PRO PUBLICA INC: Form 990, tax year 2019
View the entire original 990 at ProPublica ↗
- Organization
- PRO PUBLICA INC (EIN 14-2007220)
- Tax period
- 2019-01-01 to 2019-12-31
- Filed
- 2020-10-14
- IRS object ID
- 202042889349300439
- Schema version
- 2019v5.1
- 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 | 2020-10-14T09:44:23-05:00 | ReturnTs |
| Tax Period End | 2019-12-31 | 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 | 665 FIFTH AVENUE | AddressLine1Txt |
| City | NEW YORK | CityNm |
| State Abbreviation | NY | StateAbbreviationCd |
| ZIP | 10022 | ZIPCd |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Return Type | 990 | ReturnTypeCd |
| Tax Period Begin | 2019-01-01 | 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 | RICHARD J TOFEL | PersonNm |
| Person Title | PRESIDENT | PersonTitleTxt |
| Phone | 2125145250 | PhoneNum |
| Signature | 2020-10-13 | SignatureDt |
| Discuss With Paid Preparer | Yes (1) | DiscussWithPaidPreparerInd |
Preparer Person PreparerPersonGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Preparer Person | GARRETT M HIGGINS | PreparerPersonNm |
| PTIN | P00543209 | PTIN |
| Phone | 2122862600 | PhoneNum |
| Preparation | 2020-10-13 | PreparationDt |
Filing Security Information FilingSecurityInformation
IP Address IPAddress
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| I Pv4 Address | 108.35.147.74 | IPv4AddressTxt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| IP | 2020-10-13 | IPDt |
| IP Tm | 19:01:47 | IPTm |
| IP Timezone | ED | IPTimezoneCd |
| Filing License Type | P | FilingLicenseTypeCd |
| At Submission Creation Device Id | DA39A3EE5E6B4B0D3255BFEF95601890AFD80709 | AtSubmissionCreationDeviceId |
| At Submission Filing Device Id | C5C0E2060BEB3F24671B5CC0358F632D6B4109AD | AtSubmissionFilingDeviceId |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Tax | 2019 | TaxYr |
| Build TS | 2021-01-29 14:40:06Z | BuildTS |
Form 990 IRS990
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Principal Officer | RICHARD J TOFEL | 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 | $39,461,742 | 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 - SEE "SCHEDULE O" FOR CONTINUATIONBY 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 | 14 | VotingMembersGoverningBodyCnt |
| Voting Members Independent | 13 | VotingMembersIndependentCnt |
| Total Employee | 157 | TotalEmployeeCnt |
| Total Volunteers | 15 | TotalVolunteersCnt |
| Total Gross UBI | $93,935 | TotalGrossUBIAmt |
| Net Unrelated Bus Txbl Incm | $68,949 | NetUnrelatedBusTxblIncmAmt |
| PY Contributions Grants | $25,576,127 | PYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| CY Contributions Grants | $37,366,751 | CYContributionsGrantsAmt |
| PY Program Service Revenue | $302,000 | PYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| CY Program Service Revenue | $620,950 | CYProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
| PY Investment Income | $288,145 | PYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| CY Investment Income | $514,196 | CYInvestmentIncomeAmt |
| PY Other Revenue | $519,661 | PYOtherRevenueAmt |
| CY Other Revenue | $744,987 | CYOtherRevenueAmt |
| PY Total Revenue | $26,685,933 | PYTotalRevenueAmt |
| CY Total Revenue | $39,246,884 | CYTotalRevenueAmt |
| PY Grants And Similar Paid | $455,470 | PYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt |
| CY Grants And Similar Paid | $1,384,457 | CYGrantsAndSimilarPaidAmt |
| PY Benefits Paid To Members | $0 | PYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt |
| CY Benefits Paid To Members | $0 | CYBenefitsPaidToMembersAmt |
| PY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $17,360,510 | PYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| CY Salaries Comp Emp Bnft Paid | $20,702,693 | CYSalariesCompEmpBnftPaidAmt |
| PY Total Prof Fndrsng Expns | $6,225 | PYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt |
| CY Total Prof Fndrsng Expns | $9,600 | CYTotalProfFndrsngExpnsAmt |
| CY Total Fundraising Expense | $1,278,878 | CYTotalFundraisingExpenseAmt |
| PY Other Expenses | $6,282,256 | PYOtherExpensesAmt |
| CY Other Expenses | $6,533,836 | CYOtherExpensesAmt |
| PY Total Expenses | $24,104,461 | PYTotalExpensesAmt |
| CY Total Expenses | $28,630,586 | CYTotalExpensesAmt |
| PY Revenues Less Expenses | $2,581,472 | PYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| CY Revenues Less Expenses | $10,616,298 | CYRevenuesLessExpensesAmt |
| Total Assets BOY | $40,988,939 | TotalAssetsBOYAmt |
| Total Assets EOY | $51,252,809 | TotalAssetsEOYAmt |
| Total Liabilities BOY | $1,094,094 | TotalLiabilitiesBOYAmt |
| Total Liabilities EOY | $748,489 | TotalLiabilitiesEOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances BOY | $39,894,845 | NetAssetsOrFundBalancesBOYAmt |
| Net Assets Or Fund Balances EOY | $50,504,320 | 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. SEE "SCHEDULE O" FOR CONTINUATION.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 | $24,505,304 | ExpenseAmt |
| Grant | $1,384,457 | GrantAmt |
| Revenue | $697,463 | RevenueAmt |
| Desc | INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST - SEE SCHEDULE O FOR DETAILS | Desc |
| Total Program Service Expenses | $24,505,304 | 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 | 172 | IRPDocumentCnt |
| IRP Document W2 G | 0 | IRPDocumentW2GCnt |
| Employee | 157 | 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 | 14 | GoverningBodyVotingMembersCnt |
| Independent Voting Member | 13 | 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 | Yes (1) | CompensationProcessOtherInd |
| Investment In Joint Venture | 0 | InvestmentInJointVentureInd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | DC | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | AL | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | AK | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | AZ | 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 | CT | 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 | LA | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | ME | 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 | 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 | OH | StatesWhereCopyOfReturnIsFldCd |
| States Where Copy Of Return Is Fld | OK | 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 | WA | 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 VP FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION | 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 (24 entries)
| TitleTitleTxt | Average Hours Per WeekAverageHoursPerWeekRt | OfficerOfficerInd | Reportable Comp From OrgReportableCompFromOrgAmt | Reportable Comp From Rltd OrgReportableCompFromRltdOrgAmt | Other CompensationOtherCompensationAmt | Highest Compensated EmployeeHighestCompensatedEmployeeInd | Individual Trustee Or DirectorIndividualTrusteeOrDirectorInd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| STEPHEN ENGELBERG | |||||||
| CO-CEO & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $406,216 | $0 | $52,998 | ||
| RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT | |||||||
| CO-CEO & TREASURER | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $416,053 | $0 | $29,543 | ||
| ROBIN FIELDS | |||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR | 40.00 | $299,924 | $0 | $19,238 | Yes (X) | ||
| JESSE EISINGER | |||||||
| SENIOR REPORTER | 40.00 | $237,660 | $0 | $48,586 | Yes (X) | ||
| RAGAN RHYNE VICE PRESIDENT OF | |||||||
| DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY | 40.00 | Yes (X) | $256,450 | $0 | $14,389 | ||
| CHARLES ORNSTEIN | |||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | 40.00 | $214,321 | $0 | $55,422 | Yes (X) | ||
| TRACY WEBER | |||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | 40.00 | $228,798 | $0 | $36,524 | Yes (X) | ||
| JOSEPH SEXTON | |||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | 40.00 | $220,402 | $0 | $36,157 | Yes (X) | ||
| PAUL E STEIGER | |||||||
| EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN | 30.00 | Yes (X) | $46,683 | $0 | $6,822 | Yes (X) | |
| PAUL SAGAN | |||||||
| CHAIRMAN | 2.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | |
| HERBERT M SANDLER | |||||||
| FOUNDING CHAIRMAN THRU 6/5/19 | 3.00 | Yes (X) | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | |
| DANIELLE ALLEN | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| CLAIRE BERNARD | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| MARK COLODNY | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| STEVE DAETZ | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| ANGELA FILO | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| HENRY LOUIS GATES JR | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| CLAIRE HOFFMAN | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| KATIE MCGRATH | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| ROBERT CS MONKS | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| RONALD OLSON | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| JAMES STONE | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| S DONALD SUSSMAN | |||||||
| DIRECTOR | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| KAT TAYLOR | |||||||
| DIRECTOR THRU 7/10/19 | 1.00 | $0 | $0 | $0 | Yes (X) | ||
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Reportable Comp From Org | $2,326,507 | TotalReportableCompFromOrgAmt |
| Tot Reportable Comp Rltd Org | $0 | TotReportableCompRltdOrgAmt |
| Total Other Compensation | $299,679 | TotalOtherCompensationAmt |
| Indiv Rcvd Greater Than100 K | 73 | IndivRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt |
| Former Ofcr Employees Listed | 0 | FormerOfcrEmployeesListedInd |
| Total Comp Greater Than150 K | Yes (1) | TotalCompGreaterThan150KInd |
| Compensation From Other Srcs | 0 | CompensationFromOtherSrcsInd |
Contractor Compensation ContractorCompensationGrp (2 entries)
| Address Line1ContractorAddress/USAddress/AddressLine1Txt | CityContractorAddress/USAddress/CityNm | State AbbreviationContractorAddress/USAddress/StateAbbreviationCd | ZIPContractorAddress/USAddress/ZIPCd | ServicesServicesDesc | CompensationCompensationAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HAYNES AND BOONE LLP | |||||
| PO BOX 841399 | DALLAS | TX | 752841399 | LEGAL SERVICES | $162,103 |
| AMAZON WEB SERVICES | |||||
| PO BOX 84023 | SEATTLE | WA | 981248423 | WEBSITE HOSTING SERVICES | $130,857 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Cntrct Rcvd Greater Than100 K | 2 | CntrctRcvdGreaterThan100KCnt |
| All Other Contributions | $37,366,751 | AllOtherContributionsAmt |
| Noncash Contributions | $203,384 | NoncashContributionsAmt |
| Total Contributions | $37,366,751 | TotalContributionsAmt |
Program Service Revenue ProgramServiceRevenueGrp (2 entries)
| DescDesc | BusinessBusinessCd | Total Revenue ColumnTotalRevenueColumnAmt | Related Or Exempt Func IncomeRelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
|---|---|---|---|
| PROGRAM SERVICE FEES | 519130 | $540,200 | $540,200 |
| EDITORIAL FEES | 519100 | $80,750 | $80,750 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Program Service Revenue | $620,950 | TotalProgramServiceRevenueAmt |
Investment Income InvestmentIncomeGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $515,219 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Exclusion | $515,219 | ExclusionAmt |
Royalties Revenue RoyaltiesRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $196,774 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $76,513 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Exclusion | $120,261 | ExclusionAmt |
Gross Amount Sales Assets GrossAmountSalesAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | $213,835 | SecuritiesAmt |
Less Cost Oth Basis Sales Expnss LessCostOthBasisSalesExpnssGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | $214,858 | SecuritiesAmt |
Gain Or Loss GainOrLossGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Securities | -$1,023 | SecuritiesAmt |
Net Gain Or Loss Investments NetGainOrLossInvestmentsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | -$1,023 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Exclusion | -$1,023 | ExclusionAmt |
Other Revenue Misc OtherRevenueMiscGrp (3 entries)
| DescDesc | BusinessBusinessCd | Total Revenue ColumnTotalRevenueColumnAmt | ExclusionExclusionAmt | Unrelated Business RevenueUnrelatedBusinessRevenueAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGAL FEES | 900099 | $405,223 | $405,223 | |
| ADVERTISING REVENUE | 541800 | $93,935 | $93,935 | |
| HONORARIUMS REVENUE | 900099 | $49,055 | $49,055 |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Revenue Total | $548,213 | OtherRevenueTotalAmt |
Total Revenue TotalRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Revenue Column | $39,246,884 | TotalRevenueColumnAmt |
| Related Or Exempt Func Income | $697,463 | RelatedOrExemptFuncIncomeAmt |
| Unrelated Business Revenue | $93,935 | UnrelatedBusinessRevenueAmt |
| Exclusion | $1,088,735 | ExclusionAmt |
Grants To Domestic Orgs GrantsToDomesticOrgsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,042,775 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,042,775 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Grants To Domestic Individuals GrantsToDomesticIndividualsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $341,682 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $341,682 | ProgramServicesAmt |
Comp Current Ofcr Directors CompCurrentOfcrDirectorsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,229,154 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $512,719 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $445,596 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $270,839 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Salaries And Wages OtherSalariesAndWagesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $15,804,374 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $13,935,937 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $1,435,271 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $433,166 | FundraisingAmt |
Pension Plan Contributions PensionPlanContributionsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $626,585 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $558,700 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $61,551 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $6,334 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Employee Benefits OtherEmployeeBenefitsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,811,646 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,563,205 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $196,787 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $51,654 | FundraisingAmt |
Payroll Taxes PayrollTaxesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,230,934 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,057,391 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $124,107 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $49,436 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Legal FeesForServicesLegalGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $284,182 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $249,926 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $21,209 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $13,047 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Accounting FeesForServicesAccountingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $69,502 | TotalAmt |
| Management And General | $69,502 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Fees For Services Prof Fundraising FeesForServicesProfFundraising
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $9,600 | TotalAmt |
| Fundraising | $9,600 | FundraisingAmt |
Fees For Services Other FeesForServicesOtherGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $516,761 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $479,852 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Fundraising | $36,909 | FundraisingAmt |
Advertising AdvertisingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $138,815 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $79,095 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $55,068 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $4,652 | FundraisingAmt |
Office Expenses OfficeExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $605,338 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $347,522 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $45,369 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $212,447 | FundraisingAmt |
Information Technology InformationTechnologyGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,092,087 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $903,687 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $93,200 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $95,200 | FundraisingAmt |
Occupancy OccupancyGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,387,779 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $1,229,704 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $106,231 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $51,844 | FundraisingAmt |
Travel TravelGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $1,003,661 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $978,142 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $11,602 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $13,917 | FundraisingAmt |
Conferences Meetings ConferencesMeetingsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $131,708 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $68,076 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $61,041 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $2,591 | FundraisingAmt |
Depreciation Depletion DepreciationDepletionGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $298,106 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $268,295 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $29,811 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
Insurance InsuranceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $239,868 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $191,579 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $37,168 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $11,121 | FundraisingAmt |
Other Expenses OtherExpensesGrp (4 entries)
| DescDesc | TotalTotalAmt | Management And GeneralManagementAndGeneralAmt | Program ServicesProgramServicesAmt | FundraisingFundraisingAmt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UBIT TAX EXPENSE | $21,178 | $21,178 | ||
| PODCAST EXPENSES | $271,095 | $271,095 | ||
| PUBLIC REC. COP. & SUBS | $254,808 | $254,808 | ||
| RECRUITMENT/PROF DEVEL. | $116,253 | $18,911 | $83,862 | $13,480 |
All Other Expenses AllOtherExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $102,695 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $87,252 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $12,802 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $2,641 | FundraisingAmt |
Total Functional Expenses TotalFunctionalExpensesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total | $28,630,586 | TotalAmt |
| Program Services | $24,505,304 | ProgramServicesAmt |
| Management And General | $2,846,404 | ManagementAndGeneralAmt |
| Fundraising | $1,278,878 | FundraisingAmt |
Cash Non Interest Bearing CashNonInterestBearingGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $5,317,242 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $5,266,631 | EOYAmt |
Savings And Temp Cash Invst SavingsAndTempCashInvstGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $21,331,856 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $27,716,756 | EOYAmt |
Pledges And Grants Receivable PledgesAndGrantsReceivableGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $13,042,094 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $16,985,216 | EOYAmt |
Accounts Receivable AccountsReceivableGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $8,912 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $24,712 | EOYAmt |
Prepaid Expenses Defrd Charges PrepaidExpensesDefrdChargesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $464,032 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $530,134 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Land Bldg Equip Cost Or Other Bss | $1,470,286 | LandBldgEquipCostOrOtherBssAmt |
| Land Bldg Equip Accum Deprec | $841,295 | LandBldgEquipAccumDeprecAmt |
Land Bldg Equip Basis Net LandBldgEquipBasisNetGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $739,263 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $628,991 | EOYAmt |
Investments Pub Traded Sec InvestmentsPubTradedSecGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $28,305 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $15,200 | EOYAmt |
Other Assets Total OtherAssetsTotalGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $57,235 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $85,169 | EOYAmt |
Total Assets TotalAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $40,988,939 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $51,252,809 | EOYAmt |
Accounts Payable Accr Expnss AccountsPayableAccrExpnssGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $659,311 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $254,144 | EOYAmt |
Deferred Revenue DeferredRevenueGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $434,783 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $494,345 | EOYAmt |
Total Liabilities TotalLiabilitiesGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $1,094,094 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $748,489 | 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 | $21,132,503 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $28,252,244 | EOYAmt |
Donor Restriction Net Assets DonorRestrictionNetAssetsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $18,762,342 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $22,252,076 | EOYAmt |
Total Net Assets Fund Balance TotalNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $39,894,845 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $50,504,320 | EOYAmt |
Tot Liab Net Assets Fund Balance TotLiabNetAssetsFundBalanceGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| BOY | $40,988,939 | BOYAmt |
| EOY | $51,252,809 | EOYAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Reconcilation Revenue Expnss | $10,616,298 | ReconcilationRevenueExpnssAmt |
| Net Unrlzd Gains Losses Invst | -$6,823 | 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 | $16,882,164 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $13,765,153 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $43,063,123 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $25,576,127 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $37,366,751 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $136,653,318 | TotalAmt |
Total Calendar Year170 TotalCalendarYear170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $16,882,164 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $13,765,153 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $43,063,123 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $25,576,127 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $37,366,751 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $136,653,318 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Substantial Contributors Tot | $27,419,239 | SubstantialContributorsTotAmt |
| Public Support Total170 | $109,234,079 | PublicSupportTotal170Amt |
Gross Investment Income170 GrossInvestmentIncome170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $23,875 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $105,365 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $91,606 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $449,799 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $635,480 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $1,306,125 | TotalAmt |
Unrelated Business Net Incm170 UnrelatedBusinessNetIncm170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $10,286 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $8,230 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $52,755 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $36,395 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $68,949 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $176,615 | TotalAmt |
Other Income170 OtherIncome170Grp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Current Tax Year Minus4 Years | $10,092 | CurrentTaxYearMinus4YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus3 Years | $245,214 | CurrentTaxYearMinus3YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus2 Years | $108,258 | CurrentTaxYearMinus2YearsAmt |
| Current Tax Year Minus1 Year | $230,179 | CurrentTaxYearMinus1YearAmt |
| Current Tax Year | $454,278 | CurrentTaxYearAmt |
| Total | $1,048,021 | TotalAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Support | $139,184,079 | TotalSupportAmt |
| Gross Receipts Rltd Activities | $1,825,568 | GrossReceiptsRltdActivitiesAmt |
| Public Support CY170 | 0.78480 | PublicSupportCY170Pct |
| Public Support PY170 | 0.74810 | 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 | HONORARIUMS REVENUE - 2015 AMOUNT: $ 10,092. 2016 AMOUNT: $ 26,750. 2017 AMOUNT: $ 90,734. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 77,346. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 49,055. REIMBURSEMENT OF LEGAL FEES - 2016 AMOUNT: $ 218,464. 2017 AMOUNT: $ 17,524. 2018 AMOUNT: $ 152,833. 2019 AMOUNT: $ 405,223. | 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 | $99,877 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $166,441 | BookValueAmt |
Equipment EquipmentGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Cost Or Other Basis | $756,155 | OtherCostOrOtherBasisAmt |
| Depreciation | $519,182 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $236,973 | BookValueAmt |
Other Land Buildings OtherLandBuildingsGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Cost Or Other Basis | $447,813 | OtherCostOrOtherBasisAmt |
| Depreciation | $222,236 | DepreciationAmt |
| Book Value | $225,577 | BookValueAmt |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Book Value Land Buildings | $628,991 | TotalBookValueLandBuildingsAmt |
| Footnote Text | Yes (X) | FootnoteTextInd |
| Total Rev Etc Audited Fincl Stmt | $38,834,838 | TotalRevEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt |
| Net Unrealized Gains Invst | -$6,823 | NetUnrealizedGainsInvstAmt |
| Revenue Not Reported | -$6,823 | RevenueNotReportedAmt |
| Revenue Subtotal | $38,841,661 | RevenueSubtotalAmt |
| Other Revenues Not Included | $405,223 | OtherRevenuesNotIncludedAmt |
| Revenue Not Reported Fincl Stmt | $405,223 | RevenueNotReportedFinclStmtAmt |
| Total Revenue Per Form990 | $39,246,884 | TotalRevenuePerForm990Amt |
| Tot Expns Etc Audited Fincl Stmt | $28,225,363 | TotExpnsEtcAuditedFinclStmtAmt |
| Expenses Not Reported | $0 | ExpensesNotReportedAmt |
| Expenses Subtotal | $28,225,363 | ExpensesSubtotalAmt |
| Other Expenses Not Included | $405,223 | OtherExpensesNotIncludedAmt |
| Expenses Not Rpt Fincl Stmt | $405,223 | ExpensesNotRptFinclStmtAmt |
| Total Expenses Per Form990 | $28,630,586 | 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 2016. |
| PART XI, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: | REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 405,223. |
| PART XII, LINE 4B - OTHER ADJUSTMENTS: | REIMBURSEMENTS OF LEGAL DEFENSE EXPENSES REPORTED ON PART VIII 405,223. |
Schedule I IRS990ScheduleI
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Records Maintained | Yes (1) | GrantRecordsMaintainedInd |
Recipient Table RecipientTable (19 entries)
| Address Line1USAddress/AddressLine1Txt | CityUSAddress/CityNm | State AbbreviationUSAddress/StateAbbreviationCd | ZIPUSAddress/ZIPCd | Recipient EINRecipientEIN | Cash GrantCashGrantAmt | Purpose Of GrantPurposeOfGrantTxt | IRC SectionIRCSectionDesc |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ALABAMA MEDIA GROUP | |||||||
| 1731 1ST AVENUE NORTH | BIRMINGHAM | AL | 35203 | 134123607 | $86,148 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS | |||||||
| 300 W 31ST AVENUE | ANCHORAGE | AK | 99503 | 371869203 | $104,556 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| ARIZONA REPUBLIC | |||||||
| 200 E VAN BUREN STREET | PHOENIX | AZ | 85004 | 860937358 | $25,428 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| CAPITAL CITY PRESS LLC | |||||||
| 7290 BLUEBONNET BOULEVARD | BATON ROUGE | LA | 70810 | 720146160 | $30,650 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| CONNECTICUT NEWS PROJECT | |||||||
| 1049 ASYLUM AVENUE | HARTFORD | CT | 06105 | 270583046 | $86,100 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| KENTUCKY CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING | |||||||
| 619 S FOURTH STREET | LOUISEVILLE | KY | 40202 | 611259787 | $46,128 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| MIAMI HERALD | |||||||
| 3511 NW 91 AVENUE | MIAMI | FL | 33172 | 205063905 | $41,930 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| NEW YORK PUBLIC RADIO | |||||||
| 160 VARICK STREET | NEW YORK | NY | 10013 | 133015230 | $97,176 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| NOLA MEDIA GROUP | |||||||
| 4013 NI-10 SERVICE ROAD W | METAIRIE | LA | 70002 | 134123607 | $31,848 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| NPR UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT SPRINGFIELD | |||||||
| 28396 NETWORK PLACE | CHICAGO | IL | 60673 | 376000511 | $51,548 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | GOVERNMENT |
| OREGON PUBLIC BROADCASTING | |||||||
| 7140 SW MACADAM AVENUE | PORTLAND | OR | 97219 | 930814638 | $46,128 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| THE BUSINESS JOURNAL | |||||||
| 25 E BOARDMAN ST SUITE 306 | YOUNGSTOWN | OH | 44503 | 341461521 | $23,063 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE CAPITAL | |||||||
| 300 EAST CROMWELL STREET | BALTIMORE | MD | 21230 | 363779720 | $21,528 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL | |||||||
| 1001 VIRGINIA ST E | CHARLESTON | WV | 25301 | 463129352 | $53,652 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE COURIER-JOURNAL | |||||||
| 525 W BROADWAY | LOUISEVILLE | KY | 40202 | 203918856 | $52,884 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE FRONTIER MEDIA GROUP | |||||||
| 12117 SOUTH 12TH COURT | JENKS | OK | 74037 | 814620550 | $29,520 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| THE POST AND THE COURIER | |||||||
| 132 COLUMBUS STREET | CHARLESTON | SC | 29403 | 300537922 | $46,128 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| THE PUBLIC'S RADIO | |||||||
| ONE UNION STATIONS | PROVIDENCE | RI | 02903 | 050498502 | $85,944 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | 501(C)(3) |
| THE SACRAMENTO BEE | |||||||
| PO BOX 15779 | SACRAMENTO | CA | 95852 | 940666175 | $82,416 | PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE | |
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Total501c3 Org | 7 | Total501c3OrgCnt |
| Total Other Org | 12 | TotalOtherOrgCnt |
Grants Other Asst To Indiv In US GrantsOtherAsstToIndivInUSGrp (3 entries)
| Grant TypeGrantTypeTxt | RecipientRecipientCnt | Cash GrantCashGrantAmt |
|---|---|---|
| EMERGING REPORTER STIPEND | 10 | $45,000 |
| DIVERSITY STIPEND | 18 | $13,500 |
| LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK GRANT | 5 | $283,182 |
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, THE DATA INSTITUTE PROGRAM COVERS THE COST OF LODGING AND TRAVEL FOR ALL ATTENDEES. IF 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 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 NETWORK: THE OTHER TYPE OF FUNDING PROPUBLICA PROVIDES IS THROUGH REGRANTING FOR ORGANIZATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS PARTICIPATING IN THE LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK INITIATIVE. THROUGH THIS INITIATIVE, PROPUBLICA PARTNERS WITH LOCAL NEWSROOMS THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR A REPORTER TO WORK ON AN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM PROJECT FOR ONE YEAR. 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 LRN VIA A COMPETITIVE APPLICATION PROCESS, AND IN ADDITION TO FUNDING, LRN PARTNERS RECEIVE ACCESS TO PROPUBLICA RESOURCES INCLUDING EDITORS, TRAINING SESSIONS, AND CO-PUBLISHING OPPORTUNITIES. LRN GRANT AMOUNTS ARE DETERMINED BASED ON EACH REPORTER'S ANNUAL SALARY AND A STANDARD BENEFITS PERCENT ALLOCATION, WHICH WAS 23% FOR GRANTS ORIGINATING IN 2019, AND AMOUNTS ARE AGREED TO IN WRITING BY BOTH THE PARTICIPATING NEWSROOM AND PROPUBLICA. FUND USAGE FOR LRN IS MONITORED BY THE PROPUBLICA EDITORS WHO OVERSEE THE PROGRAM AND WORK DIRECTLY WITH THE REPORTERS. ULTIMATELY, THE 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. | 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 | 0 | AnyNonFixedPaymentsInd |
| Initial Contract Exception | 0 | InitialContractExceptionInd |
Rltd Org Officer Trst Key Empl RltdOrgOfficerTrstKeyEmplGrp (8 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 | $403,484 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,732 | $0 | $14,000 | $0 | $38,998 | $0 | $459,214 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| RICHARD TOFEL PRESIDENT | ||||||||||||||
| CO-CEO & TREASURER | $413,321 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,732 | $0 | $14,000 | $0 | $15,543 | $0 | $445,596 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| ROBIN FIELDS | ||||||||||||||
| MANAGING EDITOR | $298,972 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $952 | $0 | $7,500 | $0 | $11,738 | $0 | $319,162 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| JESSE EISINGER | ||||||||||||||
| SENIOR REPORTER | $237,039 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $621 | $0 | $12,288 | $0 | $36,298 | $0 | $286,246 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| RAGAN RHYNE VICE PRESIDENT OF | ||||||||||||||
| DEVELOPMENT & SECRETARY | $255,994 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $456 | $0 | $12,875 | $0 | $1,514 | $0 | $270,839 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| CHARLES ORNSTEIN | ||||||||||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | $213,700 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $621 | $0 | $11,625 | $0 | $43,797 | $0 | $269,743 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| TRACY WEBER | ||||||||||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | $227,018 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $1,780 | $0 | $11,638 | $0 | $24,886 | $0 | $265,322 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| JOSEPH SEXTON | ||||||||||||||
| SENIOR EDITOR | $217,670 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $2,732 | $0 | $11,275 | $0 | $24,882 | $0 | $256,559 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Schedule M IRS990ScheduleM
Securities Publicly Traded SecuritiesPubliclyTradedGrp
| Field | Value | IRS element (for citing) |
|---|---|---|
| Non Cash Checkbox | Yes (X) | NonCashCheckboxInd |
| Contribution | 34 | ContributionCnt |
| Noncash Contributions Rpt F990 | $203,384 | 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 1, COLUMN (B) OF SCHEDULE M. | ExplanationTxt |
Schedule O IRS990ScheduleO
Supplemental Information Detail SupplementalInformationDetail (12 entries)
| Form And Line ReferenceFormAndLineReferenceDesc | ExplanationExplanationTxt |
|---|---|
| FORM 990, PART III, LINE 4A, DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAM SERVICE: | OUR WORK SPURRED SIGNIFICANT IMPACT, INCLUDING THE SCRAPPING OF INDUSTRY-BACKED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HAVE BARRED THE IRS FROM CREATING A FREE ELECTRONIC TAX FILING SYSTEM, MAJOR REFORMS TO CHICAGO'S AGGRESSIVE AND UNEQUAL TICKETING SYSTEM, MEDICAL DEBT CLEARED FOR SOME OF MEMPHIS', TENNESSEE'S POOREST PATIENTS, HATE GROUP MEMBERS SENTENCED TO PRISON, AN EMERGENCY BAN ON ISOLATED SECLUSION IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS, AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ALLOCATED TO IMPROVE PUBLIC SAFETY IN ALASKA. OUR JOURNALISM SHINED A LIGHT ON THREE OF THE MILITARY'S DEADLIEST ACCIDENTS IN DECADES AFTER SENIOR OFFICIALS IGNORED YEARS OF WARNINGS, A STUDENT AID LOOPHOLE IN WHICH WEALTHY PARENTS GAVE UP CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN TO ACCESS NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS, HOW THE INTENSE DEADLINE PRESSURE THAT AMAZON PUTS ON INDEPENDENT DELIVERY DRIVERS THREATENS PUBLIC SAFETY, A SECRET FACEBOOK PAGE WHERE CURRENT AND FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENTS SHARED JOKES ABOUT MIGRANT DEATHS, THE PERVASIVE USE OF JAILHOUSE INFORMANTS AND HOW THE PRACTICE CORRUPTS THE JUSTICE SYSTEM, POLITICALLY CONNECTED BILLIONAIRES BENEFITING FROM THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE TAX BREAK INTENDED AS AN ANTI-POVERTY MEASURE, AND HOW CARBON OFFSETS HAVE FAILED TO DELIVER THEIR PROMISED CLIMATE BENEFITS. IN 2019, PROPUBLICA EXPANDED ITS LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK TO 21 NEWSROOMS AROUND THE COUNTRY, WITH PROJECTS THAT EXPOSED HOW CALIFORNIA'S EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE POPULATION OF STATE PRISONS HAVE LED TO OVERCROWDED AND DANGEROUS CONDITIONS IN ITS COUNTY JAILS, THE PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY'S RAPID GROWTH IN LOUISIANA'S MOST POLLUTED COMMUNITIES, HOW THE LARGEST HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN MEMPHIS HAS SUED AND GARNISHED THE WAGES OF THOUSANDS OF POOR PATIENTS FOR UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS, AND HOW A LACK OF PUBLIC SAFETY RESOURCES AND GENERATIONS OF BROKEN GOVERNMENT PROMISES HAVE CREATED A SEXUAL ASSAULT AND CHILD-ABUSE CRISIS IN ALASKA. WE ALSO ANNOUNCED A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TEXAS TRIBUNE FOR A JOINTLY OPERATED INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING UNIT SERVING TEXAS BEGINNING IN 2020 AND LAUNCHED COLLABORATE, AN OPEN-SOURCE TOOL THAT MAKES IT EASIER FOR REPORTERS AND NEWSROOMS TO WORK TOGETHER ON DATA COLLABORATIONS. PROPUBLICA WON THE PULITZER PRIZE - OUR FIFTH - FOR FEATURE WRITING FOR A SERIES ON MS-13 CO-PUBLISHED WITH NEW YORK MAGAZINE, NEWSDAY AND THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE. OUR SERIES "ZERO TOLERANCE" WAS A FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER GOLD MEDAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, IN ADDITION TO WINNING THE FIRST-EVER PEABODY "CATALYST" AWARD AND THE GEORGE POLK AWARD FOR IMMIGRATION REPORTING. THE PROPUBLICA AND PBS FRONTLINE COLLABORATION "DOCUMENTING HATE" WON THE NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE DOCUMENTARY AND AN ALFRED I. DUPONT-COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AWARD. OUR PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIPS CONTINUED TO GROW, WITH 70 IN 2019 ALONE. PARTNERS OVER THE PAST YEAR INCLUDED THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WASHINGTON POST, NPR NEWS, FRONTLINE, UNIVISION, THE NEW YORKER AND THE ATLANTIC, AS WELL AS NEW NATIONAL PARTNERS AMERICAN BANKER, MILITARY TIMES AND THE TRACE. GROWING PLATFORM ACROSS ALL OUR DISTRIBUTION PLATFORMS, INCLUDING THIRD-PARTY DISTRIBUTORS SUCH AS APPLE NEWS, MICROSOFT NEWS, GOOGLE NEWS AND SMARTNEWS, MANY PROPUBLICA STORIES THIS YEAR RECORDED MORE THAN 1 MILLION PAGE VIEWS. OVERALL, TRAFFIC ON OUR OWN SITE ROSE 42%, WHILE NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIPTIONS NEARLY DOUBLED TO MORE THAN 250,000. IMPACT THE MOST IMPORTANT TEST OF PROPUBLICA IS WHETHER OUR WORK IS MAKING AN IMPACT. WE MEASURE OUR IMPACT NOT IN TERMS OF AUDIENCE SIZE OR HONORS BUT IN REAL-WORLD CHANGE. IN 2019, OUR JOURNALISM SPURRED SUCH CHANGE IN A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT AREAS. IRS REFORMS FREE TAX FILING PROGRAM IN APRIL, PROPUBLICA DREW ATTENTION TO A PROVISION IN THE PROPOSED TAXPAYER FIRST ACT THAT WOULD PERMANENTLY BAR THE IRS FROM CREATING A FREE ELECTRONIC TAX FILING SYSTEM, A MOVE THAT INTUIT, THE MAKER OF TURBOTAX;, H&R BLOCK;, AND OTHER TAX SOFTWARE COMPANIES HAVE SPENT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LOBBYING TO ENSURE. LATER THAT MONTH, WE SHOWED HOW TURBOTAX USES DECEPTIVE DESIGN, MISLEADING ADS AND TECHNICAL TRICKS TO GET PEOPLE TO PAY TO FILE THEIR TAXES, EVEN WHEN THEY ARE ELIGIBLE TO FILE FOR FREE. IN RESPONSE TO OUR STORIES, SCORES OF READERS CALLED TURBOTAX TO COMPLAIN - AND THE COMPANY AGREED TO REFUND THEIR MONEY. INTUIT ALSO CHANGED THE CODE ON THE TURBOTAX FREE FILE PAGE SO THAT IT IS NO LONGER HIDDEN FROM SEARCH ENGINES. IN MAY, THE IRS AND ITS INSPECTOR GENERAL ANNOUNCED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE AGENCY'S FREE FILE PARTNERSHIP WITH THE TAX PREP INDUSTRY. THE NEW YORK DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES LAUNCHED ITS OWN INVESTIGATION INTO INTUIT, H&R BLOCK AND TWO OTHER TAX PREP COMPANIES, AND THE LOS ANGELES CITY ATTORNEY FILED A LAWSUIT AGAINST INTUIT AND H&R BLOCK. IN JUNE, AMID GROWING PUBLIC OUTCRY FROM OUR INVESTIGATION, THE HOUSE AND SENATE PASSED A NEW VERSION OF THE TAXPAYER FIRST ACT THAT REMOVED THE INDUSTRY-BACKED PROVISION THAT WOULD HAVE ENSHRINED THE CURRENT SYSTEM. BY DECEMBER, THE IRS AGREED TO MAJOR REFORMS WITH THE TAX PREP SOFTWARE INDUSTRY, INCLUDING BARRING COMPANIES FROM HIDING THEIR FREE PRODUCTS FROM SEARCH ENGINES. THE CHANGES ALSO SCRAPPED A YEARS-OLD PROHIBITION ON THE IRS CREATING ITS OWN ONLINE FILING SYSTEM THAT WOULD ALLOW CITIZENS TO SIMPLY FILE THEIR TAXES FOR FREE. DISCRIMINATORY FACEBOOK POLICIES TERMINATED IN 2016, PROPUBLICA REPORTED THAT FACEBOOK ALLOWED ADVERTISERS TO BUY CREDIT, HOUSING AND EMPLOYMENT ADS THAT EXCLUDE ANYONE WITH AFRICAN AMERICAN, ASIAN AMERICAN OR LATINO AFFINITIES FROM SEEING THEM. OUR 2017 FOLLOW-UP FOUND THAT THE SOCIAL NETWORK HAD NOT REMEDIED THE PROBLEM. IN MARCH, THE COMPANY ANNOUNCED THAT FACEBOOK ADVERTISERS CAN NO LONGER TARGET USERS BY AGE, GENDER AND ZIP CODE FOR HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT AND CREDIT OFFERS - SWEEPING CHANGES INCLUDED IN A MAJOR SETTLEMENT WITH CIVIL RIGHTS ORGANIZATIONS. A WEEK LATER, HOWEVER, THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT SUED FACEBOOK FOR VIOLATING THE FAIR HOUSING ACT, ALLEGING THAT THE SOCIAL NETWORK'S AD SYSTEM HAS THE EFFECT OF DISCRIMINATING EVEN WHEN ADVERTISERS DID NOT CHOOSE TO DO SO. IN A CIVIL RIGHTS AUDIT RELEASED IN JULY, FACEBOOK PLEDGED TO CREATE A NEW PORTAL SPECIFICALLY FOR ADVERTISERS BUYING HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT AND CREDIT ADS THAT WOULD LIMIT THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AND REMOVE MORE THAN 5,000 CATEGORIES RELATED TO PROTECTED GROUPS OF PEOPLE. NEW YORK'S DEPARTMENT OF FINANCIAL SERVICES ALSO LAUNCHED ITS OWN INVESTIGATION INTO FACEBOOK AND WHETHER STATE-REGULATED ADVERTISERS ARE USING THE PLATFORM TO DISCRIMINATE. AND IN SEPTEMBER, THE U.S. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION RULED THAT SEVEN EMPLOYERS, INCLUDING CAPITAL ONE, EDWARD JONES AND ENTERPRISE HOLDINGS, VIOLATED CIVIL RIGHTS LAW THROUGH THEIR USE OF FACEBOOK'S TARGETING ADVERTISING BEFORE 2019 TO EXCLUDE WOMEN AND OLDER WORKERS FROM JOB ADS. CHICAGO MAYOR MOVES TO END CITY'S PUNITIVE TICKETING PRACTICES IN 2018, A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND WBEZ INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT CHICAGO USES AGGRESSIVE TICKETING PRACTICES TO BOOST REVENUE, DISPROPORTIONATELY TARGETING POOR, MINORITY RESIDENTS AND TRAPPING THEM IN SPIRALING DEBT. THE CITY'S PUNITIVE COLLECTION MEASURES, INCLUDING BOOTING AND IMPOUNDING VEHICLES OR SUSPENDING DRIVER'S LICENSES AS A WAY TO PRESSURE DEBTORS TO PAY THEIR TICKETS, HAVE PUSHED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF MOSTLY BLACK MOTORISTS INTO CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY. IN RESPONSE TO OUR REPORTING, A FEDERAL APPEALS COURT RULED THAT CHICAGO CAN NO LONGER HOLD IMPOUNDED CARS AFTER DRIVERS FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY. IN JULY, NEW MAYOR LORI LIGHTFOOT INTRODUCED A SERIES OF PROPOSALS TO REFORM THE CITY'S BROKEN TICKETING SYSTEM, INCLUDING NO LONGER ALLOWING LICENSE SUSPENSIONS OVER UNPAID PARKING TICKETS AND MAKING CITY PAYMENT PLANS MORE AFFORDABLE. IN SEPTEMBER, THE CHICAGO CITY COUNCIL APPROVED AN OVERHAUL OF ITS PUNITIVE SYSTEM, MAKING CHICAGO THE LARGEST U.S. CITY TO ENACT MAJOR REFORMS OF ITS SYSTEM OF FINES AND FEES; AND IN OCTOBER, ILLINOIS LAWMAKERS PASSED THE LICENSE TO WORK ACT, ENDING LICENSE SUSPENSIONS FOR A NUMBER OF NON-MOVING VIOLATIONS, INCLUDING UNPAID PARKING AND VEHICLE COMPLIANCE TICKETS. TROUBLED CHARITY MORE THAN ME SHUTS DOWN IN PARTNERSHIP WITH TIME MAGAZINE, PROPUBLICA LAUNCHED AN INVESTIGATION IN 2018 INTO AN ACCLAIMED AMERICAN CHARITY CALLED MORE THAN ME OPERATING IN LIBERIA. IT REVEALED HOW THE ORGANIZATION MISSED KEY OPPORTUNITIES TO PREVENT THE RAPE OF GIRLS IN ITS CARE BY SENIOR STAFF MEMBER MACINTOSH JOHNSON, MISLED DONORS AND THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE EXTENT OF THE ABUSE AND FAILED TO ENSURE ALL OF HIS POTENTIAL VICTIMS WERE TESTED AFTER IT CAME TO LIGHT HE HAD AIDS WHEN HE DIED. IN MAY, THE NONPROFIT'S U.S. BOARD RELEASED AN INDEPENDENT REPORT THAT ECHOED OUR FINDINGS, IDENTIFYING SIGNIFICANT DEFICITS IN MORE THAN ME'S POLICIES, GOVERNANCE AND ADMINISTRATION AND STRONGLY CRITICIZING THE ACTIONS OF FOUNDER AND EX-CEO KATIE MEYLER, WHO RESIGNED IN APRIL. |
| IN JUNE, A PANEL OF LIBERIAN CIVIL SOCIETY LEADERS HEADED BY A PROMINENT | LOCAL LAWYER ALSO PUBLISHED AN INDEPENDENT REPORT CALLING OUT MORE THAN ME'S AMERICAN BOARD FOR AN "ASTONISHING FAILURE OF OVERSIGHT." LATER THAT MONTH, MORE THAN ME SHUTTERED ITS OPERATIONS, CITING "SEVERE FINANCIAL PRESSURE DUE TO OUR INABILITY TO FUNDRAISE." NONPROFIT HOSPITAL STOPS SUING ITS OWN EMPLOYEES MLK50, A MEMBER OF OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, PARTNERED WITH PROPUBLICA FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO METHODIST LE BONHEUR HEALTHCARE, THE LARGEST HOSPITAL SYSTEM IN MEMPHIS, AND HOW IT HAS SUED AND GARNISHED THE WAGES OF THOUSANDS OF ITS POOREST PATIENTS, INCLUDING ITS OWN EMPLOYEES, FOR UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS. AS A NONPROFIT, METHODIST PAYS VIRTUALLY NO LOCAL, STATE OR FEDERAL INCOME TAX AND IN RETURN IS SUPPOSED TO PROVIDE COMMUNITY BENEFITS. BUT ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY ALL BUT IGNORED PATIENTS WITH ANY FORM OF HEALTH INSURANCE, NO MATTER THEIR OUT-OF-POCKET COSTS. ITS HEALTH PLAN ALSO DIDN'T ALLOW METHODIST EMPLOYEES TO SEEK CARE AT HOSPITALS WITH MORE GENEROUS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICIES. PROMPTED BY OUR REPORTING, METHODIST'S CEO PROMISED A 30-DAY REVIEW OF ITS COLLECTION POLICY AND SUSPENDED COURT COLLECTION ACTIVITIES OVER UNPAID MEDICAL BILLS DURING THAT PERIOD, IMMEDIATELY DROPPING MORE THAN TWO DOZEN CASES THAT WERE SET FOR INITIAL HEARINGS. ONCE THE REVIEW WAS COMPLETED AT THE END OF JULY, METHODIST ANNOUNCED A BROAD RANGE OF REFORMS, INCLUDING THAT IT WOULD RAISE ITS MINIMUM WAGE, DRAMATICALLY EXPAND ITS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE POLICY FOR HOSPITAL CARE AND STOP SUING ITS OWN EMPLOYEES FOR UNPAID MEDICAL DEBTS. IN SEPTEMBER, METHODIST FORGAVE NEARLY $12 MILLION IN DEBTS OWED BY MORE THAN 6,500 PATIENTS, INCLUDING MORE THAN $30,000 FROM A WOMAN FEATURED IN OUR STORY. EMERGENCY BAN ON "ISOLATED TIMEOUTS" ENACTED IN NOVEMBER, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS PARTNERED WITH THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE ON AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE USE OF "ISOLATED TIMEOUT" ROOMS WITHIN ILLINOIS PUBLIC SCHOOLS. WE FOUND THAT CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS FIVE WERE SENT TO SECLUSION ROOMS, SOMETIMES FOR HOURS ON END, ALONE AND OFTEN TERRIFIED, FOR INFRACTIONS AS MINOR AS SPILLING MILK. THESE ISOLATED TIMEOUTS WERE ROUTINELY - AND ILLEGALLY - MISUSED ACROSS THE STATE. THE DAY AFTER OUR REPORT WAS PUBLISHED, GOV. J.B. PRITZKER CALLED THE PRACTICE "APPALLING AND VOWED TO WORK WITH LEGISLATORS TO ENACT A PERMANENT BAN. IN ADDITION, HE DIRECTED THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO MAKE EMERGENCY RULES TO END ISOLATED SECLUSION IN ILLINOIS SCHOOLS. UNDER THESE RULES, CHILDREN ARE NOW PUT IN TIMEOUT ONLY IF A "TRAINED ADULT" IS IN THE ROOM AND THE DOOR IS UNLOCKED. TIMEOUTS MUST ALSO BE USED ONLY FOR THERAPEUTIC REASONS OR TO PROTECT THE SAFETY OF STUDENTS AND STAFF. POLICE CHARGED WITH MISCONDUCT THE SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, A MEMBER OF OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, PARTNERED WITH PROPUBLICA FOR A 2018 INVESTIGATION THAT REVEALED DEEP FLAWS AND ABUSES OF POWER IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM IN ELKHART, INDIANA. AMONG OTHER REVELATIONS, THE SERIES REVEALED VIDEO SHOWING TWO ELKHART POLICE OFFICERS REPEATEDLY PUNCHING A HANDCUFFED MAN - AN INCIDENT FOR WHICH THE OFFICERS HAD BEEN ISSUED ONLY REPRIMANDS AND WHICH ONLY BECAME PUBLIC AFTER PROPUBLICA AND THE TRIBUNE BEGAN INVESTIGATING. IN MARCH, A FEDERAL GRAND JURY INDICTED THE TWO POLICE OFFICERS ON CIVIL RIGHTS CHARGES. AN OUTSIDE STUDY OF THE ELKHART POLICE DEPARTMENT ORDERED AFTER OUR INVESTIGATION FOUND THAT THE FORCE LACKS ACCOUNTABILITY, WITH OFFICERS VIEWED IN THE COMMUNITY AS "COWBOYS" WHO ENGAGE IN "ROUGH TREATMENT OF CIVILIANS." THE STUDY ALSO OFFERED RECOMMENDATIONS TO MAKE OFFICER DISCIPLINE MORE CONSISTENT, PROMOTIONS LESS POLITICAL, CITIZEN COMPLAINTS EASIER TO FILE AND THE DEPARTMENT'S WORKINGS MORE TRANSPARENT. UNSAFE CHILDREN'S SHELTERS CLOSED PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS REPORTED EXTENSIVELY IN 2018 ON CONDITIONS INSIDE THE STATE'S SHELTERS FOR IMMIGRANT CHILDREN, FINDING PROBLEMS INCLUDING SEXUAL ABUSE, LAX SUPERVISION AND RUNAWAY CHILDREN. IN MARCH, HEARTLAND HUMAN CARE SERVICES, WHICH MANAGED SOME OF THE SHELTERS FEATURED IN THIS REPORTING, ANNOUNCED PLANS TO CLOSE FOUR OF ITS SHELTERS IN SUBURBAN CHICAGO AND ADD STAFF, TRAINING AND OTHER RESOURCES AT ITS REMAINING FIVE FACILITIES. FEDERAL FUNDING APPROVED TO PREVENT LAND THEFT IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NEW YORKER, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO HEIRS' PROPERTY, A LEGAL MEANS FOR LAND TO BE PASSED DOWN TO FAMILY WITHOUT A WILL, WHICH HAS MADE PROPERTY OWNERS VULNERABLE TO LOSING THEIR LAND AND PROHIBITS THEM FROM RECEIVING THE FULL BENEFITS OF LAND OWNERSHIP. THIS HAD LED TO BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN LAND LOSS, PRIMARY BY BLACK LANDOWNERS IN THE SOUTHERN U.S. WITHIN DAYS OF OUR REPORTING, SENS. DOUG JONES OF ALABAMA AND TIM SCOTT OF SOUTH CAROLINA SENT A LETTER URGING THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT HEIRS' PROPERTY PROVISIONS THAT WERE SECURED IN THE AGRICULTURE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 2018. SHORTLY AFTER, THE USDA ANNOUNCED TWO LISTENING SESSIONS ON HEIRS' PROPERTY TO ASSIST WITH A RELENDING PROGRAM TO CLEAR TITLES AND ADDRESS OBSTACLES TO GAINING ACCESS TO CERTAIN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS. IN OCTOBER, THE U.S. SENATE PASSED AN AMENDMENT TO HELP HEIRS' PROPERTY OWNERS CLEAR THEIR TITLES. THE AMENDMENT, WHICH ALSO PASSED IN THE HOUSE, INCLUDES $5 MILLION IN FUNDING FOR LENDING ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE LOANS TO LANDOWNERS WHO ARE SEEKING TO CLEAR UP OR CONSOLIDATE OWNERSHIP, HELPING THEM PAY FOR LEGAL ASSISTANCE OR OBTAIN NECESSARY DOCUMENTATION. BORDER PATROL FACEBOOK GROUP SPURS MULTIPLE INVESTIGATIONS IN JULY, PROPUBLICA UNCOVERED A SECRET FACEBOOK GROUP WHERE CURRENT AND FORMER BORDER PATROL AGENTS WERE CAUGHT SHARING VULGAR AND DEROGATORY POSTS, INCLUDING JOKES ABOUT MIGRANT DEATHS AND DEPICTIONS OF REP. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ BEING SEXUALLY ASSAULTED. IN RESPONSE TO OUR STORY, U.S. CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION INFORMED INVESTIGATORS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY'S OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL AND OPENED AN INQUIRY. THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON OVERSIGHT AND REFORM LAUNCHED ITS OWN PROBE WITH A HEARING THAT INCLUDED OCASIO-CORTEZ QUESTIONING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY CHIEF AT THE TIME. CBP ALSO PLACED SEVERAL EMPLOYEES ON RESTRICTED DUTY AND ISSUED LETTERS TO THOSE CONFIRMED AS BEING ACTIVE IN THE FACEBOOK GROUP, INSTRUCTING THEM TO STOP POSTING OBJECTIONABLE MATERIAL. WITHIN WEEKS, TOP CBP OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THE AGENCY HAD OPENED INVESTIGATIONS INTO 70 INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING 62 CURRENT AND EIGHT FORMER EMPLOYEES, WITH CONNECTIONS TO THE GROUP. FEDERAL OFFICIALS WORK TO CLOSE STUDENT AID LOOPHOLES PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS WAS THE FIRST TO REPORT THAT DOZENS OF WELL-OFF PARENTS ARE GIVING UP CUSTODY OF THEIR CHILDREN TO ACCESS NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS AND COLLEGE FINANCIAL AID THAT THEY WOULDN'T BE ELIGIBLE FOR OTHERWISE. SHORTLY AFTER WE PUBLISHED, THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION'S INSPECTOR GENERAL SAID IT WANTS TO CLOSE THIS LEGAL LOOPHOLE AND RECOMMENDED MODIFYING THE LANGUAGE ON FEDERAL FINANCIAL AID FORMS; THE ILLINOIS GOVERNOR VOWED TO ROOT OUT PARENTS WHO WERE SCAMMING THE SYSTEM AND DIRECTED HIS STAFF TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE ISSUE; AND THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI STARTED EXAMINING ITS STUDENTS, SAYING IT WOULD PULL FINANCIAL AID FROM ANYONE CAUGHT EXPLOITING GUARDIANSHIP FOR THEIR OWN PERSONAL GAIN. MEMBERS OF THE ILLINOIS HOUSE HIGHER EDUCATION AND APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEES ALSO HELD HEARINGS ON THE SCANDAL TO EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL DRAFTING OF A NEW LAW. THREE WHITE SUPREMACISTS SENTENCED TO PRISON IN 2018, PROPUBLICA AND PBS FRONTLINE PUBLISHED A SERIES OF INVESTIGATIONS, INCLUDING TWO FULL-LENGTH DOCUMENTARIES, IDENTIFYING SOME OF THE MOST VIOLENT FIGURES WITHIN AMERICA'S RESURGENT WHITE SUPREMACIST MOVEMENT AND THEIR INVOLVEMENT IN THE DEADLY 2017 "UNITE THE RIGHT" RALLY IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA. BY MAY 2019, FOUR MEMBERS OR ASSOCIATES OF THE HATE GROUP RISE ABOVE MOVEMENT PLEADED GUILTY TO FEDERAL CHARGES FOR THEIR ROLE IN THE VIOLENCE. IN JULY, THREE OF THE MEN WERE SENTENCED TO MORE THAN TWO YEARS IN PRISON. THE FOURTH MAN IS STILL AWAITING SENTENCE. FEDERAL FUNDS PULLED FROM HARMFUL PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL IN 2018, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS UNCOVERED NUMEROUS ALLEGATIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE AND ASSAULT AGAINST CHILDREN WHO WERE PATIENTS AT CHICAGO LAKESHORE HOSPITAL, A PSYCHIATRIC FACILITY. IN RESPONSE TO THE REPORT, IN 2019 THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES TERMINATED AN AGREEMENT WITH LAKESHORE AND PULLED FEDERAL FUNDING FROM THE HOSPITAL. THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH ALSO ANNOUNCED IT IS MOVING FORWARD WITH PLANS TO REVOKE THE HOSPITAL'S LICENSE. MILLIONS ALLOCATED TO IMPROVE ALASKA PUBLIC SAFETY THE ANCHORAGE DAILY NEWS, A MEMBER OF THE PROPUBLICA LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK, PARTNERED WITH US FOR A PROJECT THAT UNCOVERED DISTURBING LEVELS OF SEXUAL ABUSE IN ALASKA'S REMOTE, RURAL VILLAGES. ALMOST ALL OF THESE COMMUNITIES ARE PRIMARILY ALASKA NATIVE AND OFTEN HAVE NO LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. |
| IN THE WAKE OF OUR INVESTIGATION, U.S. ATTORNEY GENERAL WILLIAM | BARR VISITED ALASKA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS HIGHLIGHTED IN OUR REPORT. IN JUNE, HE DECLARED AN EMERGENCY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY IN RURAL ALASKA AND ANNOUNCED MORE THAN $10 MILLION IN FUNDS AS PART OF A SWEEPING PLAN TO BETTER SUPPORT LAW ENFORCEMENT IN ALASKA NATIVE VILLAGES, INCLUDING THREE NEW FEDERAL PROSECUTORS TO FOCUS ON RURAL ALASKA, THE HIRING OF 20 MORE OFFICERS AND UPGRADING PUBLIC SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ALASKA VILLAGES. IN OCTOBER, BARR ANNOUNCED AN ADDITIONAL $42 MILLION TOWARD MORE VILLAGE LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TRIBAL VICTIM SERVICES. ERROR-RIDDLED IMMIGRATION RULE CORRECTED IN AUGUST, PROPUBLICA REVEALED THAT A SWEEPING IMMIGRATION POLICY RUSHED BY THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION - INTENDED TO MAKE IT HARDER FOR LOW-INCOME IMMIGRANTS TO COME TO OR REMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES - INCLUDED A PROVISION TREATING THE FAMILIES OF U.S. CITIZENS IN THE MILITARY MORE HARSHLY THAN FAMILIES OF NONCITIZENS IN THE MILITARY. SIX WEEKS LATER, THE ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD CORRECT THESE SUBSTANTIVE ERRORS. RHODE ISLAND MOVES TO CERTIFY 911 CALL TAKERS IN CPR PROPUBLICA'S LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK SERIES WITH THE PUBLIC'S RADIO EXAMINED RHODE ISLAND'S 911 SYSTEM AND HOW A LACK OF TRAINING AND RESOURCES HAS LEFT OPERATORS ILL-PREPARED FOR THE MOST URGENT MEDICAL EMERGENCIES, INCLUDING CARDIAC ARREST, AND IS RESULTING IN UNNECESSARY DEATHS. UNLIKE EVERY OTHER NEW ENGLAND STATE, RHODE ISLAND DOESN'T REQUIRE ITS 911 OPERATORS TO BE TRAINED IN HOW TO PROVIDE CPR INSTRUCTIONS BY PHONE - A CRUCIAL STEP THAT CAN POTENTIALLY PREVENT HUNDREDS OF UNNECESSARY DEATHS EACH YEAR. IN RESPONSE TO OUR INVESTIGATION, RHODE ISLAND'S LEGISLATURE INCREASED THE TRAINING BUDGET FOR 911 CALL TAKERS TO CERTIFY THEM IN EMERGENCY MEDICAL DISPATCH AND TO COLLECT DATA TRACKING THEIR PERFORMANCE. THE STATE POLICE SUPERINTENDENT PLEDGED TO CONDUCT A THOROUGH REVIEW OF PROCEDURES AND TRAINING PROVIDED TO 911 CALL TAKERS, AND IN APRIL, GOV. GINA RAIMONDO SUPPORTED THE SUPERINTENDENT'S RECOMMENDATION TO HAVE ALL OF THE STATE'S 911 CALL TAKERS TRAINED TO PROVIDE EMERGENCY MEDICAL INSTRUCTIONS OVER THE PHONE BEFORE FIRST RESPONDERS ARRIVE. BIASED POLICE PRACTICE ABANDONED IN 2018, PROPUBLICA AND THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER REPORTED ON TACTICS USED BY STATE AND LOCAL POLICE OFFICERS IN PENNSYLVANIA TO HELP U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT ROUND UP IMMIGRANTS FOR DEPORTATION. IN FEBRUARY, THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE IMPLEMENTED A NEW POLICY THAT BANS SOME OF THE MOST EGREGIOUS BEHAVIORS PROFILED IN OUR REPORTING, INCLUDING QUESTIONING LATINO MOTORISTS ABOUT IMMIGRATION ISSUES DURING ROUTINE TRAFFIC STOPS. UNDER THE NEW POLICY, STATE TROOPERS ARE ALSO PROHIBITED FROM DETAINING OR ARRESTING FOREIGN NATIONALS SIMPLY FOR BEING IN THE COUNTRY ILLEGALLY. IN ADDITION, THE ACLU FILED A FEDERAL LAWSUIT IN JUNE ALLEGING THAT PENNSYLVANIA TROOPERS WERE PROFILING PEOPLE WHO APPEARED TO BE LATINX, REGARDLESS OF THEIR CITIZENSHIP STATUS, AND ILLEGALLY STOPPING THEN WITHOUT CAUSE. FLAWED "VOTER FRAUD" SYSTEM SUSPENDED IN 2017, PROPUBLICA AND GIZMODO REPORTED THAT A KANSAS SYSTEM SUPPOSEDLY MEANT TO IDENTIFY VOTER FRAUD WAS RIDDLED WITH ERRORS AND DATA SECURITY FLAWS THAT COULD IMPERIL THE SAFETY OF MILLIONS OF PEOPLE'S RECORDS. IN DECEMBER, KANSAS SECRETARY OF STATE SCOTT SCHWAB ANNOUNCED THAT THE STATE WILL ABANDON THE USE OF THE CONTROVERSIAL TECHNOLOGY. VIOLENT VIGILANTE SENTENCED TO PRISON IN ONE OF PROPUBLICA'S EARLY INVESTIGATIONS FROM 2010, EXPLORING NEW ORLEANS POLICE VIOLENCE IN THE CHAOTIC AFTERMATH OF HURRICANE KATRINA, WE REPORTED THAT WHITE VIGILANTES ORGANIZED AN ARMED GROUP TO KEEP AFRICAN AMERICANS FROM ENTERING THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF ALGIERS POINT. WHILE THE ENCLAVE WAS SUPPOSED TO SERVE AS AN OFFICIAL EVACUATION ZONE FOR FLOOD VICTIMS, VIGILANTES SHOT AFRICAN AMERICANS WHO APPROACHED SEEKING TRANSPORTATION. IN FEBRUARY 2019, A FEDERAL JUDGE SENTENCED ROLAND BOURGEOIS JR., WHOM PROPUBLICA IDENTIFIED AS A PARTICIPANT IN THE INCIDENT, TO 10 YEARS IN PRISON FOR HIS ROLE IN THE SHOOTINGS. MEDICAL CONFLICTS OF INTEREST CURTAILED IN SEPTEMBER 2018, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A SERIES OF INVESTIGATIONS WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES DETAILING UNDISCLOSED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN MEMORIAL SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER AND FOR-PROFIT HEALTH CARE COMPANIES, HIGHLIGHTING CONFLICTS OF INTEREST. IN JANUARY, MSK ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD BAR ITS TOP EXECUTIVES FROM SERVING ON CORPORATE BOARDS OF DRUG AND HEALTH CARE COMPANIES. HOSPITAL OFFICIALS ALSO TOLD THE CENTER'S STAFF THAT THE EXECUTIVE BOARD HAD FORMALIZED A SERIES OF REFORMS - INCLUDING PROHIBITING BOARD MEMBERS FROM INVESTING IN STARTUP COMPANIES THAT MSK HELPED FOUND AND PREVENTING HOSPITAL EMPLOYEES WHO REPRESENT MSK ON CORPORATE BOARDS FROM ACCEPTING EQUITY STAKES OR STOCK OPTIONS FROM THE COMPANIES. ELECTION BOARD RESTRUCTURED PROPUBLICA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE LEXINGTON HERALD-LEADER, DETAILED KENTUCKY SECRETARY OF STATE ALISON LUNDERGAN GRIMES' USE OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION SYSTEM TO LOOK UP THE VOTING RECORDS OF STATE EMPLOYEES, JOB APPLICANTS AND POLITICAL RIVALS. THE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS 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. IN MARCH, 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. THE SECRETARY OF STATE IS NOW A NONVOTING MEMBER OF THE SBE, AND THE BOARD WILL INCLUDE TWO FORMER COUNTY CLERKS, ONE FROM EACH PARTY. HOSPITAL'S MANAGEMENT TEAM REPLACED IN 2018, PROPUBLICA COLLABORATED WITH THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE TO REPORT ON PERVASIVE PROBLEMS WITH ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER'S ONCE-RENOWNED HEART TRANSPLANT PROGRAM, WHICH IN RECENT YEARS HAD SOME OF THE WORST OUTCOMES IN THE COUNTRY. IN JANUARY, THE CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES SENT A TEAM OF 11 FEDERAL AND STATE INSPECTORS TO CONDUCT A COMPREHENSIVE INVESTIGATION OF THE HOSPITAL. ALSO IN JANUARY, ST. LUKE'S BOARD REPLACED THE HOSPITAL'S PRESIDENT, CHIEF NURSING OFFICER AND SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS AFTER YET ANOTHER PATIENT DIED, THIS TIME AFTER RECEIVING A TRANSFUSION WITH THE WRONG BLOOD TYPE. OVERSIGHT FOR PRIVATE GARBAGE COLLECTION TIGHTENED IN 2018, PROPUBLICA PROFILED DANGEROUS PRACTICES AND CONDITIONS IN THE WORLD OF PRIVATE COMMERCIAL GARBAGE COLLECTION IN NEW YORK CITY, INCLUDING FATAL ACCIDENTS, "SHAM UNIONS AND CHECKERED OVERSIGHT. IN FEBRUARY, THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL PASSED A BILL AUTHORIZING THE BUSINESS INTEGRITY COMMISSION TO DIRECTLY POLICE THE LABOR UNIONS AT PRIVATE TRASH COMPANIES ACROSS THE CITY, EMPOWERING THE AGENCY TO REMOVE OFFICIALS WITH CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS, AS WELL AS OFFICIALS WHO ASSOCIATE WITH MEMBERS OF ORGANIZED CRIME OR ANYONE CONVICTED OF A RACKETEERING ACTIVITY. IN MARCH, COMMISSIONER DANIEL BROWNELL OF THE BIC - AFTER MONTHS OF EMBARRASSING NEWS COVERAGE AND CALLS FOR THE AGENCY TO STEP UP ITS OVERSIGHT - RESIGNED. IN OCTOBER, THE NEW YORK CITY COUNCIL PASSED LEGISLATION TO OVERHAUL THE SANITATION INDUSTRY AND HOLD HAULERS TO STRICT LABOR AND ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS. AND IN NOVEMBER, MAYOR BILL DE BLASIO SIGNED A SERIES OF BILLS TO REORGANIZE THE TRASH COLLECTION BUSINESS INTO ZONES, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE SAFETY AND REDUCE TRUCK TRAFFIC BY UP TO 50%. INACCURATE GANG DATABASE ASSAILED IN 2018, PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS INVESTIGATED CHICAGO'S GANG DATABASE - WHICH HAS BEEN ACCESSED MORE THAN 1 MILLION TIMES OVER THE LAST DECADE BY IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS, THE FBI AND SCORES OF OTHER AGENCIES - AND FOUND THAT IT IS RIDDLED WITH DUBIOUS ENTRIES, DISCREPANCIES AND OUTRIGHT ERRORS. PROPUBLICA WAS THE FIRST NEWS ORGANIZATION TO OBTAIN AND PUBLISH THE CONTENTS OF THE DATABASE. IN APRIL, CHICAGO'S INSPECTOR GENERAL RELEASED A 159-PAGE REPORT CONFIRMING THE ERRORS AND FINDING THAT THE CHICAGO POLICE DEPARTMENT HAS DONE LITTLE TO MAKE SURE THE INFORMATION IS ACCURATE. IN A LETTER TO THE INSPECTOR GENERAL'S OFFICE, THEN POLICE SUPERINTENDENT EDDIE JOHNSON WROTE THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS RETOOLING ITS DATA SYSTEM TO CREATE CLEARER STANDARDS, IMPROVE OFFICER TRAINING, PERFORM REGULAR AUDITS AND IMPLEMENT AN APPEALS PROCESS FOR THOSE WRONGLY LISTED IN THE DATABASE. UNIVERSITY REFORMS POLICIES THAT PROTECTED SEXUAL HARASSERS PROPUBLICA AND NPR ILLINOIS, A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PARTNER, PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT URBANA-CHAMPAIGN'S HANDLING OF SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST FACULTY AND STAFF, REVEALING THAT SEVERAL PROFESSORS WHO VIOLATED THEIR POLICIES WERE ALLOWED TO STAY ON STAFF OR QUIETLY RESIGN AND TAKE PAID LEAVE WITH THEIR REPUTATIONS INTACT. |
| SINCE OUR REPORTING, STATE AND NATIONAL LAWMAKERS, VICTIMS' RIGHTS | ADVOCATES AND STUDENTS CALLED FOR A REVIEW OF THE UNIVERSITY'S SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICIES. THE UNIVERSITY PLEDGED TO END THE USE OF CONFIDENTIALITY CLAUSES WHEN PROFESSORS ARE FIRED AND IS SEEKING TO CHANGE POLICY TO PREVENT FACULTY AND ADMINISTRATORS FROM ARGUING THAT ACADEMIC FREEDOM SHIELDS THEM IN SEXUAL MISCONDUCT CASES. IN ADDITION, ONE OF THE PROFESSORS WHO VIOLATED THE SEXUAL MISCONDUCT POLICY RESIGNED FROM A NEWER POSITION AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA A MONTH AFTER WE REQUESTED DOCUMENTS ABOUT HIS HIRING. ROLE OF SCHOOL-BASED POLICE OFFICERS LIMITED IN A 2018 ARTICLE CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, PROPUBLICA TOLD THE STORY OF ALEX, A LONG ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT WHO WAS ACCUSED OF GANG MEMBERSHIP AND DEPORTED TO HONDURAS FOR DRAWING A DEVIL, HIS SCHOOL MASCOT BUT ALSO AN MS-13 SYMBOL. A SCHOOL-BASED POLICE OFFICER REPORTED THE DOODLE, CIRCUMVENTING PRIVACY PROTECTIONS. IN RESPONSE TO THE STORY, IN JANUARY THE HUNTINGTON SCHOOL DISTRICT, WHICH ALEX HAD ATTENDED, REMOVED POLICE FROM SCHOOL BUILDINGS. ALONG WITH OTHER LONG ISLAND DISTRICTS, IT ALSO SOUGHT A FORMAL AGREEMENT WITH THE POLICE LIMITING OFFICERS' ROLES IN SCHOOLS. HOSPITAL REPORTS CHILD ABUSE SKEPTIC TO STATE MEDICAL BOARD LAST SEPTEMBER, PROPUBLICA AND THE NEW YORKER PUBLISHED AN IN-DEPTH PROFILE ON DR. MICHAEL HOLICK, A RENOWNED SCIENTIST TURNED EXPERT WITNESS WHO HAS HELPED ALLEGED CHILD ABUSERS AVOID PRISON AND EVEN REGAIN CUSTODY OF THE BABIES THEY WERE ACCUSED OF HARMING BY ATTRIBUTING THE INFANT'S INJURIES TO A RARE GENETIC CONDITION. OVER THE COURSE OF SEVEN YEARS, HOLICK HAS CONSULTED OR TESTIFIED IN MORE THAN 300 CHILD ABUSE CASES AND REPEATEDLY POINTED TO HYPERMOBILE EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME, EVEN THOUGH THE CONDITION ONLY OCCURS, AT MOST, IN 0.02% OF THE POPULATION. IN THE WAKE OF THE ARTICLE, BOSTON MEDICAL CENTER, WHERE HOLICK PRACTICES, NOTIFIED THE MASSACHUSETTS MEDICAL BOARD OF EARLIER DISCIPLINARY ACTION IT HAD TAKEN AGAINST HIM. HIS PROFILE PAGE ON THE BOARD'S WEBSITE NOW ALERTS MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF HIS RESTRICTED PRIVILEGES. HUGE MEDICAL CHARGES CLEARED IN NOVEMBER, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED A STORY ABOUT LAUREN BARD, AN EMERGENCY ROOM NURSE WHO WAS CHARGED ALMOST $900,000 FOR THE BIRTH OF HER PREMATURE BABY AFTER THE HOSPITAL WHERE SHE WORKS REJECTED HER APPLICATION FOR INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR THE NEWBORN. THE HOSPITAL FALSELY TOLD HER IT WAS UNABLE TO REVERSE THE DECISION BECAUSE OF FEDERAL REGULATIONS. AS PART OF THE REPORTING PROCESS, OUR REPORTER CONTACTED THE HOSPITAL TO CONFIRM THE DETAILS AND SOLICIT ITS RESPONSE. THE HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY REVERSED ITS DECISION AND RETROACTIVELY ENROLLED BARD'S DAUGHTER IN THE PLAN, REMOVING THE DEBT. INVESTIGATIONS INTO UNETHICAL HOSPITAL PROGRAM LAUNCHED IN OCTOBER, PROPUBLICA PUBLISHED AN INVESTIGATION OF THE TRANSPLANT TEAM AT NEWARK BETH ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER THAT REVEALED ATTEMPTS TO ARTIFICIALLY INCREASE THE PROGRAM'S SURVIVAL RATE, AN IMPORTANT INDICATOR USED BY FEDERAL REGULATORS. IN ONE EGREGIOUS CASE, FOR A FULL YEAR IT KEPT A PATIENT ALIVE IN A VEGETATIVE COMA WHO HAD NO CHANCE OF RECOVERY - WITHOUT INFORMING HIS FAMILY OF HIS DIRE PROGNOSIS - APPARENTLY TO BOOST ITS SURVIVAL RATE. SINCE OUR REPORTING, THE FEDERAL AGENCY RESPONSIBLE FOR TRANSPLANT OVERSIGHT ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD INVESTIGATE THE HOSPITAL, THE HOSPITAL BEGAN AN AUDIT OF ITS OWN AND IT PLACED THE DIRECTOR OF THE HEART TRANSPLANT PROGRAM ON ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE. IN NOVEMBER, THE FBI OPENED ITS OWN INVESTIGATION INTO THE UNIT TO DETERMINE IF THE HOSPITAL COMMITTED MEDICARE OR MEDICAID FRAUD BY KEEPING PATIENTS IN HOSPITAL BEDS TO RAISE SURVIVAL RATES. QUESTIONABLE TAX BREAKS PUT ON HOLD PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH WNYC AS PART OF THE LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK TO INVESTIGATE GEORGE NORCROSS, AN INSURANCE BROKER WIDELY REGARDED AS THE MOST POWERFUL UNELECTED OFFICIAL IN NEW JERSEY. WE FOUND THAT A LUCRATIVE TAX INCENTIVE BILL LED TO AT LEAST $1.1 BILLION IN TAX BREAKS FOR HIS COMPANY, PARTNERS AND CLIENTS OF HIS BROTHER. SHORTLY AFTER WE PUBLISHED THE STORY, GOV. PHIL MURPHY ISSUED A STATEMENT SAYING HE IS "DEEPLY TROUBLED" BY THE FINDINGS AND THAT A TASK FORCE HE APPOINTED WILL FURTHER SCRUTINIZE PROJECTS TIED TO NORCROSS. IN JUNE, STATE OFFICIALS FROZE A $260 MILLION TAX BREAK GIVEN TO HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL (NORCROSS SERVES ON ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS), PENDING FURTHER INVESTIGATION OF INACCURACIES IN ITS APPLICATION. IN AUGUST, MURPHY VETOED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HAVE EXTENDED THE TAX BREAKS SPOTLIGHTED BY OUR REPORTING. JUDGE ORDERS EXPANDED OVERSIGHT FOR MENTALLY ILL NEW YORKERS IN 2018, PROPUBLICA AND PBS FRONTLINE INVESTIGATED HOW A NEW YORK POLICY TO MOVE PEOPLE WITH MENTAL ILLNESS OUT OF INSTITUTIONS AND INTO PRIVATE APARTMENTS HAS PROVEN PERILOUS AND SOMETIMES EVEN DEADLY FOR THE CITY'S MOST VULNERABLE. THE STORY PROMPTED U.S. DISTRICT JUDGE NICHOLAS GARAUFIS TO COMMISSION A REPORT FROM CLARENCE SUNDRAM, THE INDEPENDENT COURT MONITOR ASSIGNED TO OVERSEE THE TRANSITION TO SUPPORTED HOUSING. IN JULY, THE FINDINGS WERE RELEASED AND REVEALED A NUMBER OF SHORTCOMINGS, INCLUDING LENGTHY DELAYS IN FILING INCIDENT REPORTS AND AN OVERALL FAILURE BY THE STATE TO SUFFICIENTLY INVESTIGATE PROBLEMS AND SHARE RESULTS. MOST NOTABLY, SUNDRAM FOUND THAT THE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM MEANT TO SAFEGUARD RESIDENTS ONLY TRACKED A FRACTION OF THEM AND ONLY THROUGH THEIR FIRST SIX MONTHS IN SUPPORTED HOUSING, EVEN THOUGH SERIOUS INCIDENTS OFTEN OCCUR WELL AFTER THAT PERIOD. GARAUFIS HAS SINCE DEMANDED THAT THE INCIDENT REPORTING SYSTEM BE EXPANDED AND THAT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS PRESENT A PLAN IN SEPTEMBER TO IMPROVE OVERSIGHT. TEXAS LEGISLATORS CREATE TASK FORCE ON SEXUAL ASSAULT IN NOVEMBER 2018, PROPUBLICA - IN PARTNERSHIP WITH NEWSY AND REVEAL FROM THE CENTER FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING - EXAMINED HOW THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT AND DOZENS OF OTHER LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES ACROSS THE COUNTRY USE WHAT'S KNOWN AS "EXCEPTIONAL CLEARANCE" TO CLOSE A SIGNIFICANT SHARE OF THEIR RAPE CASES WITHOUT ACTUALLY SOLVING THEM. THE STORY PROMPTED THE AUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT TO REQUEST AN INDEPENDENT AUDIT BY TEXAS OFFICIALS, WHICH FOUND THAT AUSTIN POLICE HAD IMPROPERLY CLEARED NEARLY A THIRD OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CASES FROM 2017, A MISCLASSIFICATION THAT MADE THE DEPARTMENT'S RATE OF SOLVING RAPE CASES APPEAR HIGHER. IN JANUARY, THE POLICE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED IT HAD CALLED ON A THIRD PARTY TO EXAMINE HOW IT HANDLES RAPE INVESTIGATIONS FROM THE INITIAL CALL TO THE CLOSE OF THE CASE. BY EARLY MAY, THE TEXAS HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UNANIMOUSLY VOTED TO CREATE THE SEXUAL ASSAULT SURVIVORS' TASK FORCE, BRINGING MONEY AND SUPPORT AT THE HIGHEST LEVELS OF STATE GOVERNMENT TO REFORM HOW RAPES ARE TRACKED, INVESTIGATED AND PROSECUTED ACROSS TEXAS. THE LEAD SPONSOR OF THE BIPARTISAN MEASURE CREDITED THE SERIES FOR SPURRING TEXAS LAWMAKERS TO ACT. SENATORS PROPOSE CRACKDOWN ON BENEFITS BROKERS A PROPUBLICA INVESTIGATION IN FEBRUARY DETAILED HOW HEALTH INSURERS PROVIDE LUCRATIVE COMMISSIONS AND GIFTS TO BROKERS, THE MIDDLEMEN THAT HELP COMPANIES SELECT EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, AND SHOWED HOW THESE HIDDEN SIDE DEALS INDIRECTLY INCREASE THE COST OF HEALTH PLANS. IN MAY, SENS. LAMAR ALEXANDER, R-TENN., AND SEN. PATTY MURRAY, D-WASH., LEADERS OF THE HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR AND PENSIONS COMMITTEE, INCLUDED NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR BROKERS IN THEIR DRAFT BILL, THE LOWER HEALTH CARE COSTS ACT. THE PROPOSAL WOULD SPECIFICALLY FORCE BROKERS TO REVEAL COMPENSATION THEY'VE RECEIVED FROM INSURERS AND OTHER VENDORS, IN WRITING, AT THE TIME AN EMPLOYER SIGNS UP FOR BENEFITS. SETTLEMENT REACHED WITH CHINESE DRYWALL MAKER IN 2010, PROPUBLICA AND THE SARASOTA HERALD-TRIBUNE INVESTIGATED HOW COMPANIES HAD USED TAINTED CHINESE-MADE DRYWALL IN NEARLY 7,000 HOMES ACROSS THE U.S. - AND IMPORTED ENOUGH OF THE MATERIAL TO BE USED IN AT LEAST 100,000 HOUSES - DESPITE CONCERNS THAT THE DRYWALL WAS DEFECTIVE AND GAVE OFF SULFUR FUMES CAPABLE OF CORRODING WIRING, DAMAGING APPLIANCES AND EVEN CONTRIBUTING TO SERIOUS RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS. IN AUGUST, A PROPOSED $248 MILLION SETTLEMENT WAS FILED BETWEEN PROPERTY OWNERS AND TAISHAN GYPSUM CO., THE DRYWALL MAKER. CLOSER SCRUTINY APPLIED TO USE OF CARBON CREDITS FOR FOREST PRESERVATION A PROPUBLICA STORY PUBLISHED IN MAY UNCOVERED MOUNTING EVIDENCE THAT USING CARBON CREDITS FOR FOREST PRESERVATION HAS FAILED TO PRODUCE THEIR PROMISED CLIMATE BENEFITS. IN JUNE, A SENIOR OFFICIAL AT THE UNITED NATIONS SAID PROPUBLICA'S FINDINGS INFLUENCED THE UN'S NEWS RELEASE QUESTIONING THE USE OF CARBON OFFSETS, AN ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY THE UN HAD LONG SUPPORTED. LATER THAT MONTH, WHILE GREENLIGHTING A PLAN THAT COULD LEAD TO THE WIDESPREAD USE OF FOREST PRESERVATION OFFSETS IN CALIFORNIA, STATE LEGISLATORS CAUTIONED REGULATORS ON CALIFORNIA'S AIR RESOURCES BOARD TO CONDUCT "VIGOROUS AND PROACTIVE MONITORING" TO ENSURE EMISSIONS CUTS, IN RECOGNITION OF WHAT WE FOUND IN OUR REPORTING. |
| OPPORTUNITY ZONE ABUSES TARGETED | PROPUBLICA REPORTED ON SEVERAL EXAMPLES OF POLITICALLY CONNECTED BILLIONAIRES BENEFITING FROM THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE TAX BREAK, A 2017 ANTI-POVERTY MEASURE MEANT TO ATTRACT BUSINESSES TO LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES. IN NOVEMBER, SEN. RON WYDEN INTRODUCED A BILL THAT WOULD SIGNIFICANTLY NARROW THE SCOPE OF THE PROGRAM BY REMOVING HUNDREDS OF OPPORTUNITY ZONES OUTSIDE LOW-INCOME AREAS, NARROWING THE KINDS OF ELIGIBLE INVESTMENTS AND REQUIRING INCREASED REPORTING FOR RECIPIENTS OF THE TAX BREAK. LATER IN THE MONTH, REP. RASHIDA TLAIB INTRODUCED A BILL TO REPEAL THE OPPORTUNITY ZONE TAX BREAK FROM THE TAX CODE. UNPROVEN STEM CELL TREATMENTS PUT ON NOTICE IN MAY, PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH THE NEW YORKER FOR AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE VIRTUALLY UNREGULATED STEM CELL INDUSTRY, WHICH USES PSEUDOSCIENCE AND, IN MANY CASES, DISREPUTABLE MEDICAL STAFF TO SELL STEM CELL THERAPY AS A MIRACLE CURE FOR EVERYTHING FROM ALZHEIMER'S TO ARTHRITIC KNEES. WEEKS AFTER OUR INVESTIGATION, THE FDA NOTIFIED THE COMPANY R3 STEM CELL, A MAJOR DISTRIBUTOR OF UNAPPROVED BIRTH TISSUE PRODUCTS, THAT THEIR PRODUCTS ARE CONSIDERED DRUGS AND MUST HAVE FDA APPROVAL IN ORDER TO BE SOLD LEGALLY. SEXUAL HARASSMENT INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED FOLLOWING PROPUBLICA'S INVESTIGATION WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES INTO PHILANTHROPIST MICHAEL STEINHARDT'S SEXUAL HARASSMENT OF WOMEN SEEKING HIS SUPPORT, NYU HIRED A LAW FIRM TO INVESTIGATE WHETHER STEINHARDT - THE NAMESAKE OF ITS STEINHARDT SCHOOL OF CULTURE, EDUCATION AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT - HAD ENGAGED IN INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT WITH STUDENTS, FACULTY OR STAFF. SENATORS INTRODUCE BILL TO FIX CRUMBLING PUBLIC HOUSING IN 2018 AND EARLY 2019, PROPUBLICA PARTNERED WITH THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN AS PART OF OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK TO INVESTIGATE HUD'S FLAWED OVERSIGHT OF LIVING CONDITIONS IN FEDERALLY SUBSIDIZED HOUSING IN SMALL AND MID-SIZED CITIES, REVEALING CRUMBLING BUILDINGS RIDDLED WITH RATS, COCKROACHES, MOLD AND LEAD. CITING OUR REPORTING, IN NOVEMBER SENS. DICK DURBIN, TAMMY DUCKWORTH AND KAMALA HARRIS INTRODUCED THE HOUSING IS INFRASTRUCTURE ACT, ADDING $70 BILLION TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING CAPITAL FUND, WHICH WOULD AID IN BUILDING, MODERNIZING AND REHABILITATING THE PUBLIC HOUSING STOCK THROUGHOUT ILLINOIS. LAWMAKERS MOVE TO OVERHAUL TROUBLED JUDGE SELECTION SYSTEM IN NOVEMBER, PROPUBLICA AND THE 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 THEIR LIFE. FOLLOWING THE REPORT, STATE SEN. TOM DAVIS FILED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD BOLSTER THE REQUIRED LEGAL TRAINING FOR MAGISTRATES WHO AREN'T LAWYERS, INCREASE PROTECTIONS FOR THE MANY CRIMINAL DEFENDANTS WHO APPEAR BEFORE THEM, AND ADD A LAYER OF SCRUTINY TO MAGISTRATE APPOINTMENTS. TRANSPARENCY ON POLITICAL APPOINTEES CHAMPIONED IN 2018, PROPUBLICA LAUNCHED TRUMP TOWN, A SEARCHABLE DATABASE OF THE PRESIDENT'S POLITICAL APPOINTEES, ALONG WITH THEIR FEDERAL LOBBYING AND FINANCIAL RECORDS. IN MARCH 2019, THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE URGED CONGRESS TO CONSIDER LEGISLATION THAT WOULD REQUIRE THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE KEY INFORMATION ABOUT POLITICAL APPOINTEES - INCLUDING THEIR NAMES, TITLES AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES - PUBLIC. THE GAO CITED TRUMP TOWN AS THE ONLY PLACE TO CURRENTLY FIND MUCH OF THIS DATA AND ARGUED THAT THE INFORMATION IS CRUCIAL TO HOLDING APPOINTEES TO HIGH STANDARDS AND ENSURING THE INTEGRITY OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON THE PUBLIC'S BEHALF. RECOGNITION FOR OUR WORK PROPUBLICA'S WORK WAS HONORED IN 2019 AS FOLLOWS: THREE ARTICLES IN OUR "TRAPPED IN GANGLAND" SERIES ON MS-13 BY REPORTER HANNAH DREIER - CO-PUBLISHED WITH NEW YORK MAGAZINE, NEWSDAY AND THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE - WON THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR FEATURE WRITING. THE SERIES ALSO WON THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE, THE JOHN BARTLOW MARTIN AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST MAGAZINE JOURNALISM, BOTH EWA'S NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE FEATURE STORIES CATEGORY AND ITS OVERALL TOP HONOR, THE FRED M. HECHINGER GRAND PRIZE FOR DISTINGUISHED EDUCATION REPORTING, THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' ETHICS IN JOURNALISM AWARD, THE HILLMAN PRIZE FOR MAGAZINE JOURNALISM, THE JOHN JAY COLLEGE/HARRY FRANK GUGGENHEIM AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE JOURNALISM IN THE SERIES CATEGORY, THE FAIR MEDIA COUNCIL'S FOLIO AWARD FOR STORY OF THE YEAR, THE DANIEL SCHORR JOURNALISM PRIZE, THE MORLEY SAFER AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING REPORTING AND THE SHORTY AWARD FOR SOCIAL MEDIA. THE SERIES WAS A FINALIST FOR THE PEABODY AWARD FOR RADIO/PODCAST, THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST, THE ANTHONY SHADID AWARD FOR JOURNALISM ETHICS, THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S BATTEN MEDAL FOR COURAGE IN JOURNALISM AND THE ANCIL PAYNE AWARD FOR ETHICS IN JOURNALISM. DREIER WAS RECOGNIZED AS A FINALIST FOR THE MICHAEL KELLY AWARD, AS WELL AS THE LIVINGSTON AWARD IN LOCAL REPORTING, FOR HER WORK ON THE SERIES. STORIES FROM OUR SERIES EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF TRUMP'S "ZERO TOLERANCE" IMMIGRATION POLICY AT THE BORDER WERE A FINALIST FOR THE PULITZER GOLD MEDAL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE. THE SERIES WON THE FIRST-EVER PEABODY "CATALYST" AWARD, THE GEORGE POLK AWARD FOR IMMIGRATION REPORTING, THE PAUL TOBENKIN MEMORIAL AWARD, THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS AWARD FOR BREAKING NEWS, THE EDWARD R. MURROW AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN SOUND AND THE CHICAGO JOURNALISM AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIONS, AND WERE A FINALIST FOR THE GOLDSMITH PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND BEST ILLUSTRATION. SENIOR REPORTER GINGER THOMPSON, WHO LED THIS COVERAGE, WON THE 2019 JOHN CHANCELLOR AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM, WHICH RECOGNIZES ONE JOURNALIST EACH YEAR FOR THEIR CUMULATIVE ACCOMPLISHMENTS. THOMPSON'S WORK HAS LARGELY COVERED THE HUMAN CONSEQUENCES OF FEDERAL POLICY ON BOTH SIDES OF THE U.S.-MEXICO BORDER, FROM THE WAR ON DRUGS TO IMMIGRATION. PROPUBLICA AND PBS FRONTLINE'S COLLABORATION "DOCUMENTING HATE" WON THE NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE DOCUMENTARY AND AN ALFRED I. DUPONT-COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY AWARD. FOR HIS WORK ON THE TWO-PART SPECIAL, REPORTER A.C. THOMPSON WON THE WALTER CRONKITE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN TELEVISION POLITICAL JOURNALISM IN THE CATEGORY OF INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT BY A NATIONAL JOURNALIST. THE FILMS WERE ALSO NOMINATED FOR THE NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING WRITING, THE SCRIPPS HOWARD NATIONAL JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF BROADCAST - NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE, AND THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR SOCIAL MEDIA. PROPUBLICA WON AN ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM, OUR FIFTH SUCH AWARD. "UNPROTECTED," AN INVESTIGATION CO-PUBLISHED WITH TIME MAGAZINE, AS WELL AS A PROPUBLICA DOCUMENTARY ON ABUSE AT AN AMERICAN CHARITY FOR VULNERABLE GIRLS IN LIBERIA, WON THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE INTERNATIONAL CATEGORY, THE EDWARD R. MURROW AWARD FOR BEST NEWS DOCUMENTARY IN THE SMALL DIGITAL NEWS ORGANIZATION DIVISION, A NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR ONLINE VIDEO STORYTELLING, AND THE WORLD PRESS PHOTO DIGITAL STORYTELLING PRIZE AND PICTURES OF THE YEAR AWARD FOR DOCUMENTARY JOURNALISM. PHOTOJOURNALIST KATHLEEN FLYNN WON THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION HUMANITARIAN AWARD FOR HER WORK ON THE PROJECT. THE INVESTIGATION WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR REPORTING, THE GERALD LOEB AWARD FOR VIDEO, THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S DORI MAYNARD AWARD FOR JUSTICE IN JOURNALISM, THE OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB'S MADELINE DANE ROSS AWARD FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL REPORTING ON HUMAN RIGHTS, THE TAYLOR FAMILY AWARD FOR FAIRNESS IN JOURNALISM, WORLD PRESS PHOTO'S ONLINE VIDEO OF THE YEAR AND THE WEBBY AWARD FOR LONGFORM DOCUMENTARY, AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE NATIONAL PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR ONLINE VISUAL PRESENTATION. REPORTER FINLAY YOUNG WAS NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE LIVINGSTON AWARD IN INTERNATIONAL REPORTING FOR HIS WORK ON THE SERIES AND, WITH FLYNN, RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FROM THE JUDGES FOR THE JAMES FOLEY MEDILL MEDAL FOR COURAGE IN JOURNALISM. "CASE CLEARED: HOW RAPE GOES UNPUNISHED IN AMERICA," A JOINT PROPUBLICA, NEWSY AND REVEAL SERIES, WON THE ONLINE NEWS ASSOCIATION'S AL NEUHARTH INNOVATION IN INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AWARD AND THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, AND WAS NOMINATED FOR A NEWS & DOCUMENTARY EMMY AWARD IN OUTSTANDING INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IN A NEWSMAGAZINE. OUR INVESTIGATION ON AGE DISCRIMINATION IN THE WORKPLACE WON A GERALD LOEB AWARD IN BEAT REPORTING. |
| "BLOOD WILL TELL," A COLLABORATION WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES | MAGAZINE, WON THE SCRIPPS HOWARD AWARD FOR HUMAN INTEREST STORYTELLING AND RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE MOLLY NATIONAL JOURNALISM PRIZE. PROPUBLICA'S "FLOOD THY NEIGHBOR" SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH REVEAL AND VOX WON THE NATIONAL ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES, ENGINEERING AND MEDICINE'S COMMUNICATIONS AWARD IN THE ONLINE CATEGORY AND WAS A FINALIST FOR ONA'S ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD IN EXCELLENCE AND INNOVATION IN VISUAL DIGITAL STORYTELLING. THE INTERACTIVE FROM THE SERIES, "TO SEE HOW LEVEES INCREASE FLOODING, WE BUILT OUR OWN," WAS NAMED A FINALIST FOR A GEN DATA JOURNALISM AWARD FOR DATA VISUALIZATION OF THE YEAR. "I DON'T WANT TO SHOOT YOU, BROTHER," PROPUBLICA'S MULTIMEDIA REPORT WITH FRONTLINE DISPATCH, WON NABJ'S SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA - SINGLE STORY: FEATURE CATEGORY AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S DEBORAH HOWELL AWARD FOR WRITING EXCELLENCE. "STUCK KIDS," A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS SERIES ON CHILDREN HELD IN PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS AFTER THEY'VE BEEN CLEARED FOR RELEASE, WON THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE JOURNALISM FOR HEALTH POLICY AND THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR ONLINE NON-DEADLINE REPORTING. IT WAS A FINALIST FOR ONA'S ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD IN THE FEATURE, SMALL NEWSROOM CATEGORY, THE BETTER GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST NON-DEADLINE REPORTING SERIES. A LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK PROJECT WITH THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE-MAIL ON THE EFFECTS OF THE NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY ON COMMUNITIES WON THE ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARD FOR EXPLANATORY REPORTING AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SCRIPPS HOWARD NATIONAL JOURNALISM AWARD FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING. THE PROJECT WAS ALSO RECOGNIZED WITH FOUR AWARDS FROM THE WEST VIRGINIA PRESS ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL EDITORIAL CONTEST. "HEALTH INSURANCE HUSTLE" WON THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR HEALTH/SCIENCE, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GERALD LOEB AWARD IN EXPLANATORY REPORTING AND RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FROM THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB AWARDS IN THE CONSUMER JOURNALISM - PERIODICALS CATEGORY. THE PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS AND WBEZ SERIES "DRIVEN INTO DEBT" WON THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SIGMA DELTA CHI AWARD FOR ONLINE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING (INDEPENDENT), AS WELL AS TWO OF THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARDS IN BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND BEST DATA JOURNALISM. THE SERIES RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD IN THE INVESTIGATIVE CATEGORY, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE BETTER GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION'S RICHARD H. DRIEHAUS FOUNDATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE PETER LISAGOR AWARDS FOR BEST INVESTIGATIVE/PUBLIC SERVICE AND BEST USE OF FEATURES VIDEO. "THE BILLION-DOLLAR LOOPHOLE," PROPUBLICA'S REPORT CO-PUBLISHED WITH FORTUNE ON CONSERVATION EASEMENTS, WON THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB'S LEE WALCZAK AWARD FOR POLITICAL ANALYSIS AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE DEADLINE CLUB AWARD FOR BUSINESS FEATURE. OUR COLLABORATION WITH WNYC, "TRUMP, INC.," WON THE SOCIETY OF THE SILURIANS EXCELLENCE IN JOURNALISM MEDALLION FOR RADIO FEATURE NEWS AND THE PUBLIC RADIO NEWS DIRECTORS INCORPORATED'S AWARD FOR BEST COLLABORATIVE EFFORT. THE JOINT PODCAST WAS ALSO SELECTED AS A FINALIST FOR A GERALD LOEB AWARD IN THE AUDIO CATEGORY. OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK COLLABORATION WITH THE SANTA FE NEW MEXICAN ON NUCLEAR WORKER SAFETY WON THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE JOURNALISM FOR PUBLIC HEALTH AND THE NATIONAL HEADLINER AWARD IN THE TELEVISION/ENVIRONMENTAL CATEGORY. "INSIDE TRUMP'S VA" WON THE NATIONAL PRESS CLUB'S SANDY HUME AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLITICAL JOURNALISM AND RECEIVED HONORABLE MENTION IN THE TONER PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN POLITICAL REPORTING. ELECTIONLAND, OUR COLLABORATION COVERING THE 2018 MIDTERMS, WON ONA'S ONLINE JOURNALISM AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE IN COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS. JESSICA HUSEMAN, PROPUBLICA'S LEAD REPORTER ON THE PROJECT, WAS NAMED A WINNER OF THE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' SUNSHINE AWARD. OUR REPORTING ON THE UNDERREPRESENTATION OF AFRICAN AMERICAN PATIENTS IN CLINICAL TRIALS OF NEW CANCER DRUGS WON THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER RESEARCH'S JUNE L. BIEDLER PRIZE FOR CANCER JOURNALISM FOR ONLINE/MULTIMEDIA AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN BUSINESS EDITORS AND WRITERS' BEST IN BUSINESS AWARD FOR HEALTH/SCIENCE. "THE RIGHT TO FAIL," A PROJECT WITH PBS FRONTLINE ON PROBLEMS WITH A NEW YORK CITY POLICY TO MOVE MENTALLY ILL PEOPLE INTO PRIVATE APARTMENTS, WON THE FOLIO AWARDS' ROBERT W. GREENE AWARD IN INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND THE DEADLINE CLUB AWARD IN NEWSPAPER OR DIGITAL LOCAL NEWS REPORTING. "DR. DEATH," A COLLABORATION WITH WONDERY, WON THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF JOURNALISTS AND AUTHORS' JUNE ROTH MEMORIAL AWARD FOR AN OUTSTANDING MEDICAL ARTICLE AND WON THIRD PLACE FOR THE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN HEALTH CARE JOURNALISM IN THE INVESTIGATIVE CATEGORY. "FUEL TO THE FIRE," CO-PUBLISHED WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE, WON THE OVERSEAS PRESS CLUB'S WHITMAN BASSOW AWARD FOR BEST INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTING. THE COLLABORATION WAS NAMED A FINALIST FOR THE JOHN B. OAKES AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM AND RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FROM THE SOCIETY OF ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISTS AWARDS IN THE OUTSTANDING FEATURE STORY CATEGORY. "SLOAN KETTERING CANCER CENTER'S CRISIS," A COLLABORATION WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES, WON THE DEADLINE CLUB AWARD FOR BUSINESS INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. THE SERIES WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR A GERALD LOEB AWARD IN LOCAL REPORTING. OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK COLLABORATION WITH AL.COM ON ALABAMA SHERIFFS' RELEASE OF SICK INMATES TO AVOID THE COST OF MEDICAL CARE WON THE SIDNEY AWARD FOR OCTOBER. OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK COLLABORATION WITH THE SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE, "ACCUSED IN ELKHART," WON THE INDIANA SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS' BEST IN INDIANA CONTEST FOR STORY OF THE YEAR, AND IT WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GOLDSMITH PRIZE FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING, THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S FRANK BLETHEN AWARD FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING AND THE INDIANA ASSOCIATED PRESS MEDIA AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING AND ENTERPRISE REPORTING. OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK COLLABORATION WITH THE SOUTHERN ILLINOISAN ON PUBLIC HOUSING FAILURES IN SOUTHERN ILLINOIS WON THE ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION'S KNIGHT CHAIR AWARD FOR SUSTAINED INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM AND THE ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. THE INVESTIGATION WON SECOND PLACE FOR THE ILLINOIS PRESS ASSOCIATION AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE SERIES AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE ILLINOIS ASSOCIATED PRESS MEDIA AWARD FOR INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS' MULTIMEDIA REPORT "WE WILL KEEP ON FIGHTING FOR HIM," ON THE IMPACT OF A TROUBLING CLINICAL DRUG TRIAL FOR CHILDREN WITH BIPOLAR DISORDER, WON THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD IN BEST FEATURE STORY. "LOUISIANA'S ETHICAL SWAMP," PROPUBLICA'S LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK SERIES WITH THE ADVOCATE, WON THE LOUISIANA PRESS ASSOCIATION'S GIBBS ADAMS AWARD FOR BEST INVESTIGATIVE REPORTING. THE PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS SERIES "THE $3 MILLION RESEARCH BREAKDOWN," INVESTIGATING HOW A STAR PSYCHIATRIST AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO VIOLATED PROTOCOLS AND PUT CHILDREN AT RISK, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE SINGLE-TOPIC NEWS CATEGORY AND FOR THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE STORY, BEST MULTIMEDIA FEATURE PRESENTATION AND BEST SERIES. "POLITIC-IL INSIDER," A PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS COLUMN BY MICK DUMKE, WON TWO OF THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARDS IN THE CATEGORIES OF BEST INDIVIDUAL BLOG POST AND BEST CONTINUING BLOG. PROPUBLICA PRESIDENT RICHARD TOFEL WAS HONORED WITH THE CUNY SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM NEWMARK JOURNALISM AWARD. PROPUBLICA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF STEPHEN ENGELBERG WON THE NEW ENGLAND FIRST AMENDMENT COALITION'S STEPHEN HAMBLETT FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD. "THE WAITING GAME," AN IMMERSIVE NEWS GAME BY PROPUBLICA AND WNYC, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL MAGAZINE AWARD FOR DIGITAL INNOVATION AND THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S PUNCH SULZBERGER AWARD FOR INNOVATIVE STORYTELLING. PROPUBLICA ILLINOIS WAS A FINALIST FOR THE CHICAGO HEADLINE CLUB'S PETER LISAGOR AWARD FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE IN ONLINE JOURNALISM. OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE INVESTIGATIVE FUND, "TRASHED: INSIDE THE DEADLY WORLD OF PRIVATE GARBAGE COLLECTION," WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S FRANK BLETHEN AWARD FOR LOCAL ACCOUNTABILITY REPORTING AND THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTERS AND EDITORS TOM RENNER AWARD, AND IT RECEIVED AN HONORABLE MENTION FOR THE JOHN BARTLOW MARTIN AWARD FOR PUBLIC INTEREST MAGAZINE JOURNALISM. |
| OUR "TRUMP TOWN" NEWS APP, TRACKING EX-LOBBYISTS AND WASHINGTON | INSIDERS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED ACROSS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NEWS LEADERS ASSOCIATION'S FIRST AMENDMENT AWARD. PROPUBLICA'S AL SHAW, CLAIRE PERLMAN, ALEX MIERJESKI AND DEREK KRAVITZ WERE FINALISTS FOR THE LIVINGSTON AWARD IN NATIONAL REPORTING FOR THEIR WORK ON THE PROJECT. OUR COLLABORATION WITH THE NEW YORK TIMES ON THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S PULLBACK ON CIVIL RIGHTS IN EDUCATION WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING IN THE SINGLE-TOPIC NEWS CATEGORY. OUR "MISEDUCATION" PROJECT EXAMINING RACIAL DISPARITIES IN EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND SCHOOL DISCIPLINE WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL AWARD FOR EDUCATION REPORTING FOR PUBLIC SERVICE, THE GEN DATA JOURNALISM AWARD FOR INVESTIGATION OF THE YEAR, AND NABJ'S SALUTE TO EXCELLENCE AWARD IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA ONLINE PROJECT: NEWS CATEGORY. OUR REPORTING ON THE TROUBLING WAY THAT POLICE INVESTIGATE THE MURDERS OF TRANS WOMEN WAS A FINALIST FOR THE GLAAD MEDIA AWARD OUTSTANDING DIGITAL JOURNALISM. PROPUBLICA AND THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE'S "HEART FAILURE" INVESTIGATION WON A SHOWCASE SILVER AWARD FROM THE HEADLINERS FOUNDATION OF TEXAS, AND WAS A FINALIST FOR THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR HEALTH CARE MANAGEMENT FOUNDATION'S HEALTH CARE PRINT JOURNALISM AWARD. OUR LOCAL REPORTING NETWORK COLLABORATION WITH WMFE-FM ON PTSD IN FIRST RESPONDERS WAS A FINALIST IN THE FLORIDA ASSOCIATED PRESS PROFESSIONAL BROADCASTERS CONTEST. OUR NEWS APPLICATIONS AND DATA VISUALIZATIONS WON 22 SOCIETY FOR NEWS DESIGN AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE FOR FEATURES, COVERAGE, MULTIMEDIA, GRAPHICS, STORY PAGE DESIGN, MAPS, NEW TOOLS, USE OF DATA, NATIONAL, LOCAL ISSUES, SOCIAL MEDIA AND THE INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO OF NEWS APPLICATIONS DEVELOPER AL SHAW; SIX MALOFIEJ AWARDS FOR INFOGRAPHICS; AND PROPUBLICA'S NEWS APPLICATIONS DEPARTMENT AS A WHOLE WAS RECOGNIZED AS A FINALIST FOR THE GEN COMPETITION'S BEST DATA JOURNALISM TEAM PORTFOLIO (LARGE NEWSROOM). SHAW WAS ALSO A FINALIST FOR THE GEN DATA JOURNALISM AWARD FOR BEST INDIVIDUAL PORTFOLIO. |
| 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 VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION AND IS READY TO BE FILED WITH THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, IT'S SUBMITTED ELECTRONICALLY TO 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. 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 SHOULD 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 WILL 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 15 | SALARIES FOR THE CEOS ARE SET BY THE BOARD. THE BOARD USES THE SERVICES OF A LAW FIRM (CAPLIN & DRYSDALE, WHO SPECIALIZE IN NOT FOR PROFIT ISSUES) FOR GUIDANCE ON ALL 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 2019. |
| 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 POSTED 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. |