiesBOYAmt |
| Total Liabilities EOY | $855,582 | TotalLiabilitiesEOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances BOY | $57,782,833 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances EOY | $59,927,099 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesEOYAmt |
| Info In Schedule O Part III | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartIIIInd |
| Mission | PRO PUBLICA IS AN INDEPENDENT, NON-PROFIT, PULITZER PRIZE-WINNING NEWSROOM THAT PRODUCES INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. OUR WORK FOCUSES EXCLUSIVELY ON TRULY IMPORTANT STORIES. WE PRODUCE JOURNALISM THAT SHINES A LIGHT ON EXPLOITATION OF THE WEAK BY THE STRONG AND ON THE FAILURES OF THOSE WITH POWER TO VINDICATE THE TRUST PLACED IN THEM. IN THE BEST TRADITIONS OF AMERICAN JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE, WE AIM TO STIMULATE POSITIVE CHANGE, UNCOVERING UNSAVORY PRACTICES AND ABUSES OF POWER IN ORDER TO PROD REFORM. WE DO THIS IN AN ENTIRELY NON-PARTISAN AND NON-IDEOLOGICAL MANNER, ADHERING TO THE STRICTEST STANDARDS OF JOURNALISTIC IMPARTIALITY.OUR STATED MISSION IS "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." | MissionDesc |
| Significant New Program Srvc | 0 | SignificantNewProgramSrvcInd |
| Significant Change | 0 | SignificantChangeInd |
| Expense | $28,686,203 | ExpenseAmt |
| Grant | $1,343,169 | GrantAmt |
| Revenue | $21,842 | RevenueAmt |
| Desc | INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST:OUR WORK SPURRED A HOST OF REAL-WORLD CHANGES IN 2021. PROPUBLICA'S COVERAGE OF THE JAN. 6 ATTACK ON THE U.S. CAPITOL WAS USED TO IDENTIFY AND CHARGE SUSPECTS, AND IT WAS CITED IN MORE THAN 20 SUBPOENAS FROM THE HOUSE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE EVENT. FLORIDA DRAMATICALLY REFORMED A DEEPLY FLAWED PROGRAM THAT FAILED TO PROVIDE BENEFITS FOR PARENTS OF BRAIN-DAMAGED NEWBORNS AFTER WE DREW ATTENTION TO IT. ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS BANNED THE USE OF RESTRAINTS AND SECLUSION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND ENDED THE DISCRIMINATORY PRACTICE OF SUSPENDING DRIVERS' LICENSES FOR UNPAID TICKETS. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXTENDED PPP LOANS TO THOUSANDS OF BORROWERS WHO HAD FILED FOR BANKRUPTCY, AND OUR REPORTING HELPED SOLVE THE COLD CASE OF A 1983 MURDER IN BALTIMORE. OUR JOURNALISM SHINED LIGHT ON A MASSIVE TROVE OF SECRET IRS DATA, REVEALING SYSTEMIC INEQUITIES THAT ALLOW AMERICA'S WEALTHIEST CITIZENS TO PAY LITTLE OR NOTHING IN FEDERAL TAXES. WE IDENTIFIED MORE THAN 1,000 HOT SPOTS OF CANCER-CAUSING INDUSTRIAL AIR POLLUTION ACROSS AMERICA; SHOWED THAT SALMONELLA IS RUNNING RAMPANT AND UNCHECKED THROUGH THE CHICKEN INDUSTRY; AND INVESTIGATED HOW LIBERTY UNIVERSITY DISCOURAGES, DISMISSES AND THREATENS TO PUNISH STUDENTS WHO REPORT RAPE. OTHER MEMORABLE STORIES INCLUDED AN EXAMINATION OF AMERICA'S UNREGULATED, OFTEN DANGEROUS SHADOW FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, THE PANDEMIC'S TOLL ON THE EMOTIONAL HEALTH OF TEENAGERS AND A HEART PUMP THAT WAS IMPLANTED IN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE DESPITE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S KNOWLEDGE THAT IT HAD POTENTIALLY DEADLY PROBLEMS.PROPUBLICA HIRED 15 NEW REPORTERS TO COMPLETE OUR REGIONAL REPORTING UNITS IN THE MIDWEST, SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST, AND 15 REPORTERS BEGAN NEW OR CONTINUED PROJECTS WITH THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK. STORIES FROM THE LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK IN 2021 EXPOSED A TENNESSEE COUNTY'S HARSH JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM THAT JAILED BLACK CHILDREN FOR A CRIME THAT DIDN'T EXIST; AIR POLLUTION AND HEALTH RISKS POSED BY SUGAR CANE BURNING IN FLORIDA; IMPUNITY AFFORDED BY SHERIFF'S DEPUTIES IN LOUISIANA ACCUSED OF EXCESSIVE FORCE; AND THE FIGHT FOR RACIAL JUSTICE IN A SMALL NORTH CAROLINA TOWN. OTHER LOCAL WORK INCLUDED STORIES ON GOVERNMENT FAILURES TO PROTECT TEXAS COMMUNITIES FROM CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING AND DEATHS, AND HOW DOZENS OF MISSOURI HOMEOWNERS WHO USED STATE-SUPPORTED "CLEAN ENERGY" LOANS TO FIX THEIR HOUSES ENDED UP TRAPPED IN DEBT.PROPUBLICA WON A NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY - OUR FOURTH EMMY AWARD AND FIRST SOLO EMMY - FOR THE VIDEO "RESCUING HER FATHER FROM AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN THE CORONAVIRUS EPICENTER." OUR INVESTIGATIVE WORK ON THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC WAS A FINALIST FOR THE 2021 PULITZER PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, WITH STORIES ABOUT DISPROPORTIONATE DEATHS AMONG BLACK AMERICANS AND HOW THE MEATPACKING INDUSTRY IGNORED PANDEMIC WARNINGS WINNING A GEORGE POLK AWARD IN JOURNALISM. WE ALSO WON FIVE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARDS RECOGNIZING WORK ON RACIAL DISPARITIES IN DIABETIC AMPUTATIONS AND KIDNEY CARE, HOW THE CORONAVIRUS WAS KILLING YOUNG BLACK MEN WITH DEADLY EFFICIENCY, A MICHIGAN TEEN JAILED FOR FAILING TO COMPLETE ONLINE SCHOOLWORK, THE EROSION OF HAWAII'S BEACHES, AND THE PORTRAITS AND STORIES OF 29 ALASKAN SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS. OUR PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED TO GROW, WITH 71 IN 2021 ALONE. PARTNERS OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST, THE NEW YORKER, UNIVISION, TIME AND VOX.WE EXPANDED OUR EVENTS PROGRAM WITH 28 VIRTUAL AND IN-PERSON EVENTS IN 2021. TOPICS INCLUDED THE OVER-INCARCERATION OF CHILDREN IN TENNESSEE'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM, AFFORDABLE HOUSING IN NEVADA, SURGES IN VIOLENCE AGAINST ASIAN AMERICANS, HOW WHITE ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS HAVE MARGINALIZED BLACK FARMERS IN ILLINOIS, THE RECORD DETENTION OF MIGRANTS AT THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER AND THE UNEQUAL IMPACT THAT CLIMATE CHANGE IS HAVING ON PEOPLE OF COLOR IN A SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TOWN. AMONG OTHERS, EVENT PARTNERS INCLUDED BRIDGE MICHIGAN, CLIMATE ONE, CODE FOR AMERICA, FLINT BEAT, GRIST, NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO, NEVADA HUMANITIES AND OUTLIER MEDIA.THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST AT PROPUBLICA IS WHETHER OUR WORK IS MAKING AN IMPACT. WE MEASURE IMPACT NOT IN TERMS OF AUDIENCE SIZE OR HONORS, BUT IN REAL-WORLD CHANGES TO BEHAVIORS, POLICIES OR LEGISLATION. WE PUBLISHED MORE THAN 470 STORIES IN 2021. THOSE ARTICLES LED TO THE RESIGNATION OF OFFICIALS, THE PASSAGE OF NEW LAWS AND OTHER CHANGES AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS. HERE ARE HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR WORK. | Desc |
| Total Program Service Expenses | $28,686,203 | TotalProgramServiceExpensesAmt |
| Described In Section501c3 | Yes (1) | DescribedInSection501c3Ind |
| Schedule B Required | Yes (1) | ScheduleBRequiredInd |
| Political Campaign Acty | 0 | PoliticalCampaignActyInd |
| Lobbying Activities | 0 | LobbyingActivitiesInd |
| Subject To Proxy Tax | 0 | SubjectToProxyTaxInd |
| Donor Advised Fund | 0 | DonorAdvisedFundInd |
| Conservation Easements | 0 | ConservationEasementsInd |
| Collections Of Art | 0 | CollectionsOfArtInd |
| Credit Counseling | 0 | CreditCounselingInd |
| Donor Rstr Or Quasi Endowments | 0 | DonorRstrOrQuasiEndowmentsInd |
| Report Land Building Equipment | Yes (1) | ReportLandBuildingEquipmentInd |
| Report Investments Other Sec | 0 | ReportInvestmentsOtherSecInd |
| Report Program Related Invst | 0 | ReportProgramRelatedInvstInd |
| Report Other Assets | 0 | ReportOtherAssetsInd |
| Report Other Liabilities | 0 | ReportOtherLiabilitiesInd |
| Include FIN48 Footnote | Yes (1) | IncludeFIN48FootnoteInd |
| Independent Audit Fincl Stmt | Yes (1) | IndependentAuditFinclStmtInd |
| Consolidated Audit Fincl Stmt | 0 | ConsolidatedAuditFinclStmtInd |
| School Operating | 0 | SchoolOperatingInd |
| Foreign Office | 0 | ForeignOfficeInd |
| Foreign Activities | 0 | ForeignActivitiesInd |
| More Than5000 K To Org | 0 | MoreThan5000KToOrgInd |
| More Than5000 K To Individuals | 0 | MoreThan5000KToIndividualsInd |
| Professional Fundraising | 0 | ProfessionalFundraisingInd |
| Fundraising Activities | 0 | FundraisingActivitiesInd |
| Gaming Activities | 0 | GamingActivitiesInd |
| Operate Hospital | 0 | OperateHospitalInd |
| Grants To Organizations | Yes (1) | GrantsToOrganizationsInd |
| Grants To Individuals | Yes (1) | GrantsToIndividualsInd |
| Schedule J Required | Yes (1) | ScheduleJRequiredInd |
| Tax Exempt Bonds | 0 | TaxExemptBondsInd |
| Engaged In Excess Benefit Trans | 0 | EngagedInExcessBenefitTransInd |
| PY Excess Benefit Trans | 0 | PYExcessBenefitTransInd |
| Loan Outstanding | 0 | LoanOutstandingInd |
| Grant To Related Person | 0 | GrantToRelatedPersonInd |
| Business Rln With Org Mem | 0 | BusinessRlnWithOrgMemInd |
| Business Rln With Fam Mem | 0 | BusinessRlnWithFamMemInd |
| Business Rln With35 Ctrl Ent | 0 | BusinessRlnWith35CtrlEntInd |
| Deductible Non Cash Contri | Yes (1) | DeductibleNonCashContriInd |
| Deductible Art Contribution | 0 | DeductibleArtContributionInd |
| Terminate Operations | 0 | TerminateOperationsInd |
| Partial Liquidation | 0 | PartialLiquidationInd |
| Disregarded Entity | 0 | DisregardedEntityInd |
| Related Entity | 0 | RelatedEntityInd |
| Related Organization Ctrl Ent | 0 | RelatedOrganizationCtrlEntInd |
| Trnsfr Exmpt Non Chrtbl Rltd Org | 0 | TrnsfrExmptNonChrtblRltdOrgInd |
| Activities Conducted Prtshp | 0 | ActivitiesConductedPrtshpInd |
| Schedule O Required | Yes (1) | ScheduleORequiredInd |
| IRP Document | 159 | IRPDocumentCnt |
| IRP Document W2 G | 0 | IRPDocumentW2GCnt |
| Employee | 205 | EmployeeCnt |
| Employment Tax Returns Filed | Yes (1) | EmploymentTaxReturnsFiledInd |
| Unrelated Bus Incm Over Limit | Yes (1) | UnrelatedBusIncmOverLimitInd |
| Form990 T Filed | Yes (1) | Form990TFiledInd |
| Foreign Financial Account | 0 | ForeignFinancialAccountInd |
| Prohibited Tax Shelter Trans | 0 | ProhibitedTaxShelterTransInd |
| Taxable Party Notification | 0 | TaxablePartyNotificationInd |
| Nondeductible Contributions | 0 | NondeductibleContributionsInd |
| Quid Pro Quo Contributions | 0 | QuidProQuoContributionsInd |
| Form8282 Property Disposed Of | 0 | Form8282PropertyDisposedOfInd |
| Rcv Fnds To Pay Prsnl Bnft Cntrct | 0 | RcvFndsToPayPrsnlBnftCntrctInd |
| Pay Premiums Prsnl Bnft Cntrct | 0 | PayPremiumsPrsnlBnftCntrctInd |
| Indoor Tanning Services | 0 | IndoorTanningServicesInd |
| Subj To Tax Rmnrtn Ex Prcht Pymt | 0 | SubjToTaxRmnrtnExPrchtPymtInd |
| Subject To Excs Tax Net Invst Inc | 0 | SubjectToExcsTaxNetInvstIncInd |
| Info In Schedule O Part VI | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartVIInd |
| Governing Body Voting Members | 12 | GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt |
| Independent Voting Member | 12 | IndependentVotingMemberCnt |
| Family Or Business Rln | 0 | FamilyOrBusinessRlnInd |
| Delegation Of Mgmt Duties | 0 | DelegationOfMgmtDutiesInd |
| Change To Org Documents | 0 | ChangeToOrgDocumentsInd |
| Material Diversion Or Misuse | 0 | MaterialDiversionOrMisuseInd |
| Members Or Stockholders | 0 | MembersOrStockholdersInd |
| Election Of Board Members | 0 | ElectionOfBoardMembersInd |
| Decisions Subject To Approva | 0 | DecisionsSubjectToApprovaInd |
| Minutes Of Governing Body | Yes (1) | MinutesOfGoverningBodyInd |
| Minutes Of Committees | Yes (1) | MinutesOfCommitteesInd |
| Officer Mailing Address | 0 | OfficerMailingAddressInd |
| Local Chapters | 0 | LocalChaptersInd |
| Form990 Provided To Gvrn Body | Yes (1) | Form990ProvidedToGvrnBodyInd |
| Conflict Of Interest Policy | Yes (1) | ConflictOfInterestPolicyInd |
| Annual Disclosure Covered Prsn | Yes (1) | AnnualDisclosureCoveredPrsnInd |
| Regular Monitoring Enfrc | Yes (1) | RegularMonitoringEnfrcInd |
| Whistleblower Policy | Yes (1) | WhistleblowerPolicyInd |
| Document Retention Policy | Yes (1) | DocumentRetentionPolicyInd |
| Compensation Process CEO | Yes (1) | CompensationProcessCEOInd |
| Compensation Process Other | 0 | CompensationProcessOtherInd |
| Investment In Joint Venture | 0 | InvestmentInJointVentureInd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | AL | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | AR | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | CA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | FL | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | GA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | HI | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | IL | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | KS | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | KY | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | MD | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | MA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | MI | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | MN | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | MS | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | NH | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | NJ | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | NM | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | NY | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | NC | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | ND | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | OR | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | PA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | RI | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | SC | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | TN | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | UT | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | VA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | WV | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | WI | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| Own Website | Yes (X) | OwnWebsiteInd |
| Other Website | Yes (X) | OtherWebsiteInd |
| Upon Request | Yes (X) | UponRequestInd |
Books In Care Of Detail BooksInCareOfDetail
Business Name BusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | STEPHANIE N LITTLE CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMIN OFFICER | BusinessNameLine1Txt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Phone | 2125145250 | PhoneNum |
US Address USAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | 155 AVE OF THE AMERICAS 13 FL | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | NEW YORK | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | NY | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 10013 | ZIPCd |
Form990 Part VII Section A Form990PartVIISectionAGrp (25 entries)
| TitleTitleTxt | Average Hours Per WeekAverageHoursPerWeekRt | Individual Trustee Or DirectorIndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd | OfficerOfficerInd | Reportable Comp From OrgReportableCompFromOrgAmt | Reportable Comp From Rltd OrgReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt | Other CompensationOtherCompensationAmt | Key EmployeeKeyEmployeeInd | Highest Compensated EmployeeHighestCompensatedEmployeeInd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PAUL SAGAN | ||||||||
| CHAIRMAN | 2.00 | Yes (X) | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
| PAUL E STEIGER | ||||||||
| EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN THRU OCT 2021 | 1.00 | Yes (X) | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | ||
| CLAIRE BERNARD | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| MARK COLODNY | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| STEVE DAETZ | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| ANGELA FILO | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| HENRY LOUIS GATES JR | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| CLAIRE HOFFMAN | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| ANU KHOSLA | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| KATIE MCGRATH | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| ROBERT CS MONKS | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| RONALD OLSON | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| JAMES STONE | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| S DONALD SUSSMAN | ||||||||
| DIRECTOR THRU MARCH 2021 | 1.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | |||
| STEPHEN ENGELBERG | ||||||||
| CO-CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $423,346 | $0 | $51,338 | |||
| RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT | ||||||||
| CO-CEO & TREASURER THRU SEPT 2021 | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $334,458 | $0 | $25,178 | |||
| ROBIN SPARKMAN PRESIDENT | ||||||||
| CO-CEO & TREASURER AS OF SEPT 2021 | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $133,098 | $0 | $9,452 | |||
| RAGAN RHYNE | ||||||||
| SVP, DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $308,590 | $0 | $16,760 | |||
| STEPHANIE LITTLE | ||||||||
| VP, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $207,030 | $0 | $47,642 | |||
| JEREMY KUTNER | ||||||||
| GENERAL COUNSEL | 40.00 | $213,731 | $0 | $25,649 | Yes (X) | |||
| ROBIN FIELDS | ||||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR | 40.00 | $309,289 | $0 | $19,896 | Yes (X) | |||
| CHARLES ORNSTEIN | ||||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR, LOCAL | 40.00 | $285,296 | $0 | $42,882 | Yes (X) | |||
| JESSE EISINGER | ||||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR & REPORTER | 40.00 | $245,840 | $0 | $46,533 | Yes (X) | |||
| TRACY WEBER | ||||||||
| DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR | 40.00 | $245,200 | $0 | $35,291 | Yes (X) | |||
| GINGER THOMPSON | ||||||||
| CHIEF OF CORRESPONDENTS | 40.00 | $222,215 | $0 | $24,145 | Yes (X) | |||
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Reportable Comp From Org | $2,928,093 | TotalReportableCompFromOrgAmt |
| Tot Reportable Comp Rltd Org | $0 | TotReportableCompRltdOrgAmt |
| Total Other Compensation | $344,766 | TotalOtherCompensationAmt |
| Indiv Rcvd Greater Than100 K | 98 | IndivRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt |
| Former Ofcr Employees Listed | 0 | FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd |
| Total Comp Greater Than150 K | Yes (1) | TotalCompGreaterThan150KInd |
| Compensation From Other Srcs | 0 | CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd |
Contractor Compensation ContractorCompensationGrp (4 entries)
| Address Line1ContractorAddress/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt | CityContractorAddress/USAddress/CityNm | State AbbreviationContractorAddress/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd | ZIPContractorAddress/USAddress/ZIPCd | ServicesServicesDesc | CompensationCompensationAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMAZON WEB SERVICES | |||||
| PO BOX 84023 | SEATTLE | WA | 981248423 | WEBSITE HOSTING SERVICES | $222,170 |
| VELOCITY GLOBAL | |||||
| 3858 WALNUT STREET SUITE 107 | DENVER | CO | 80205 | REPORTING SERVICES | $152,187 |
| BLINKHORN LLC | |||||
| 23 GRANT AVE | OLD GREENWICH | CT | 06870 | RECRUITING CONSULTANT | $142,000 |
| HAYNES AND BOONE LLP | |||||
| PO BOX 841399 | DALLAS | TX | 752841399 | LEGAL SERVICES | $108,233 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Cntrct Rcvd Greater Than100 K | 4 | CntrctRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt |
| Government Grants | $12,054 | GovernmentGrantsAmt |
| All Other Contributions | $35,394,240 | AllOtherContributionsAmt |
| Noncash Contributions | $838,747 | NoncashContributionsAmt |
| Total Contributions | $35,406,294 | TotalContributionsAmt |
Program Service Revenue ProgramServiceRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Desc | EDITORIAL FEES | Desc |
| Business | 519100 | BusinessCd |
| Total Revenue Column | $5,250 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $5,250 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Program Service Revenue | $5,250 | TotalProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
Investment Income InvestmentIncomeGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $161,125 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Exclusion | $161,125 | ExclusionAmt |
Royalties Revenue RoyaltiesRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $138,043 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $16,592 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Exclusion | $121,451 | ExclusionAmt |
Gross Amount Sales Assets GrossAmountSalesAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | $834,956 | SecuritiesAmt |
Less Cost Oth Basis Sales Expnss LessCostOthBasisSalesExpnssGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | $833,649 | SecuritiesAmt |
Gain Or Loss GainOrLossGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | $1,307 | SecuritiesAmt |
Net Gain Or Loss Investments NetGainOrLossInvestmentsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $1,307 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Exclusion | $1,307 | ExclusionAmt |
Other Revenue Misc OtherRevenueMiscGrp (3 entries)
| DescDesc | BusinessBusinessCd | Total Revenue ColumnTotalRevenueColumnAmt | Unrelated Business RevenueUnrelatedBusinessRevenueAmt | ExclusionExclusionAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADVERTISING REVENUE | 541800 | $161,048 | $161,048 | |
| INSURANCE REIMB. OF LEGAL FEES | 900099 | $116,478 | $116,478 | |
| HONORARIA AND OTHER REVENUE | 900099 | $15,755 | $15,755 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Revenue Total | $293,281 | OtherRevenueTotalAmt |
Total Revenue TotalRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $36,005,300 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $21,842 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Unrelated Business Revenue | $161,048 | UnrelatedBusinessRevenueAmt |
| Exclusion | $416,116 | ExclusionAmt |
Grants To Domestic Orgs GrantsToDomesticOrgsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,160,056 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,160,056 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Grants To Domestic Individuals GrantsToDomesticIndividualsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $183,113 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $183,113 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Comp Current Ofcr Directors CompCurrentOfcrDirectorsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,796,272 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $474,684 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $996,238 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $325,350 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Salaries And Wages OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $20,541,534 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $18,315,663 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $1,636,281 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $589,590 | FundraisingAmt |
Pension Plan Contributions PensionPlanContributionsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $826,676 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $774,485 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $41,572 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $10,619 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Employee Benefits OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $2,033,358 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,829,700 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $144,311 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $59,347 | FundraisingAmt |
Payroll Taxes PayrollTaxesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,666,029 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,414,872 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $189,653 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $61,504 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Legal FeesForServicesLegalGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $198,156 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $175,901 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $9,019 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $13,236 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Accounting FeesForServicesAccountingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $65,702 | TotalAmt |
| Management And General | $65,702 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Fees For Services Prof Fundraising FeesForServicesProfFundraising
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $13,700 | TotalAmt |
| Fundraising | $13,700 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Other FeesForServicesOtherGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $295,881 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $273,555 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $21,365 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $961 | FundraisingAmt |
Advertising AdvertisingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $275,462 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $190,949 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $77,017 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $7,496 | FundraisingAmt |
Office Expenses OfficeExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $617,840 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $295,326 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $39,646 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $282,868 | FundraisingAmt |
Information Technology InformationTechnologyGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,139,463 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $898,473 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $112,371 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $128,619 | FundraisingAmt |
Occupancy OccupancyGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,439,788 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,242,916 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $132,634 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $64,238 | FundraisingAmt |
Travel TravelGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $475,333 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $450,494 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $21,049 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $3,790 | FundraisingAmt |
Conferences Meetings ConferencesMeetingsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $81,156 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $66,568 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $14,074 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $514 | FundraisingAmt |
Depreciation Depletion DepreciationDepletionGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $262,498 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $223,123 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $34,404 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $4,971 | FundraisingAmt |
Insurance InsuranceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $445,018 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $338,601 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $90,203 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $16,214 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Expenses OtherExpensesGrp (4 entries)
| DescDesc | TotalTotalAmt | Program ServicesProgramServicesAmt | Management And GeneralManagementAndGeneralAmt | FundraisingFundraisingAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PUBLIC REC. COPIES/SUBS | $281,963 | $281,963 | ||
| RECRUITMENT/PROF DEVEL. | $245,988 | $40,983 | $203,273 | $1,732 |
| REPAIRS AND MAINTENANCE | $65,135 | $54,778 | $7,146 | $3,211 |
| UBIT TAX EXPENSE | $43,000 | $43,000 |
Total Functional Expenses TotalFunctionalExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $34,153,121 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $28,686,203 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $3,878,958 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $1,587,960 | FundraisingAmt |
Cash Non Interest Bearing CashNonInterestBearingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $4,195,076 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $7,676,182 | EOYAmt |
Savings And Temp Cash Invst SavingsAndTempCashInvstGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $37,782,891 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $7,804,311 | EOYAmt |
Pledges And Grants Receivable PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $15,350,410 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $11,587,301 | EOYAmt |
Accounts Receivable AccountsReceivableGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $27,793 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $11,184 | EOYAmt |
Prepaid Expenses Defrd Charges PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $764,575 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $730,833 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Land Bldg Equip Cost Or Other Bss | $1,566,477 | LandBldgEquipCostOrOtherBssAmt |
| Land Bldg Equip Accum Deprec | $1,120,185 | LandBldgEquipAccumDeprecAmt |
Land Bldg Equip Basis Net LandBldgEquipBasisNetGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $485,104 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $446,292 | EOYAmt |
Investments Pub Traded Sec InvestmentsPubTradedSecGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $14,866 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $32,458,969 | EOYAmt |
Other Assets Total OtherAssetsTotalGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $45,644 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $67,609 | EOYAmt |
Total Assets TotalAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $58,666,359 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $60,782,681 | EOYAmt |
Accounts Payable Accr Expnss AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $462,210 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $473,080 | EOYAmt |
Deferred Revenue DeferredRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $421,316 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $382,502 | EOYAmt |
Total Liabilities TotalLiabilitiesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $883,526 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $855,582 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Organization Follows FASB117 | Yes (X) | OrganizationFollowsFASB117Ind |
No Donor Restriction Net Assets NoDonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $34,370,956 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $42,999,335 | EOYAmt |
Donor Restriction Net Assets DonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $23,411,877 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $16,927,764 | EOYAmt |
Total Net Assets Fund Balance TotalNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $57,782,833 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $59,927,099 | EOYAmt |
Tot Liab Net Assets Fund Balance TotLiabNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $58,666,359 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $60,782,681 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Reconcilation Revenue Expnss | $1,852,179 | ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt |
| Net Unrlzd Gains Losses Invst | $292,087 | NetUnrlzdGainsLossesInvstAmt |
| Other Changes In Net Assets | $0 | OtherChangesInNetAssetsAmt |
| Info In Schedule O Part XII | Yes (X) | InfoInScheduleOPartXIIInd |
| Method Of Accounting Accrual | Yes (X) | MethodOfAccountingAccrualInd |
| Accountant Compile Or Review | 0 | AccountantCompileOrReviewInd |
| FS Audited | Yes (1) | FSAuditedInd |
FS Audited Basis FSAuditedBasisGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Separate Basis Fincl Stmt | Yes (X) | SeparateBasisFinclStmtInd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Audit Committee | Yes (1) | AuditCommitteeInd |
| Federal Grant Audit Required | 0 | FederalGrantAuditRequiredInd |
Schedule A IRS990ScheduleA
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Organization170 | Yes (X) | PublicOrganization170Ind |
Gifts Grants Contri Rcvd170 GiftsGrantsContriRcvd170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $43,063,123 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $25,576,127 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $37,366,751 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $36,816,824 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $35,406,294 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $178,229,119 | TotalAmt |
Total Calendar Year170 TotalCalendarYear170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $43,063,123 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $25,576,127 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $37,366,751 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $36,816,824 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $35,406,294 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $178,229,119 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial Contributors Tot | $19,049,987 | SubstantialContributorsTotAmt |
| Public Support Total170 | $159,179,132 | PublicSupportTotal170Amt |
Gross Investment Income170 GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $91,606 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $449,799 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $635,480 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $200,509 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $282,576 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $1,659,970 | TotalAmt |
Unrelated Business Net Incm170 UnrelatedBusinessNetIncm170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $52,755 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $36,395 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $68,949 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $137,708 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $76,285 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $372,092 | TotalAmt |
Other Income170 OtherIncome170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $108,258 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $230,179 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $454,278 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $146,125 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $132,233 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $1,071,073 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Support | $181,332,254 | TotalSupportAmt |
| Gross Receipts Rltd Activities | $1,469,250 | GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt |
| Public Support CY170 | 0.87780 | PublicSupportCY170Pct |
| Public Support PY170 | 0.84630 | PublicSupportPY170Pct |
| Thirty Thr Pct Suprt Tests CY170 | Yes (X) | ThirtyThrPctSuprtTestsCY170Ind |
Form990 Schedule A Part VI Form990ScheduleAPartVIGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Form And Line Reference | SCHEDULE A, PART II, LINE 10, EXPLANATION OF OTHER INCOME: | FormAndLineReferenceDesc |
| Explanation | HONORARIA AND OTHER REVENUE - 2017 AMOUNT: $ 90,734. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 77,346. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 49,055. 2020 AMOUNT: $ 29,589. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 15,755. INSURANCE REIMB OF LEGAL FEES - 2017 AMOUNT: $ 17,524. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 152,833. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 405,223. 2020 AMOUNT: $ 116,536. 2021 AMOUNT: $ 116,478. | ExplanationTxt |
Schedule B IRS990ScheduleB
Contributor Information ContributorInformationGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Contributor | RESTRICTED | ContributorNum |
Contributor Business Name ContributorBusinessName
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Business Name Line1 | RESTRICTED | BusinessNameLine1 |
Contributor US Address ContributorUSAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Address Line1 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine1 |
| Address Line2 | RESTRICTED | AddressLine2 |
| City | RESTRICTED | City |
| State | RESTRICTED | State |
| ZIP Code | RESTRICTED | ZIPCode |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Contributions | RESTRICTED | TotalContributionsAmt |
Schedule D IRS990ScheduleD
Leasehold Improvements LeaseholdImprovementsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Cost Or Other Basis | $266,318 | OtherCostOrOtherBasisAmt |
| Depreciation | $166,454 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $99,864 | BookValueAmt |
Equipment EquipmentGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Cost Or Other Basis | $949,629 | OtherCostOrOtherBasisAmt |
| Depreciation | $699,302 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $250,327 | BookValueAmt |
Other Land Buildings OtherLandBuildingsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Cost Or Other Basis | $350,530 | OtherCostOrOtherBasisAmt |
| Depreciation | $254,429 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $96,101 | BookValueAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Book Value Land Buildings | $446,292 | TotalBookValueLandBuildingsAmt |
| Footnote Text | Yes (X) | FootnoteTextInd |
| Total Rev Etc Audited Fincl Stmt | $36,168,855 | TotalRevEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt |
| Net Unrealized Gains Invst | $292,087 | NetUnrealizedGainsInvstAmt |
| Revenue Not Reported | $292,087 | RevenueNotReportedAmt |
| Revenue Subtotal | $35,876,768 | RevenueSubtotalAmt |
| Other Revenues Not Included | $128,532 | OtherRevenuesNotIncludedAmt |
| Revenue Not Reported Fincl Stmt | $128,532 | RevenueNotReportedFinclStmtAmt |
| Total Revenue Per Form990 | $36,005,300 | TotalRevenuePerForm990Amt |
| Tot Expns Etc Audited Fincl Stmt | $34,024,589 | TotExpnsEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt |
| Expenses Not Reported | $0 | ExpensesNotReportedAmt |
| Expenses Subtotal | $34,024,589 | ExpensesSubtotalAmt |
| Other Expenses Not Included | $128,532 | OtherExpensesNotIncludedAmt |
| Expenses Not Rpt Fincl Stmt | $128,532 | ExpensesNotRptFinclStmtAmt |
| Total Expenses Per Form990 | $34,153,121 | TotalExpensesPerForm990Amt |
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail (3 entries)
| Form And Line ReferenceFormAndLineReferenceDesc | ExplanationExplanationTxt |
|---|---|
| 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 2018. |
| PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: | REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 116,478. OTHER CONTRIBUTION REPORTED ON PART VIII 12,054. |
| PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: | REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 116,478. OTHER CONTRIBUTION REPORTED ON PART VIII 12,054. |
Schedule I IRS990ScheduleI
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Records Maintained | Yes (1) | GrantRecordsMaintainedInd |
Recipient Table RecipientTable (25 entries)
| Address Line1USAddress/AddressLine1Txt | CityUSAddress/CityNm | State AbbreviationUSAddress/StateAbbreviationCd | ZIPUSAddress/ZIPCd | Recipient EINRecipientEIN | Cash GrantCashGrantAmt | Non Cash AssistanceNonCashAssistanceAmt | Purpose Of GrantPurposeOfGrantTxt | IRC SectionIRCSectionDesc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS | ||||||||
| 300 W 31ST AVENUE | ANCHORAGE | AK | 99503 | 371869203 | $43,563 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| ASBURY PARK PRESS | ||||||||
| 3601 HIGHWAY 66 2ND FLOOR | NEPTUNE | NJ | 07754 | 061032273 | $5,535 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| CHICAGO PUBLIC MEDIA INC | ||||||||
| 848 E GRAND AVENUE NAVY PIER | CHICAGO | IL | 60611 | 363687394 | $7,545 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| CITY REPORT INC | ||||||||
| 35 WEST 31ST STREET 4TH FLOOR | NEW YORK | NY | 10001 | 371896785 | $78,700 | $0 | 1) PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE AND 2) PASS THROUGH SUB-GRANT PAYMENT BASED ON GRANT AGREEMENT | 501(C)(3) |
| COASTALASKA INC | ||||||||
| 360 EGAN DRIVE | JUNEAU | AK | 99801 | 920162579 | $49,392 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| COMMUNITY LIFT CORP | ||||||||
| 119 S COURT AVENUE SUITE 100 | MEMPHIS | TN | 38103 | 273941355 | $34,850 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | 501(C)(3) |
| GANNETT SHARED SERVICES CENTER | ||||||||
| 750 N GENE AUTRY TRAIL | PALM SPRINGS | CA | 92262 | 465738464 | $5,760 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| LEE BHM CORP | ||||||||
| 300 EAST FRANKLIN STREET | RICHMOND | VA | 23219 | 844721627 | $32,191 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE FOR 1) PRESS OF ATLANTIC CITY AND RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH | |
| LEE ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED | ||||||||
| 4600 E 53RD STREET | DAVENPORT | IA | 52807 | 420823980 | $51,837 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| MOUNTAIN STATE SPOTLIGHT | ||||||||
| PO BOX 1111 | CHARLESTON | WV | 25324 | 851154363 | $70,110 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| MUCKROCK FOUNDATION INCORPORATED | ||||||||
| 411A HIGHLAND AVENUE | SOMERVILLE | MA | 02144 | 811485228 | $69,192 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO | ||||||||
| 630 MAINSTREAM DRIVE | NASHVILLE | TN | 37228 | 621631652 | $78,660 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| NEW BEDFORD LIGHT | ||||||||
| 127 W RODNEY FRENCH BLVD | NEW BEDFORD | MA | 02744 | 862407296 | $18,450 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| OAHU PUBLICATIONS INC | ||||||||
| 500 ALA MOANA BLVD STE 7-500 | HONOLULU | HI | 96813 | 990353529 | $93,111 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| OPEN VALLEJO | ||||||||
| PO BOX 4344 | VALLEJO | CA | 94590 | 844618329 | $69,192 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING | ||||||||
| 7140 S MACADAM AVENUE | PORTLAND | OR | 97219 | 930814638 | $76,880 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| ROCKY MOUNTAIN PUBLIC MEDIA INC | ||||||||
| 2101 ARAPAHOE STREET | DENVER | CO | 80205 | 840510785 | $30,750 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| SAN FRANSISCO PUBLIC PRESS | ||||||||
| 44 PAGE STREET SUITE 504 | SAN FRANCISCO | CA | 94102 | 277275141 | $60,243 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RADIO | ||||||||
| 474 SOUTH RAYMOND AVE | PASADENA | CA | 91105 | 954765734 | $59,352 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| THE NEWS & OBSERVER | ||||||||
| 421 FAYETTEVILLE STREET SUITE 104 | RALEIGH | NC | 27601 | 560338580 | $13,524 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE PALM BEACH POST | ||||||||
| 175 SULLYS TRAIL | PITTSFORD | NY | 14534 | 472464860 | $23,095 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER | ||||||||
| 801 MARKET STREET SUITE 300 | PHILADELPHIA | PA | 19107 | 272937767 | $36,890 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE SEATTLE TIMES CO | ||||||||
| 1000 DENNY WAY | SEATTLE | WA | 98109 | 910403890 | $8,200 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| TRIBUNE PUBLISHING COMPANY LLC | ||||||||
| 160 N STETSON 40TH FLOOR | CHICAGO | IL | 60601 | 363779720 | $104,550 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK DISTINGUISHED FELLOWS PROGRAM | |
| VPM MEDIA CORPORATION | ||||||||
| 23 SESAME STREET | N CHESTERFIELD | VA | 23235 | 540735782 | $38,484 | $0 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total501c3 Org | 11 | Total501c3OrgCnt |
| Total Other Org | 14 | TotalOtherOrgCnt |
Grants Other Asst To Indiv In US GrantsOtherAsstToIndivInUSGrp (4 entries)
| Grant TypeGrantTypeTxt | RecipientRecipientCnt | Cash GrantCashGrantAmt |
|---|---|---|
| LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK GRANT | 2 | $111,218 |
| EMERGING REPORTER STIPEND | 11 | $49,500 |
| DIVERSITY STIPEND | 24 | $18,000 |
| COVID QUALIFIED DISASTER RELIEF | 1 | $4,395 |
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Form And Line Reference | PART I, LINE 2: | FormAndLineReferenceDesc |
| Explanation | 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 2021, 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. QUALIFIED DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENTS: ON OCCASION, PROPUBLICA MAY PROVIDE EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE UNDER IRS CODE SECTION 139 IN THE FORM OF DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENTS. SUCH REQUESTS ARE CONSIDERED ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS, AND IF APPROVED, RECIPIENTS MUST SUBSTANTIATE THE USAGE OF SUCH FUNDS BY PROVIDING SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION. SUCH REQUESTS ARE CONSIDERED ONLY IF THERE IS SUBSTANTIAL REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE NEED FOR ASSISTANCE HAS ARISEN IN RELATION TO WORK CONDUCTED BY THE EMPLOYEE ON BEHALF OF PROPUBLICA. PROPUBLICA PROVIDED ONE SUCH DISASTER RELIEF PAYMENT IN 2021. | ExplanationTxt |
Schedule J IRS990ScheduleJ
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Compensation Committee | Yes (X) | CompensationCommitteeInd |
| Independent Consultant | Yes (X) | IndependentConsultantInd |
| Form990 Of Other Organizations | Yes (X) | Form990OfOtherOrganizationsInd |
| Compensation Survey | Yes (X) | CompensationSurveyInd |
| Board Or Committee Approval | Yes (X) | BoardOrCommitteeApprovalInd |
| Severance Payment | 0 | SeverancePaymentInd |
| Supplemental Nonqual Rtr Plan | 0 | SupplementalNonqualRtrPlanInd |
| Equity Based Comp Arrngm | 0 | EquityBasedCompArrngmInd |
| Comp Based On Revenue Of Flng Org | 0 | CompBasedOnRevenueOfFlngOrgInd |
| Comp Bsd On Rev Related Orgs | 0 | CompBsdOnRevRelatedOrgsInd |
| Comp Bsd Net Earns Flng Org | 0 | CompBsdNetEarnsFlngOrgInd |
| Comp Bsd Net Earns Rltd Orgs | 0 | CompBsdNetEarnsRltdOrgsInd |
| Any Non Fixed Payments | Yes (1) | AnyNonFixedPaymentsInd |
| Initial Contract Exception | 0 | InitialContractExceptionInd |
Rltd Org Officer Trst Key Empl RltdOrgOfficerTrstKeyEmplGrp (10 entries)
| TitleTitleTxt | Base Compensation Filing OrgBaseCompensationFilingOrgAmt | Compensation Based On Rltd OrgsCompensationBasedOnRltdOrgsAmt | Bonus Filing OrganizationBonusFilingOrganizationAmount | Bonus Related OrganizationsBonusRelatedOrganizationsAmt | Other Compensation Filing OrgOtherCompensationFilingOrgAmt | Other Compensation Rltd OrgsOtherCompensationRltdOrgsAmt | Deferred Compensation Flng OrgDeferredCompensationFlngOrgAmt | Deferred Comp Rltd OrgsDeferredCompRltdOrgsAmt | Nontaxable Benefits Filing OrgNontaxableBenefitsFilingOrgAmt | Nontaxable Benefits Rltd OrgsNontaxableBenefitsRltdOrgsAmt | Total Compensation Filing OrgTotalCompensationFilingOrgAmt | Total Compensation Rltd OrgsTotalCompensationRltdOrgsAmt | Comp Report Prior990 Filing OrgCompReportPrior990FilingOrgAmt | Comp Report Prior990 Rltd OrgsCompReportPrior990RltdOrgsAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN ENGELBERG | ||||||||||||||
| CO-CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | $415,519 | $0 | $4,263 | $0 | $3,564 | $0 | $14,500 | $0 | $36,838 | $0 | $474,684 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT | ||||||||||||||
| CO-CEO & TREASURER THRU SEPT 2021 | $331,488 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,970 | $0 | $14,500 | $0 | $10,678 | $0 | $359,636 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ROBIN FIELDS | ||||||||||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR | $304,987 | $0 | $3,060 | $0 | $1,242 | $0 | $7,650 | $0 | $12,246 | $0 | $329,185 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLES ORNSTEIN | ||||||||||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR, LOCAL | $281,601 | $0 | $2,885 | $0 | $810 | $0 | $14,425 | $0 | $28,457 | $0 | $328,178 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| RAGAN RHYNE | ||||||||||||||
| SVP, DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY | $305,000 | $0 | $3,050 | $0 | $540 | $0 | $15,250 | $0 | $1,510 | $0 | $325,350 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| JESSE EISINGER | ||||||||||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR & REPORTER | $242,085 | $0 | $2,513 | $0 | $1,242 | $0 | $12,563 | $0 | $33,970 | $0 | $292,373 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| TRACY WEBER | ||||||||||||||
| DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR | $236,554 | $0 | $6,438 | $0 | $2,208 | $0 | $12,187 | $0 | $23,104 | $0 | $280,491 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| STEPHANIE LITTLE | ||||||||||||||
| VP, FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | $204,424 | $0 | $2,150 | $0 | $456 | $0 | $10,750 | $0 | $36,892 | $0 | $254,672 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| GINGER THOMPSON | ||||||||||||||
| CHIEF OF CORRESPONDENTS | $218,003 | $0 | $2,200 | $0 | $2,012 | $0 | $11,000 | $0 | $13,145 | $0 | $246,360 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| JEREMY KUTNER | ||||||||||||||
| GENERAL COUNSEL | $211,203 | $0 | $2,150 | $0 | $378 | $0 | $10,750 | $0 | $14,899 | $0 | $239,380 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Form And Line Reference | PART I, LINE 7 | FormAndLineReferenceDesc |
| Explanation | INDIVIDUALS REPORTED ON FORM 990, PART VII, SECTION A AND SCHEDULE J, PART II RECEIVED BOARD APPROVED DISCRETIONARY BONUS IN 2021. | ExplanationTxt |
Schedule M IRS990ScheduleM
Securities Publicly Traded SecuritiesPubliclyTradedGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Non Cash Checkbox | Yes (X) | NonCashCheckboxInd |
| Contribution | 58 | ContributionCnt |
| Noncash Contributions Rpt F990 | $838,747 | NoncashContributionsRptF990Amt |
| Method Of Determining Revenues | AVG. SELLING PRICE | MethodOfDeterminingRevenuesTxt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Form8283 Received | 0 | Form8283ReceivedCnt |
| Any Property That Must Be Held | 0 | AnyPropertyThatMustBeHeldInd |
| Review Process Unusual NC Gifts | 0 | ReviewProcessUnusualNCGiftsInd |
| Third Parties Used | 0 | ThirdPartiesUsedInd |
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Form And Line Reference | PART I, COLUMN (B): | FormAndLineReferenceDesc |
| Explanation | THE ORGANIZATION IS REPORTING THE NUMBER OF CONTRIBUTORS IN PART I, COLUMN (B). | ExplanationTxt |
Schedule O IRS990ScheduleO
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail (16 entries)
| Form And Line ReferenceFormAndLineReferenceDesc | ExplanationExplanationTxt |
|---|---|
| RIOTERS CHARGED AND TRUMP OFFICIAL SUBPOENAED OVER JAN. 6: | ON JAN. 6, 2021, A SOURCE SHARED WITH PROPUBLICA THOUSANDS OF VIDEOS THAT WERE PUBLICLY UPLOADED BY RALLYGOERS AND INSURRECTIONISTS TO THE SOCIAL MEDIA SITE PARLER. (THE VIDEOS HAD BEEN ARCHIVED BY A PROGRAMMER BEFORE THE SITE WAS TAKEN OFFLINE BY ITS HOST.) NEARLY 50 MEMBERS OF PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING STAFF WORKED TOGETHER TO QUICKLY PUBLISH AN INTERACTIVE TIMELINE OF MORE THAN 500 VIDEOS TAKEN AT OR AROUND THE CAPITOL, A COLLECTION THAT PROVIDED ONE OF THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE HISTORICAL RECORDS OF THE INFAMOUS DAY. CLIPS FROM THE VIDEOS HAVE BEEN USED BY THE FBI TO IDENTIFY AND CHARGE SUSPECTS, AND IN FEBRUARY, IMAGES FROM PROPUBLICA'S TIMELINE WERE ALSO USED BY HOUSE MANAGERS DURING THE SECOND IMPEACHMENT TRIAL OF FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP. IN JUNE, THE SENATE HOMELAND SECURITY AND RULES COMMITTEES RECOMMENDED REFORMS TO THE CAPITOL POLICE IN A REPORT THAT EXTENSIVELY CITED PROPUBLICA'S COVERAGE OF THE DEPARTMENT'S FAILURES IN PREPARING FOR AND RESPONDING TO THE RIOT. IN JUNE, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT SENIOR TRUMP AIDES KNEW THE "STOP THE STEAL" RALLY THAT PRECEDED THE ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL COULD GET CHAOTIC. WE REVEALED HOW RALLY ORGANIZERS FOOLED THE CAPITOL POLICE AND WELCOMED WHITE SUPREMACISTS TO INCREASE THEIR CROWD SIZES, WHILE WHITE HOUSE OFFICIALS WORKED TO BOTH CONTAIN AND APPEASE THE RALLYGOERS. CITING OUR REPORT, THE U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SELECT COMMITTEE INVESTIGATING THE EVENTS OF JAN. 6 ISSUED A SUBPOENA TO FORMER WHITE HOUSE CHIEF OF STAFF MARK MEADOWS, NOTING THAT THERE IS "CREDIBLE EVIDENCE" OF MEADOWS' INVOLVEMENT IN EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL. THIS WAS THE FIRST OF 20 SUBPOENAS FROM THE COMMITTEE THAT CITED OUR REPORTING. FAR-REACHING REFORMS (AND A RESIGNATION) IN FLORIDA PROGRAM FOR INJURED NEWBORNS: IN APRIL 2021, OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE MIAMI HERALD REPORTED ON FLORIDA'S BIRTH-RELATED NEUROLOGICAL INJURY COMPENSATION ASSOCIATION, A PROGRAM CREATED TO REDUCE DOCTORS' MALPRACTICE BILLS. PARENTS OF BRAIN-DAMAGED NEWBORNS LOSE THEIR RIGHT TO SUE WHEN THEY JOIN THE PROGRAM, WHICH INSTEAD OFFERS THEM A ONE-TIME PAYMENT AND PROMISES TO COVER FUTURE MEDICAL EXPENSES. YET NICA HAS FREQUENTLY DENIED OR DELAYED HELP FOR STRUGGLING FAMILIES - SOMETIMES SPENDING TENS OF THOUSANDS MORE IN LEGAL FEES FIGHTING REQUESTS FOR BENEFITS THAN IT WOULD HAVE COST TO HELP PARENTS WHO DEPEND ON THE PROGRAM TO CARE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. HOURS AFTER THE INITIAL STORY WAS PUBLISHED, FLORIDA'S CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER INITIATED AN AUDIT OF THE PROGRAM THAT, MONTHS LATER, WOULD VALIDATE MANY OF OUR FINDINGS. BY THE END OF APRIL, FLORIDA LAWMAKERS PASSED SWEEPING LEGISLATION TO INCREASE BENEFITS AND PROTECTIONS FOR NICA FAMILIES, INCLUDING OFFERING MONEY FOR MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, ADDING A PARENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE PROGRAM'S BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND DISTRIBUTING RETROACTIVE COMPENSATION OF $150,000. THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NICA ANNOUNCED A HOST OF ADDITIONAL REFORMS THAT WENT BEYOND THOSE MANDATED BY LAWMAKERS. IN JUNE, FLORIDA GOV. RON DESANTIS SIGNED THE NEW LEGISLATION, APPROVING THE MOST FAR-REACHING REFORM IN THE PROGRAM'S HISTORY. IN SEPTEMBER, THE PROGRAM'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESIGNED AFTER LEADING THE ORGANIZATION FOR NEARLY TWO DECADES. NICA ANNOUNCED ADDITIONAL REFORMS LATER IN THE YEAR, INCLUDING DROPPING A MUCH-DESPISED POLICY REQUIRING PARENTS SEEKING THERAPY AND MEDICINE FOR THEIR KIDS TO TRY TO GET IT FIRST FROM MEDICAID, WHICH CAN DELAY CARE BY MONTHS. THE BOARD ALSO VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO LOBBY THE LEGISLATURE TO AMEND THE NICA LAW FURTHER TO MAKE EVEN MORE REFORMS. ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS BAN USE OF RESTRAINTS AND SECLUSION IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS: IN NOVEMBER 2019, PROPUBLICA AND THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE INVESTIGATED ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS' MISUSE OF "ISOLATED TIMEOUT" ROOMS, WHEREIN CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS FIVE WERE SENT TO SECLUSION ROOMS ALONE, SOMETIMES FOR HOURS ON END. OUR REPORTING PROMPTED LAWMAKERS TO CALL FOR A NATIONAL BAN ON THE USE OF STUDENT SECLUSION ROOMS AND PHYSICAL RESTRAINTS AND SPURRED THE ILLINOIS STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO TAKE EMERGENCY ACTION, UNANIMOUSLY VOTING TO PERMANENTLY PROHIBIT THE USE OF LOCKED SECLUSION ROOMS AND STOP SCHOOLS FROM USING PRONE RESTRAINT. HOWEVER, IN MAY 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT ILLINOIS SCHOOLS NEVERTHELESS CONTINUED TO USE RESTRAINTS AND SECLUSION MORE THAN 15,000 TIMES DURING THE 2020/2021 SCHOOL YEAR, EVEN AS MOST SCHOOLS WERE CLOSED DUE TO THE PANDEMIC. FOLLOWING OUR REPORT, ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS PASSED LEGISLATION THAT REQUIRES SCHOOLS TO MAKE A PLAN TO REDUCE AND EVENTUALLY ELIMINATE THE USE OF RESTRAINTS AND SECLUSION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS. IN AUGUST, GOV. J.B. PRITZKER SIGNED THE BILL. IN ADDITION, EFFORTS TO BAN SECLUSION AND LIMIT THE USE OF RESTRAINTS NATIONALLY MOVED FORWARD IN MAY WHEN HOUSE AND SENATE DEMOCRATS JOINTLY INTRODUCED THE KEEPING ALL STUDENTS SAFE ACT. UNQUALIFIED COVID-19 CONTRACTOR PLEADS GUILTY TO FRAUD: IN MAY 2020, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO GOVERNMENT CONTRACTS FOR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, UNCOVERING INDIVIDUALS PROFITING FROM THE GOVERNMENT'S BUNGLED HANDLING OF THE PANDEMIC. IN ONE INVESTIGATION, WE REPORTED THAT A VENDOR WITH NO EXPERIENCE IN PROVIDING MEDICAL SUPPLIES RECEIVED $38 MILLION IN FEDERAL CONTRACTS TO PROVIDE N95 MASKS AT INFLATED PRICES TO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITALS. IN THE COURSE OF OUR REPORTING, WE ASKED THE VA ABOUT THIS DEAL. IT TERMINATED THE CONTRACT ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AND REFERRED THE CASE TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR INVESTIGATION. IN FEBRUARY, THE CONTRACTOR, ROBERT STEWART JR., PLEADED GUILTY TO THREE COUNTS OF MAKING FALSE STATEMENTS, WIRE FRAUD AND THEFT OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS IN U.S. DISTRICT COURT, INCLUDING CHARGES THAT HE LIED TO THE VA. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EXTENDS PPP LOANS TO BORROWERS IN BANKRUPTCY: IN MARCH 2021, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED A SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION RULE THAT DISQUALIFIED INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES IN BANKRUPTCY FROM GETTING RELIEF THROUGH THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM. THE AGENCY HAD BATTLED IN COURT AGAINST BANKRUPT COMPANIES ATTEMPTING TO APPLY FOR THE PROGRAM, AND IT DIDN'T CHANGE COURSE EVEN AFTER CONGRESS EXPLICITLY PASSED LEGISLATION LAST DECEMBER ALLOWING IT TO DO SO. TWO WEEKS AFTER OUR STORY, HOWEVER, THE SBA QUIETLY REVERSED THE POLICY BY RELEASING NEW GUIDANCE. WITH THAT CHANGE, THOUSANDS OF DEBTORS WHO FILED UNDER CHAPTERS 11, 12 AND 13 BECAME ELIGIBLE FOR PPP LOANS. CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS CONFIRM OUR FINDINGS ON COVID-19 PROFITEERS: IN 2020, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT, SOON AFTER THE COVID-19 CRISIS SET IN, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TOSSED ASIDE ITS MANY RULES ON CONTRACTING TO GIVE OUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO JUST ABOUT ANYONE WHO SAID THEY COULD PROVIDE SUPPLIES NECESSARY TO COMBAT THE CORONAVIRUS. IN ONE STORY, WE SHOWED HOW THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PAID TENS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO DEVELOP LOW-COST PORTABLE VENTILATORS THAT THE CONTRACTOR NEVER DELIVERED. IN MARCH, HOUSE DEMOCRATS INVESTIGATING THE RESPONSE TO THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC RELEASED THEIR EARLY FINDINGS. ACCORDING TO CORRESPONDENCE OBTAINED BY CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS, TRUMP TRADE ADVISER PETER NAVARRO, THE POINT PERSON ON THE VENTILATORS DEAL, PRESSURED VARIOUS AGENCY OFFICIALS TO REWARD POLITICALLY CONNECTED OR UNTESTED COMPANIES WITH HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN CONTRACTS. NEW LAW STOPS DISCRIMINATORY DRIVER'S LICENSE SUSPENSIONS: IN 2018, PROPUBLICA AND WBEZ REPORTED ON HOW BLACK MOTORISTS ON CHICAGO'S WEST AND SOUTH SIDES ARE DISPROPORTIONATELY HARMED BY LICENSE SUSPENSIONS OVER UNPAID TICKETS, REPORTING THAT WAS PART OF A SERIES ON HOW THE CITY'S TICKETING AND DEBT COLLECTION SYSTEMS HAVE BURDENED THE POOR AND LED TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF BANKRUPTCIES. IN FEBRUARY 2021, GOV. J.B. PRITZKER SIGNED A MASSIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE BILL THAT, AMONG OTHER MEASURES, PUT AN END TO SUSPENDING DRIVER'S LICENSES FOR UNPAID RED LIGHT AND SPEED CAMERA TICKETS AND RESTORED THE DRIVING PRIVILEGES OF SOME 11,000 PEOPLE. IN OCTOBER, THE CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL APPROVED A SET OF REFORMS PROPOSED BY MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT TO LOWER TICKET COSTS AND PROVIDE SOME DEBT RELIEF FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS. |
| MISSOURI LAWMAKERS REFORM CLEAN ENERGY LOAN PROGRAM: | IN APRIL, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO A HOME-LOAN PROGRAM IN MISSOURI CALLED PROPERTY ASSESSED CLEAN ENERGY, OR PACE, THAT LETS BORROWERS FINANCE ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME IMPROVEMENTS, LIKE SOLAR PANELS AND HEATING SYSTEMS, BY REPAYING THEIR LOANS THROUGH THEIR ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX BILLS. WE REPORTED THAT THE PROGRAM PUT DOZENS OF BORROWERS, MANY IN BLACK NEIGHBORHOODS, AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR HOMES DUE TO THE PROGRAM'S LACK OF EFFECTIVE OVERSIGHT, WHICH ALLOWED PRIVATE COMPANIES TO CHARGE HIGH INTEREST RATES. SOON AFTER, LAWMAKERS IN MISSOURI BEGAN EXPLORING WAYS TO REIN IN THE STATE'S CLEAN ENERGY LOAN PROGRAM AND, IN JUNE, GOV. MIKE PARSON SIGNED INTO LAW A MEASURE TO ADD CONSUMER PROTECTIONS AND OVERSIGHT TO PROGRAMS THAT MAKE SUCH LOANS IN THE STATE. REPORTING HELPS SOLVE A 1983 MURDER IN BALTIMORE: IN MAY 2021, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A THREE-PART TALE ABOUT ONE DOCTOR'S PIONEERING EFFORT TO CREATE WHAT WAS EFFECTIVELY ONE OF THE FIRST DNA DATABASES AND HOW, DECADES LATER, BALTIMORE POLICE ARE USING IT TO SOLVE COLD CASES. INSIGHTS FROM THE COLLECTION ARE RESHAPING CONVENTIONAL WISDOM ABOUT RAPISTS. OUR REPORTER HELPED SOLVE ONE OF THESE COLD CASES WHEN SHE ASKED BALTIMORE POLICE ABOUT A POSSIBLE CONNECTION BETWEEN SERIAL RAPIST ALPHONSO HILL AND THE 1983 MURDER OF A 21-YEAR-OLD COLLEGE STUDENT. IN JUNE, THE BALTIMORE COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT HILL HAD CONFESSED TO RAPING AND MURDERING THE COLLEGE STUDENT, AS WELL AS COMMITTING OTHER CRIMES AND RAPES, AFTER DETECTIVES INFORMED HIM THEY HAD DNA EVIDENCE AND OFFERED HIM IMMUNITY IN EXCHANGE FOR HIS CONFESSION. HILL, WHO WAS ALREADY IN PRISON FOR OTHER RAPES, WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR PAROLE UNTIL 2047, WHEN HE WOULD BE 95. WRONGFULLY CONVICTED MAN COMPENSATED WITH $1.4 MILLION: IN A 2017 PARTNERSHIP WITH VANITY FAIR, WE REPORTED ON THE CASE OF FRED STEESE, A LAS VEGAS MAN WHO SPENT 21 YEARS IN PRISON FOR A MURDER HE DIDN'T COMMIT. DESPITE HIS INNOCENCE, PROSECUTORS DEMANDED HE AGREE TO AN ALFORD PLEA - A DEAL THAT ALLOWS DEFENDANTS TO MAINTAIN THEIR INNOCENCE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PLEADING GUILTY AND ACCEPTING THE STATUS OF A CONVICTED FELON. AFTER OUR STORY, STEESE WAS GRANTED A FULL PARDON. UNDER A NEW NEVADA LAW THAT COMPENSATES EXONEREES FOR EACH YEAR WRONGFULLY SPENT IN PRISON, IN MARCH 2021 STEESE RECEIVED $1.35 MILLION FOR HIS 18 YEARS OF IMPRISONMENT. ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL RESIGNS (AGAIN) AFTER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT EXPOSED: IN AUGUST 2020, PROPUBLICA AND THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION SHOWING THAT ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL KEVIN CLARKSON SENT HUNDREDS OF TEXT MESSAGES TO A YOUNGER STATE EMPLOYEE (AT LEAST 558 MESSAGES IN MARCH 2020 ALONE) INVITING HER TO COME TO HIS HOME. HOURS AFTER WE PUBLISHED OUR STORY, CLARKSON RESIGNED. CLARKSON WAS REPLACED BY ACTING ALASKA ATTORNEY GENERAL ED SNIFFEN, WHO RESIGNED IN JANUARY 2021 AFTER PROPUBLICA AND THE DAILY NEWS BEGAN ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT DECADES EARLIER WITH A 17-YEAR-OLD GIRL. THE STATE HAS ALSO LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST SNIFFEN. HEALTH INSURANCE TRANSPARENCY MANDATED: IN FEBRUARY 2019, PROPUBLICA AND PARTNER NPR NEWS PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION DOCUMENTING THE HIDDEN CASH AND GIFTS THAT HEALTH INSURERS PAY TO INFLUENCE 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. THE 2021 CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL, SIGNED BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN, INCLUDED A MANDATE THAT BROKERS MUST DISCLOSE TO EMPLOYERS HOW MUCH THEY MAKE FROM INSURANCE CARRIERS AND VENDORS. NEW MEASURES ADDRESS RACIALIZED POLICING OF SEX WORK: IN DECEMBER 2020, PROPUBLICA REVEALED THAT UNDERCOVER OPERATIONS IN NEW YORK CITY AIMED AT ARRESTING SEX WORKERS OR THEIR CLIENTS HAVE LED TO NUMEROUS ALLEGATIONS OF FALSE ARREST AND SEXUAL MISCONDUCT. WE REPORTED THAT NEW YORK POLICE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WHO POLICE THE SEX TRADE, DRIVEN BY OVERTIME PAY, ROUTINELY GO UNDERCOVER TO ROUND UP AS MANY "BODIES" AS THEY CAN WITH LITTLE EVIDENCE OR OVERSIGHT. ALMOST EVERYONE ARRESTED IN THESE SWEEPS WAS A PERSON OF COLOR. IN JANUARY 2021, BROOKLYN DISTRICT ATTORNEY ERIC GONZALEZ ANNOUNCED THAT HE WAS VACATING MORE THAN 200 WARRANTS RELATED TO PROSTITUTION AND WOULD DISMISS THE UNDERLYING CHARGES. IN FEBRUARY 2021, THE STATE LEGISLATURE REPEALED A LAW MAKING IT ILLEGAL TO LOITER FOR PURPOSES OF PROSTITUTION, WHICH PROPUBLICA REPORTED HAD BEEN USED TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST TRANSGENDER PEOPLE. IN MARCH 2021, THEN-MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO RELEASED A SECOND DRAFT OF HIS CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM PLAN THAT INCLUDED HIS INTENTION TO FORM A TASK FORCE TO ADDRESS PROBLEMS WITH HOW THE CITY POLICES THE SEX TRADE. WATCHDOG AGENCY CHARGES NYPD OFFICER IN FATAL SHOOTING, JUDGE RULES DEPARTMENT WITHHELD FOOTAGE: IN DECEMBER 2020, AS PART OF OUR ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO THE NYPD, WE ANALYZED THE DEPARTMENT'S KILLING OF KAWASKI TRAWICK IN 2019, REVEALING THAT THE OFFICERS FAILED TO FOLLOW PROCEDURES FOR DE-ESCALATING SITUATIONS INVOLVING INDIVIDUALS STRUGGLING WITH MENTAL ILLNESS. TRAWICK WAS ONE OF 16 INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES WHO WERE KILLED BY THE NYPD SINCE NEW PROCEDURES AND TRAINING WERE TOUTED BY THE DE BLASIO ADMINISTRATION. PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING BROUGHT RENEWED PUBLIC ATTENTION TO TRAWICK'S DEATH AND OUTRAGE OVER THE LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY FOR OFFICERS USING EXCESSIVE FORCE. IN JUNE 2021, NEW YORK'S CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARD BROUGHT CHARGES AGAINST THE OFFICER WHO SHOT AND KILLED TRAWICK. UNDER NEW DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES ADOPTED LAST YEAR, THE OFFICER COULD BE FIRED IF FOUND GUILTY BY THE CCRB. NEW YORK LAWYERS FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST CITED PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING IN A SUIT BROUGHT AGAINST THE NYPD TO OBTAIN THE FULL FOOTAGE OF THE SHOOTING AND ITS AFTERMATH. IN NOVEMBER 2021, A NEW YORK STATE JUDGE RULED THAT THE NYPD ILLEGALLY WITHHELD BODY-WORN CAMERA FOOTAGE IN THE KILLING. TENNESSEE JUDGE OVERSEEING JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM WILL STEP DOWN AMID GROWING OUTCRY: IN OCTOBER 2021, PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO CONDUCTED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN RUTHERFORD COUNTY, TENNESSEE. UNDER THE WATCH OF JUDGE DONNA SCOTT DAVENPORT, WHO OVERSEES THE SYSTEM, THE COUNTY LOCKED UP KIDS IN NEARLY HALF THE CASES REFERRED TO JUVENILE COURT, IN CONTRAST TO AN AVERAGE OF JUST 5% IN THE REST OF THE STATE. FOR NINE YEARS, RUTHERFORD COUNTY USED AN ILLEGAL "FILTER SYSTEM," CRAFTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF ITS JUVENILE DETENTION CENTER, THAT ALLOWED THE FACILITY TO JAIL KIDS DEEMED A "TRUE THREAT" - A VAGUE STANDARD THAT'S NOT DEFINED ANYWHERE IN THE CENTER'S MANUAL. WITHIN DAYS OF THE STORY'S PUBLICATION, THERE WAS AN OUTCRY FROM COMMUNITY LEADERS AND TENNESSEE LAWMAKERS. THE NAACP LEGAL DEFENSE AND EDUCATIONAL FUND CALLED FOR A FEDERAL CIVIL RIGHTS INVESTIGATION. MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, WHERE DAVENPORT TAUGHT A CRIMINAL JUSTICE CLASS, ANNOUNCED THAT THE JUDGE "IS NO LONGER AFFILIATED WITH THE UNIVERSITY." TENNESSEE GOV. BILL LEE'S OFFICE CALLED ON JUDICIAL AUTHORITIES TO CONDUCT A REVIEW OF DAVENPORT, AND 11 MEMBERS OF CONGRESS SENT A LETTER ASKING THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE TO OPEN AN INVESTIGATION INTO RUTHERFORD'S JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM. SUBSEQUENTLY, DAVENPORT ANNOUNCED THAT SHE WILL STEP DOWN IN 2022 RATHER THAN RUN FOR REELECTION. |
| MAINE PUBLIC DEFENSE LAWYER REMOVED FROM SERVICE: | IN OCTOBER 2020, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE MAINE MONITOR INVESTIGATED MAINE'S USE OF COURT-APPOINTED PRIVATE ATTORNEYS TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES TO THE POOR. MAINE IS THE ONLY STATE THAT DOES NOT HAVE A PUBLIC DEFENDER SYSTEM. OUR INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THESE ATTORNEYS LACK OVERSIGHT AND HAVE DISPROPORTIONATELY HIGH LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT AND CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS. IN RESPONSE, GOV. JANET MILLS CALLED FOR A BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO REFORM MAINE'S DEFENSE SYSTEM AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOHN PELLETIER RESIGNED FROM THE MAINE COMMISSION ON INDIGENT LEGAL SERVICES. IN JUNE 2021, REPORTERS IDENTIFIED TWO DEFENSE LAWYERS WHO WERE ON A LIST OF ATTORNEYS ELIGIBLE TO TAKE CASES BUT WHO SHOULD HAVE BEEN INELIGIBLE DUE TO THEIR OWN CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS. ONE, A LAWYER FACING FELONY CHARGES, WAS SUBSEQUENTLY REMOVED FROM SERVICE. IN JULY 2021, MILLS SIGNED A BILL ALLOTTING $18.5 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL SPENDING OVER THE NEXT TWO YEARS TO IMPROVE LEGAL SERVICES FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS. YOUTUBE REMOVES CHINESE PROPAGANDA VIDEOS: IN JUNE, PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES TO INVESTIGATE CHINA'S EFFORTS TO COUNTER REPORTS OF THE PERSECUTION OF MEMBERS OF THE UYGHUR COMMUNITY, AN ETHNIC MINORITY IN NORTHWEST CHINA. WE REPORTED THAT CHINA WAS SPREADING PROPAGANDA VIDEOS OF UYGHURS DENYING ABUSES AGAINST THEIR COMMUNITY. OUR INVESTIGATION FOUND A PATTERN OF SIMILAR LANGUAGE USED IN THE VIDEOS, WHICH APPEARED ON TWITTER AND YOUTUBE, INDICATING THAT THEY ARE PART OF AN ELABORATE INFLUENCE CAMPAIGN BY CHINESE OFFICIALS TO COUNTER HUMAN RIGHTS CONCERNS RAISED BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND CORPORATIONS. IN RESPONSE, YOUTUBE TOOK DOWN MANY OF THE VIDEOS WE IDENTIFIED. RHODE ISLAND VOTES TO CERTIFY 911 CALL TAKERS IN CPR: IN 2019, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE PUBLIC'S RADIO PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION THAT REVEALED THAT POOR TRAINING OF RHODE ISLAND'S 911 CALL TAKERS WAS RESULTING IN UNNECESSARY DEATHS. OUR REPORTING HAD SIGNIFICANT IMPACT, INCLUDING THE REPLACEMENT OF THE HEAD OF RHODE ISLAND'S 911 SYSTEM, A REVIEW OF PROCEDURES AND TRAINING PROVIDED TO 911 CALL TAKERS, AND LAWMAKERS EARMARKING FUNDS IN THEIR 2020 BUDGET FOR TRAINING 911 CALL TAKERS TO PROVIDE CPR INSTRUCTION (IN AN EFFORT TO COUNTERACT THE LAGGING RATES OF CARDIAC ARREST SURVIVAL STATEWIDE). IN MAY 2021, THE RHODE ISLAND HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED A BILL MANDATING THAT OPERATORS RECEIVE CERTIFICATION IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH AND PROVIDE CPR INSTRUCTIONS AND OTHER EMERGENCY MEDICAL DIRECTIONS TO CALLERS. FEDERAL AGENCY CLOSES LEGAL LOOPHOLE: IN OCTOBER 2019, PROPUBLICA CO-PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION WITH ARD GERMAN TV INTO PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES LURING MEXICANS ACROSS THE U.S. BORDER ON TEMPORARY VISAS TO DONATE BLOOD PLASMA. WHILE OTHER NATIONS LIMIT THE FREQUENCY OF PAID PLASMA DONATIONS OUT OF CONCERN FOR DONOR HEALTH, THE U.S. HAS COMPARATIVELY LOOSE STANDARDS. WHEREAS THE U.S. CAPS DONATIONS AT 104 A YEAR, EUROPE'S RECOMMENDED FREQUENCY IS 33 TIMES PER YEAR AND, IN MEXICO, SELLING PLASMA IS BANNED ENTIRELY. IN JUNE 2021, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION CLOSED A LEGAL LOOPHOLE THAT ALLOWED U.S.-BASED BLOOD PLASMA COMPANIES TO HARVEST PLASMA FROM THOUSANDS OF MEXICANS A DAY. TELEGRAM APP REMOVES FRAUDSTER CHAT ROOMS: IN JULY, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED WHAT MIGHT TURN OUT TO BE THE BIGGEST FRAUD WAVE IN U.S. HISTORY: BOGUS CLAIMS FOR UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BENEFITS FILED DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. OUR REPORTING REVEALED THAT MUCH OF THE FRAUD WAS ORGANIZED - IN THE U.S. AND ABROAD - AND ENABLED BY A BURGEONING ONLINE INFRASTRUCTURE OF CHAT ROOMS, COMPUTER ALGORITHMS AND HUMAN LABOR FARMS. ON THE MESSAGING APP TELEGRAM, FRAUDSTERS TRADE TIPS AND SHARE STEP-BY-STEP GUIDES, OR "SAUCES," ON HOW TO EXPLOIT AGING OR OBSOLETE STATE UNEMPLOYMENT IT SYSTEMS. DAYS AFTER WE PUBLISHED THE STORY, TELEGRAM REMOVED SEVERAL "SECRET SAUCE" CHATS MENTIONED IN OUR REPORTING. CALIFORNIA LEVIES FINE ON OIL COMPANY: IN MARCH 2021, AN INVESTIGATION INTO CALIFORNIA'S OVERSIGHT OF OIL COMPANIES BY PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE DESERT SUN REVEALED LAX ENFORCEMENT AND WEAKENING TRANSPARENCY FROM THE CALIFORNIA GEOLOGIC ENERGY MANAGEMENT DIVISION, INCLUDING FOR WELLS THAT POSED RISKS TO DRINKING WATER AQUIFERS AND WELLS IN URBAN NEIGHBORHOODS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY TO HOMES AND SCHOOLS. IN MAY, THE AGENCY ORDERED NASCO PETROLEUM, FEATURED IN OUR STORY, TO PAY ALMOST $1.5 MILLION IN FINES FOR NEARLY 600 VIOLATIONS OF STATE REGULATIONS, INCLUDING THE CONTINUING OPERATION OF DANGEROUS WELLS. DATING SITES INVEST IN BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR APP USERS: IN A 2019 PARTNERSHIP WITH COLUMBIA JOURNALISM INVESTIGATIONS, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON HOW SEX OFFENDERS USED DATING APPS TO ATTACK OTHER USERS, AS WELL AS ON THE BILLION-DOLLAR INDUSTRY'S RESISTANCE TO LEGISLATION THAT WOULD IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF ITS PRODUCTS. IN MARCH 2021, DATING SITE COMPANY MATCH GROUP ANNOUNCED A SEVEN-FIGURE INVESTMENT IN GARBO, A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT HELPS DATING APP USERS CONDUCT BACKGROUND CHECKS, WITH PLANS TO MAKE IT AVAILABLE TO USERS IN THE FUTURE FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE. ALSO IN MARCH, REP. JAN SCHAKOWSKY INTRODUCED THE ONLINE CONSUMER PROTECTION ACT THAT WOULD, AMONG OTHER THINGS, REQUIRE DATING PLATFORMS TO ENFORCE THEIR RULES DESIGNED TO PREVENT FRAUD AND ABUSE AND HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE WHEN THEY DO NOT. PROSECUTOR ISSUES POLICY AGAINST CHARGING JUVENILES WITH MINOR OFFENSES: IN JULY OF LAST YEAR, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS PARTNERED WITH THE DETROIT FREE PRESS AND MICHIGAN'S NONPROFIT NEWSROOM BRIDGE TO REPORT ON GRACE, A 15-YEAR-OLD WHO WAS SENT TO JUVENILE DETENTION FOR NOT DOING HER ONLINE COURSEWORK DURING THE PANDEMIC. OUR STORY BROUGHT NATIONAL ATTENTION TO HER PLIGHT, INCLUDING SPARKING THE TRENDING #FREEGRACE HASHTAG AND LOCAL DEMONSTRATIONS, LEADING TO HER RELEASE THAT SAME MONTH. IN JANUARY, THE WASHTENAW COUNTY PROSECUTOR CITED PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING WHEN ANNOUNCING A NEW POLICY DIRECTIVE THAT INSTRUCTS THE PROSECUTOR'S OFFICE TO AVOID CHARGING JUVENILES WITH MINOR OFFENSES THAT ARE BEST RESOLVED OUTSIDE OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. YOUNG WOMAN ONCE IN "SHADOW" FOSTER CARE SYSTEM RECEIVES MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR SETTLEMENT: IN DECEMBER OF 2021, PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE FOR A REPORT ON AMERICA'S SHADOW FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, AN INFORMAL ARRANGEMENT IN WHICH CASEWORKERS REMOVE KIDS FROM THEIR HOMES AND PLACE THEM WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY WITHOUT GOING THROUGH THE COURTS. WHILE SOME FAMILIES PREFER IT TO THE FORMAL FOSTER CARE SYSTEM, IT OFFERS FEW OF THE PROTECTIONS OR BENEFITS THEY GET FROM FORMAL CARE - NO COURT HEARINGS OR LAWYERS, NO SERVICES FOR KIDS, OFTEN NO REGULAR OVERSIGHT OR CHECK-INS FROM CASEWORKERS, AND INADEQUATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR CAREGIVERS. THERE'S ALSO NO JUDGE DECIDING IF A DEPARTMENT HAS A LEGAL BASIS TO REMOVE A CHILD TO BEGIN WITH. AN ESTIMATED 250,000 CHILDREN ARE MOVED INTO THIS SHADOW SYSTEM EACH YEAR, ROUGHLY THE SAME NUMBER AS THOSE WHO ARE REMOVED FROM THEIR HOMES AND PLACED IN FORMAL FOSTER CARE. OUR STORY FEATURED SISTERS MOLLY AND HEAVEN CORDELL WHO WERE ILLEGALLY SEPARATED FROM THEIR FAMILY AND PLACED IN HIDDEN FOSTER CARE WHEN THEY WERE 15 AND 14 YEARS OLD. MOLLY, WHO HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN SUICIDAL, RECEIVED NO MENTAL HEALTH CARE, LOST ACCESS TO HER MEDICATION AND WAS ESSENTIALLY HOMELESS. DAYS AFTER OUR REPORTING WAS PUBLISHED, NORTH CAROLINA'S CHEROKEE COUNTY AGREED TO A $4 MILLION SETTLEMENT WITH 21-YEAR-OLD MOLLY CORDELL. |
| SICK DAY PAYOUTS FOR COPS FOUND TO BE ILLEGAL: | IN FEBRUARY 2021, THE ASBURY PARK PRESS PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION IN PARTNERSHIP WITH PROPUBLICA'S LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK ABOUT HOW NEW JERSEY POLICE OFFICERS COLLECT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS BY EXPLOITING THEIR UNION CONTRACTS FOR ADDITIONAL RETIREMENT BENEFITS BEYOND THEIR ALREADY-GENEROUS PENSIONS. PROBLEMS INCLUDED A RETIRED OFFICER WHO RECEIVED A 14-KARAT SOLID GOLD BADGE WORTH $7,000, AS WELL AS MORE COMMON BENEFIT PAYOUTS SUCH AS CASHING IN UNUSED SICK DAYS, WELL-PAID "EXTRA DUTY" WORK AND END-OF-CAREER PAYMENTS. ALL THESE PERKS COME AT A MAJOR COST TO NEW JERSEY TAXPAYERS. AS OF 2019, MUNICIPALITIES ACROSS THE STATE WERE IN DEBT FOR AT LEAST $492 MILLION FOR UNUSED SICK TIME AND VACATION DAYS. WE REPORTED THAT A STATE LAW, PASSED IN 2010, MEANT TO STOP HUGE RETIREMENT PAYOUTS FOR UNUSED SICK DAYS WAS NOT BEING FOLLOWED. IN MARCH 2021, NEW JERSEY'S ACTING STATE COMPTROLLER RELEASED A REPORT EXAMINING ONE TOWN THAT DEEMED THE TYPES OF PAYMENTS REPORTED BY PROPUBLICA ILLEGAL. IN A FOLLOW-UP STORY, PROPUBLICA IDENTIFIED 25 TOWNS MAKING SUCH PAYMENTS. SOME SAID THEY WOULD CEASE THE PRACTICE AND MAY REQUIRE OFFICERS TO REPAY THE MONEY. AS AUDIT UNCOVERS (MORE) MISSING MONEY FROM CALIFORNIA REGULATORY AGENCY, ITS PRESIDENT RESIGNS: IN DECEMBER 2020, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER BAY CITY NEWS PUBLISHED A STORY ABOUT WHISTLEBLOWER ALICE STEBBINS, A FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, WHICH REGULATES PRIVATELY OWNED PUBLIC UTILITIES. STEBBINS WAS FIRED IN 2020 AFTER SHE REPORTED $200 MILLION THAT WAS ALLEGEDLY MISSING FROM ACCOUNTS MEANT TO FUND PROGRAMS FOR THE STATE'S BLIND, DEAF AND POOR. OUR REPORTING UNCOVERED FLAWS IN THE STATE PERSONNEL BOARD INVESTIGATION THAT LED TO HER DISMISSAL. A FEBRUARY 2021 AUDIT CONDUCTED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE ECHOED PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, FINDING CPUC'S ACCOUNTING TO BE "INACCURATE AND INCOMPLETE." IN OCTOBER, MARYBEL BATJER ANNOUNCED HER RESIGNATION AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION, LESS THAN ONE YEAR INTO A SIX-YEAR TERM. BATJER HAD PURPORTEDLY SPEARHEADED THE TERMINATION OF STEBBINS, AND UNDER HER LEADERSHIP THE AGENCY STRUGGLED TO CONTEND WITH POWER GRID ISSUES AND THE REPEATED DEADLY WILDFIRES CAUSED BY THE STATE'S LARGEST UTILITY, PACIFIC GAS & ELECTRIC. BOOSTER SEAT SAFETY LAW INTRODUCED TO PROTECT CHILDREN IN CAR CRASHES: IN FEBRUARY 2020, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION DEMONSTRATING THAT THE CHILD CAR-SEAT MAKER EVENFLO HAD PUT MARKETING ABOVE THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN USING THEIR "BIG KID" BOOSTER SEATS - THE COMPANY'S OWN SIDE-IMPACT TESTING FOOTAGE ILLUSTRATED THE DANGERS. OUR REPORTING REVEALED THE CORPORATE OBLIVIOUSNESS AND REGULATORY FAILURES THAT ALLOWED THE SEATS TO BE SOLD, EVEN AFTER SERIOUS INJURIES TO CHILDREN, INCLUDING PARALYSIS, RESULTED. IN JULY 2021, A GROUP OF 18 STATE ATTORNEYS GENERAL SIGNED A LETTER TO TRANSPORTATION SECRETARY PETE BUTTIGIEG CRITICIZING THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION FOR FAILING TO MANDATE SIDE-IMPACT TESTS FOR CHILDREN'S CAR SEATS, DESPITE A LAW REQUIRING THE AGENCY TO PROTECT KIDS IN SUCH COLLISIONS. IN OCTOBER 2021, MEMBERS OF CONGRESS INTRODUCED THE BOOSTER SEAT SAFETY ACT, WHICH WOULD ESTABLISH THE MOST SWEEPING SAFETY RULES FOR BOOSTER SEATS IN MORE THAN TWO DECADES. THE PROPOSED LAW WOULD FORCE THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION TO CREATE MANDATORY TESTS FOR BOOSTER SEATS THAT MIMIC THE FORCES OF SIDE-IMPACT CRASHES, ISSUE GUIDELINES FOR CRASH TEST DUMMIES, ESTABLISH A MINIMUM HEIGHT REQUIREMENT FOR THE USE OF BOOSTER SEATS AND MANDATE LABELING FOR THE PROPER USE OF CAR AND BOOSTER SEATS. THE NEW BILL HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, PROMINENT AUTO INSURERS, INSURANCE INDUSTRY GROUPS AND MORE THAN 10 CONSUMER SAFETY ORGANIZATIONS. CONGRESS INVESTIGATES LENDER RESPONSIBLE FOR SENDING PPP LOANS TO FAKE COMPANIES: IN MAY 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT AN ONLINE LENDING PLATFORM CALLED KABBAGE SENT 378 PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM LOANS WORTH $7 MILLION TO FAKE COMPANIES. MANY OF THESE CLAIMED TO BE FARMS WITH NAMES SUCH AS "DEELY NUTS AND "BEEFY KING." THROUGH THE PPP, THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PROVIDED $800 BILLION IN FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO BANKS SO THEY COULD VET AND MAKE LOW-INTEREST LOANS TO COMPANIES AND NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS IN RESPONSE TO THE ECONOMIC DEVASTATION CAUSED BY THE PANDEMIC. IN JUNE, THE HOUSE SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS OPENED A PROBE INTO LOANS BY KABBAGE AND OTHER NON-BANK FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY COMPANIES, CITING PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING. AMERICAN EXPRESS, WHICH ACQUIRED KABBAGE IN 2021, SAID IT FOLLOWED ALL FRAUD PROTOCOLS. REFORMS INTRODUCED TO REIN IN MEGA IRAS: IN JUNE 2021, AFTER A PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATION REVEALED HOW BILLIONAIRE PETER THIEL CONVERTED HIS ROTH IRA A RETIREMENT VEHICLE INTENDED TO HELP AVERAGE WORKING AMERICANS INTO A MAMMOTH ONSHORE TAX SHELTER, SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE CHAIR RON WYDEN SAID HE WAS REVISITING PROPOSED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REIN IN TAX BREAKS FOR GARGANTUAN ROTH RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS. IN JULY 2021, TWO MEMBERS OF CONGRESS ANNOUNCED THEIR INTENTION TO SEEK REFORMS TO PREVENT THE ULTRAWEALTHY FROM AMASSING BILLIONS IN THEIR ROTH IRAS. SEN. BEN CARDIN WANTS TO BAN SHARES IN COMPANIES THAT ARE NOT PUBLICLY TRADED FROM BEING ADDED TO ROTH IRAS, WHILE HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS CHAIR RICHARD NEAL WANTS TO CAP THE AMOUNT THAT ROTH IRA HOLDERS CAN SAVE TAX-FREE. ALSO IN JULY, WYDEN AND NEAL REQUESTED DATA ON MEGA IRAS FROM THE CONGRESSIONAL JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION, WHICH SHOWED THAT THE NUMBER OF MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR ROTH IRAS HAS SOARED IN THE PAST DECADE AS MORE WEALTHY AMERICANS USE THEM TO SHIELD FORTUNES FROM INCOME TAXES. THE DATA REVEALED THAT THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS WITH TRADITIONAL AND ROTH IRAS WORTH OVER $5 MILLION TRIPLED, TO MORE THAN 28,000, BETWEEN 2011 AND 2019. ADDITIONALLY, A STAGGERING $15 BILLION IS STOWED AWAY IN TAX-FREE ROTH ACCOUNTS HELD BY JUST 156 AMERICANS. IN SEPTEMBER, NEAL INTRODUCED REFORMS THAT WOULD CAP ROTH IRA ACCOUNTS AT $20 MILLION FOR HIGH-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND COMPEL THE HOLDERS OF THE GIANT ACCOUNTS TO WITHDRAW ANYTHING OVER THAT LIMIT. THE LEGISLATION WOULD ALSO BAR INDIVIDUALS FROM USING THE ACCOUNTS TO EITHER PURCHASE CERTAIN NON-PUBLIC INVESTMENTS OR BUY STAKES IN COMPANIES IN WHICH THEY ARE AN OFFICER. LAWSUIT CHALLENGES NURSING HOME LIABILITY PROTECTIONS: IN JANUARY 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON LAWS THAT WERE HASTILY PASSED EARLY IN THE PANDEMIC WITH THE GOAL OF SHIELDING HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND NURSING HOMES FROM LAWSUITS. NORTH CAROLINA'S LEGISLATION OFFERED BROADER PROTECTIONS THAN MOST STATES, SHIELDING MANY INSTITUTIONS FROM LIABILITY IF THEY WERE IMPACTED BY COVID-19. THE LAW EVEN APPLIES IN CASES OF GROSS NEGLIGENCE, WHICH ONE FAMILY THINKS CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEATH OF A WOMAN NAMED PALESTINE HOWZE. HOWZE'S FAMILY BELIEVES SHE DIED FROM AN IMPROPERLY TREATED BEDSORE AND THE NURSING HOME'S UNWILLINGNESS TO SEND HER TO THE HOSPITAL FOR TREATMENT. IN THE WAKE OF PROPUBLICA'S REPORTING, THE HOWZE FAMILY IS PURSUING A CASE AGAINST THE TREYBURN REHABILITATION CENTER IN DURHAM. THIS IS THE FIRST LAWSUIT IN THE NATION TO CHALLENGE LIABILITY SHIELD LAWS. NEW YORK ATTORNEY GENERAL FINDS NURSING HOME COVID-19 POLICY CONTRIBUTED TO DEATHS: CITING PROPUBLICA'S JUNE 2020 INVESTIGATION INTO THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 WITHIN NURSING HOMES, U.S. REP. JACKIE WALORSKI JOINED OTHER REPUBLICANS ON THE SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS IN URGING THE ATTORNEYS GENERAL OF NEW YORK, CALIFORNIA, MICHIGAN, NEW JERSEY AND PENNSYLVANIA TO INVESTIGATE THESE STATES ORDERS REQUIRING LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES TO ACCEPT COVID-19 PATIENTS AND THE IMPACT OF THESE POLICIES ON VULNERABLE NURSING HOME POPULATIONS. IN JANUARY, THE NEW YORK STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASED A REPORT ECHOING PROPUBLICA'S EARLY REPORTING THAT THIS POLICY HAD LIKELY CONTRIBUTED TO A SIGNIFICANT LOSS OF LIFE. THE REPORT ALSO RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TRUE NUMBER OF NURSING HOME RESIDENTS IN THE STATE WHO HAVE DIED OF COVID-19, ESTIMATING THAT THE STATE UNDERCOUNTED THOUSANDS OF DEATHS. |
| BILLIONS IN STUDENT LOANS FORGIVEN FOR DISABLED BORROWERS: | A 2011 PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATION, PUBLISHED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY'S STABILE CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM, EXAMINED A FLAWED EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PROGRAM FOR DECIDING WHETHER SEVERELY DISABLED STUDENTS QUALIFY FOR HAVING THEIR STUDENT LOANS FORGIVEN. THE PROGRAM WAS LEAVING MANY BORROWERS FACING FINANCIAL HARDSHIP FROM FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS WHEN THEY WERE LEGALLY ENTITLED TO HAVE THEM DISMISSED. IN AUGUST 2021, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT UNDER A NEW REGULATION, THE DEPARTMENT WILL AUTOMATICALLY FORGIVE THE DEBT OF BORROWERS WHO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION HAS IDENTIFIED AS SEVERELY DISABLED, INCLUDING $5.8 BILLION IN EXISTING STUDENT LOANS THAT LEFT MANY VULNERABLE BORROWERS MIRED IN DEBT. UNSCIENTIFIC RULE ON NYC SCHOOL CLOSURES REVERSED: IN APRIL 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON AN UNSCIENTIFIC NEW YORK CITY RULE THAT ORDERED THE CLOSURE OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IF TESTING FOUND TWO POSITIVE COVID-19 RESULTS, REGARDLESS OF THE SCHOOL'S SIZE AND EVEN IF THE CASES WERE APPARENTLY UNLINKED. PROPUBLICA CONTACTED 10 EPIDEMIOLOGISTS AND PHYSICIANS, NEARLY ALL OF WHOM SAID THE POLICY DIDN'T MAKE SENSE. DAYS AFTER THE STORY'S PUBLICATION, THEN-MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO ANNOUNCED AN END TO THE CITY'S RULE. OREGON LAWMAKERS SEEK TO REVERSE TIMBER TAX CUTS: IN 2020, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING JOINED WITH THE OREGONIAN TO INVESTIGATE THE TIMBER INDUSTRY, REPORTING 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 OREGON FOREST RESOURCES INSTITUTE WORKED TO DISCREDIT ACADEMIC RESEARCH AND ACTED AS A LOBBYING AND PUBLIC RELATIONS ARM FOR THE TIMBER INDUSTRY. IN FEBRUARY 2021, OREGON'S LAWMAKERS FILED DOZENS OF BILLS AIMED AT REVERSING DECADES-OLD TIMBER TAX CUTS THAT DEPRIVED COUNTIES OF BILLIONS OF DOLLARS, AS WELL AS SEEKING TO ELIMINATE THE QUASI-GOVERNMENTAL OFRI. THIS WAS THE STATE'S MOST CONSEQUENTIAL SESSION FOR FOREST POLICY AND WILL POTENTIALLY FUNNEL LARGE SUMS OF MONEY BACK INTO LOCAL GOVERNMENTS FOR SCHOOLS, INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS THAT HADN'T BEEN ADEQUATELY FUNDED FOR YEARS UNDER THE PREVIOUS POLICIES. ADDITIONALLY, IN JULY, AN AUDIT PROMPTED BY OUR INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT OFRI MISLED THE PUBLIC BY PRESENTING A BIASED VIEW OF FORESTRY FAVORING THE TIMBER INDUSTRY AND MAY HAVE VIOLATED STATE LAW. STATE AUDIT FINDS OFFICIALS FAILED TO TRACK FUNDS FOR IMPROVING 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, DANGEROUS AND INCREASINGLY DEADLY CONDITIONS IN ITS COUNTY JAILS. SHORTLY AFTER OUR REPORTING, STATE SEN. SYDNEY KAMLAGER REQUESTED THAT THE STATE AUDITOR'S OFFICE CONDUCT ITS OWN INVESTIGATION. IN MARCH THE AUDITOR RELEASED ITS REPORT, WHICH FOUND THAT THE COUNTY COMMISSIONS THAT MONITOR THE CALIFORNIA BOARD OF STATE AND COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS FAILED TO ADEQUATELY TRACK BILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTENDED FOR IMPROVING COUNTY LOCKUPS AND REHABILITATING OFFENDERS. FEDS INVESTIGATE LENDER THAT SUED BORROWERS DURING PANDEMIC: IN 2020, 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. IN MARCH 2021 WE REPORTED THAT THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU LAUNCHED A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION OF THE COMPANY IN RESPONSE TO OUR REPORTING. OPORTUN DENIED WRONGDOING. FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION INSPECTOR GENERAL CALLS FOR INTERNAL ETHICS REVIEW: IN OCTOBER 2020, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT A TOP FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION OFFICIAL, WHOSE DIVISION REGULATES CAMPAIGN CASH, HAD UNDISCLOSED TIES TO TRUMP AND HIS 2016 CAMPAIGN ATTORNEY, RAISING QUESTIONS ABOUT THE AGENCY'S NEUTRALITY. IN AUGUST 2021, FOLLOWING OUR REPORT, THE FEC INSPECTOR GENERAL CALLED FOR THE AGENCY TO REVIEW ITS POLICIES AND INTERNAL CONTROLS. LAWMAKERS URGE EPA TO INVESTIGATE AIR QUALITY MONITORING IN FLORIDA AND CHANGE NATIONAL POLLUTION STANDARDS: IN JULY, PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE PALM BEACH POST PUBLISHED A JOINT INVESTIGATION THAT FOUND A SERIES OF SHORTCOMINGS IN HOW AUTHORITIES MONITOR THE AIR IN FLORIDA'S HEARTLAND, WHICH IS SUBJECT TO REGULAR POLLUTION FROM PRE-HARVEST BURNING OF SUGAR CANE. IN AUGUST, LEADING MEMBERS OF CONGRESS CALLED FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY TO INVESTIGATE AIR MONITORING IN FLORIDA AND TO CHANGE NATIONAL POLLUTION STANDARDS. AS THE POST AND PROPUBLICA REPORTED, THE EPA ALLOWED THE STATE TO USE A SINGLE MALFUNCTIONING MONITOR TO TRACK AIR QUALITY ACROSS A 400,000-ACRE SUGAR GROWING REGION FOR AT LEAST EIGHT YEARS. OUR REPORTING ALSO FOUND THAT CURRENT STANDARDS FAIL TO CAPTURE SHORT-TERM SPIKES IN POLLUTION, A DEFINING FEATURE OF FLORIDA'S SUGAR HARVESTING PROCESS, WHEN BURNING RELEASES BURSTS OF HARMFUL SMOKE. SENATE BANKING CHAIR CALLS FOR OVERSIGHT OF BANKING APPS: IN JULY, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED THE BANKING APP CHIME AFTER IT RACKED UP AN UNUSUALLY LARGE NUMBER OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS ABOUT LOCKED ACCOUNTS, INACCESSIBLE FUNDS AND SLOW RESOLUTION TIMES. IN THE MONTHS BEFORE THE ARTICLE'S PUBLICATION, CHIME CUSTOMERS HAD FILED 920 COMPLAINTS WITH THE FEDERAL CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU. WITH AN ESTIMATED 12 MILLION CUSTOMERS, CHIME IS THE LARGEST IN ITS HIGHLY COMPETITIVE CATEGORY OF FINTECH COMPANIES THAT SERVE LOW- TO MODERATE-INCOME INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE UNDERSERVED BY TRADITIONAL FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. LATER THAT MONTH, SENATE BANKING CHAIR SHERROD BROWN CITED OUR REPORTING WHEN HE ASKED THE CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION BUREAU TO LAY OUT A PLAN FOR OVERSEEING NEOBANKS LIKE CHIME AND OTHER BANKING APPS. NEW MEXICO CHILD SUPPORT AGENCY CALLS ON STATE TO STOP INTERCEPTING PAYMENTS TO POOR FAMILIES: IN SEPTEMBER 2021, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT'S HARMFUL AND SOMETIMES BIZARRE APPROACHES TO PROVIDING - AND THEN TAKING BACK - MONEY FOR POOR FAMILIES. THE 1996 WELFARE REFORM LAW CREATED THE TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM, WHICH REQUIRES STATES TO TRY TO COLLECT CHILD SUPPORT FROM FATHERS OF CHILDREN WHOSE MOTHERS APPLIED FOR WELFARE. BUT IN SOME STATES, THAT MONEY NEVER REACHES THE MOTHERS OR CHILDREN. IN NEW MEXICO, MOTHERS DESCRIBED RECOUNTING THEIR SEXUAL HISTORIES TO STATE BUREAUCRATS, A PROCESS THEY RECALLED AS HUMILIATING, INVASIVE AND SOMETIMES TERRIFYING. WHEN THE GOVERNMENT IS ABLE TO LOCATE AND SECURE FUNDS FROM CHILDREN'S FATHERS, THE STATE OFTEN KEEPS THE FUNDS AS REPAYMENT FOR THE COST OF WELFARE, A CRITICAL SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR MANY STATES AND COUNTIES. IN RESPONSE TO OUR INVESTIGATION, BETINA MCCRACKEN, ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE NEW MEXICO CHILD SUPPORT ENFORCEMENT DIVISION, AND KARI ARMIJO, DEPUTY CABINET SECRETARY OF THE STATE'S HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, PUBLISHED AN OP-ED IN THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN PRESSING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO LET AS MUCH AS $6.9 MILLION A YEAR IN CHILD SUPPORT COLLECTED FROM FATHERS FLOW DIRECTLY TO THEIR FAMILIES INSTEAD OF DIVERTING IT INTO GOVERNMENT COFFERS. GOV. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM HAS SAID THAT SHE SUPPORTS THIS POLICY CHANGE AND WOULD SIGN IT INTO LAW. FEC COMPLAINT FILED AGAINST REP. MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE: IN MAY 2021, WE INVESTIGATED AN ADVERTISEMENT MADE BY REP. MARJORIE TAYLOR GREENE FOR THE STOP SOCIALISM NOW PAC. GREENE WORKED WITH A REPUBLICAN AD MAKER WHO HAS A HISTORY OF RACIST REMARKS AND TIES TO EXTREMIST GUN GROUPS. OUR REPORT REVEALED THAT GREENE MAY HAVE BROKEN CAMPAIGN FINANCE RULES BY MAKING AN EXPLICIT REQUEST FOR FUNDS APPEARING IN A SOLICITATION FOR A GROUP THAT ACCEPTS UNLIMITED DONATIONS. IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING OUR REPORTING, AND CITING PROPUBLICA'S INVESTIGATION, COMMON CAUSE FILED A FORMAL COMPLAINT WITH THE FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION. LAWMAKERS PUSH OVERSIGHT FOR OVERCHARGING UTILITY: IN OCTOBER 2020, PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER THE RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH INVESTIGATED WHY VIRGINIA RESIDENTS WERE PAYING THE HIGHEST ELECTRICITY BILLS IN THE COUNTRY. THEY REPORTED THAT THE STATE'S LARGEST UTILITY, DOMINION ENERGY, HAD INFLUENCED LEGISLATION THAT EFFECTIVELY HOBBLED THE STATE AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR REGULATING UTILITIES. IN JANUARY, A BIPARTISAN GROUP OF VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS BACKED A LEGISLATIVE PACKAGE THAT WOULD RESTORE AUTHORITY TO VIRGINIA'S STATE CORPORATION COMMISSION AND POTENTIALLY RESULT IN THE RETURN OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF "OVER-EARNINGS" TO RESIDENTS. |
| CONGRESS DEMANDS ANSWERS ON MEATPACKING INDUSTRY'S COVID-19 DEATHS: | IN 2020, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A SERIES SHOWING THAT MEAT COMPANIES' MISMANAGEMENT OF THE PANDEMIC AND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S FAILURE TO ENSURE THAT PLANTS TOOK APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE PANDEMIC'S DRAMATIC TOLL ON MEATPACKING WORKERS AND THEIR COMMUNITIES. IN FEBRUARY 2021, THE HOUSE SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS ANNOUNCED AN INVESTIGATION INTO JBS, SMITHFIELD FOODS AND TYSON FOODS, THREE OF THE NATION'S LARGEST MEAT COMPANIES, WHICH REP. JAMES CLYBURN SAID HAD "REFUSED TO TAKE BASIC PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT THEIR WORKERS AND HAD "SHOWN A CALLOUS DISREGARD FOR WORKERS' HEALTH." THE COMPANIES SAID THAT THEY RESPONDED APPROPRIATELY TO THE PANDEMIC. THE SUBCOMMITTEE IS ALSO SCRUTINIZING THE GOVERNMENT'S SHORTCOMINGS IN PROTECTING MEATPACKING WORKERS. SOUTH CAROLINA GOVERNOR, LEGISLATORS ACT TO REFORM MAGISTRATE JUDGE SYSTEM: IN NOVEMBER 2019, CHARLESTON'S POST AND COURIER, A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, EXPOSED HOW SOUTH CAROLINA'S SYSTEM FOR SELECTING MAGISTRATE JUDGES IS RIFE WITH POLITICS AND FLAWED OVERSIGHT, PROVIDING FERTILE GROUND FOR INCOMPETENCE AND CORRUPTION ON THE BENCH. THE INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT MAGISTRATES, WHO HANDLE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF LOWER COURT CASES A YEAR, ARE OFTEN POLITICALLY CONNECTED INSIDERS, MOST OF WHOM HAVE NEVER PRACTICED LAW. IN JANUARY 2021, SOUTH CAROLINA LAWMAKERS PRIORITIZED THEIR SCRUTINY OF LOCAL MAGISTRATE JUDGES. MORE THAN A HALF-DOZEN PRE-FILED BIPARTISAN BILLS TARGETING MAGISTRATE REFORMS RECEIVED ENDORSEMENTS IN INTERVIEWS WITH KEY MEMBERS OF THE 23-PERSON STATE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE. (THE COMMITTEE REVIEWS ANY PROPOSAL BEFORE A FLOOR VOTE.) IN ADDITION, GOV. HENRY MCMASTER INCLUDED MAGISTRATE REFORM IN HIS ANNUAL STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS, LAYING OUT A PLAN TO REQUIRE ALL MAGISTRATES TO BE PRACTICING LAWYERS WITH A CLEAN RECORD. ARKANSAS PUSHES TO REVOKE JAIL TIME STATUTE FOR FALLING BEHIND ON RENT: IN OCTOBER 2020, PROPUBLICA AND THE ARKANSAS NONPROFIT NEWS NETWORK REPORTED ON A STATE LAW THAT EFFECTIVELY CRIMINALIZES POVERTY BY ALLOWING LANDLORDS TO SEEK CRIMINAL CHARGES - WHICH CAN RESULT IN JAIL TIME - FOR TENANTS WHO FALL EVEN A SINGLE DAY BEHIND ON RENT AND DO NOT VACATE A PROPERTY WITHIN 10 DAYS. WHILE OTHER STATES PAUSED EVICTIONS DURING THE HEIGHT OF THE PANDEMIC IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION'S NATIONAL MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS, ARKANSAS CONTINUED TO PROSECUTE AND EVICT TENANTS THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. PROMPTED BY OUR REPORTING, IN MARCH 2021 STATE REP. NICOLE CLOWNEY INTRODUCED A BILL THAT WOULD REPEAL THE STATE'S CRIMINAL "FAILURE TO VACATE" STATUTE. THE BILL FACES CONSIDERABLE RESISTANCE FROM LANDLORDS WHOSE CASES ARE HANDLED BY LOCAL PROSECUTORS, WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO AVOID THE COST OF HIRING ATTORNEYS FOR EVICTION PROCEEDINGS IN CIVIL CASES. YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO, PUTS COMPANY ON NOTICE FOR BROKEN PROMISES: IN 2020, THE BUSINESS JOURNAL AND PROPUBLICA EXAMINED THE USE OF FINANCIAL INCENTIVES IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO. THE CITY BET BIG ON CHILL-CAN, PROMOTED AS THE WORLD'S FIRST SELF-CHILLING BEVERAGE CAN, GIVING THE DEVELOPER MASSIVE TAX BREAKS AND $1.5 MILLION TO BUILD A $20 MILLION CAMPUS. IT ALSO PURCHASED AND DEMOLISHED THE HOMES OF ROUGHLY A DOZEN RESIDENTS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE PLANT. IN EXCHANGE, THE COMPANY SAID IT WOULD CREATE HUNDREDS OF JOBS, BUT FOUR YEARS LATER, NO JOBS HAVE MATERIALIZED. IN MARCH 2021, CITY OFFICIALS HELD A PRESS CONFERENCE AND SENT A LETTER TO THE DEVELOPER AND ITS CEO, PUTTING THEM ON NOTICE THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO REPAY THE $1.5 MILLION IN GRANT FUNDING, LOSE THEIR TAX INCENTIVES AND FACE POTENTIAL LITIGATION FOR DEFAULTING ON THEIR LUCRATIVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENTS. SENATE COMMITTEE CHAIR DEMANDS ANSWERS ON FACEBOOK CENSORSHIP: IN FEBRUARY 2021, PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATED HOW TECH GIANTS SUCH AS FACEBOOK HANDLE CENSORSHIP REQUESTS MADE BY AUTHORITARIAN GOVERNMENTS. WE OBTAINED INTERNAL EMAILS SHOWING THAT, IN 2018, WHILE TURKEY WAS IN THE MIDST OF A MILITARY OFFENSIVE AGAINST KURDISH MINORITIES IN NEIGHBORING SYRIA, TURKISH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS REQUESTED THAT FACEBOOK BLOCK POSTS FROM THE PEOPLE'S PROTECTION UNITS, A MOSTLY KURDISH MILITIA GROUP. IN STARK CONTRAST TO FACEBOOK'S PUBLIC STANCE ON FREEDOM OF SPEECH, THE COMPANY ULTIMATELY SIDED WITH TURKEY'S DEMAND TO BLOCK THE PAGES. IN MARCH, SEN. RON WYDEN, CHAIR OF THE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE, DEMANDED THAT MARK ZUCKERBERG PROVIDE ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY'S DECISION-MAKING POLICIES, SAYING, "FACEBOOK'S DECISION TO CENSOR CONTENT RAISES SERIOUS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COMPANY'S COMMITMENT TO VALUES LIKE FREE EXPRESSION, PARTICULARLY AS AUTHORITARIAN LEADERS AROUND THE WORLD GROW BOLDER IN THEIR EFFORTS TO SILENCE CRITICISM." |
| LAWMAKERS QUESTION CALIFORNIA CAP-AND-TRADE PROGRAM DESIGN: | IN APRIL 2021, A JOINT INVESTIGATION BY PROPUBLICA AND THE MIT TECHNOLOGY REVIEW SHOWED THAT THE CALIFORNIA AIR RESOURCES BOARD'S LANDMARK CAP-AND-TRADE PROGRAM ISSUED TENS OF MILLIONS OF CARBON CREDITS THAT MAY NOT HAVE PROVIDED REAL CLIMATE CHANGE BENEFITS. IN AUGUST 2021, CALIFORNIA'S SENATE MAJORITY LEADER AND TWO OTHER LEGISLATORS URGED THE AIR RESOURCES BOARD, WHICH IS THE STATE'S TOP CLIMATE REGULATOR, TO REVIEW ITS FOREST OFFSET PROGRAM IN A LETTER THAT CITED OUR REPORT. "WE'RE AT RISK OF UNDERMINING THE CAP-AND-TRADE MARKET BY ALLOWING CHEAP, QUESTIONABLE OFFSETS TO SUBSTITUTE FOR REAL EMISSIONS REDUCTIONS," SAID STATE SEN. JOSH BECKER IN AN INTERVIEW. "THAT KEEPS THE MARKET PRICE ARTIFICIALLY LOW AND REDUCES THE INCENTIVES FOR COMPANIES TO MAKE THE CHANGE WE NEED TO DRIVE DOWN EMISSIONS." FEDERAL INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS OUR FINDINGS ON BORDER PATROL FAILURES AS TEEN DIED IN CUSTODY: IN DECEMBER 2019, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON THE DEATH OF 16-YEAR-OLD CARLOS HERNANDEZ VASQUEZ WHILE IN THE CUSTODY OF U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION. VIDEO OBTAINED BY PROPUBLICA SHOWED THAT THE BORDER PATROL HELD THE SICK TEEN IN A CONCRETE CELL WITHOUT PROPER MEDICAL ATTENTION AND DID NOT DISCOVER HIS BODY UNTIL HIS CELLMATE ALERTED GUARDS. BORDER PATROL AGENTS CLAIMED THAT THEY CONDUCTED REGULAR CHECKS, BUT THE VIDEO DIDN'T MATCH THEIR ACCOUNT. A SEPTEMBER 2021 REPORT ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL ECHOED PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS, DETAILING "DEEPLY TROUBLING FAILURES" BY THE AGENCY AND NOTING THAT HOURLY WELFARE CHECKS RECORDED BY AGENTS HAD NOT ACTUALLY OCCURRED WHILE THE BOY DIED OF THE FLU. THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT HAS DECLINED TO PROSECUTE THE GUARDS WHO FALSIFIED THE RECORDS, AND U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION IS REVIEWING THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S REPORT TO DETERMINE WHETHER TO TAKE DISCIPLINARY ACTION. FACEBOOK REMOVES MORE THAN 100 SCAMMERS FROM MARKETPLACE: IN SEPTEMBER 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON THE RISE OF SCAMMERS USING FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE TO TARGET USERS AROUND THE WORLD. BASED ON INTERNAL CORPORATE DOCUMENTS, INTERVIEWS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDS, OUR REPORTING SHOWS THAT THE PLATFORM FAILS TO PROTECT BUYERS AND SELLERS FROM SCAM LISTINGS, FAKE ACCOUNTS AND VIOLENT CRIME. WE ALSO DISCOVERED THAT USERS ACCUSED OF VIOLENT CRIMES RELATED TO MARKETPLACE TRANSACTIONS WEREN'T BANNED FROM CONTINUING TO USE THE PLATFORM. AFTER SUBMITTING QUESTIONS TO FACEBOOK ABOUT THESE ISSUES, FACEBOOK REMOVED THE ACCOUNT OF A MAN CHARGED WITH THE MURDER OF A WOMAN WHO CAME TO HIS APARTMENT TO BUY A FRIDGE. IN ADDITION, THE COMPANY REMOVED THOUSANDS OF LISTINGS AND TOOK OTHER PUNITIVE ACTION AGAINST MORE THAN 100 ACCOUNTS AFTER WE IDENTIFIED LISTINGS THAT VIOLATED FACEBOOK POLICIES. ST. JUDE HOSPITAL INCREASES FOOD ALLOWANCES AND HOUSING STIPENDS FOR FAMILIES WITH SICK CHILDREN: IN NOVEMBER OF 2021, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION OF ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. CONTRARY TO THE ORGANIZATION'S MARKETING, WE LEARNED THAT FAMILIES WITH SICK CHILDREN WERE STRUGGLING TO SUPPORT THEMSELVES AND WERE INCURRING HUGE DEBTS WHILE THEIR CHILDREN WERE UNDER THE HOSPITAL'S CARE. PLEAS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WERE DENIED, AND IN SOME CASES THE HOSPITAL REFERRED FAMILIES TO OTHER FOUNDATIONS TO SEEK FUNDS. AFTER PROPUBLICA REACHED OUT TO ST. JUDE WITH QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR SUPPORT FOR FAMILIES, THE HOSPITAL ANNOUNCED IMMEDIATE CHANGES TO ITS POLICIES ON FOOD ALLOWANCES AND TRAVEL. IT INCREASED FOOD ALLOWANCES, SWITCHING FROM A $50-A-DAY CAP PER FAMILY TO PROVIDING $25 A DAY TO EACH FAMILY MEMBER. FOR A FAMILY OF FOUR, THAT WOULD DOUBLE THE FOOD BENEFIT. A WEEKLY STIPEND GIVEN TO FAMILIES IN LONG-TERM HOUSING WAS INCREASED TO $150 FROM $125. LAWMAKERS CALL FOR IMMEDIATE CHANGE AT SHELTER HOUSING AFGHAN CHILDREN: IN OCTOBER OF 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT DOZENS OF TRAUMATIZED AFGHAN KIDS WERE STRUGGLING INSIDE A CHICAGO SHELTER THAT WAS ILL EQUIPPED TO CARE FOR THEM. AS PART OF THE EVACUATION FROM AFGHANISTAN, THESE CHILDREN WERE SEPARATED FROM FAMILY AT TALIBAN CHECKPOINTS AND AIRPORTS, OR LATER AT U.S. MILITARY BASES IN OTHER COUNTRIES. THE SHELTER WAS IN CHAOS, AND THE STAFF WERE FRUSTRATED AND OVERWHELMED, UNABLE TO EVEN SPEAK THE CHILDREN'S LANGUAGES. MANY OF THE CHILDREN RESORTED TO VIOLENCE, HARMING THEMSELVES, STAFF OR OTHER CHILDREN. ALMOST IMMEDIATELY AFTER OUR REPORT WAS PUBLISHED, ILLINOIS SEN. DICK DURBIN ASKED THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES' INSPECTOR GENERAL TO INVESTIGATE THE SITUATION AT THE SHELTER, AND ILLINOIS SEN. TAMMY DUCKWORTH CALLED ON HHS SECRETARY XAVIER BECERRA TO HAVE THE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AT THE SHELTER. INTERPRETERS WHO SPEAK THE CHILDREN'S LANGUAGES, PASHTO AND DARI, WERE ALSO PLACED IN THE BUILDING, ADDRESSING A MAJOR CONCERN AND HAVING A CALMING EFFECT ON THE CHILDREN. |
| GOVERNMENT REPORT ON BORDER PATROL ABUSES ECHOES OUR FINDINGS: | IN MAY 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON A DISTURBING PRACTICE USED BY CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION STAFF TO TARGET AND DETAIN IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS. WHILE CROSSING THE BORDER AFTER VISITING IN MEXICO, SEVERAL U.S. CITIZENS WERE INTERROGATED BY MEMBERS OF THE SECRETIVE TACTICAL TERRORISM RESPONSE TEAM, WHOSE MISSION IS TO STOP SUSPECTED FOREIGN TERRORISTS FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY. ALTHOUGH IMMIGRATION POLICY DICTATES THAT CITIZENS ARE ONLY SUPPOSED TO BE FLAGGED FOR BORDER INTERROGATIONS WHEN THEY ARE SUSPECTED OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY THEMSELVES, THE RESPONSE TEAM HARASSED AMERICAN ATTORNEYS FOR EXPLAINING IMMIGRATION LAW AND IN AT LEAST ONE CASE ACCESSED PRIVILEGED CLIENT INFORMATION. IN OCTOBER, HOMELAND SECURITY'S OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL RELEASED A REPORT CONFIRMING THAT THE COUNTERTERRORISM TEAM INTERROGATED DOZENS OF AMERICANS, INCLUDING ACTIVISTS AND JOURNALISTS, AT THE BORDER AS PART OF THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S RESPONSE TO FEARS ABOUT A LARGE MIGRANT "CARAVAN" MAKING ITS WAY TO THE COUNTRY'S SOUTHERN BORDER. HAWAII CRACKS DOWN ON RICH HOMEOWNERS ENDANGERING BEACHES: IN 2020, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A SERIES WITH THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, THAT REVEALED HOW POLICYMAKERS ARE UNDERMINING LAWS AND REGULATIONS INTENDED TO PROTECT HAWAII'S CRITICAL BEACHES, WHICH ARE ERODING AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE BEACHES IN HAWAII ARE PUBLIC, AND THE GOVERNMENT IS REQUIRED TO PROTECT THEM, AS THEY ARE IMPORTANT TO NATIVE HAWAIIANS, PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN THE HEALTH OF LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS, AND ARE MAJOR DRIVERS OF TOURISM AND THE STATE'S ECONOMY. OUR TEAM'S USE OF DATA AND MULTIMEDIA CLEARLY SHOWED THE DESTRUCTION RESULTING FROM SEAWALLS BUILT BY WEALTHY LANDOWNERS, WHICH HAS ALREADY WIPED OUT NEARLY A QUARTER OF THE STATE'S BEACHES. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES PLEDGED TO REVISE ITS RULES GOVERNING SHORELINE STRUCTURES, INCLUDING EMERGENCY PERMITS FOR SANDBAGS. IN ADDITION, STATE POLICYMAKERS PASSED A BILL IN 2021 AIMED AT WARNING PEOPLE WHO BUY WATERFRONT PROPERTY OF THE RISKS OF SEA LEVEL RISE SO THAT THEY CANNOT MAKE SUBSEQUENT CLAIMS AGAINST THE STATE. IN OCTOBER OF 2021, PROPUBLICA LEARNED THAT DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES OFFICIALS IN HAWAII ARE NOW TAKING ACTION AGAINST RESIDENTS WHO LINED THEIR OCEANFRONT PROPERTIES WITH SANDBAGS, REQUIRING HOMEOWNERS TO PROVE THAT A "BONA FIDE PLANNING EFFORT" IS UNDERWAY, INCLUDING EMPLOYING PROFESSIONAL PLANNERS, ENGINEERS OR CONSULTANTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A LONG-TERM SOLUTION, WHICH MAY INVOLVE RELOCATION, ABANDONMENT, BEACH RESTORATION OR SOME OTHER FORM OF SHORELINE MANAGEMENT. SENATORS CALL FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO LIBERTY UNIVERSITY'S HANDLING OF SEXUAL ASSAULTS AS SCHOOL PROMISES INDEPENDENT PROBE: IN OCTOBER 2021, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION OF LIBERTY UNIVERSITY'S HANDLING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ON ITS CAMPUS. AN EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL FOUNDED BY JERRY FALWELL SR., LIBERTY IGNORED REPORTS OF RAPE AND THREATENED TO PUNISH ACCUSERS FOR BREAKING ITS MORAL CODE. BREAKING THE LIBERTY WAY CODE, WHICH PROHIBITS DRINKING AND FRATERNIZING WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX, COULD LEAD TO FINES, REQUIRED COMMUNITY SERVICE OR EVEN EXPULSION. CASES WERE DISMISSED, AND ALLEGED VICTIMS WERE DISCOURAGED FROM FILING COMPLAINTS. A LIBERTY OFFICIAL RESPONSIBLE FOR RESPONDING TO PROPUBLICA'S PRE-PUBLICATION QUESTIONS WAS ULTIMATELY FIRED FOR INTERNALLY RAISING CONCERNS OVER LIBERTY'S HANDLING OF THESE CASES. HE THEN BECAME AN INFORMANT FOR OUR REPORTING, CALLING LIBERTY'S RESPONSE TO SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS A "CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE." OUR REPORT SPURRED IMMEDIATE IMPACT. CITING POSSIBLE VIOLATIONS OF FEDERAL LAW, THREE SENATORS, INCLUDING THE TWO FROM VIRGINIA, BEGAN PRESSING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO INVESTIGATE LIBERTY UNIVERSITY'S HANDLING OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CLAIMS. FOLLOWING A RALLY ON THE LYNCHBURG CAMPUS, LIBERTY'S BOARD VOTED TO OPEN AN "INDEPENDENT AND COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW" OF THE SCHOOL OFFICE TASKED WITH HANDLING DISCRIMINATION AND ABUSE. ETHICS CHARGES FOR FORMER KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE: IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, IN 2019 PROPUBLICA DETAILED HOW KENTUCKY'S THEN-SECRETARY OF STATE, ALISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES, USED THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO LOOK UP THE VOTING RECORDS OF STATE EMPLOYEES, JOB APPLICANTS AND POLITICAL RIVALS. WE ALSO DUG INTO A NO-BID ELECTION SECURITY CONTRACT THAT GRIMES GAVE TO AN INEXPERIENCED CAMPAIGN DONOR AND ALLEGATIONS THAT SHE INTENTIONALLY FAILED TO COMPLY WITH A FEDERAL CONSENT DECREE TO IMPROVE THE STATE'S VOTER ROLLS. LATER THAT YEAR, THE KENTUCKY LEGISLATURE PASSED A BILL, WHICH THE GOVERNOR SIGNED INTO LAW, THAT STRIPPED GRIMES OF HER AUTHORITY OVER THE STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS, RESTRUCTURED THE SBE AND MADE MISUSING THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM A MISDEMEANOR CRIME. IN NOVEMBER OF 2021, KENTUCKY'S EXECUTIVE BRANCH ETHICS COMMISSION FILED AN INITIATING ORDER ACCUSING GRIMES OF MISUSING HER OFFICE FOR PERSONAL AND POLITICAL PURPOSES. IN ADDITION, AN INITIATING ORDER WAS FILED AGAINST ERICA GALYON, WHO WORKED AS ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER GRIMES, CLAIMING THAT SHE MISHANDLED RECORDS REQUESTS IN 2018 AND 2019, INCLUDING REFUSING TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS TO PROPUBLICA AS PART OF A FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT REQUEST. ACLU CALLS FOR FEDERAL INVESTIGATION INTO LOUISIANA SHERIFF'S OFFICE: IN OCTOBER 2021, PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER WRKF/WNNO PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO COMPLAINTS FROM BLACK RESIDENTS ABOUT ABUSE AND A LACK OF ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE OF JEFFERSON PARISH, LOUISIANA. THEIR REPORTING REVEALED HARROWING INCIDENTS OF RACIAL PROFILING AND PATTERNS OF EXCESSIVE FORCE. SINCE THE JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF IS ELECTED, AND LOUISIANA'S CONSTITUTION BLOCKS GOVERNMENTAL OR CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT, THERE IS CURRENTLY NO MECHANISM FOR ACCOUNTABILITY OR TRANSPARENCY. LITIGATION FROM CIVIL SUITS REVEALED THAT THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT ROUTINELY CONDUCT INVESTIGATIONS INTO COMPLAINTS OF EXCESSIVE FORCE, EVEN IN THE CASE OF GRIEVOUS INJURY OR DEATH, AND FEW IF ANY OFFICERS FACE DISCIPLINE. WITHIN WEEKS OF OUR REPORTING, THE ACLU OF LOUISIANA CALLED ON FEDERAL PROSECUTORS TO LAUNCH AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE JEFFERSON PARISH SHERIFF'S OFFICE. AFTER KEEPING QUIET FOR MONTHS, HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ALERT LAW ENFORCEMENT ABOUT SEXUAL ASSAULT OF A PATIENT: A NOVEMBER 2021 INVESTIGATION PUBLISHED BY PROPUBLICA REVEALED THAT THE ROSELAND COMMUNITY HOSPITAL IN CHICAGO HAD MISHANDLED A RECENT CASE OF POSSIBLE SEXUAL ASSAULT OF ONE PATIENT BY ANOTHER IN ITS PSYCHIATRIC UNIT. A MAN WITH A HISTORY OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE AND AGGRESSION WAS CAUGHT ON SURVEILLANCE VIDEO ENGAGING IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITH ANOTHER MAN. MONTHS AFTER THE INCIDENT, HOSPITAL OFFICIALS HADN'T IDENTIFIED THE POSSIBLE VICTIM OR EVEN NOTIFIED THE REGULATORS AT THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH. ONLY AFTER PROPUBLICA BEGAN ASKING QUESTIONS DID THE HEALTH OFFICIALS ALERT LAW ENFORCEMENT. WHILE IDPH TOLD PROPUBLICA THAT THEY ARE EXPLORING CHANGES TO PUBLIC HEALTH REGULATIONS, ILLINOIS STATE SEN. JULIE MORRISON, CHAIR OF THE SENATE HEALTH COMMITTEE, PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES TO REPORT SUSPECTED PATIENT-ON-PATIENT SEXUAL ASSAULTS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT. UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT VOWS SANCTIONS FOR CHINESE STUDENTS WHO REPORT CLASSMATES EXERCISING FREE SPEECH: IN NOVEMBER 2021, PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT PROPAGANDA MACHINE'S INFLUENCE AT U.S.-BASED COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES. OUR INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE REGIME OF CHINESE PRESIDENT XI JINPING IS RAMPING UP EFFORTS TO CONTROL THE NATION'S CITIZENS WHEREVER THEY ARE IN THE WORLD, WITH CHINESE INTELLIGENCE OFFICERS USING ONLINE SURVEILLANCE AND AN ARRAY OF INFORMANTS TO TRACK PERCEIVED DISSIDENT ACTIVITY AT AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES. OUR REPORTING FEATURED A CHINESE GRADUATE STUDENT AT PURDUE UNIVERSITY WHO HAD SPOKEN OUT "ON BEHALF OF FREEDOM AND OTHERS MARTYRED FOR ADVOCATING IT AND WAS SUBSEQUENTLY HARASSED BY OTHER CHINESE STUDENTS. HIS PARENTS IN CHINA WERE ALSO VISITED BY THE FEARED MINISTRY OF STATE SECURITY. WHILE MANY UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN UNWILLING TO SPEAK OUT AGAINST THIS INFLUENCE FROM THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, AFTER OUR STORY PUBLISHED, PURDUE PRESIDENT MITCH DANIELS SENT A LETTER TO FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS CONDEMNING THE "ATMOSPHERE OF INTIMIDATION" AS "UNACCEPTABLE AND UNWELCOME," WARNING THAT THE STUDENTS WHO'D MADE THE THREATS WOULD FACE DISCIPLINARY ACTION AND VOWING TO SANCTION STUDENTS WHO REPORT CLASSMATES FOR EXERCISING FREE SPEECH. |
| INVESTIGATORS CONFIRM OUR FINDINGS ON FOOD AID PROGRAM MISMANAGEMENT: | IN MAY 2020, 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, INCLUDING AN UNUSUALLY FAST BIDDING PROCESS THAT AWARDED CONTRACTS TO MANY ORGANIZATIONS WHO LACKED EXPERIENCE OR PROPER LICENSES. THE PROGRAM ALSO LEFT HARD-HIT AREAS LIKE NEW YORK WITH LESS FOOD THAN AREAS WHERE THE NEED WAS NOT AS GREAT, AND IT ALTOGETHER BYPASSED THE STATES OF MAINE AND ALASKA. IN RESPONSE TO OUR REPORTING, 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 WHETHER 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. IN OCTOBER 2021, THE HOUSE SELECT SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE CORONAVIRUS CRISIS PUBLISHED THE RESULTS OF A CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATION INTO THE PROGRAM, ECHOING PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS THAT IT WAS MISMANAGED AND USED FOR POLITICAL GAIN. LA INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATES ALLEGATIONS OF RACIST POLICING: IN SEPTEMBER 2021, PROPUBLICA AND LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER KPCC/LAIST PUBLISHED A DISTURBING INVESTIGATION OF THE ONGOING TARGETING OF BLACK AND LATINO RESIDENTS BY THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IN SUBURBAN ANTELOPE VALLEY. DEPUTIES DISPROPORTIONATELY DETAINED AND ISSUED CITATIONS TO BLACK TEENS ON PUBLIC SCHOOL CAMPUSES, OFTEN FOR MINOR INFRACTIONS, SUCH AS GETTING IN FIGHTS OR SMOKING. OUR RESEARCH FOUND THAT BLACK TEENAGERS ACCOUNTED FOR 60 PERCENT OF THE DEPUTY CONTACTS ON CAMPUSES BUT MADE UP ONLY ABOUT 20 PERCENT OF THE ENROLLMENT IN THOSE SCHOOLS. IN NOVEMBER 2021, THE CHAIR OF THE SHERIFF CIVILIAN OVERSIGHT COMMISSION ASKED INSPECTOR GENERAL MAX HUNTSMAN'S OFFICE TO EXPLORE OUR FINDINGS IN ANTELOPE VALLEY. HUNTSMAN SAID HE WAS TROUBLED BY OUR REPORTING AND IS REVIEWING A PROPOSED SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT CONTRACT FOR THE ANTELOPE VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT. PROPUBLICA'S WORK WAS HONORED IN 2021 AS FOLLOWS: PROPUBLICA'S ACCOUNTABILITY JOURNALISM ON THE PANDEMIC WAS A FINALIST FOR THE 2021 PULITZER PRIZE FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. THE PACKAGE OF ARTICLES ADDRESSED SOME OF THE PRESSING PROBLEMS OF THE PANDEMIC, PINPOINTING HOW THEY OCCURRED AND WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE. OUR VIDEO "RESCUING HER FATHER FROM AN ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY IN THE CORONAVIRUS EPICENTER" WON THE NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY FOR OUTSTANDING BUSINESS, CONSUMER OR ECONOMIC COVERAGE - OUR FIRST SOLO EMMY AWARD - AND THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION'S BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARD IN THE PANDEMIC CATEGORY. "ON THE LINE: HOW THE MEATPACKING INDUSTRY BECAME A HOTBED OF COVID-19" WON THE GEORGE POLK AWARD IN JOURNALISM IN THE HEALTH REPORTING CATEGORY, THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE, THE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING BUSINESS EDITING AND WRITING'S BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR BUSINESS INVESTIGATIVE, THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE JOURNALISTS AWARD FOR BUSINESS AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT GENERAL CIRCULATION JOURNALISM AWARD. "THE BLACK AMERICAN AMPUTATION EPIDEMIC" WON THE GEORGE POLK AWARD IN JOURNALISM FOR HEALTH REPORTING, THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST AND THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE JOURNALISTS AWARD FOR HEALTH POLICY. IT WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT GENERAL CIRCULATION JOURNALISM AWARD. PROPUBLICA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEPHEN ENGELBERG WON THE GOLDSMITH CAREER AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM. "UNHEARD," A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT WITH THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS ON ALASKAN SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS, WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR COMMUNITY JOURNALISM, THE ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION'S GATHER AWARD IN ENGAGED JOURNALISM, THE DART AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN COVERAGE OF TRAUMA, THE ANCIL PAYNE AWARD FOR ETHICS IN JOURNALISM AND THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' ETHICS IN JOURNALISM AWARD. IT WAS A FINALIST FOR THE ANTHONY SHADID AWARD FOR JOURNALISM ETHICS AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION'S BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARD FOR INNOVATION. "HAWAII'S BEACHES ARE DISAPPEARING," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT WITH THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER, WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION, THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR EXPLANATORY REPORTING, THE SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS' AWARD FOR REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUTSTANDING FEATURE AND A MALOFIEJ GOLD MEDAL IN THE INNOVATION FORMAT CATEGORY. "HOW COVID-19 HOLLOWED OUT A GENERATION OF YOUNG BLACK MEN" WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR COVERAGE OF RACE, AND OUR VIDEO DETAILING THE STORY WON THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION'S BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF RACE AND IDENTITY. OUR REPORTING ON GRACE, A MICHIGAN TEEN JAILED FOR FAILING TO COMPLETE ONLINE SCHOOLWORK, WON THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST NON-DEADLINE REPORTING IN THE ONLINE CATEGORY. IT WAS A FINALIST FOR THE TAYLOR FAMILY AWARD FOR FAIRNESS IN JOURNALISM, THE NATIONAL HEADLINER AWARD FOR SOCIAL MEDIA, THE SARAH BROWN BOYDEN AWARD FOR BEST SERIES AND FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S WATCHDOG AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTING AND ITS LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND BEST NON-DEADLINE REPORTING SERIES. |
| PROPUBLICA WON THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE. | OUR INVESTIGATION REVEALING HOW THE CHILD CAR SEAT MAKER EVENFLO PUT PROFITS OVER CHILD SAFETY WON THE GERALD LOEB AWARD IN PERSONAL FINANCE AND CONSUMER REPORTING AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SELDEN RING AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. A STORY BY PROPUBLICA AND THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE ON CLIMATE MIGRATION, WITH SUPPORT FROM THE PULITZER CENTER, WON THE THE SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS' NINA MASON PULLIAM AWARD, THE SEJ AWARD FOR REPORTING ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE EXPLANATORY REPORTING CATEGORY, THE OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB WHITMAN BASSOW AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF SCIENCE WRITERS AWARD IN THE SERIES CATEGORY AND THE COVERING CLIMATE NOW JOURNALISM AWARD FOR SPECIAL COVERAGE, AND AN ACCOMPANYING MAP WON THE SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR DATA VISUALIZATION. IT WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR THE COLUMBIA JOURNALISM SCHOOL'S JOHN B. OAKES AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM. OUR STORY ON A NEW YORK STATE SUPREME COURT JUDGE WITH EARLY ONSET ALZHEIMER'S WON THE MEYER "MIKE" BERGER AWARD. "THE NYPD FILES" WON THE AL NAKKULA PRIZE FOR POLICE REPORTING, THE NEWS LEADER ASSOCIATION'S FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD, THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SUNSHINE AWARD, AND THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE/HARRY FRANK GUGGENHEIM AWARD IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTING IN THE SERIES CATEGORY. IT WAS A FINALIST FOR ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARDS' UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA AWARD IN INVESTIGATIVE DATA JOURNALISM AND THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS' FOI AWARD. "THE SECRET IRS FILES" WON THE GOLD CATEGORY IN THE BARLETT & STEELE AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM. "THE CUTTING," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT WITH THE OREGONIAN/OREGONLIVE AND OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING, WON COLUMBIA JOURNALISM SCHOOL'S JOHN B. OAKES AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM AND THE BRONZE CATEGORY IN THE BARLETT & STEELE AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM. IT RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION IN THE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING BUSINESS EDITING AND WRITING'S BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE EXPLANATORY CATEGORY. "INSIDE THE FALL OF THE CDC" WON THE ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH CARE JOURNALISTS AWARD IN THE INVESTIGATIVE CATEGORY AND RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS' ASSOCIATION KATHARINE GRAHAM AWARD FOR COURAGE AND ACCOUNTABILITY. REPORTING BY THE CONNECTICUT MIRROR, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, ON THE CONNECTION BETWEEN HOUSING AND SCHOOL SEGREGATION WON THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE INVESTIGATIVE CATEGORY AND A NEW ENGLAND NEWSPAPER & PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE/ENTERPRISE. OUR INVESTIGATION INTO "WHAT PARLER SAW DURING THE ATTACK ON THE CAPITOL" WON THE ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION'S AL NEUHARTH AWARD FOR INNOVATION IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM. REPORTING BY PROPUBLICA AND THE NEWS & OBSERVER ON POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY, BLACK SOCIAL MOVEMENTS AND WHITE POWER RADICALIZATION WON THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SOCIAL JUSTICE REPORTING. THE COLLABORATIVE INVESTIGATION BETWEEN PROPUBLICA AND NASHVILLE PUBLIC RADIO INTO A JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM IN TENNESSEE WITH A STAGGERING HISTORY OF JAILING CHILDREN WON THE SIDNEY AWARD. "WHAT CORONAVIRUS JOB LOSSES REVEAL ABOUT RACISM IN AMERICA," AN INTERACTIVE GRAPHIC, WON THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR COVID-19 DATA VISUALIZATION. OUR SERIES ON PANDEMIC PROFITEERS WON THE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING BUSINESS EDITING AND WRITING'S BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE GOVERNMENT CATEGORY AND THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR COVID-19 NON-DEADLINE REPORTING. OUR REPORTING ON TRUMP POLITICAL APPOINTEES WHO BLOCKED A CRIMINAL PROSECUTION OF WALMART OVER ITS SUSPICIOUS OPIOID PRESCRIPTIONS WON THE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING BUSINESS EDITING AND WRITING'S BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE RETAIL CATEGORY. "HOW DOLLAR STORES BECAME MAGNETS FOR CRIME AND KILLING," CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORKER, WON THE SOCIETY FOR ADVANCING BUSINESS EDITING AND WRITING'S BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE FEATURE CATEGORY AND RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION IN THE CONTEST'S RETAIL CATEGORY. A REPORT BY PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER BAY CITY NEWS, "SHE NOTICED $200 MILLION MISSING, THEN SHE WAS FIRED," WON THE SAN FRANCISCO PRESS CLUB AWARD FOR DIGITAL NEWS STORY. AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE BUSINESS OF OKLAHOMA'S RURAL HOSPITALS BY THE FRONTIER, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, WON THE GREAT PLAINS JOURNALISM AWARD FOR PROJECT/INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. "STATE OF DENIAL," AN ARIZONA DAILY STAR INVESTIGATION WITH THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INTO ARIZONA'S DIVISION OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE ANTHONY SHADID AWARD FOR JOURNALISM ETHICS AND THE ONLINE JOURNALISM GATHER AWARD IN ENGAGED JOURNALISM. OUR INVESTIGATION OF A SMALL-DOLLAR LOAN COMPANY THAT SUED THOUSANDS OF LOWER-INCOME LATINOS DURING THE PANDEMIC, CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE TEXAS TRIBUNE, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GEORGE LOEB AWARD FOR PERSONAL FINANCE. OUR REPORTING ON THE MISMANAGEMENT OF FEDERAL COVID-19 CONTRACTS WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS/FINANCIAL REPORTING. FOR "DEFENSELESS," A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT THAT INVESTIGATED HOW MAINE HANDLES LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE POOR, MAINE MONITOR REPORTER SAMANTHA HOGAN AND PROPUBLICA DATA REPORTER AGNEL PHILIP WERE NAMED FINALISTS FOR THE 2021 LIVINGSTON AWARDS, WHICH HONORS OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT BY JOURNALISTS UNDER THE AGE OF 35. THE INVESTIGATION WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR THE AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION SILVER GAVEL AWARD FOR MULTIMEDIA. OUR VIDEO "DEADLY RESTRAINT: HOW A MAN IN PSYCHIATRIC CRISIS DIED IN CUSTODY" WON THIRD PLACE IN THE PICTURES OF THE YEAR INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FOR DOCUMENTARY NEWS REPORTING AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION'S BEST OF PHOTOJOURNALISM AWARDS IN THE INVESTIGATIVE EDIT CATEGORY. A PIECE ON IMMIGRANT TEENS WORKING DANGEROUS FACTORY NIGHT SHIFTS WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE STORY, BEST ILLUSTRATION AND BEST ONLINE FEATURE STORY OR SERIES. "A SUNDOWN TOWN SEES ITS FIRST BLACK LIVES MATTER PROTEST" WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST INDIVIDUAL AFFILIATED BLOG POST. OUR REPORTING ON THE CRISIS OF UNDIAGNOSED CANCERS IN THE PANDEMIC'S SECOND YEAR WON THE SARAH BROWN BOYDEN AWARD FOR HEALTH/SCIENCE. OUR REPORTING ON GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTOR NEGLECT OF CHICAGO'S WEST SIDE WON THE SARAH BROWN BOYDEN AWARD FOR FEATURES. THE RICHMOND TIMES DISPATCH, A PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, WON THE VIRGINIA PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING FOR A PROJECT ABOUT A UTILITY COMPANY'S LOBBYING EFFORTS AGAINST LEGISLATION MEANT TO LOWER RESIDENTS' ELECTRIC BILLS. A PROPUBLICA AND FRONTLINE INVESTIGATION INTO THE RISE OF EXTREMISM IN AMERICA WAS A FINALIST FOR THE ALFRED I. DUPONT-COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AWARD. "THOUSANDS OF FOSTER CHILDREN WERE SENT OUT OF STATE TO MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES WHERE SOME FACED ABUSE AND NEGLECT" WAS A FINALIST FOR THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. AN ANALYSIS OF ILLINOIS' COVID-19 SPENDING, IN COLLABORATION WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE PETER LISAGOR AWARDS FOR BEST DATA JOURNALISM AND BEST ILLUSTRATION, AS WELL AS FOR THE SARAH BROWN BOYDEN AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIONS. "THE PANDEMIC AND ILLINOIS SCHOOLS: A DIGITAL DIVIDE, VULNERABLE STUDENTS AND HIDDEN DATA," A JOINT INVESTIGATION WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE NEWSPAPER CATEGORY. OUR SERIES ON "COVID-19 INEQUITIES IN CHICAGO" WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE NEWS CATEGORY, THE RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S WATCHDOG AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC INTEREST REPORTING. THE SERIES' FIRST STORY, "COVID-19 TOOK BLACK LIVES FIRST. IT DIDN'T HAVE TO," WAS A FINALIST FOR THE HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARDS FOR BEST FEATURE STORY AND BEST ONLINE FEATURE STORY OR SERIES. |
| A COLLABORATION BETWEEN PROPUBLICA, NEW MEXICO IN DEPTH AND THE | NEWS & OBSERVER ON HOW NURSING HOMES BECAME CORONAVIRUS HOT SPOTS WON THE SPJ TOP OF THE ROCKIES CONTEST IN THE PANDEMIC REPORTING CATEGORY. PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER NEW MEXICO IN DEPTH'S REPORTING ON AN ALBUQUERQUE HOSPITAL WHERE PREGNANT NATIVE WOMEN WERE SINGLED OUT FOR COVID-19 TESTING AND SEPARATED FROM THEIR NEWBORNS AFTER DELIVERY WON THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' TOP OF THE ROCKIES CONTEST IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE REPORTING CATEGORY. OUR NEWS APPLICATIONS AND DATA VISUALIZATIONS WON 19 HONORS FROM THE SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN. OUR STORY WITH THE HONOLULU STAR-ADVERTISER ON HAWAII'S DISAPPEARING BEACHES WON A BRONZE MEDAL FOR PAGE DESIGN, AND OUR PROJECT ON POLICE USE OF FORCE ON PROTESTERS WON A BRONZE MEDAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. WE WERE RECOGNIZED WITH SND AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE IN THE CATEGORIES OF CLIMATE CHANGE, ART DIRECTION, PAGE DESIGN, INFOGRAPHICS, ILLUSTRATIONS, USE OF DATA, PUBLIC SERVICE AND THE INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIOS OF LENA GROEGER, ASH NGU, AL SHAW AND MOIZ SYED. THE DATA VISUALIZATION "STATES ARE REOPENING: SEE HOW CORONAVIRUS CASES RISE OR FALL" WON MALOFIEJ'S BRONZE MEDAL IN THE FEATURES CATEGORY. |
| 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 CHIEF FINANCIAL & ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 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. EMPLOYEES RECEIVE THE CONFLICT OF INTEREST POLICY AT HIRE AS A PART OF THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK, FOR WHICH EMPLOYEES MUST ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT IN WRITING. EMPLOYEES, THEREFORE, RECEIVE THE POLICY AND ACKNOWLEDGE RECEIPT EACH TIME THE EMPLOYEE HANDBOOK IS REVISED. THE POLICY IS PROVIDED TO NEW DIRECTORS AS A PART OF ONBOARDING PROCEDURES. DISCLOSURE OF ANY CONFLICTS IS REQUIRED AT THE TIME OF ONBOARDING OR AT ANY SUCH TIME THAT A FUTURE CONFLICT SHOULD ARISE. 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 COMPENSATION COMMITTEE. THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE USES THE SERVICES OF A LAW FIRM 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 2021. THE COMPENSATION OF THE KEY EMPLOYEE AND OTHER OFFICERS ARE DETERMINED BY THE PRESIDENT. THE PRESIDENT USES COMPARABILITY DATA TO REVIEW COMPENSATION. THIS PROCESS WAS LAST UNDERTAKEN IN 2021. |
| 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 AVAILABLE 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 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. |